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2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cavalier years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 140.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

553 reports with mileage · 125 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 340 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

31 crash reports6 fire reports16 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

57 reports
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24,154 miles · May 9, 2008
Exterior Lighting

I HAVE HAD A RECALL FIXED TWICE ON THE BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS ALL IN THE TRUNK FOR THE REAR LIGHTS WELL I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE RECALL 2 YEARS LATER AFTER CONTACTING MCCLUSKEY CHEVROLET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEY TELL ME IT IS A 12 MONTH, 12,000 MILE WARRANTY ISSUE ON A RECALL BY GENERAL MOTORS. APPA…

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I HAVE HAD A RECALL FIXED TWICE ON THE BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS ALL IN THE TRUNK FOR THE REAR LIGHTS WELL I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE RECALL 2 YEARS LATER AFTER CONTACTING MCCLUSKEY CHEVROLET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THEY TELL ME IT IS A 12 MONTH, 12,000 MILE WARRANTY ISSUE ON A RECALL BY GENERAL MOTORS. APPARENTLY IT WAS FIXED ONLY TEMPORARILY HOW CAN THE SAME WORK BEING DONE TWICE FOR A RECALL HAVE A TIME STIPULATION? THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT DIRECTLY AFTER I HAD 36,100 MILES ONLY 100 MILES OVER MY WARRANTY. NOW I HAVE A SHORT IN THE DRIVER SIDE MOTOR FOR MY DRIVER WINDOW, THEY WANT $375.00 TO FIX ONE WINDOW. I UNDERSTAND CAVALIERS ARE GARBAGE THAT'S WHY THEY QUIT MAKING THEM, BUT THEY DON'T TELL YOU THAT WHEN THEY WANT YOU TO FINANCE ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10227147

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2008
Exterior Lighting

HEADLAMPS HAVE A PLASTIC COVER THAT HAS "FOGGED" REDUCING VISIBILITY. REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER 1,500 ARE ON ORDER TO DATE, 2-11-2008. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10217882

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2007
Air BagsEquipmentExterior LightingCrash

PROBLEM STARTED SAME WEEK I PURCHASE VEHICLE BRAND NEW. GMC WOULD NOT EXCHANGE VEHICLE, THEY JUST KEPT REPAIRING IT AS IT BROKE DOWN. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, THEY DID NOT CARE. CLUTCH WAS RUBBING AGAINST MAIN LINE, FAILED TWICE. REAR LIGHTS BURNED OUT 3 TIMES, SPRINGS ON SEATS POPPED OUT 3 TIMES, GAS PUMP WENT OUT O…

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PROBLEM STARTED SAME WEEK I PURCHASE VEHICLE BRAND NEW. GMC WOULD NOT EXCHANGE VEHICLE, THEY JUST KEPT REPAIRING IT AS IT BROKE DOWN. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE, THEY DID NOT CARE. CLUTCH WAS RUBBING AGAINST MAIN LINE, FAILED TWICE. REAR LIGHTS BURNED OUT 3 TIMES, SPRINGS ON SEATS POPPED OUT 3 TIMES, GAS PUMP WENT OUT ONCE, HEATER/AC WENT OUT TWICE, LOCKS WOULD NOT OPEN, 3 TIMES, PAIN CHIPPED OFF BUMPER, ONCE. REAR SEAT CLIPS SNAPPED, ONCE. HEADLIGHTS, WATER LEAKED IN. TWICE I HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION IN JUNE/2007...AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10205442

44,000 miles · Aug 24, 2006
Exterior Lighting

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THOUGH THE RECALL WORK ON NHTSA RECALL # 04V524000 WAS PERFORMED ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE REAR TURN SIGNALS ON THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE SERVICE DEALER MANAGER WAS CONTACTED, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WOULD BE A 100 DOLLAR DEDUCTIBLE CHARGED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THOUGH THE RECALL WORK ON NHTSA RECALL # 04V524000 WAS PERFORMED ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE REAR TURN SIGNALS ON THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE SERVICE DEALER MANAGER WAS CONTACTED, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WOULD BE A 100 DOLLAR DEDUCTIBLE CHARGED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD COMPLETED THE RECALL AGREEMENT AND WERE UNDER NO FURTHER OBLIGATION TO OFFER ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ODI #10166425

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2005
Exterior Lighting

2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER REAR TAILLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY FAILED.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED COMPENSATION THE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH HER VEHICLE. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10134540

8,009 miles · Jul 8, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT: CONSUMER HAD RECALL ON TSTOP LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO FOX CHEVROLET FOR REPAIRS, AND VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL OR STOP LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. CONSUMER CALLED FOX CHEVROLET, AND DEALER SAID THAT HE SHOULD BRING VEHICLE IN NEXT THURSDAY. CONSUMER WANTED TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK RIGHT A…

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DT: CONSUMER HAD RECALL ON TSTOP LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO FOX CHEVROLET FOR REPAIRS, AND VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL OR STOP LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. CONSUMER CALLED FOX CHEVROLET, AND DEALER SAID THAT HE SHOULD BRING VEHICLE IN NEXT THURSDAY. CONSUMER WANTED TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE HE FELT THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE WITHOUT PROPER LIGHTS. HE DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE UNSAFE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK.*AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10126101

34,797 miles · May 15, 2005
Exterior Lighting

ON JANUARY 28TH 2005, I TOOK MY 2003 CHEVY CAVALIER TO MY GM DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE ON A RECALL ISSUED BY YOU AND GM, RECALL #04083. THIS RECALL IS ONE OF THE MOST BLATENT DISREGUARD FOR HUMAN LIFE. YOU GAVE CHEVY OPTIONS! OPTIONS, THAT SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN GIVEN BECAUSE WITH THESE OPTIONS HUMAN LIFE IS STILL AT RISK! THIS RECALL …

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ON JANUARY 28TH 2005, I TOOK MY 2003 CHEVY CAVALIER TO MY GM DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE ON A RECALL ISSUED BY YOU AND GM, RECALL #04083. THIS RECALL IS ONE OF THE MOST BLATENT DISREGUARD FOR HUMAN LIFE. YOU GAVE CHEVY OPTIONS! OPTIONS, THAT SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN GIVEN BECAUSE WITH THESE OPTIONS HUMAN LIFE IS STILL AT RISK! THIS RECALL ALLOWS CHEVY TO APPLY GREASE BEFORE REPLACING THE REAR LAMP BULB SOCKETS, NOT JUST TO REPLACE THEM AND INSURE MY SAFTEY AS A COMSUMER. MY CAR WAS SERVICED ON JANUARY 28TH 2005 FOR THIS RECALL. GREASE WAS APPLIED AND WITH IN 3 DAYS MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR LAMP FAILED AND HAD DONE SO WITH ALL SIGNS LISTED ON THE RECALL. BUT BECAUSE THE DEALER HAD DONE THE RECALL THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS A BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB. WHICH IN THE END PROVED NOT TO BE. THE WHOLE SOCKET WAS THEN REPLACED ON JANUARY 31ST 2005. FAST FOWARD TO APRIL, MY WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED. WHEN MY DRIVERS SIDE REAR LAMP FAILS, ALSO WITH ALL THE SIGNS LISTED ON THE RECALL, BUT BECAUSE THE DEALER HAD DONE THE RECALL THEY TRIED TO TELL ME IT WAS A BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB. I CHECK THE LIGHTBULB, WHICH WAS FINE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND ADDRESSED THE SITUATION. WHY WERE BOTH THE SOCKETS NOT REPLACED AT THE TIME THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED? THE ANSWER I RECEIVED MADE ME TAKE A STEP BACK. I WAS TOLD, CHEVY DOES NOT ALLOW THEM BOTH TO BE REPLACED UNLESS THEY ARE BOTH BROKEN OR IN THIS CASE HAVE FAILED. CHEVY WILL NOT REPLACE SOMETHING UNLESS IT IS BROKE.EVEN IF IT IS A SAFTEY RECALL! TO CLARIFY THE SITUATION I CONTACTED CHEVROLETS CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND RECEIVED THE SAME INFORMATION. THE DEALEARSHIP ENDED UP FIXING THE RECALL AT NO CHARGE TO ME, ON APRIL 30TH 2005. WHY WAS CHEVY GIVEN ANY OPTIONS? WHY WAS MY LIFE PUT ON THE LINE FOR A MERE $100.00, IF THAT? THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ITSELF AND CHEVY NEEDS TO BE MADE TO REPLACE EACH AND EVERY REAR LIGHTBULB SOCKET ON EVERY CHEVY CAVALIER IT PRODUCED IN 2003.

NHTSA ODI #10120944

5,407 miles · Apr 27, 2005
EquipmentExterior LightingVisibility

2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND TAIL LIGHTS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS SHORTED OUT MANY TIMES, THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER #04V524000. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE SERVICE PER…

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2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND TAIL LIGHTS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS SHORTED OUT MANY TIMES, THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER #04V524000. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE SERVICE PERFORMED, HOWEVER THAT DID NOT SEEM TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, THE CONSUMER DID NOT BELIEVE HER VEHICLE WAS SATISFACTORILY REPAIRED. THE CD WOULD NOT EJECT. THE RIGHT SIDE POWER WINDOW MADE A NOISE WHEN IT WAS ROLLED DOWN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10120373

1,666 miles · Mar 25, 2005
Air BagsExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic

CHEVROLET CAVALIER Z 2003, MULTIPLE FAILURES. *BF THE DEFROSTER WOULD NOT CLEAR THE WINDOWS, THE HEATER DID NOT WORK, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED BECAUSE THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS REPLACED, THE RIGHT REA…

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CHEVROLET CAVALIER Z 2003, MULTIPLE FAILURES. *BF THE DEFROSTER WOULD NOT CLEAR THE WINDOWS, THE HEATER DID NOT WORK, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED BECAUSE THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THE CONSUMER MADE A RIGHT TURN A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL BULB WAS REPLACED, THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB. THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER LUBED THE FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHING. THE TIRES WERE OVER INFLATED, SO THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS, THE BLOWER MOTOR, AND HEATER CONTROL WAS REPLACED. THE ABS LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE NEEDED BRAKE PADS. THERE WAS MOLD ON THE DRIVERS FRONT DOOR. THE AC COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED. THE WINDOW WENT DOWN EXTREMELY SLOW, THE DEALER LUBED THE WINDOW TRACK AND REGULATOR. THE FOG LIGHT BULB WAS INOPERATIVE, THE DOOR LATCH WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10115838

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2005
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2003, PROBLEM EXIST WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE BLINKER/BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUES TO OPERATE INCORRECTLY. *BF THE STARTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. *JB THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB AND BLINKER BULB ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ODI #10115207

Official recalls

1

04V524000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Nov 1, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR LAMPS THAT PROVIDE STOP AND TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET. IN ADDITION, IF ONE BULBS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DISENGAGE WHEN THE REMAINING BULB WAS ACTIVATED. IF BOTH LAMPS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT ENGAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES AND APPLY GREASE OR REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

EA07015 · Engine Stalling - Fuel Pump Failure

Opened Nov 1, 2007 · Closed Oct 28, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE STALLING INCIDENTS THAT HAVE RESULTED FROM SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES FOUND THAT THEY CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED AND GENERALLY RESULT IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.THESE ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS.HOWEVER, THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT RELATIVELY LOW RATES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION WHEN COMPARED WITH PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING SIMILAR CATEGORIES OF ENGINE STALL CONSEQUENCES.EVEN FOR THE EARLY MY 2003 PRODUCTION, WHERE HIGHER FAILURE RATES WERE NOTED, THE RATES OF PUMP FAILURES RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL ARE LOWER THAN RATES RECORDED IN PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS OF POPULATIONS THAT WERE NOT RECALLED.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CLOSING RESUME.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE STALLING INCIDENTS THAT HAVE RESULTED FROM SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES FOUND THAT THEY CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED AND GENERALLY RESULT IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.THESE ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS.HOWEVER, THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT RELATIVELY LOW RATES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION WHEN COMPARED WITH PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING SIMILAR CATEGORIES OF ENGINE STALL CONSEQUENCES.EVEN FOR THE EARLY MY 2003 PRODUCTION, WHERE HIGHER FAILURE RATES WERE NOTED, THE RATES OF PUMP FAILURES RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL ARE LOWER THAN RATES RECORDED IN PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS OF POPULATIONS THAT WERE NOT RECALLED.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CLOSING RESUME.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE STALLING INCIDENTS THAT HAVE RESULTED FROM SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES FOUND THAT THEY CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED AND GENERALLY RESULT IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.THESE ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS.HOWEVER, THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT RELATIVELY LOW RATES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION WHEN COMPARED WITH PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING SIMILAR CATEGORIES OF ENGINE STALL CONSEQUENCES.EVEN FOR THE EARLY MY 2003 PRODUCTION, WHERE HIGHER FAILURE RATES WERE NOTED, THE RATES OF PUMP FAILURES RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL ARE LOWER THAN RATES RECORDED IN PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS OF POPULATIONS THAT WERE NOT RECALLED.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CLOSING RESUME.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ODI'S ANALYSIS OF THE STALLING INCIDENTS THAT HAVE RESULTED FROM SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES FOUND THAT THEY CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED AND GENERALLY RESULT IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.THESE ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS.HOWEVER, THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT RELATIVELY LOW RATES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION WHEN COMPARED WITH PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING SIMILAR CATEGORIES OF ENGINE STALL CONSEQUENCES.EVEN FOR THE EARLY MY 2003 PRODUCTION, WHERE HIGHER FAILURE RATES WERE NOTED, THE RATES OF PUMP FAILURES RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL ARE LOWER THAN RATES RECORDED IN PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS OF POPULATIONS THAT WERE NOT RECALLED.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CLOSING RESUME.

PE07033 · Fuel Pump Failure

Opened Jun 28, 2007 · Closed Nov 1, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.GENERAL MOTORS (GM) HAS IDENTIFIED AN ISSUE WITH ACCELERATED MOTOR BRUSH WEAR IN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 CHEVROLET VEHICLES THAT CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO STOP OPERATING.GENERAL MOTORS INDICATED THAT PEROXIDE OR SULFUR, WHICH ARE BOTH PRESENT IN VARYING AMOUNTS IN GASOLINE, CAN REACT WITH THE COPPER COMMUTATOR OF THE PUMP MOTOR AND CORRODE/ROUGHEN THE SURFACE.A ROUGH COMMUTATOR SURFACE INCREASES THE RATE OF BRUSH WEAR.THE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE CAUSED BY DEGRADATION OF THE BRUSH-COMMUTATOR INTERFACE INHIBITS CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE MOTOR WINDINGS.ACCORDING TO GM, THE CONDITION WILL USUALLY RESULT IN A NO-START CONDITION BECAUSE OF THE HIGH CURRENT REQUIRED DURING START-UP.WHEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES CAUSE A STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE TYPICALLY CANNOT BE RESTARTED.GM'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANT CLAIMS SHOWED THAT NO START/HARD START WAS THE MOST COMMON CONDITION AND THE FREQUENCY OF CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENTS WAS TOO LOW TO WARRANT FIELD ACTION. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-015) TO FURTHER ASSESS THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA AND THE ANALYSES PROVIDED BY GM.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.GENERAL MOTORS (GM) HAS IDENTIFIED AN ISSUE WITH ACCELERATED MOTOR BRUSH WEAR IN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 CHEVROLET VEHICLES THAT CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO STOP OPERATING.GENERAL MOTORS INDICATED THAT PEROXIDE OR SULFUR, WHICH ARE BOTH PRESENT IN VARYING AMOUNTS IN GASOLINE, CAN REACT WITH THE COPPER COMMUTATOR OF THE PUMP MOTOR AND CORRODE/ROUGHEN THE SURFACE.A ROUGH COMMUTATOR SURFACE INCREASES THE RATE OF BRUSH WEAR.THE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE CAUSED BY DEGRADATION OF THE BRUSH-COMMUTATOR INTERFACE INHIBITS CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE MOTOR WINDINGS.ACCORDING TO GM, THE CONDITION WILL USUALLY RESULT IN A NO-START CONDITION BECAUSE OF THE HIGH CURRENT REQUIRED DURING START-UP.WHEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES CAUSE A STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE TYPICALLY CANNOT BE RESTARTED.GM'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANT CLAIMS SHOWED THAT NO START/HARD START WAS THE MOST COMMON CONDITION AND THE FREQUENCY OF CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENTS WAS TOO LOW TO WARRANT FIELD ACTION. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-015) TO FURTHER ASSESS THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA AND THE ANALYSES PROVIDED BY GM.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.GENERAL MOTORS (GM) HAS IDENTIFIED AN ISSUE WITH ACCELERATED MOTOR BRUSH WEAR IN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 CHEVROLET VEHICLES THAT CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO STOP OPERATING.GENERAL MOTORS INDICATED THAT PEROXIDE OR SULFUR, WHICH ARE BOTH PRESENT IN VARYING AMOUNTS IN GASOLINE, CAN REACT WITH THE COPPER COMMUTATOR OF THE PUMP MOTOR AND CORRODE/ROUGHEN THE SURFACE.A ROUGH COMMUTATOR SURFACE INCREASES THE RATE OF BRUSH WEAR.THE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE CAUSED BY DEGRADATION OF THE BRUSH-COMMUTATOR INTERFACE INHIBITS CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE MOTOR WINDINGS.ACCORDING TO GM, THE CONDITION WILL USUALLY RESULT IN A NO-START CONDITION BECAUSE OF THE HIGH CURRENT REQUIRED DURING START-UP.WHEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES CAUSE A STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE TYPICALLY CANNOT BE RESTARTED.GM'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANT CLAIMS SHOWED THAT NO START/HARD START WAS THE MOST COMMON CONDITION AND THE FREQUENCY OF CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENTS WAS TOO LOW TO WARRANT FIELD ACTION. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-015) TO FURTHER ASSESS THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA AND THE ANALYSES PROVIDED BY GM.

Fuel System, Gasoline

AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.GENERAL MOTORS (GM) HAS IDENTIFIED AN ISSUE WITH ACCELERATED MOTOR BRUSH WEAR IN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 CHEVROLET VEHICLES THAT CAN CAUSE THE PUMP TO STOP OPERATING.GENERAL MOTORS INDICATED THAT PEROXIDE OR SULFUR, WHICH ARE BOTH PRESENT IN VARYING AMOUNTS IN GASOLINE, CAN REACT WITH THE COPPER COMMUTATOR OF THE PUMP MOTOR AND CORRODE/ROUGHEN THE SURFACE.A ROUGH COMMUTATOR SURFACE INCREASES THE RATE OF BRUSH WEAR.THE INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE CAUSED BY DEGRADATION OF THE BRUSH-COMMUTATOR INTERFACE INHIBITS CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE MOTOR WINDINGS.ACCORDING TO GM, THE CONDITION WILL USUALLY RESULT IN A NO-START CONDITION BECAUSE OF THE HIGH CURRENT REQUIRED DURING START-UP.WHEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT DOES CAUSE A STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE TYPICALLY CANNOT BE RESTARTED.GM'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANT CLAIMS SHOWED THAT NO START/HARD START WAS THE MOST COMMON CONDITION AND THE FREQUENCY OF CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH STALL WHILE DRIVING INCIDENTS WAS TOO LOW TO WARRANT FIELD ACTION. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-015) TO FURTHER ASSESS THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM DATA AND THE ANALYSES PROVIDED BY GM.

EA04028 · Turn Signal Malfunction

Opened Sep 14, 2004 · Closed Nov 22, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

ON MAY 14, 2004 THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-043) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE BRAKE/TAIL TURN SIGNAL LAMPS WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHEN EITHER THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, OR WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS ACTIVATED.ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2004 ODI UPGRADED PE 04-043 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-028).GM STATES THAT SOME BRAKE/TAIL/TURN SIGNAL LAMP BULBS CAN PREMATURELY BECOME INOPERATIVE DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP WITHIN THE BULB SOCKETS.THE CAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP WAS DETERMINED TO BE A LACK OF THERMAL GREASE PLACED IN BETWEEN THE BULB AND THE SOCKET. BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 27, 2004 GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 04V524) COVERING ALL MY 2003 VEHICLES.GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES AND APPLY THERMAL GREASE TO THEM OR REPLACE THEM WITH NEW ASSEMBLIES WITH THERMAL GREASE ALREADY ATTACHED.MODEL YEAR 2004 AND NEWER VEHICLES HAVE THE THERMAL GREASE INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY. THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE04043 · Turn Signal Malfunction

Opened May 14, 2004 · Closed Sep 14, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT THE REAR TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE AND DO NOT PROVIDE A SIGNAL TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE REPORT OF A CRASH WHERE THE COMPLAINANT BRAKED AND ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE IMPACTED THE COMPLAINANT'S VEHICLE IN THE DRIVER-SIDE DOOR.IN MAY 2002, GM'S SUPPLIER MADE CHANGES TO THE BULB SOCKET THAT INCLUDED STOPPING THE USE OF THERMAL-MASTIC GREASE IN THE BULB SOCKET.GM REPORTS THAT THE GREASE REDUCES ARCING AT THE CONTACTS AND DISSIPATES HEAT THUS PREVENTING MELTING OF THE SOCKET MATERIAL OR BURNING OF THE CONTACTS.MOST OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT GREASE APPLIED TO THE BULB SOCKET.IN JUNE 2003, GM DIRECTED THE SUPPLIER TO RESUME THE USE OF GREASE IN THE SOCKET.GM ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) 04-08-42-004A ON JULY 15, 2004 ADVISING TECHNICIANS TO MAKE SURE THAT ADEQUATE AMOUNTS OF GREASE WERE ADDED TO THE BULB SOCKETS ON ALL SERVICE PARTS.ODI WILL UPGRADE THIS INVESTIGATION TO EA 04-028 TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.