NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
305 reportsClear category filter123,572 miles · Oct 14, 2009
Electrical System
THE PASSLOCK PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. THIS HAPPENS APPROX. 4 OR 5 TIMES A MONTH. YOU PUT THE KEY IN TO START AND THE CAR DOES NOT START. YOU HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES USUALLY, SOMETIMES 20 SOMETIMES 30. VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND NEED TO START YOU CAR RIGHT AWAY INSTEAD OF WAITING TO START. YOU MAY DIE …
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THE PASSLOCK PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. THIS HAPPENS APPROX. 4 OR 5 TIMES A MONTH. YOU PUT THE KEY IN TO START AND THE CAR DOES NOT START. YOU HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES USUALLY, SOMETIMES 20 SOMETIMES 30. VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND NEED TO START YOU CAR RIGHT AWAY INSTEAD OF WAITING TO START. YOU MAY DIE OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE. VERY SCARY WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CAR ALONE AND IT WON'T START. WILL NEVER BY A GM CAR AGAIN! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10287337
75,000 miles · Oct 11, 2009
Electrical System
CAR WILL NOT START SOMETIMES. BATTERY IS FINE. LIGHTS WORK, LOCKS WORK, ETC. BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE BEFORE REALIZED IT WAS NOT BATTERY. HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES AND THEN TRY AGAIN TO START CAR. USUALLY STARTS AFTER 10 MINUTE WAIT. IF NOT, HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 10 MINUTES. SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON AT TIMES AN…
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CAR WILL NOT START SOMETIMES. BATTERY IS FINE. LIGHTS WORK, LOCKS WORK, ETC. BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE BEFORE REALIZED IT WAS NOT BATTERY. HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES AND THEN TRY AGAIN TO START CAR. USUALLY STARTS AFTER 10 MINUTE WAIT. IF NOT, HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 10 MINUTES. SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON AT TIMES AND THEN GOES OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10287027
800,000 miles · Sep 29, 2009
Electrical System
SEVERAL CHEVROLET VEHICLES IN THE 2002 RANGE (INCLUDING MY 2002 IMPALA) HAVE A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE THAT CAUSES A FAILURE IN THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM. THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE, BUT CAUSES THE CAR TO EITHER NOT START, OR STOP RUNNING. ONCE THE BCM FAILS, THE COMPUTER MUST BE RESTARTED …
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SEVERAL CHEVROLET VEHICLES IN THE 2002 RANGE (INCLUDING MY 2002 IMPALA) HAVE A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE THAT CAUSES A FAILURE IN THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM. THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE, BUT CAUSES THE CAR TO EITHER NOT START, OR STOP RUNNING. ONCE THE BCM FAILS, THE COMPUTER MUST BE RESTARTED TO START THE CAR- THIS MEANS SITTING IN THE CAR FOR 8-11 MINUTES WAITING FOR THE SECURITY LIGHT TO GO OFF; REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT'S 110 DEGREES OUT, OR 10 BELOW. THE PROBLEM IS WIDELY REPORTED ON AUTO FORUMS, SO THERE IS NO WAY CHEVY DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT IT. THERE ARE EVEN COMPANIES WILLING TO BYPASS THE SECURITY SYSTEM (BY CUTTING A WIRE FROM THE BCM, AND ROUTING A WIRE FROM ANOTHER SOURCE WITH AN APPROPRIATE RESISTOR) TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM. A DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BCM, BUT THE REPLACEMENT IS THE SAME DESIGN AS THE ORIGINAL, AND IS JUST AS LIKELY TO FAIL (NOT TO MENTION RUNNING $500-$800). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10285603
85,000 miles · Sep 2, 2009
Electrical System
1999-2004 IMPALAS HAVE A PROBLEM, TRAC OFF, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM AND ABS LIGHTS GO ON. THIS DEACTIVATES THE ANTI-BRAKE SYSTEM AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING ON A SLICK ROAD. ALSO WITHOUT TRACTION CONTROL YOUR CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE, TURN OR BRAKE AND WILL SKID. WHAT HAPPENS IS GM USED CHEAP WIRING OR CUT TOO SHORT A…
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1999-2004 IMPALAS HAVE A PROBLEM, TRAC OFF, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM AND ABS LIGHTS GO ON. THIS DEACTIVATES THE ANTI-BRAKE SYSTEM AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING ON A SLICK ROAD. ALSO WITHOUT TRACTION CONTROL YOUR CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE, TURN OR BRAKE AND WILL SKID. WHAT HAPPENS IS GM USED CHEAP WIRING OR CUT TOO SHORT AND THESE WIRES CORRODE. THIS PROBLEM IS AN EASY FIX, GM IS AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM. IT WOULD BE AN EASY FIX BUT THE ONLY THING ABOUT THAT THOUGH IS THAT YOU CANT JUST REPLACE THE WIRES, THE WIRES ARE SEALED IN THE HUB ASSEMBLY, SO YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HUB ASSEMBLY. ALSO THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSLOCK FEATURE, PASSLOCK WAS CREATED TO PREVENT THIEVES FROM STEALING YOUR CAR, NOT TO PREVENT YOU FROM DRIVING IT.PASSLOCK CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MAY STALL. THAT IN ITSELF IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. I SUGGEST YOU FORCE GM TO DO A RECALL BEFORE PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF NEGLIGENCE. AND IF THEY REFUSE TO COMPLY, JUST SLAP THEM WITH A MAJOR LAWSUIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282633
124,500 miles · Aug 30, 2009
Electrical System
2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WILL NOT START. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ONLINE SINCE I HAVE SENT MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE, AND HE HAS NO IDEA HOW TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I'VE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER IMPALA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM, AND MANY CANNOT UNDERSTA…
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2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WILL NOT START. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ONLINE SINCE I HAVE SENT MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE, AND HE HAS NO IDEA HOW TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I'VE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER IMPALA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM, AND MANY CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL HAS NEVER HAPPENED. ON THIS LINK, THERE ARE OVER 150 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS LISTED OF OVER 2002 IMPALA OWNERS. PLEASE MAKE GM HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS RECURRING PROBLEM THAT HAS ALSO BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE SOME IMPALA OWNERS HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/IMPALA/2002/ELECTRICAL/PASSLOCK_PROBLEM_WONT_START_AND_SECURITY_LIGHT_IS_ON.SHTML PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE ON 2002 IMPALAS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282322
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2009
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS IN NOVEMBER OF 2008. THE SECURITY PASSLOCK SYSTEM BEGIN ACTING FAULTY IN MAY OF 2008,FAULTY AS IN THE CAR WON'T START IF IT'S TOO HOT OUTSIDE, WHEN U TURN THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION YOU HEAR SPARKS AND STATIC FROM THE WIRING WHEN THE SECURITY LIGHT IS ON. YOU HAVE TO BASICALLY PERFORM M…
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I PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS IN NOVEMBER OF 2008. THE SECURITY PASSLOCK SYSTEM BEGIN ACTING FAULTY IN MAY OF 2008,FAULTY AS IN THE CAR WON'T START IF IT'S TOO HOT OUTSIDE, WHEN U TURN THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION YOU HEAR SPARKS AND STATIC FROM THE WIRING WHEN THE SECURITY LIGHT IS ON. YOU HAVE TO BASICALLY PERFORM MAGIC TO GET THE CAR TO START. AND THE COULD TAKE UP TOO 4 HOURS OF SITTING WHEREVER YOU ARE. GM IS PRACTICALLY AWARE OF THIS VERY IRRITATING AND COSTLY PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278834
150,000 miles · Jul 25, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
IT STARTED BACK IN 2002 A FEW MONTHS I PURCHASED MY 2002 IMPALA. IT WAS A USED CAR WITH 15,000 MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE WATER PUMP AND LOW COOLANT SENSOR REPLACED. A WEEK LATER, LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. AGAIN TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND HAD TO REPLACE …
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IT STARTED BACK IN 2002 A FEW MONTHS I PURCHASED MY 2002 IMPALA. IT WAS A USED CAR WITH 15,000 MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE WATER PUMP AND LOW COOLANT SENSOR REPLACED. A WEEK LATER, LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. AGAIN TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND HAD TO REPLACE ANOTHER SENSOR. THAT HAPPEN 10 TIMES DURING THE SAME YEAR. AS OF NOW, JULY 2009, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. IN 2007, MY VEHICLE STARTED TO RUN HOT. WAS TOLD I NEEDED THE MANIFOLD INTAKE GASKET, THERMOSTAT AND HOSES REPLACED WHICH WOULD OF COST ME OVER $1000.00. I COULDN'T AFFORD IT. I GOT A LOCAL MECHANIC TO REPLACE EVERYTHING WHICH HE CHARGED ME $300.00. JUST RECENTLY, I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY CAR ESPECIALLY AFTER I DRIVE IT FOR A WHILE. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER WHO GOES TO SCHOOL AND WORK AND THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. THIS CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME THE BLUES THE PAST FEW YEARS AND I'M SICK OF IT. ALL THIS STARTED WITH ABOUT 150,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY I HAVE ABOUT 168,000 MILES. I WILL GET A BETTER, DEPENDABLE VEHICLE LATER THIS YEAR AND I WON'T BUY ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278280
78,000 miles · Jul 20, 2009
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. ON JULY 20, 2009, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. SHE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT DUE TO A FAULTY SECURITY SYSTEM. THE VIN WA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. ON JULY 20, 2009, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. SHE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT DUE TO A FAULTY SECURITY SYSTEM. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA ODI #10277507
50,000 miles · Jul 8, 2009
Electrical System
2002 CHEVY IMPALA 7 TIMES IN 3 YEARS I HAD SECURITY LIGHT ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE LEAVING ME STRANDED I HAD PAID TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL I THROUGH A FIT IN DECEMBER OF 2007 GM HONORED IT BECAUSE THE PART THEY PUT IN WAS FAULTY. HERE IT IS A YEAR AND A HALF LATER AND I HAVE THE SAME SECURITY ISSUE THIS TIME IT COST ME 510…
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2002 CHEVY IMPALA 7 TIMES IN 3 YEARS I HAD SECURITY LIGHT ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE LEAVING ME STRANDED I HAD PAID TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL I THROUGH A FIT IN DECEMBER OF 2007 GM HONORED IT BECAUSE THE PART THEY PUT IN WAS FAULTY. HERE IT IS A YEAR AND A HALF LATER AND I HAVE THE SAME SECURITY ISSUE THIS TIME IT COST ME 510 BUCKS AND SOME CHANGE. THE CAR HAS 50 THOUSAND MILES. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY PERIOD. SINCE I HAVE BEEN DOING MANY SEARCHES ON THIS ISSUE AND NOW SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276131
38,000 miles · Jun 30, 2009
Electrical System
I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA THAT HAS ONLY 38,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE LAST TEN DAYS THIS CAR HAS COST ME $1,100.00. THE MAJORITY OF THIS COST WAS BECAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GET THIS REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CAR COULD HAVE STOPPED RUNNING AT ANY TIME. IT APPEARS FROM WHAT I HAVE READ RECENTLY THAT THI…
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I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA THAT HAS ONLY 38,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE LAST TEN DAYS THIS CAR HAS COST ME $1,100.00. THE MAJORITY OF THIS COST WAS BECAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GET THIS REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CAR COULD HAVE STOPPED RUNNING AT ANY TIME. IT APPEARS FROM WHAT I HAVE READ RECENTLY THAT THIS AUTO AND OTHERS LIKE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED LONG AGO BECAUSE OF THESE SECURITY SYSTEMS THAT SEEM TO GO OUT QUITE FREQUENTLY. I CANNOT GIVE AN ACCURATE INCIDENT DATE SINCE THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR OVER TWO MONTHS - I HAVE FINALLY BEEN ABLE TO BORROW THE MONEY TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275340
Official recalls
4Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Aug 9, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE06017 · Alleged Headlight Failure
Opened May 15, 2006 · Closed Oct 25, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Exterior Lighting
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
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