Chevrolet Cavalier Chevrolet Cavalier

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Chevrolet Cavalier repairs by problem area

Engine (38%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

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

Other (1%)

Chart based on 123 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Chevrolet Cavalier.

Chevrolet Cavalier repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (6%)

$100 - $499 (46%)

< $100 (39%)

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

Chart based on 99 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Ontario, Canada
- Jan 2014
Jan 2014

32240 mi

C $20
Stepping motor replaced bought from Amazon .com 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Wisconsin, United States
Sep 2011 - Nov 2013
May 2012

200700 mi

US $25
Pipe rusted through and fell down. Muffler shop quickly welded it all back together and I was on my way. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in California, United States
Jun 2013 - Jun 2018
Aug 2013

115000 mi

US $140
Replace leaking water pump. Replace tie rod end. Torn boots 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Connecticut, United States
- Mar 2018
Jun 2014

78000 mi

US $40
Car was stalling and then not starting; removed air filter to check and discovered air resonator full or fuel. Replaced fuel pressure regulator and everything works fine now. Bad regulator was sending fuel down vacuum line into air box. 
Jul 2014

79000 mi

US $15
Muffler hanger was corroded and broken allwoing muffler to drag on ground. Replaced muffler hanger with new part. Muffler hanger was corroded and broken allowing muffler to drag on ground. Replaced muffler hanger with new part. 
Aug 2014

84000 mi

US $100
Rear steel brake lines rusted all the way through. Brake fluid leaking out. Replaced rear brake lines and had to replace one of the rear wheel cylinders becaus ethe bleed screw broke off. Flushed brake system with new fluid. 
Jul 2015

101000 mi

US $130
Car was overheating when stopped. Radiator fan not working. Replaced radiator fan motor. Also replaced all cooling hoses and flushed cooling system and filled with new anti-freeze. 
Aug 2015

103500 mi

US $290
Leaking power steering fluid. Replaced the power steering pump. The shop replaced the power steering pressure hose and return hose. 
Feb 2016

105000 mi

US $20
Tachometer was reading erratically. Removed the instrument cluster and replaced the stepper motor for the tachometer on the circuit board for the instrument cluster. Now everything works great again. 
Mar 2018

133000 mi

US $10
Temperature gauge not working. Removed instrument panel and replaced the stepper motor for the temp gauge. Now works properly. 

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2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in California, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2015
Jun 2015

111000 mi

US $350
Replace serpintine belt and pulleys. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Utah, United States
Sep 2014 - Aug 2015
Dec 2014

131000 mi

US $480
fuel economy went way down; fuel injectors needed cleaning (they were spraying out extra fuel). fuel filter was replaced and fuel line was cleaned; spark plugs were also replaced 
Chevrolet Cavalier in New York, United States
Aug 2014 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

113000 mi
Rack and pinon steering went bad $700 to fix.Car rotted from bottom. Trying stop leak. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Alberta, Canada
Jun 2012 - Dec 2013
Aug 2012

124240 mi

C $320
Replaced a broken tortion/stabilizer bar between the front wheels and brakes. 
Jan 2013

C $1000
front axle seal, new rims, 4 new tires, alignment 

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2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

Chevrolet Cavalier in British Columbia, Canada
Jun 2017 - Jul 2017
Jul 2017

88040 mi

C $1000
Ignition takes multiple cranks to get going. Leaking Power steering fluid. ABS brakes issue. 

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2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Missouri, United States
- Apr 2005
Apr 2005

23000 mi
Reset "Check Airbags" Warning Light 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Quebec, Canada
Jun 2014 - Oct 2014
Oct 2014

128960 mi
Link kits needed to be replaced. 

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2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Ohio, United States
Apr 2013 - Jan 2017
Jan 2013

10500 mi

US $300
Intake fuel pump replaced at 100k, like GM's do. 
Oct 2015

130000 mi

US $200
Starter replaced. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Kansas, United States
Jun 2010 - Jan 2013
Nov 2010

114000 mi

US $59
Replace driver side electric window motor 

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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

Engine not specified

Chevrolet Cavalier 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 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 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 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 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. 
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. 

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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States
Jan 2015 - Oct 2017
Apr 2015

131000 mi

US $400
Clunking front right strut, replaced all struts and mounts. Front springs replaced. Tie rod boot torn, replaced. Transmission mounts showing cracks, replaced. 
Aug 2015

133100 mi

US $60
Wheel bearing noise noticed, checked all bearings and found noticeable play in FL bearing. After removal, found that it had been replaced before but previous technician neglected to reinstall an inner seal or outer o-ring. 
Mar 2016

138000 mi

US $100
Both passenger window motors replaced. 
Sep 2016

142000 mi

US $100
Right rear wheel bearing had play, replaced. 

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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

115-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in New York, United States
- Dec 2010
Dec 2010

120000 mi

US $200
Replaced Clutch 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States
Dec 2012 - Dec 2013
Jan 2013

US $250
Rusted radiator pipe had a hole in it. Two sensors went bad (crank shaft, evap) 

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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

115-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States
Dec 2011 - Mar 2018
Jun 2012

104000 mi

US $15
Charged the AC to make it cold again. System wasn't completely empty and is still 100% factory. 
Sep 2012

106000 mi

US $15
Replaced rear light socket and bulb. Old socket had deformed due to heat, which resulted in poor electrical contact. 
Jan 2013

111500 mi

US $120
Old AC compressor clutch started dragging on AC pulley when the clutch was disengaged, making a horrible sound. Replaced AC compressor clutch and pulley. Entire system is OE (ie 10 years, 110k miles old), so it has held up pretty well. 
Aug 2013

120000 mi

US $60
Had to replace the connector on the inline pressure sensor 
Jan 2014

114300 mi

US $20
Replaced muffler strap. Still have OE muffler 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2016 - Mar 2018
Oct 2016

131700 mi

US $50
The left front wheel bearing was worn and was replaced with a new one. 
Feb 2017

135000 mi

US $99
The front right door speaker was blown, causing the radio to no longer produce sound. Radio was replaced in the process. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in California, United States
Dec 2014 - Oct 2016
Jan 2016 The idler pulley was noisy so I replaced it along with a new AC Delco Serpentine belt. 
Jun 2016

120000 mi

US $750
The fuel pump went out and needed to be replaced. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2011 - Sep 2019
Apr 2011

144000 mi

US $300
Blower not working on low & medium but OK on high; also blower noise. Dealer replaced resistor, works OK now. Replaced the same resistor 2 years ago.  Blower not working on low & medium but OK on high; also blower noise. Dealer replaced resistor, works OK now. Replaced the same resistor 2 years ago.  
May 2011

148000 mi

US $300
Coolant light came on but not overheating. I had coolant system maintenance 2 wk before. Dealer said there was an air bubble in the line, they bled system and it was OK. 
Jun 2011

149000 mi
3rd time coolant light came on. Dealer identified loose connection, fixed & topped up coolant.  
Aug 2011

150000 mi

US $316
AC not working, saw puff of smoke, drove to dealer. Took 4 days to diagnose. I was told a coolant system problem resulted in compressor burnout, so associated parts had to be replaced. Seems OK now. Not sure if related to earlier problems.  Without warning, car would not turn over or start. Towed. Ignition switch failed, replaced, OK. Ignition system was replaced last year, adviser said the switch should have been replaced at that time, replaced system at no charge. 
Jan 2012

179700 mi
Blower motor making noise, replaced under repair warranty. 
Oct 2012

160300 mi

US $359
Car made loud squealing noise, dealer diagnosed as alternator bearing and replaced alternator with aftermarket part 
Feb 2013

163100 mi
replace wheel cylinders w. spring hardware replace radiator hoses Replaced valve cover gasket; I did not notice oil leak, don't know if that is preventive or symptom 
Nov 2014

175900 mi

US $1988
Replaced 2 broken motor mounts. Dealer had quoted $3,000 for these and the exhaust, so had an independent shop do the work. Exhaust system had multiple cracks and breaks. Entire system required replacement. No symptoms! Rough ride, I questioned shocks/struts. Dealer said they need replacement. Because of cost and other problems with car, I decided to live with the bumpy ride. 
Dec 2014

176000 mi

US $150
Car would not start, just click. No prior indication of bad battery. Dealer didn't notice at latest check-up; battery 5 years old. Road service diagnosed dead battery and replaced it (sent the battery truck--replaced on the spot so no tow). 
Mar 2015

178000 mi

US $844
Smelled burning wires. Low-speed blower motor stopped working. Motor and resistor were replaced. Previously only resistor was replaced (2x in 5 years) Ignition system wires replaced. 
Aug 2015

180400 mi

US $442
Car wouldn't start but lights, radio OK. When key was turned, nothing happened. Road service diagnosed ignition not making contact. Replaced ignition lock system, recoded. 
Sep 2016

187000 mi

US $500
Replaced motor mounts. 
Oct 2016

187000 mi

US $500
Repaired struts using strut kit 
Feb 2017

188000 mi

US $300
Replaced brake rotors 
Mar 2018

193000 mi

US $15
Used aluminum stop-leak to plug a small radiator leak. No further problems! 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2012 - Jun 2012
Apr 2012

144460 mi

C $150
Upper mount of rear left suspension was broken. Upon replacing, it was found that the absorber was worn out and has also been replaced. 
May 2012

144760 mi

C $70
Front left coil spring was broken, replaced both left and right followed by an alignment. Replaced the front calipers. Slide pin was completely seized. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Virginia, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2011
Jan 2011

98000 mi

US $178
cooling sensor, coolant flush 
Mar 2011

101000 mi

US $100
Thermostat replaced,  head gasket replaced, head repaired water pump replaced 
Apr 2011

101000 mi

US $350
starter motor replaced 

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2002 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

140-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Wisconsin, United States
Nov 2012 - Jul 2014
Jun 2014

130000 mi

US $362
Wheel bearings, cv boots. 
Jul 2014

130000 mi

US $370
Ignition switch froze. Needed replacement. 

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2001 Chevrolet Cavalier 4dr Sedan

115-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Florida, United States
Jul 2014 - Jan 2015
Jul 2014

145000 mi

US $500
The engine temperature gauge was going into the red, so we took it into the local shop we always use. They diagnosed that the radiator was clogged with an unknown substance. They replaced with new radiator and hoses. This fixed the issue. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Utah, United States
Jan 2015 - Apr 2015
Jan 2015

161000 mi

US $350
replaced passenger CV axel replaced throttle sensor 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Ohio, United States
Jun 2013 - Dec 2015
Nov 2013

57000 mi

US $7
Muffler strap rusted out (thanks, Ohio winters!). Got a new one for $7 from an auto parts store, struggled to get the old one off myself, then remembered WD-40 exists for a reason. 
Nov 2014

62900 mi
Muffler replaced due to rust. Coolant temperature sensor broken by mechanic during oil change - replaced free of charge. Mechanic said it looked like it needed to be replaced soon anyway. 
Dec 2015

69000 mi

US $1350
Rear brake lines blew out from rust while on a highway exit. Fortunately it was late and enough pressure remained for front brakes to be fully functional. Was told by mechanic front subframe is dangerously rusted and shouldn't be trusted on potholed streets. Replacement would be at least $1,000, more if other rust problems found. Gave up on it, will sell on Craigslist for parts/repair. 
Chevrolet Cavalier in Minnesota, United States
Jul 2017 - Jul 2018
Feb 2018

50000 mi

US $150
starter not fully engaging causing grinding and binding sometimes. Replaced starter. Bendix drive not engaging drive gear completely. 

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2001 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

150-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2013
Feb 2011

150000 mi

US $50
Rewired acc wire harness in engine bay. Two splices corroded in between the ground for the headlights. I required the entire harness for good measure. Delphi mexican manufacturing FTL. 

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2001 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

115-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Maine, United States
Oct 2013 - Aug 2014
Jul 2014

126000 mi

US $13
I took my vehicle in for an annual inspection and a large and significant rust hole was discovered in the frame. 

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2001 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

115-horsepower 2.2L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Ohio, United States
Oct 2015 - May 2016
Nov 2015

67300 mi

US $133
Fuel pressure regulator. Had been having trouble starting. 

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2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

150-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Illinois, United States
Oct 2013 - Jun 2018
Dec 2013

142000 mi
Replaced 1/2shaft, rt side 
Apr 2014

143000 mi

US $127
Seven year old battery died. 
Sep 2014

148000 mi

US $120
Headlight harness melted wires at connector in combination switch. 
Feb 2015

150000 mi

US $74
Replace both headlight lenses and blinker lenses entire assemblies due to fogging 

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2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Coupe

115-horsepower 2.2L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Michigan, United States
Jul 2014 - Sep 2014
Aug 2014

248000 mi

US $300
Blown rear brake cylinder. New pads, shoes, drums and rotors on all 4 wheels. 

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2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 2dr Convertible

150-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Ohio, United States
Sep 2011 - Nov 2012
Nov 2012

131000 mi
Fuel sending unit in tank stopped working and did not register on fuel gauge. 

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1998 Chevrolet Cavalier

Engine not specified

Chevrolet Cavalier in Texas, United States
Apr 2012 - Aug 2016
May 2012

186200 mi

US $20
Replaced whole strut assembly as a unit Replaced worn outer tie-rod end 

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1998 Chevrolet Cavalier 2-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Chevrolet Cavalier in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2011 - May 2012
Oct 2011

169260 mi

C $85
Growling from front right side indicated it was wheel bearing as not CV Joint as did not get worse or better on cornering.. Bought replacement part and installed in less than 2 hours including road test to confirm rough/noise gone. 

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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 Chevrolet Cavalier problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.