IllustrationVEHICLE FIRE. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.
2003 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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Impala years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
670–25K
6625–50K
9150–75K
8175–100K
121100–150K
87150K+
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
Structure complaints
15 reportsTURN 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.
MY 2003 CHE IMP DEVELOPED A WATER LEAK FROM LOWER RIGHT HAND SIDE OF WINDSHIELD, COWLING AREA. WATER LEAKS ONTO RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR. APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM CABIN FILOTER AREA, NOT SUSRE.
I BOUGHT A CAR FROM PROGRESSIVE AUTO AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A INSPECT ABLE CAR AND THAT IT SHOULD RUN JUST FINE, I BOUGHT THE CAR FEBRUARY 20TH OF 2015 AND THE INSPECTION WAS DUE ON THE END OF FEBRUARY THAT'S WHEN THEY TOLD ME IT SHOULD INSPECT FINE, BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE TOLD ME HE COULDN'T INSPECT IT SO I GOT T…
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I BOUGHT A CAR FROM PROGRESSIVE AUTO AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A INSPECT ABLE CAR AND THAT IT SHOULD RUN JUST FINE, I BOUGHT THE CAR FEBRUARY 20TH OF 2015 AND THE INSPECTION WAS DUE ON THE END OF FEBRUARY THAT'S WHEN THEY TOLD ME IT SHOULD INSPECT FINE, BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE TOLD ME HE COULDN'T INSPECT IT SO I GOT THE FENDER RUST FIXED. THEN I TOOK IT TO INTEGRITY AUTO TO SEE IF THEY COULD INSPECT IT BUT THEY COULD NOT BECAUSE THE BOTTOM WAS RUSTED OUT THEN I TOOK IT TO TWO MORE MECHANICS WHO ALSO TOOK ME IT WAS WORTH IT BECAUSE ITS ALL ROTTED THE INTAKE GASKET WENT THE CO2 SENSOR WENT AND THE WATER PUMP WENT AND THE PANELS ARE ALL ROTTED... IT WAS A CAR THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SOLD AND I ENDED UP PAYING OVER $1,000 DOLLARS FOR IT... NOW I'M OUT OF A CAR I RELY ON FOR WORK... *TR
UPON GOING FOR STATE INSPECTION I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE RUSTING AND FLAKING AND IF THIS WAS NOT CORRECTED, CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION NEXT YEAR. WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO NOT DRIVING THE CAR ENOUGH (UNDERUSAGE). MY CAR IS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA 4 DOOR SEDAN. THE COST WAS $344.50 TO REPAIR. …
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UPON GOING FOR STATE INSPECTION I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE RUSTING AND FLAKING AND IF THIS WAS NOT CORRECTED, CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION NEXT YEAR. WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO NOT DRIVING THE CAR ENOUGH (UNDERUSAGE). MY CAR IS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA 4 DOOR SEDAN. THE COST WAS $344.50 TO REPAIR. ON TODAY'S NEWS I NOTICED THAT GENERAL MOTORS PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUV'S ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM MIGHT ALSO INVOLVE THE IMPALA. *TR
WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FLOORBOARDS, IN MY 2003 IMPALA, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR FLOOD. FOUND A SOLUTION FOR GM'S POOR DESIGN. THE COWLING GASKET ABOVE THE CABIN FILTER SHOULD BE REPLACED AND GLUED IN POSITION WITH RTV. THIS SHOULD SOLVE PROBLEM. ALSO MAKE SURE DRAINHOLES AROUND CABIN FILTER ARE CLEAR OF ALL DEBRIS. *TR
WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FLOORBOARDS, IN MY 2003 IMPALA, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR FLOOD. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW LITTLE OR HOW MUCH IT RAINS, THE FLOORBOARDS ALWAYS FLOOD. THERE WAS ONE INSTANCE WHERE THE WATER WAS PAST MY ANKLES. THE WATER IS DRIPPING FROM UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BOX AREA AND IT RUNS ALONG THE DOOR SEA…
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WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FLOORBOARDS, IN MY 2003 IMPALA, ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR FLOOD. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW LITTLE OR HOW MUCH IT RAINS, THE FLOORBOARDS ALWAYS FLOOD. THERE WAS ONE INSTANCE WHERE THE WATER WAS PAST MY ANKLES. THE WATER IS DRIPPING FROM UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT BOX AREA AND IT RUNS ALONG THE DOOR SEAL TO THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD FROM MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP THAT IT IS POSSIBLE A BAD CABIN SEAL. AFTER FINALLY GETTING FED UP WITH THE SITUATION I LOOKED FOR A POSSIBLE SOLUTION ONLINE AND WHILE I DIDN'T FIND A SOLUTION I FOUND MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HAS LASTED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 YEARS AGO. *TR
PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE ON BOTH BACK DOORS HAVE BROKEN OFF, MANY OTHER OWNERS OF LIKE IMPALAS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM!*TR
FAILING PAINT ON FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS OF WHITE IMPALAS. ON ALL WHITE IMPALAS FROM MY AREA THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF OF THE BUMPERS, BOTH FRONT AND REAR, VERTICALLY IN CHUNKS ALONG THE CURVES TOWARD EITHER SIDE OF THE CAR. THIS ONLY APPEARS TO BE A CONDITION WITH THE WHITE MODELS, AND LOOKS LIKE THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH FLEX ADDED…
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FAILING PAINT ON FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS OF WHITE IMPALAS. ON ALL WHITE IMPALAS FROM MY AREA THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF OF THE BUMPERS, BOTH FRONT AND REAR, VERTICALLY IN CHUNKS ALONG THE CURVES TOWARD EITHER SIDE OF THE CAR. THIS ONLY APPEARS TO BE A CONDITION WITH THE WHITE MODELS, AND LOOKS LIKE THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH FLEX ADDED TO THE PAINT BEFORE APPLICATION. *TR
I DISCOVERED ACCIDENTALLY THAT MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA HAS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT MAY CAUSE SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE LEAD TO DEATH. IN THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF THE CAR IS A DEVICE THAT IS CALLED A BODY PRESSURE VALVE THAT VENTS CABIN PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS IT LETS SNOW AND RAIN IN THE STAGNANT WATER SITS…
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I DISCOVERED ACCIDENTALLY THAT MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA HAS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT MAY CAUSE SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE LEAD TO DEATH. IN THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF THE CAR IS A DEVICE THAT IS CALLED A BODY PRESSURE VALVE THAT VENTS CABIN PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS IT LETS SNOW AND RAIN IN THE STAGNANT WATER SITS IN YOUR FENDER AND IS A BREEDING GROWN FOR GERMS. THE DEALER WAS SHOCKED WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN AND ASKED ME WHAT MADE ME THINK TO REMOVE THE CARPET AND LOOK IN THE FENDER. ALL THEY COULD DO WAS TAKE THE WATER OUT. STANDING WATER IN A FENDER WILL CAUSE A RUST PROBLEM. I ASKED THEM WHAT COULD BE DONE AND THEY TOLD ME TO PUT A NEW VALVE IN. THAT WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE FLAP IS NOT AIR TIGHT AND IS VENTED WATER AND FUMES SUCH AS CARBON MONOXIDE CAN ENTER THE CAR THROUGH IT . THE EXHAUST IS ONLY 12 INCHES OR LESS FROM IT. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES DO NOT RUN THE CAR WHEN SITTING STILL LETS ME KNOW THAT GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM . WE ALL HAVE BEEN TOLD NOT TO RUN CARS IN ENCLOSED BUILDINGS BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH. IF IDLING IN TRAFFIC ONE MUST BE ASTUTE ENOUGH TO KEEP THEIR VEHICLE FAN ON AND OUTSIDE AIR COMING INTO THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES SO NOT TO ALLOW THE CAR TO FILL UP WITH FUMES FROM THE TAIL PIPE THAT SITS BENEATH THE PRESSURE VALVE. WHAT A DUMB DESIGN. CAR WAS SERVICED ON 03/04/08 I WAS ALWAYS SPRAYING DEODORIZER IN THE TRUNK AND IT SMELLED LIKE A CESSPOOL AS FAR AS THE REST OF THIS REPORT GOES THE NUMBER OF FAILURES IS TOTAL FAILURE IT HAS NEVER WORKED AND COULD BE CONSTRUED TO BE CRIMINAL NEGLECT. *TR
Official recalls
515V701000 · 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 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.
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 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.
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
1PE06017 · 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.