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2003 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

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

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

513 reports with mileage · 181 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 264 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports32 fire reports23 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

264 reports
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62,000 miles · Jun 14, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

AT SLOW SPEEDS AFTER CONSIDERABLE DRIVING DISTANCES, ON TWO OCCASIONS, ENGINE TURNED OFF, LEAVING NO POWER FOR DRIVE OR STEERING. CAR RE-STARTED BOTH TIMES. NO RECURRENCE TO DATE AFTER IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON 5/27/14. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10598333

79,850 miles · Jun 14, 2014
Electrical System

SECURITY SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO START THE ENGINE, YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS, THE SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS FOR 10 MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOTHING AFTER THE LIGHT STOPS BLINKING YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO START ENGINE, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LET IT CYCLE 2 OR 3 TIMES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY WIFE AS SHE GETS OUT OF WORK AT…

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SECURITY SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO START THE ENGINE, YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS, THE SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS FOR 10 MINUTES. IF YOU DO NOTHING AFTER THE LIGHT STOPS BLINKING YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO START ENGINE, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO LET IT CYCLE 2 OR 3 TIMES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY WIFE AS SHE GETS OUT OF WORK AT 9:30 PM AND IS ALONE IN A PARKING LOT. CHEVROLET KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WILL DO NOTHING AS THERE HAVE BEEN NO DEATHS BECAUSE OF THIS. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10598271

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSeats

I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN MY DRIVERSIDE HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT SO I STOPPED AND BOUGHT A NEW BULB AT THE CLOSEST STORE WHEN I REPLACED THE BULB THE LIGHT STILL DIDNT COME BACK ON THEN THE DTR LIGHT ALSO STARTED HAVING ISSUES THE ONLY TIME YOU GET ANY LIGHTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS WHEN YOU MOVE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY…

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I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN MY DRIVERSIDE HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT SO I STOPPED AND BOUGHT A NEW BULB AT THE CLOSEST STORE WHEN I REPLACED THE BULB THE LIGHT STILL DIDNT COME BACK ON THEN THE DTR LIGHT ALSO STARTED HAVING ISSUES THE ONLY TIME YOU GET ANY LIGHTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS WHEN YOU MOVE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AROUND THEN YOU GET DIM LIGHTING SO FOR THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS WE HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO USE OUR CAR AT NIGHT. I KEEP CHECKING FOR RECALLS BUT I HAVENT SEEN ANY AND WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH OUR DTR LIGHTING INCLUDING THE ONES THAT CONTROL OUR DASH LIGHTS. CAUSE WE HAVE NONE THEY WORK DURING TH EDAY WHEN THEY WANT TOO BUT AT NIGHT WE HAVE NO LIGHTS IN OUR DASH. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT HAS QUIT WORKING. IT ALL OCCURED ROUGHLY AROUND THE SAME TIME. NOBODYS BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10592973

249,657 miles · May 19, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFire

MAY 16, 2014 AT 6:30 AM I PARKED THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER TAKING MY HUSBAND TO WORK. I LOCKED THE DOORS AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE WITH MY KEYS IN HAND. I WAS IN MY HOME AT ABOUT 6:42 AM WHEN MY NEIGHBOR BEGAN BANGING ON MY DOOR AND YELLING THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, I TOOK A LOOK OUT OF THE WINDOW AND CAME DOWN TO GET A …

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MAY 16, 2014 AT 6:30 AM I PARKED THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER TAKING MY HUSBAND TO WORK. I LOCKED THE DOORS AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE WITH MY KEYS IN HAND. I WAS IN MY HOME AT ABOUT 6:42 AM WHEN MY NEIGHBOR BEGAN BANGING ON MY DOOR AND YELLING THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE, I TOOK A LOOK OUT OF THE WINDOW AND CAME DOWN TO GET A CLOSER LOOK,STUNNED THERE WAS SMOKE EVERYWHERE AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 THEY CAME IT TOOK A GOOD BIT OF TIME PUTTING THE FIRE OUT.I SPOKE TO THE FIREFIGHTERS AFTER AND HE SAID HE BELIEVED IT"S ORIGIN WAS ELECTRICAL. WE RECEIVED A QUOTE TO REPAIR,REPLACE THE ENGINE COOLANT TUBE ON MAY 6,2014 FROM TIRE DISCOUNTERS AND MY PLAN WAS TO DROP THE CAR OFF THE MORNING OF 5/16. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE BOTH HEART PATIENTS AND THE LOSS OF THIS CAR WAS DEVASTATING. I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT WE HAD JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON APRIL 6, 2014 . THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WE HAVE THE QUOTE FROM TIRE DISCOUNTERS,VIDEO AND PICTURES FROM THE FIRE AND THE REPORT FROM THE INCIDENT. I PRAY FOR OTHERS THAT DIDN'T LEARN OF THIS RECALL IN TIME WITH TRAGIC RESULTS AND I AM GRATEFUL NO LOSS OF LIFE OCCURRED HERE BUT THE PAIN OF TRYING TO GET TO APPOINTMENTS AND GETTING MY HUSBAND BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AT HONEYWELL BEGINS AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EAR. *TR UPDATED 12/11/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592436

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY ENTIRE VEHICLE FLOOR IS FLOODED. MY RADIO HAS STOPPED WORKING AND MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND THERE ARE SEVERAL MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM FROM 2002 TO 2005. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AND CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I PAY A LOT IF MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND STILL HAVE A …

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EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY ENTIRE VEHICLE FLOOR IS FLOODED. MY RADIO HAS STOPPED WORKING AND MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLICKER. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND THERE ARE SEVERAL MODELS WITH THIS PROBLEM FROM 2002 TO 2005. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AND CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I PAY A LOT IF MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND STILL HAVE A WAYS TO GO BEFORE I AM DONE PAYING FOR IT. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN THAT DEPEND IN THUS CAR ALONG WITH MYSELF IF THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM THIS IS DEFINITELY A DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10586112

100,000 miles · Apr 10, 2014
Electrical System

IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER PROBLEM: THE KEY COMES OUT OF THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING OR IN PARK OR ANY OTHER TIME. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM AS THE RECALLS BUT THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10579026

100,000 miles · Apr 10, 2014
Electrical System

IGNITION LOCK -CYLINDER PROBLEM KEY COMES OUT OF THE SLOT OF THE LOCK CYLINDER WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THIS ISSUE IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS OTHER RECALLS BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. I WOULD LIKE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME TYPE OF LOCK CYLINDERS AS THE RECALLED ONES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10579024

109,000 miles · Apr 10, 2014
Electrical System

LAST FRIDAY I GOT IN MY CAR AROUND 2:30AM AND IT WOULDN'T START. I THANK GOD I WAS ON A SOMEWHAT SAFE STREET AND WITH FRIENDS. MY CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 15-20 MINUTES. THE LIGHTS, RADIO AND EVERYTHING ELSE WORKED BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THIS WAS HAPPENING ON A REGULAR BASIS A FEW MONTHS AGO BUT THEN IT STOPPED. I TOOK IT TO …

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LAST FRIDAY I GOT IN MY CAR AROUND 2:30AM AND IT WOULDN'T START. I THANK GOD I WAS ON A SOMEWHAT SAFE STREET AND WITH FRIENDS. MY CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 15-20 MINUTES. THE LIGHTS, RADIO AND EVERYTHING ELSE WORKED BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THIS WAS HAPPENING ON A REGULAR BASIS A FEW MONTHS AGO BUT THEN IT STOPPED. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. I COULDN'T AFFORD TO GET IT REPLACED SO I JUST DEALT WITH IT. AS I STATED BEFORE, IT'S BEEN MONTHS SINCE THE LAST OCCURRENCE THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE GM RECALL HOPING THEY WILL INCLUDE THE IMPALA BECAUSE OF THE IGNITION SWITCH AND OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING AND THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD LIGHTS UP (CHECK ENGINE, CHECK BATTERY) AND THE ALL THE THINGS THAT LIGHT UP ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN YOU FIRST START THE CAR. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE ANOTHER FATALITY OCCURS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578873

65,500 miles · Apr 8, 2014
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY DOING APPROX. 65 MPH WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL ON, ALL OF SUDDEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DROPPED OUT AND VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN DRAMATICALLY.. ALSO THE HEAT AND AC WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THESE CONDITIONS CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN WE WENT TO MY MECHANIC HE HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH WAITING, HE KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BEF…

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WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY DOING APPROX. 65 MPH WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL ON, ALL OF SUDDEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DROPPED OUT AND VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN DRAMATICALLY.. ALSO THE HEAT AND AC WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THESE CONDITIONS CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN WE WENT TO MY MECHANIC HE HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH WAITING, HE KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE WE ARRIVED. AS SOON AS HE TOUCHED THE IGNITION SWITCH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. SINCE WE HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SIMILAR PROBLEM AS THE RECALL. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578162

120,000 miles · Apr 8, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine

I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS WHERE I WOULD HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND MY CAR WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY CAR TURNED OFF ON ME. I HAD TO SHIFT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART IT TO CONTINUE GOING. I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE …

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I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS WHERE I WOULD HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND MY CAR WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY CAR TURNED OFF ON ME. I HAD TO SHIFT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART IT TO CONTINUE GOING. I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578158

Official recalls

5

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.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. 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, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

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

1

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.