2004 Chevrolet Vectra

Introduction:

The 2004 Chevrolet Vectra was a compact sedan that offered a comfortable ride and spacious interior. It was available with a choice of engines and transmissions, including a 2.2L Ecotec Inline-4 engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, a 2.2L Ecotec Inline-4 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.2L V6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners praised the Vectra for its smooth handling, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs; however, they also expressed concerns about some reliability issues.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4 Engine (5-speed Manual Transmission)

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, and poor performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine noise, reduced engine power, and check engine light illumination
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4 Engine (4-speed Automatic Transmission)

• Shifting Problems:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, and delayed gear engagement
  • Solution: Replace or repair transmission control module or shift solenoids
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Fluid Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks, low fluid levels, and shifting problems
  • Solution: Replace transmission seals or gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.2L V6 Engine (4-speed Automatic Transmission)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

4-speed Automatic Transmission

• See issues listed in the 2.2L Ecotec Inline-4 Engine (4-speed Automatic Transmission) section

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps, poor handling, and uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or worn lower control arm bushings can lead to poor handling, uneven tire wear, and excessive vibration
  • Solution: Replace lower control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dim lights, and electrical system problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V326000
• Starter Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the engine or engine does not start
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Switch Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not working, intermittent headlights, or headlights staying on
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiper Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Wipers not working, intermittent wipers, or wipers staying on
  • Solution: Replace wiper motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Window Regulator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows do not roll up or down, or windows fall down
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Drain Clogs:
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the interior through the sunroof
  • Solution: Clean sunroof drains
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2004 Chevrolet Vectra had a number of reliability issues that affected the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior components. Some of the most common issues included intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain issues, shifting problems, transmission fluid leaks, strut mount bearing failure, lower control arm bushing wear, alternator failure, starter motor failure, headlight switch malfunction, wiper motor failure, window regulator failure, and sunroof drain clogs. The severity and cost of these issues varied, and some could be more serious and expensive to fix than others.