NHTSA model-year recall report

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Recalls

2 campaigns in our verified NHTSA snapshot, with source consequences, remedies, and VIN-specific next steps.

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NHTSA campaigns

Affected systems

Urgent advisories

Oct 17, 2008

Latest campaign date

At a glance

What the record says

This model year's count is below the Chevrolet Cavalier average of 3.8 campaigns per listed year. That is context only—not proof that this year is safer or less safe.

The most frequent affected category is Steering, appearing in 1 campaign.

1
Read
Review every campaign and urgent instruction below.
2
Verify
Check your exact VIN with NHTSA or the manufacturer.
3
Repair
Contact an authorized dealer if a campaign applies.

Source campaign records

All 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier recall campaigns

Shown newest first. NHTSA summary, consequence, and remedy text is preserved without truncation.

NHTSA campaign 08E063000

Steering

Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.

Reported Oct 17, 2008

What is recalled

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 STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Safety consequence

IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

NHTSA campaign 04V524000

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Reported Nov 1, 2004

What is recalled

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

Other Chevrolet Cavalier model years

Compare campaign histories within the same model. Counts are descriptive, not a safety grade.

20051 campaign 20042 campaigns 20032 campaigns 20025 campaigns 20016 campaigns 20007 campaigns

View all model years

Other 2003 Chevrolet recall reports

2003 Chevrolet Silverado13 campaigns 2003 Chevrolet Express11 campaigns 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo9 campaigns 2003 Chevrolet Impala8 campaigns 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer8 campaigns 2003 Chevrolet Venture8 campaigns

2003 Chevrolet Cavalier recall questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier have?

This verified dataset contains 2 NHTSA campaigns associated with the 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. A campaign can apply to some, not all, vehicles of the same model year.

Does this confirm an open recall for my 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier?

No. This page is a model-year campaign history. Use NHTSA's official lookup or an authorized dealer to confirm whether a campaign applies to your exact VIN and whether the repair remains open.

Are vehicle recall repairs free?

When a safety recall campaign applies to your VIN, the manufacturer remedy is generally provided at no charge through an authorized dealer. Confirm eligibility and scheduling with the manufacturer or dealer.

Source: NHTSA. Dataset includes campaigns through Jul 30, 2026. Last processed Aug 8, 2026. Methodology