2003 Chevrolet Cavalier

The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier was a compact car known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. Engine options included a 2.2L Ecotec Inline-4 producing 140 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque and a 2.4L LD9 Inline-4 producing 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praised the Cavalier for its simple design, ease of maintenance, and decent gas mileage. Common complaints included a somewhat bland interior, less refined driving experience compared to competitors, and some reliability concerns, especially with age.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall intermittently, run rough, or fail to start. The check engine light illuminates with codes related to the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leak leading to rough idle, poor fuel economy, and possible misfires. A hissing sound might be audible.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L LD9 Inline-4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shifting Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid change and filter replacement might help. More serious issues may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid/filter) - $2000+ (rebuild/replace)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll in corners, and nose diving during braking.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on parts and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Sway Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights failing prematurely, dim headlights, or one headlight not working. This is frequently related to a faulty ground or poor wiring connections.
  • Solution: Check and clean ground connections, inspect wiring harnesses, and replace faulty bulbs or connectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate or operating intermittently. This can be due to a faulty window motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust is common on rocker panels, wheel wells, and around the gas cap.
  • Solution: Cut out rust and weld in new metal. Patch with body filler and paint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2000+

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard develops cracks over time due to sun exposure and temperature changes.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (cover) - $500+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the backing and sags.
  • Solution: Reupholstering the headliner or replacing the headliner board.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier has issues mostly related to age and wear. Engine issues such as Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure and Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks can cause the engine to run poorly and the transmission may have issues due to age. Suspension issues will cause poor handling. Electrical issues such as headlight or power window failure are common. Rust, cracked dashboards and sagging headliners are issues that may be caused by age. Overall, the issues can range from relatively inexpensive fixes to more costly repairs depending on the specific problem and the severity. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and address any existing issues to ensure its reliability.