2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Cavalier › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. Newest first.
Dorman products IS recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's "oe solutions" brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the "napa" brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of september 2007. these replacement…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. the recall began on october 16, 2008. owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.
Owner complaints
287 complaints7 involved a crash5 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
My mom was driving the car as normal down the road one day and all the guages in the entire dash suddenly stopped working. Some came back on and off a couple weeks. Some never did. But after a couple months all stopped working and now nothing works. No heat guage, no fuel guage, no temp guage, no speedometer, and no fuel guage.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. On several occasions, while driving, the instrument panel failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that the fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, and tachometer were inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled and the fuel gauge displayed the incorrect fuel level. While the vehicle was parked, a family member noticed fuel leaking onto the ground. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled and the fuel gauge displayed the incorrect fuel level. While the vehicle was parked, a family member noticed fuel leaking onto the ground. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
None of the gages work don't know how fast I'm going
- Electrical system
Gauges for temperature do not work, sometimes reads below zero, sometimes slightly above there IS no change in reading whether cold, or running for several hours - at any speed speed gauge works intermittently, sometimes recording 100 mph, when the car IS doing no more that 20-30 mph. At other…
Gauges for temperature do not work, sometimes reads below zero, sometimes slightly above there IS no change in reading whether cold, or running for several hours - at any speed speed gauge works intermittently, sometimes recording 100 mph, when the car IS doing no more that 20-30 mph. At other times, it seems to be running about the speed limit, when compared with other traffic, then record 100+mph.at other times, when going with traffic, the gauge reads 0MPH there IS no way to know if the car IS overheating, or what speed the car IS going. this has been the case for about two months, and I was told it was the 'setter', and would cost me $900. Which I did not have. It IS very upsetting .
- Electrical system
All gauges don't work. Speedometer,fuel,temperature.
- Electrical system
There IS a known issue with the gauges in the 2005 chevrolet cavalier causing them to malfunction or not function at all intermittently. This IS a safety hazard because you do not know how much fuel you have, the temperature of your engine, or your speed when the gauges fail.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While the vehicle was parked or while driving, the fuel and temperature gauges failed to display the correct information. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 25 mph, all the instrument panel gauges illuminated without warning. It was diagnosed that the electronic instrument cluster failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Air bags · Seats
Takata recall air bags did not deploy in a rear end collision that totalled car. Also passengers seat broke causing neck and rib injury.vehicle was stationary waiting for construction flagman.
- Structure
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the dashboard was disintegrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 80,000.updated 10/13/16 *bf
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While driving various speeds, the speedometer, temperature, and rpm guages became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the instrument cluster wire connector was tightened; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not reapired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Horn · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While driving 20 mph, the speedometer fractured along with the horn and the front passenger door latch. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 56,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. When attempting to drive the vehicle, the fuel, temperature, and speedometer gauges failed to work. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster gauges failed…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. When attempting to drive the vehicle, the fuel, temperature, and speedometer gauges failed to work. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster gauges failed and needed to replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 53,000. The vin was not available.
- Seats · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
On october 1ST 2015 we were stopped for road construction on the highway. at that time we were rear ended by a hit and run driver. Impact was on the bumper, passenger side. On impact the passenger seat broke and slammed me forward then back into a reclining position. I was taken to hospital by ambulance.i was in PT for 6 weeks. Also airbag did not deploy.
- Electrical system
Already complained here once. Now my car fuel gage IS broke gos all the way over and hits on my temp gauge every so offen. Dont really know how much gas I have in it, but least can go 300-365 miles. Depending on how much I drive. I dont think that it should break after only 41000 miles. Last time I…
Already complained here once. Now my car fuel gage IS broke gos all the way over and hits on my temp gauge every so offen. Dont really know how much gas I have in it, but least can go 300-365 miles. Depending on how much I drive. I dont think that it should break after only 41000 miles. Last time I wrote on here it was my temp gauge that hit on my speedometer.. Think before long all will go out. Wish someone would do something for these cars, kind exp to keep fixing. Paid cash for the other one to be fixed. Only drive the car once in awhile. Its not an old car so. Not very safe car as far as I am concerned, dont have the money to go buy a new one........
- Electrical system
The speedometer has failed to register any speed and IS stuck in a position past the highest speed on the gage face. The tachometer needle jumps around also leaving you no way to judge your speed. I just bought the car. The previous owner said it failed some time ago while he was driving it. I am pacing other cars while I am waiting for repair parts to get here.
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Steering
Speedometer stops working and stays on 100 car only has 35,000 miles, also the power steering line broke open and the emergency brake at times pops onto my tire causing my car to slam forward and then it releases. I replaced the brake line and the power steering line but the main problem IS the speedometer /cluster
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. The contact stated that the speedometer and both turn signal lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Vehicle speed control
Car was at a red light speedometer indicated 85 mph. Upon start up speed indicated 110 and at next stop went down to 90. After letting the car sit for a couple days the indicated speed was 45. Driving in a 25mph zone and speed indicated 85.
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The front passenger side electric window does not work will not roll down will not roll up. The rear-driver-side electric window does not work will not roll down will not roll up, the rear passenger side electric window does not work will not roll down will not roll up. *tr
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
I purchased a 2005 chevy cavalier new in december of 2004 and in march of 2013 the gauges stopped working. They would randomly work one or the other now all my gauges have stopped working all together. I have no clue how fast I'm going or how many rpms I'm using or if the car IS overheating or not! *tr
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system
Please call about these problems with these cars, [xxx] IS how I think anything will get done, just called today 02-20-15. Gas gauge went out 02-07-15 ( mileage 40000) and IS hitting against my temp gauge so I don't know how hit my car IS getting. I replaced my temp gauge back in 01-07-12…
Please call about these problems with these cars, [xxx] IS how I think anything will get done, just called today 02-20-15. Gas gauge went out 02-07-15 ( mileage 40000) and IS hitting against my temp gauge so I don't know how hit my car IS getting. I replaced my temp gauge back in 01-07-12 mileage(29111) cause it was hitting against my speedometer<--- this was not replaced but I dont think till this day it shows the right speed. Air bags did not work back in 2006 crash no fault of the car then, someone hit me, so dont even know if they will. Called gm about that in 2012 and told me there was nothing that could be done. Forgot to tell kimmy about this problem today. Good luck getting these problems fixed. I have to drive my kids and family around only car I have so I hope something IS fixed before we get hurt. And I hope for the ones that fixed these repairs get there money back if they find it to be a issue.. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Electrical system
Started vehicle all gauges except rpm stopped working read online and saw how common this issue IS with this car and was advised to file a complaint about it here in hopes of a recall. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at an unknown speed, the speedometer displayed an incorrect reading. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the stepper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that four years…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet cavalier. While driving at an unknown speed, the speedometer displayed an incorrect reading. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the stepper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that four years later, while driving at an unknown speed, the fuel gauge malfunctioned showing an incorrect reading. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,111.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Every Chevrolet Cavalier model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.