2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Chevrolet Cavalier 2003

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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier repairs by problem area

Engine (33%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (10%)

Suspension and Steering (13%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (37%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (0%)

Chart based on 30 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier.

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier repair cost distribution

$2500+ (5%)

$1000 - $2499 (5%)

$500 - $999 (5%)

$100 - $499 (63%)

< $100 (21%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 19 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

Engine not specified

Chevrolet in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2013 - Jan 2014
Sep 2013

158000 mi

US $115
Coolant pipe replaced.  Engine cradle sandblasted and painted. 

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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Ohio, United States
Aug 2014 - May 2018
Jun 2015

72000 mi

US $200
Motor for right rear window failed 
Oct 2015

78000 mi

US $250
In two weeks the motor failed in two windows 
Apr 2016

91000 mi

US $230
All lights came on....check engine. Coded fuel emissions and rear emergency cable. Rotating noise as well.in front. Had both rear cables replaced and still have the noise..... Changed gas cap to fix emissions issue. 
Aug 2016

96000 mi

US $300
PARKING BRAKE WOULD NOT RELEASE AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO ROTORS. AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIMES TO REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ,I TOLD SERVICE SHOP TO DISCONNECT IT SINCE I DIDNT WANT TO BUY MORE ROTORS AND PADS. FOR THE SECOND TIME 3 OF THE 4 WINDOW MOTORS FAILED WITHIN A YEAR. PARTS UNDER WARRANTY SO NO OUT OF POCKET COSTS. WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR QUIT WORKING.THIS COSTS AN EXTRA $250. 
Nov 2016

104700 mi
Windshield wiper motor replaced again 
Feb 2018

133000 mi
Did not repair...quit driving car for awhile.... Just left the light on....will fix it on next oil change. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Florida, United States
Jun 2006 - Apr 2014
Jul 2006

29000 mi
Instrument cluster was replaced under warrenty. 
Apr 2011

80000 mi

US $480
Gear shift linkage cable broke at the transmission connection. Replaced linkage cable. Replaced Fuel Pump after car stalled on the highway. 
Mar 2014

114000 mi

US $360
Failed cooling fan motor and low refrigerant in AC system. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Manitoba, Canada
Aug 2017 - Jun 2018
Sep 2017

142600 mi

C $501
Muffler and Resonator 

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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Delaware, United States
Jun 2014 - Apr 2016
Feb 2015

259700 mi

US $120
Worn tie rod ends. Replaced parts and had an alignment 
Nov 2015

279000 mi
Exhaust muffler bracket rusted through. Replaced bracket. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States
Jun 2013 - Aug 2015
Nov 2013

140000 mi

US $200
Both power window motors has failed which also too out the switch. The motors failed about 2 years apart but repaied at the same time. 
Jun 2015

185000 mi

US $1100
Complete overhaul of breaks, struts and shocks.  Replaced burnt out window motors 

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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Pennsylvania, United States
- Sep 2008
Sep 2008

80000 mi

US $150
Replace radiator 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Illinois, United States
Aug 2013 - Apr 2016
Sep 2013

125000 mi

US $250
ABS Computer pump failed for the second time. Replace with a recycled part and in addition had to replace all caliper and wheel cylinders as the bleeder broke when trying to remove them. Replace brake pad in front as they were about 75% gone 
Sep 2014

140000 mi

US $252
Replaced both front struts due to broken right front spring. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2013 - Dec 2014
Jul 2013

68500 mi

US $2500
Had fuel pump, harness and fuel filter replaced. Replaced upper strut bushings and did 4 wheel alignment. Replaced failed passenger power window motor. Replaced open splice in wiring harness for rear window defroster. Cavalier's are notorious for electrical problems. Replaced radiator fan assembly and fuse. Gauge cluster failure. Common problem with GM vehicles where the motors running the needles fail. GM warrantied all vehicles but the Cavalier was ignored. Imagine that for Government Motors junk. 

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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.