MotorDeets

2005 Chevrolet Cavalier: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier: 0 recalls, 287 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
287owner complaints
7mention a crash
26best combined mpg
2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #08E063000 · 2008 · 3,855 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2008.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.

Electrical211
Speed control / throttle18
Transmission & drivetrain16
Body & structure14
Brakes (hydraulic)13
Visibility (wipers, glass)10
Steering8
Fuel system8

What owners describe

The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier has 287 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 16 Cavalier model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 284). Complaints peaked in 2010 (77 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 66,630 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (330 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.2 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive233326Regular
2.2 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive213125Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier manual

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FAQ

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier problems?

Owners have filed 287 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (211), speed control / throttle (18), transmission & drivetrain (16).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier get?

EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Cavalier years

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