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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

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

THE SECURITY SYSTEM LOCKS AND WILL NOT LET ME START THE VEHICLE EVERY COUPLE TIMES THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

NHTSA ODI #11311933

195,000 miles · Oct 25, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainStructure

TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY FOR 6 YEARS. TRANSMISSION MAKES SQUEAK UPON STARTING FROM DEAD STOP AFTER CHANGING FLUID AND FILTER FOR 2ND TIME. ABS WENT OUT 6 YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ODI #11270932

200,000 miles · Apr 27, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COAD CHEVROLET IN CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, 573-335-5581 TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SY…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COAD CHEVROLET IN CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, 573-335-5581 TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) IN APPROXIMATELY APRIL OF 2017. THE DEALER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A TWO KEY RING HOLDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS ON THE LETTER ORIGINALLY RECEIVED, WHICH SPECIFIED THAT AN INSERT IN THE KEY SLOT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT UPDATED 8/28/18*JB *TT *JB

NHTSA ODI #11090410

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SuspensionVehicle Speed Control

'TAKATA RECALL' NO ACCELERATION AFTER 2RPM

NHTSA ODI #11076431

73,000 miles · Nov 13, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

VEHICLE IS IN PARKED AND IM ABOUT TO START THE VEHICLE IT SEEMS TO SLOWLY FAIL OR BACKFIRES DURING MULTIPLE TIMES OF TRYING. WHILE IN MOTION ON THE STREETS DRIVING AT 10-35 MPH OR IN MOTION ON HWY 40-65 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF OR SOMETIMES IT WOULD LOSS POWER EVEN IF MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS PETAL. ON HWY THIS COULD CAUSE…

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VEHICLE IS IN PARKED AND IM ABOUT TO START THE VEHICLE IT SEEMS TO SLOWLY FAIL OR BACKFIRES DURING MULTIPLE TIMES OF TRYING. WHILE IN MOTION ON THE STREETS DRIVING AT 10-35 MPH OR IN MOTION ON HWY 40-65 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF OR SOMETIMES IT WOULD LOSS POWER EVEN IF MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS PETAL. ON HWY THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIES ACCIDENT

NHTSA ODI #11045690

275,000 miles · Jul 8, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

MY TURNING SIGNALS WORK ON AND OFF ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET OVER AND MY RIGHT TURNING SIGNAL WOULDN'T WORK BUT THE LEFT TURNING SIGNAL WORKED FINE. THEN AFTER A DAY OR TWO THE RIGHT TURNING SIGNAL WOULD WORK BUT THEN THE LEFT TURNING SIGNAL WON'T WORK. THEN ALL OF…

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MY TURNING SIGNALS WORK ON AND OFF ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS ON THE FREEWAY AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO GET OVER AND MY RIGHT TURNING SIGNAL WOULDN'T WORK BUT THE LEFT TURNING SIGNAL WORKED FINE. THEN AFTER A DAY OR TWO THE RIGHT TURNING SIGNAL WOULD WORK BUT THEN THE LEFT TURNING SIGNAL WON'T WORK. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THEY WOULD BOTH WORK THEN BOTH STOP WORKING. NOW A MONTH HAS PASSED AND NEITHER ONE OF THEM WORK MOST THE TIME, BUT WILL WORK FOR A HOT SECOND AND THEN STOP WORKING. THIS IS ONLY FOR THE REAR TURNING SIGNAL THOUGH THE FRONT TURNING SIGNAL HAVE ALWAYS WORKED PROPERLY AND STILL DO.

NHTSA ODI #10883499

46,000 miles · Dec 3, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

I FIRST STARTED HAVING THIS PROBLEM IN OCTOBER 2015. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JULY 2015. I TRUSTED THIS COMPANY BECAUSE I SEEN THEY HAD GREAT REVIEWS. I ACTUALLY TRADER MY PREVIOUS CAR IN BECAUSE IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING AND ALSO SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. NOW MY CURRENT CAR IS HAVING PROBELMS STARTING. I HAD MY BATTE…

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I FIRST STARTED HAVING THIS PROBLEM IN OCTOBER 2015. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JULY 2015. I TRUSTED THIS COMPANY BECAUSE I SEEN THEY HAD GREAT REVIEWS. I ACTUALLY TRADER MY PREVIOUS CAR IN BECAUSE IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING AND ALSO SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. NOW MY CURRENT CAR IS HAVING PROBELMS STARTING. I HAD MY BATTERY, ALTERNATOR & STARTER CHECKED, AND IT WAS GOOD. THE COMPANY I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM PROVIDED WARRANTY COVERAGE ON THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO GET SERVICED IN THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER FOR AN ENGINE MOUNT REPLACEMENT. THEY REPLACED MY ENGINE MOUNTS AND FUEL PUMP. 2 DAYS AFTER THAT SERVICE I STARTED HAVING ISSUES STARTING THE CAR. WHEN YOU PUT THE KEY IN YOU USUALLY HEAR BEEPING NOISE AND I DIDN'T. THAN MY BATTERY LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, TRAC OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON AND IN THE MESSAGE CENTER TRACKING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME UP. THIS WAS VERY INCONVENIENT DUE TO THE WEATHER AND HAVING TO GET 2 TODDLERS READY FOR SCHOOL IN THE AM. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. I DIDN'T TAKE IT BACK TO THE SAME PLACE BECAUSE EVERYTIME YOU TAKE IT FOR SERVICE MY DEDUCTIBLE IS $100. AFTER 2 WEEKS AFTER REPLACING THE IGNITION SWITCH THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. SO I CALLED MY WARRANTY SERVICE CENTER THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK BUT IF IT NEEDS FIXING I HAVE TO PAY AGAIN. (ALSO I AM PAYING A CAR NOTE OF $115 A WEEK). I REFUSE TO KEEP PAYING MONEY FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IN SO MANY WAYS. IT'S VERY FUSTRATING BECAUSE I TRADER MY PREVIOUS CAR (2000 BUICK REGAL) IN FOR THE SAME REASON. I'M NOT SURE IF IT'S A WIRING ISSUE, SENSOR ISSUE OR MAYBE WHEN THEY CHANGED MY ENGINE MOUNTS OR FUEL PUMP SOMETHING GOT DISCONNECTED. THIS PROBLEM DIDN'T START UNTIL THEY DID SERVICE ON MY VEHICLE. PLEASE I NEED SOME HELP ON WHAT TO DO. LITTLE MINOR ISSUES I DON'T MIND KEEPING UP WITH BUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!

NHTSA ODI #10808281

40,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

MY PASSLOCK SYSTEM HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR YEARS NOW (2007-2015) AND AT RANDOM INTERVALS, MY CAR WILL NOT START AND I HAVE TO WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE ENGINE WILL START. SOMETIMES THE "SECURITY" LIGHT WILL TURN ON WHILE I AM OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND AFTER I HAVE PARKED IT, THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL FLASH AND I CAN'T START …

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MY PASSLOCK SYSTEM HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR YEARS NOW (2007-2015) AND AT RANDOM INTERVALS, MY CAR WILL NOT START AND I HAVE TO WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE ENGINE WILL START. SOMETIMES THE "SECURITY" LIGHT WILL TURN ON WHILE I AM OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND AFTER I HAVE PARKED IT, THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL FLASH AND I CAN'T START THE ENGINE UNTIL AFTER THE 15 MINUTE CYCLE HAS CONCLUDED. NOT ONLY HAS THIS ISSUE BEEN AN INCONVENIENCE, BUT I HAVE HAD OCCASIONS WHERE IT HAS PUT ME IN DANGER. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE, NOR DO I HAVE THE FUNDS TO REPAIR OR REMOVE IT. I BELIEVE THAT PASSLOCK WAS A FAULTY SYSTEM FROM THE BEGINNING AND THE FACT THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED SHOCKS ME. I AM VERY AFRAID THAT ONE DAY THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WILL OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND THAT I WILL LOSE POWER STEERING, BRAKING, AND OTHER VITAL OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS. NOTICEABLY, THE PASSLOCK MALFUNCTION HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT, SO I NEEDED TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I HAVE TALKED TO SERVICE EXPERTS AT MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THAT THIS ISSUE IS WIDESPREAD, INCLUDING MANY GM VEHICLES, AND THAT EVENTUALLY MY CAR JUST WON'T START ANYMORE. THE QUOTED PRICES TO FIX THIS ISSUE (EITHER REPAIRING IT OR REMOVING IT ENTIRELY) HAVE BEEN RIDICULOUSLY HIGH AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY I SHOULD BE FORCED INTO PAYING FOR A WELL-KNOWN GM/CHEVROLET PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10786371

100,000 miles · Dec 27, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering

THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON THE DASH PANEL AND MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND PULL TO ONE SIDE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM QUICKLY GREW INTO THE CAT CONSTANTLY PULLS TO ONE SIDE AND THE STEERING FEELS SLOPPY AND LOOSE IF THAT MAKES SENSE. THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T WORK BUT WILL RANDOMLY KICK IN WHILE D…

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THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON THE DASH PANEL AND MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND PULL TO ONE SIDE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM QUICKLY GREW INTO THE CAT CONSTANTLY PULLS TO ONE SIDE AND THE STEERING FEELS SLOPPY AND LOOSE IF THAT MAKES SENSE. THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T WORK BUT WILL RANDOMLY KICK IN WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR INSTANTLY FEELS AS IF THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED AND GRINDER BUT THE WORSE PART IS HOW THE PULLING TO ONE SIDE BECOMES A QUICK GRAB AND JERK TO ONE SIDE AND HAS NEARLY CAUSED ME SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AND I CANNOT RELAX AND DRIVE. I AM ALWAYS TENSE AND READY TO FIGHT TO KEEP MY CAR GOING STRAIGHT AND NOW WITH THE BAD MICHIGAN WINTER ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE ON SOME DAYS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRACTION CONTROL PUMP WHICH IS GOING TO COST AROUND $2500 AND UP DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY FIND BUT WILL AUTOMATICALLY START AT $2500. THAT COST IS RIDICULOUS AND I HAVE TALKED TO PROB APPROX A HUNDRED PEOPLE WHO EITHER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OR KNEW OF SOMEONE WHO DOES, OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. MY CAR IS NOW PARKED AND I HAVE TO BEG FOR RIDES TO WORK BECAUSE ITS WINTER AND I CANNOT PUT MYSELF AND OTHERS IN DANGER WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE TO WORK AND TRANSPORT KIDS TO DIFFERENT EVENTS AND FEEL THAT THIS PART HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE FROM THE START IF THERE'S THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. AND ALL OF THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE. PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU TO CHECK INTO THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF A RECALL IS NECESSARY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10557383

112,324 miles · Jun 1, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL, AND VSA LIGHT COMES ON UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES AND PULSATES WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALSO THE VEHICLE DOESN'T' ACCELERATE IF DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THIS COULD OR WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THE SYSTEM IS NOT FIXE…

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ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL, AND VSA LIGHT COMES ON UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES AND PULSATES WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALSO THE VEHICLE DOESN'T' ACCELERATE IF DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THIS COULD OR WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THE SYSTEM IS NOT FIXED IMMEDIATELY. SUSPECT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WHICH IS BUILT INTO THE WHEEL HUB. I AM REQUESTING THIS ISSUE BE REPAIRED AND THE FACTORY EXPENSE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A VERY WELL KNOW DOCUMENTED CASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514667

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.