The whole steering column is loose The pins are all backed out I’m afraid to drive it I think this is a manufactured design flaw
The worst 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical185
- Acceleration27
- Visibility25
- Transmission23
- Engine22
- Steering16
- Airbags15
- Fuel system15
- Brakes14
- Body13
- Lights9
- Seats8
- Seat belts6
- Suspension6
- Locks4
- Tires4
- Wheels4
- Driver assistance2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
Fuel gauge 49Stalling 17Check engine light 11Overheating 10No deployment 7Fuel pump 7Wipers 7ABS 6Grinding brakes 6Fire or smoke 6Headlights 6Power windows 6Won't start 5
Recalls 1
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, 'seat belt assembly anchorages.' the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt.
- Risk
- In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate. The effectiveness of the seat belt could then be reduced and the occupant could receive greater injuries.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt, if necessary. The recall began on august 23, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 04V300000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 476
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
2004 Chevrolet Cavalier fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-23 | 29-33 | 24-27 |
What 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle failed to pass pa. state inspection due to a severely rusted frame over the rear axles. The estimate to repair the frame was @$3000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the front driver’s side tire had detached. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic went to the contact's residence and diagnosed that the lower control arm rusted and detached from the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
In the parking lot where I work my car would not start. When moving the automatic transmission lever it did not catch on to anything. The car just rolled backwards and I had to immediately press on the brakes preventing an accident. My car had to be towed to the auto shop. Diagnosis: shifter cable was detached from transmission. Previously on 09/13/2011 the same thing happened to my car. The shifter cable broke and I had to be towed to lou bachrodt chevrolet both times. The 2nd time invoice no. Cwcs692729 $502.24 and $477.55 invoice no.cwcs149491 the first time. This car should be recalled. Two times is too many.
Can't safely install a car seat because the safety belts do not properly retract. Therefore the car seat is not stable. The vehicle was stationary.
When I'm driven about 25 miles the accelerator stays stuck and the speed keep goin up if you don't put the brakes
Airbag light comes on at random intervals for about 5 seconds, then turns off. Speed, road conditions, and gear make no difference as to when it comes on. It has come on while turning, while driving in town at 20 MPH, while at a complete stop, while going over a bump, and while going 50mph on the highway.
Every time I go to my job my power steering reservoir becomes empty after I put one or more quarts in the reservoir. Anytime I drive at highway speeds I sway back and forth no matter how much control I have over the vehicle. My steering gets so hard to the point where I almost crash every time I drive my car anywhere because I have no power steering or don't have a lot of control over the steering because it becomes so tight.
While driving the gas pedal gets stuck and accelerates.
Lost partial control of the steering because sheer pen released and erratic speedometer-( instrument cluster failure )
Compare the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
Owners have filed 330 complaints about the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, close to a typical Cavalier model year.
What is the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier year score?
The 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Cavalier: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Electrical system, with 185 complaints, typically around 54,800 miles. Next is acceleration (27).
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
1 recall, covering seat belts.
What year does the Chevrolet Cavalier have the most electrical problems?
The Chevrolet Cavalier model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (211 complaints), 2004 (185 complaints) and 1997 (107 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier range from 24 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-23 city and 29-33 highway.
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