Model year guide

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 87 on record.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints330
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$1,372

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier recalls 2

Steering NHTSA Campaign #08E063000 · 17/10/2008

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 WEL…

Fix: 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.

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #04V300000 · 23/06/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES.' THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR SAFETY BELT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH AN INCORRECT NUT AND BOLT.

Fix: DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND INSTALL A NEW NUT AND BOLT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 330 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,375

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier worth?

Low
$650
Typical price
$1,372
High
$2,400

From 75 comparable 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$600
Total$12,475
Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,372) with the same model 4 model-years older ($874), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · LS · LEV 1 · Z24
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier vehicles on record

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JF52F547160446 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC12F847151659 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JF12F247158758 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JF52F647164537 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC52F347131813 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC52F247257404 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC12F447186926 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC52F747289197 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JH14F247176782 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC52F547269269 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC52F447247134 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC12F547172582 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC12F647145794 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JF12F947337797 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS3G1JH52F74S168110 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JF12F847294019 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC12F747373285 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JH52F947153414 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC52F047321729 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC12F547226723 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base3G1JC52F14S126000 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JH54FX47147201 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Base1G1JC52FX47318501 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier LS1G1JF52F247188107

Other Chevrolet Cavalier model years

2005 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

2004 Chevrolet Cavalier — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Based on 330 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are steering, vehicle speed control, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier at about 26 mpg combined (22 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier worth?

Comparable 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier listings run roughly $650–$2,400, typically around $1,372 (from 75 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.