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2002 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

571 reports with mileage · 224 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 305 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

37 crash reports32 fire reports27 injury reports

What owners actually said

795 reports
68,000 miles · Jun 4, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

YOU CAN BE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN YOUR TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING. THEY WILL WORK WELL FOR HOURS THEN WHEN YOU GO TO MAKE A TURN THEY EITHER WILL NOT TURN ON OR TURN ON FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TURN OFF. IF YOU LIGHTLY TAP THE EMERGENCY FLASH BUTTON THEY WILL START WORKING AGAIN BUT IF YOU TAP THE EMERG…

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YOU CAN BE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN YOUR TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING. THEY WILL WORK WELL FOR HOURS THEN WHEN YOU GO TO MAKE A TURN THEY EITHER WILL NOT TURN ON OR TURN ON FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TURN OFF. IF YOU LIGHTLY TAP THE EMERGENCY FLASH BUTTON THEY WILL START WORKING AGAIN BUT IF YOU TAP THE EMERGENCY FLASH BUTTON TO HARD YOUR EMERGENCY FLASH LIGHTS TURN ON. IT REALLY CONCERNS ME WHEN I TRY TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE FAST LANE AND THEY STOP WORKING. I FEEL THIS IS WORSE THEN THE KEY PROBLEM GM HAS HAD BECAUSE THEY WORK ON AND OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE SPOKE WITH A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNALS AND THEY HAVE ADVISED ME THAT IT WILL RUN ANYWHERE FROM THREE TO FOUR HUNDRED TO HAVE REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI #10723523

207,000 miles · May 15, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 207,000.

NHTSA ODI #10716630

82,324 miles · May 13, 2015
Electrical System

I HAD TO HAVE THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT IN ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND GM DONE THE RECALL WHICH WAS TO PUT A PLASTIC PLUG IN THE KEYS BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE LOCK AND AT THE TIME I TOLD THEM I NEEDED A NEW LOCK. I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY CAR OUT OF THE AREA BECAUSE OF WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON AND NOT START…

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I HAD TO HAVE THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT IN ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND GM DONE THE RECALL WHICH WAS TO PUT A PLASTIC PLUG IN THE KEYS BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE LOCK AND AT THE TIME I TOLD THEM I NEEDED A NEW LOCK. I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY CAR OUT OF THE AREA BECAUSE OF WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON AND NOT STARTING PROBLEMS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY MANY TIMES AND GM REPLACED SENSORS A FEW TIMES. GM KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI #10716153

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT LOCK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT LOCK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10715594

145,000 miles · Apr 27, 2015
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

CAR WILL ONLY START RANDOMLY. ENGINE WILL NOT TURN. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH WILL GO OUT WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION. STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND ELECTRICAL SHOP ADVISED TO GO TO DEALER. TOOK TO DEALER FOR IGNITION RECALL WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALER ADVISED THIS ISSUE IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. SECURITY LIGHT TURNS ON. …

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CAR WILL ONLY START RANDOMLY. ENGINE WILL NOT TURN. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH WILL GO OUT WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION. STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND ELECTRICAL SHOP ADVISED TO GO TO DEALER. TOOK TO DEALER FOR IGNITION RECALL WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALER ADVISED THIS ISSUE IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. SECURITY LIGHT TURNS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10713010

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2015
Electrical System

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STALLED, SO SHE PULLED OVER TO TRY AND RESTART IT BUT IT WOULDN'T START. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT CENSOR. WE DROVE FOR 3 DAYS AND THE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. SO WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. I'VE READ SEVERAL COMPLAI…

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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STALLED, SO SHE PULLED OVER TO TRY AND RESTART IT BUT IT WOULDN'T START. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT CENSOR. WE DROVE FOR 3 DAYS AND THE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. SO WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. I'VE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT GM HAVEN'T HAD A RECALL ON THIS PART. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. THIS PART HAS TO BE DEFECTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10701293

136,000 miles · Mar 21, 2015
EngineFire

MY DAUGHTER OWNED A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. ON MONDAY 3/16/15, SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE. SHE CALLED ME AND I ASKED WHAT COLOR THE SMOKE WAS. SHE SAID IT WAS BLACK SMOKE. I TOLD HER TO IMMEDIATELY GET HERSELF AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN OUT OF THE CAR. SHE AND HER SISTER REMOVED THE CHILDREN AND WALKE…

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MY DAUGHTER OWNED A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. ON MONDAY 3/16/15, SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE. SHE CALLED ME AND I ASKED WHAT COLOR THE SMOKE WAS. SHE SAID IT WAS BLACK SMOKE. I TOLD HER TO IMMEDIATELY GET HERSELF AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN OUT OF THE CAR. SHE AND HER SISTER REMOVED THE CHILDREN AND WALKED AWAY WHILE CALLING 911. A FEW SECONDS LATER, SHE HEARD A LOUD POP. THE WINDSHIELD BUSTED FROM THE APPARENT HEAT FROM THE FLAME THAT WERE RISING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WITHIN SECONDS, THE ENGINE WAS IN FLAMES. I'VE RESEARCHED ONLINE, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE TWO RECALLS IN 2007 AND 2009 STATING THAT THE ENGINE COULD IGNITE. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. SHE HAD FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE ON THE CAR, BUT IT'S BARELY ENOUGH TO REPLACE IT. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10700886

152,653 miles · Mar 19, 2015
Exterior Lighting

THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE OCCURS AT RANDOM TIMES AND CONDITIONS. AS I'M TRAVELING AT NIGHT AND I PULL BACK THE DIMMER SWITCH LEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT AND LEAVE ME TOTALLY IN THE DARK. THE ONLY WAY THAT I CAN GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON AGAIN IS TO CONTINUE TO MANIPULATE THE DIMMER/TURN SIGNAL LEVER UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME B…

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THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE OCCURS AT RANDOM TIMES AND CONDITIONS. AS I'M TRAVELING AT NIGHT AND I PULL BACK THE DIMMER SWITCH LEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT AND LEAVE ME TOTALLY IN THE DARK. THE ONLY WAY THAT I CAN GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON AGAIN IS TO CONTINUE TO MANIPULATE THE DIMMER/TURN SIGNAL LEVER UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10695393

Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2015
Engine

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING THE GEAR LEVER INTO VARIOUS POSITIONS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING THE GEAR LEVER INTO VARIOUS POSITIONS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10693344

19,900 miles · Mar 5, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

MY VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY ELECTRICAL START UP SYSTEM AND FUEL PUMP SYSTEM THE BATTERY ON THIS VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AND THE STARTER WAS REPLACED AS WELL AND THE VEHICLE STILL IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AT A MECHANIC SHOP AND THE VEHICLE WORKED PERFECTLY FINE FOR THE MECHANIC AT THE TIME AND…

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MY VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY ELECTRICAL START UP SYSTEM AND FUEL PUMP SYSTEM THE BATTERY ON THIS VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AND THE STARTER WAS REPLACED AS WELL AND THE VEHICLE STILL IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AT A MECHANIC SHOP AND THE VEHICLE WORKED PERFECTLY FINE FOR THE MECHANIC AT THE TIME AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DIDN'T PERFORM THE ISSUE IN FRONT OF THE MECHANIC. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE JUNE OF 2014 AND IT RANDOMLY WONT START AT ALL AND THEN ITS STARTS HOURS AND HOURS LATER. I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS REPLACING PARTS ON THIS CAR THAT DEAL WITH STARTING ISSUES AND STILL THIS CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DIFFICULTIES. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS PLACES WITH THIS VEHICLE REFUSING TO START. I AM AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS A RECALL OUT FOR KEY IGNITION ELECTRICAL SWITCH AND FUEL PUMP PRESSURE ALL OF WHICH FIT THE PROBLEMS MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE RECALL THAT IS AVAILABLE TO MY VEHICLE DOESN'T INCLUDE EITHER ONE OF THESE AND I PERSONALLY FEEL IT SHOULD INCLUDE THESE BECAUSE MULTIPLE MECHANICS WHO HAVE INSPECTED THE CAR HAVE CONFIRMED THESE ARE THE ISSUES THIS CAR IS EXPERIENCING I DON'T HAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO KEEP INSTALLING AND MAKING REPAIRS ON THIS CAR ONLY TO HAVE IT KEEP BREAKING DOWN I AM IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE TO FIGURE OUT IF I CAN GET THIS VEHICLE UNDER THE OTHER RECALLS AS WELL PLEASE AND THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692277

Official recalls

4

15V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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.

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

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.

09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

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 ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

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

2

PE06017 · 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.