CarRecallDB

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls and problems

1 recall and 330 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier.

1
recalls
330
owner complaints
17
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls

Seat belts: rear/other

NHTSA campaign 04V300000 · reported June 23, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 37 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 17, 2024 · Steering

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

Feb 7, 2022 · Suspension

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.

Nov 1, 2021 · Suspension · 200,000 miles

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…

Dec 13, 2020 · Power train · 85,509 miles

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…

Mar 18, 2020 · Seat belts · 49,000 miles

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.

Cavalier model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 1243238
2002 0196244
2003 1678316
2004 1330176
2005 028770

Across all years, the 2003 Cavalier has the most complaints (678). All Chevrolet Cavalier years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier, the most recent reported on June 23, 2004 (Seat belts: rear/other). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Owners have filed 330 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (185 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (27).
How many 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier complaints mention a crash or fire?
17 of 330 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 19 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 17, 2024.