7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$650
Average Mileage:
76,200 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace dashboard cluster panel (2 reports)
  2. replace instrument cluster (2 reports)
  3. not sure (1 reports)
  4. replace gauge panel (1 reports)
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problem #6

Aug 082012

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,675 miles

The instrument panel completely stopped working. Had to order a used one to replace it with.

- moab, Stirling, AB, Canada

problem #5

Apr 012013

Cavalier LS 2.2L

  • Manual transmission
  • 126,250 miles

I have a 2005 Chevy Cavalier. It started with not being able to read the odometer unless you push in on the plastic then it will show up reading your mileage. Now the rpm gauge will stop working, this is a definite sign that the panel is going to give out. I have seen on a lot of internet sights with people having this problem with there Chevy Cavaliers, why is GM not recalling these? I have owned a lot of Cavaliers and this is the first one I have ever had a problem with, it is a real pain in the you know what.

These big corporations have more money than the people out here scratching for a living. I am a single mom and I live pay check to pay check. I have checked out replacing these, to get one can cost anywhere from $125.00 and up. I am mad at Chevy for not recalling these instrument cluster panels.

- Deborah B., Lancaster, NH, US

problem #4

Aug 032012

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,856 miles

click to see larger images

multiple gauge failure multiple gauge failure

This happened once before, but the gauges immediately reset themselves once I shut the car off and turned in back on. THIS time however, the gauges are getting higher and higher up the scale. According to my car (when off) I have a full tank of gas (I don't) and my temperature is past explosion level (it's not). It's disappointing to know that this problem has been reported so many times, and that Chevy has done nothing. Now I'm going to be out a whole bunch of money unless there's an easy fix somewhere in the internet!

- carim, Hamburg, NY, US

problem #3

Jul 012010

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

This happened less than a year after I got my car and it started with whatever the gauge is for the RPMs. It got stuck and would not move at all. Slowly but surely every single one of the gauges quit working over the next year. We had to take it to the mechanic to get it fixed. The mechanic said it was a bad cluster.

Update from Jul 3, 2013: The gauge cluster had to be replaced. It cost about $600-$800 but I can't remember the exact cost of repair. I have had no problems with it since.

- avemaria02, Petersburg, IN, US

problem #2

Nov 152011

Cavalier LS 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Same as others. Fuel gauge goes past full, hits temp gauge. Now temp gauge goes over and hits speedometer.

- Mike T., Madison, OH, US

problem #1

Aug 032009

Cavalier

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,350 miles

The fuel gauge is extremely annoying = I make sure I fill up pre running out by keeping written track of the Odometer so this is not devastating. The engine temp gauge failure is devastating = I cannot tell if my engine is too hot. The thermostat could fail, etc, etc, and I would not be aware. The tach failure is not so bad because I listen to my engine and am not an abuser of my vehicle re speed or fast take off''s. What really pisses me off is GMC, after its bail out by you and me, has proceeded to rape the public with its greed. The company has an obligation to replace the cluster @ its own expense because of its use of, obviously, inferior materials. I have investigated the cost and it will be over 400 dollars, money I cannot afford, to replace the cluster. However, I must find a way to scrape together the money because of the danger to my engine. Bj

- bjcats, Santa Cruz, CA, US