Is the Chevrolet Cavalier Reliable?
1992–2005 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.
Reliability Score
Own a Chevrolet Cavalier? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Chevrolet Cavalier Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 0 | 170 | 5 | — | 86 | Excellent |
| 2004 | 0 | 215 | 19 | — | 79 | Good |
| 2003 | 0 | 431 | 18 | 1 | 70 | Good |
| 2002 | 2 | 140 | 32 | — | 71 | Good |
| 2001 | 3 | 180 | 18 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2000 | 4 | 229 | 11 | — | 70 | Good |
| 1999 | 4 | 179 | 6 | — | 73 | Good |
| 1998 | 6 | 233 | 22 | — | 58 | Fair |
| 1997 | 7 | 388 | 59 | 1 | 46 | Fair |
| 1996 | 8 | 436 | 32 | 1 | 45 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Cavalier Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Cavalier scores 5 points below the average sedan. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.
Known Chevrolet Cavalier Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 2601 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?+
The Chevrolet Cavalier scores 67/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 34 recall campaigns and 2601 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Cavalier is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2005 Cavalier achieved the highest reliability score of 86/100 with 0 recalls and 170 complaints.
How many miles does a Cavalier last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Chevrolet Cavalier owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Cavalier will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Chevrolet Cavalier Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Cavalier VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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