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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

What owners actually said

678 reports
7,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

1. BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT W/IN MONTH OF EACH OTHER. IN THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST. 2. BRAKES NOISY, SEPTEMBER 3. TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN, OCTOBER 4. BRAKES NOISY, AGAIN, NOVEMBER 5. CAR TURNS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AFTER MAKING A COMPLETE STOP AND TRYING TO SPEED UP. FREAKING OUT, I PRESSED THE GAS AND MOVED TH…

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1. BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT W/IN MONTH OF EACH OTHER. IN THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST. 2. BRAKES NOISY, SEPTEMBER 3. TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN, OCTOBER 4. BRAKES NOISY, AGAIN, NOVEMBER 5. CAR TURNS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AFTER MAKING A COMPLETE STOP AND TRYING TO SPEED UP. FREAKING OUT, I PRESSED THE GAS AND MOVED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THEN PUT CAR IN PARK AND GOT IT TO START, NOVEMBER. IT JUST SEEMS TO ME THAT I HAVE A DISFUNCTIONAL CAR THAT WHEN I DONT HAVE SOMETHING WRONG WITH ONE THING I HAVE TO GO IN TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER. ITS A NEW CAR AND ITS COSTING ME MORE PROBLMES AND INCONVINIENCES THAN THE OLD '96 I HAD TILL I BOUGHT THIS ONE.

NHTSA ODI #10071186

92,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 - 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING AND THE WHEELS ON THE CAR LOCKED UP. THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT WARNING AND 3 CARS SWERVED OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION. ONCE OUT OF THE CAR IT COULD NOT EVEN BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT…

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WHILE DRIVING AT 45 - 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING AND THE WHEELS ON THE CAR LOCKED UP. THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT WARNING AND 3 CARS SWERVED OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION. ONCE OUT OF THE CAR IT COULD NOT EVEN BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. THE MECHANIC NOTED THAT ALL THE EGEARS WERE BROKEN AND THE TRANSMISSION COULD NOT EVEN BE REBUILT. A TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE PULLED FROM TOTALLED CAVALIER AND REBUILT TO GET MY CAR RUNNING. WITHOUT THE REBUILT TRANSMISSION, PARTS COULD HAVE COST UP TO $2500 PLUS LABOR. I WAS DISAPPOINTED/SCARED THAT SUCH A THING COULD HAPPEN WITHOUT WARNING. HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IF ANOTHER CAR HAD HIT US. I WAS DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IT.

NHTSA ODI #10070276

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2004
Structure

I PURCHASED MY CAR WITH 2 MILES ON IT IN MAY 2003.AFTER 2 WEEKS OF HAVING IT THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE THAT STARTED UNDER THE FRONT END.THE SERVICE DEPT. SAID THAT IT WAS JUST A NEW CAR SOUND AND IT WOULD GO AWAY.AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AND HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY BOLTS TO THE FRONT END FR…

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I PURCHASED MY CAR WITH 2 MILES ON IT IN MAY 2003.AFTER 2 WEEKS OF HAVING IT THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE THAT STARTED UNDER THE FRONT END.THE SERVICE DEPT. SAID THAT IT WAS JUST A NEW CAR SOUND AND IT WOULD GO AWAY.AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AND HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE MANY BOLTS TO THE FRONT END FRAME WERE NEVER TIGHTENED OR PUT IN FROM THE FACTORY.SO THEY PUT IN BOLTS AND TIGHTENED THE REST.HOPING THAT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM I LEFT.IT CONTINUED TO MAKE A POPPING TYPE SOUND AND I TOOK IT BACK WHERE THIS TIME THEY HEARD IT BUT COULD NOT FIND WHAT IT WAS.TO THIS DAY IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THE FRONT END IS GOING TO FALL OUT AND THE STEERING HAS CHANGED.THE SERVICE DEPT. SAID IF THEY CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM THEN THEY CAN'T FIX IT AND TO DRIVE IT UNTIL WHATEVER IT IS BREAKS OR FALLS OUT! I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM AND I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT.ALSO THE SEAT BELT LIGHT DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY,THE DASH HAS A LOUD VIBRATING NOISE,THE HEAT AND AIR MAKES A LOUD BUZZING SOUND, THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE AND DECELERATE PROPERLY.I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THEY WERE SORRY ABOUT THE BOLTS NEVER BEING PUT IN AND THAT THEIR VEHICLES ARE INSPECTED AND ARE SAFE.WELL HOW IS THAT WHEN THEY DID NOT EVEN PUT IN BOLTS THAT HOLDS THE MOTOR IN?WHAT ELSE HAVE THEY FORGOTTEN?I FEEL UNSAFE IN MY CAR AND AM VERY ANGRY THAT THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS!

NHTSA ODI #10053128

3,000 miles · Jan 13, 2004
Exterior Lighting

THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT BURNED OUT 3 TIMES WITHIN THIS YEAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE SOCKETS WERE CORRODED. *AK *SC

NHTSA ODI #10049933

7,153 miles · Jan 5, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringCrashInjury

I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH A VEHICLE THAT I RECENTLY PURCHASED. I BOUGHT A 2003 CAVALIER AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH IT LAST WEEK. I NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHO TO TALK TO BEFORE I TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTIONS. MY CAR IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT AND I KNOW THAT I'M SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO GET A RENTAL CAR. WELL…

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I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH A VEHICLE THAT I RECENTLY PURCHASED. I BOUGHT A 2003 CAVALIER AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH IT LAST WEEK. I NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHO TO TALK TO BEFORE I TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTIONS. MY CAR IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT AND I KNOW THAT I'M SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO GET A RENTAL CAR. WELL, HERE'S THE SITUATION LAST WEEK, I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS ON THE WAY TO TAKE IT TO BE LOOKED AT AND IT HAPPPENED AGAIN, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO STOP, THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE, THEY OFFERED NO HELP AS FAR AS MY RENTAL AND WARRANTY. I AM ANGRY BECAUSE THIS FLAW WITH THE CAR COULD'VE RESULTED IN MY DEATH. IT TOOK OVER A MONTH TO GET SOMEONE TO COME TAKE A LOOK AT THE CAR AND WHEN SOMEONE FINALLY CAME ON NOV. 2, THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND THAT WAS IT. I TRIED MAKING CONTACT AGAIN AND GOT NO RESPONSE. I'M STILL WITHOUT MY VEHICLE BECAUSE EVEN IF I PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED, THERE IS STILL THE CHANCE THAT IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10052421

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 55-70MPH FOR 30-60 MINUTES, THE ENGINE RPM RATE INCREASES FROM AROUND 2500 TO 3500 INSTEAD OF FALLING TO 1000 (NORMAL IDLE). IF THE CLUTCH IS RE-ENGAGED THEN THE RPM RATE RETURNS TO THE NORMAL RANGE FOR THE GEAR/SPEED OF TRAVEL. IF THE CAR IS BRAKED TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE …

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WHEN THE CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED AFTER HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 55-70MPH FOR 30-60 MINUTES, THE ENGINE RPM RATE INCREASES FROM AROUND 2500 TO 3500 INSTEAD OF FALLING TO 1000 (NORMAL IDLE). IF THE CLUTCH IS RE-ENGAGED THEN THE RPM RATE RETURNS TO THE NORMAL RANGE FOR THE GEAR/SPEED OF TRAVEL. IF THE CAR IS BRAKED TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE RPM RATE FALLS TO THE NORMAL IDLE RATE AFTER 20-40 SECONDS OF STANDSTILL. THE BEHAVIOR HAS BEEN OBSERVED EVERYTIME EXTENDED HIGHWAY DRIVING IS COMPLETED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SHOWS NO PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10051021

6,500 miles · Dec 23, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP ON HOT DAY, ENGINE STALLS WHEN CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED AS WHEN COASTING TO A STOP. ENIGINE WILL RESTART, BUT ACCELLERATOR MUST BE DEPRESSED TO REV THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO PREVENT STALLING. IF VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THEN RESTARTED, PROBLEM WITH STALLING IS GONE. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY INTERMITTEN…

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AFTER ENGINE WARMS UP ON HOT DAY, ENGINE STALLS WHEN CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED AS WHEN COASTING TO A STOP. ENIGINE WILL RESTART, BUT ACCELLERATOR MUST BE DEPRESSED TO REV THE ENGINE IN ORDER TO PREVENT STALLING. IF VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THEN RESTARTED, PROBLEM WITH STALLING IS GONE. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY INTERMITTENT. THE SAME PROBLEM IS DESCRIBED IN OID NUMBERS 10049266, 10039337 AND 10037496.

NHTSA ODI #10051018

5,000 miles · Dec 5, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

WHEN COASTING TO A STOP AND DEPRESSING CLUTCH, CAR IDLE SPEED WILL DROP BELOW THE NORMAL IDLE SPEED OF 800 RPM. SOMETIMES, THE IDLE SPEED WILL BOUNCE AROUND BETWEEN 400 RPM AND 800 RPM. OTHER TIMES, THE ENGINE WILL STALL. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, BUT WILL USUALLY OCCUR MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE FIXING ITSELF. THE STALLING ENGINE…

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WHEN COASTING TO A STOP AND DEPRESSING CLUTCH, CAR IDLE SPEED WILL DROP BELOW THE NORMAL IDLE SPEED OF 800 RPM. SOMETIMES, THE IDLE SPEED WILL BOUNCE AROUND BETWEEN 400 RPM AND 800 RPM. OTHER TIMES, THE ENGINE WILL STALL. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, BUT WILL USUALLY OCCUR MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE FIXING ITSELF. THE STALLING ENGINE IS A CONCERN BECAUSE OF THE LOST OF POWER STEERING MAKING TURNS. DEALER UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10049266

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

A DARK BROWN RUST COLOR DEVELOPED ON THE FRONT WHEELS. THE DEALERSHIP IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, CHANGED THE BRAKES, TURNED THE ROTOR AND PUT NEW BEARINGS ON, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE BROWN RUST COLOR WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10048532

45,000 miles · Nov 20, 2003
Exterior Lighting

THE REAR TURN SIGNAL FAILS INTERMITTENTLY. HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC STATES THAT THE LIGHT BURNS THROUGH THE SOCKET WHICH CAUSES FAILURE. *PH

NHTSA ODI #10048376

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.