IllustrationHEAD LIGHT LENS DETERIORATING AND DIMINISHING ABILITY TO SEE ROAD
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
23 reportsTHIS CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING, OR STATIONARY. IT HAS STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNING. IT HAS STALLED ON CITY STREETS, MAIN STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, AS WELL AS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. WHEN THE CAR STALLS, IT STARTS BACK UP BUT AFTER SOME TIME HAS PASSED. I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. SOMETIMES I …
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THIS CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING, OR STATIONARY. IT HAS STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNING. IT HAS STALLED ON CITY STREETS, MAIN STREETS AND HIGHWAYS, AS WELL AS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. WHEN THE CAR STALLS, IT STARTS BACK UP BUT AFTER SOME TIME HAS PASSED. I KNOW THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT TILL THE CAR IS COOLED DOWN BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. PLEASE CORRECT THIS ISSUE FOR US.
GOT THE RECALL DONE ON THE CAR BACK IN MAY ON KEYS AND MY CAR STILL WON'T START HAVE LIGHTS AND EVERY THING BUT I HAVE TO GET OUT AND LOCK AND UNLOCK MY CAR THEN SOMETIMES IT STARTS. PLUS MY HIGH BRIGHTS LIGHTS ON DASH FLASH AND MESSAGE CENTER SAYS HIGH BEAM OUT BUT ONLY WORK HAVE THE TIME, MY CAR OUT OF NO WHERE SHAKEYS IN ANY…
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GOT THE RECALL DONE ON THE CAR BACK IN MAY ON KEYS AND MY CAR STILL WON'T START HAVE LIGHTS AND EVERY THING BUT I HAVE TO GET OUT AND LOCK AND UNLOCK MY CAR THEN SOMETIMES IT STARTS. PLUS MY HIGH BRIGHTS LIGHTS ON DASH FLASH AND MESSAGE CENTER SAYS HIGH BEAM OUT BUT ONLY WORK HAVE THE TIME, MY CAR OUT OF NO WHERE SHAKEYS IN ANY CONDITION AND ITS REAR END DOES IT AT 50-60+ MILES AN HOUR AND WON'T STOP TIL I BRAKE PAST 40PMH AND WORN OUT FOUR TIRES BELTS ON BACK SIDE OF THEM IN FOUR WEEKS TIME AND SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT WON'T GO OFF EVEN I CAN'T FIND THE ISSUE HELP...
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT B&B AUTOMOTIVE ON JULY 6TH, 2015. THIS VEHICLE HAD 43,850 MILES ON IT. I TEST DRIVED THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT. ON JULY 17TH I REALIZED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN "THE MESSAGE CENTER" SECURITY CAME UP. I IGNORED IT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVING PERFECTLY. THAN A WEEK LATER IT CAME UP A…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AT B&B AUTOMOTIVE ON JULY 6TH, 2015. THIS VEHICLE HAD 43,850 MILES ON IT. I TEST DRIVED THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT. ON JULY 17TH I REALIZED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN "THE MESSAGE CENTER" SECURITY CAME UP. I IGNORED IT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS STILL DRIVING PERFECTLY. THAN A WEEK LATER IT CAME UP AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I CALLED B&B AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE ISSUE AND THEY TOLD ME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BECAUSE MY CAR IS UNDER A AVP WARRANTY. 2 DAYS LATER I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START AT ALL! NOT EVEN CRANK. I TRIED 3 TIMES AND IT STILL WOULD NOT START. BECAUSE I WAS JUST GETTING OFF AT 11:45PM NO ONE WAS ABLE TO COME OUT AND HELP ME FROM B&B. I TOOK THE KEY OUT FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND TRIED TO START IT UP AGAIN AND IT STARTED. 2 WEEKS LATER ON MY WAY TO WORK I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND IT WOULDN'T. I HEARD A CLICKING SOUND THIS TIME BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I CALLED B&B THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN OR GET IT TOWED, I EXPLIANED TO THEM I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK. I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN AND GAVE IT GAS AND IT WORKED. NOW I HAVE TO GIVE IT GAS IN ORDER FOR IT TO WORK. I CALLED B&B AND NOTIFIED THEM BECAUSE I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD THE CAR FOR A MONTH AND THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I TOLD THEM I CALLED IN AND REPORTED THIS ISSUE 3 TIMES THEY SAID IT'S BEEN OVER 30 DAYS SO IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THAT IS NOT FAIR! I TRUSTED THEM IN TRADING MY CAR IN FOR THIS VEHICLE. I WORK FULL-TIME WITH 2 CHILDREN UNDER 4 AND THIS IS NOT SAFE. I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE THIS SEEMS LIKE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE OR BAD WIRING.????
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WHEN INSERTING OUR KEY IN THE IGNITION THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND OUR CAR WONT START FOR 20 PLUS MINS, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS KNOW WITH GM BUT NOT RECALLED IS THERE ANYTHING THAT IS BEING DONE TO HELP SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE OR ARE WE JUS…
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WE HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WHEN INSERTING OUR KEY IN THE IGNITION THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND OUR CAR WONT START FOR 20 PLUS MINS, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS KNOW WITH GM BUT NOT RECALLED IS THERE ANYTHING THAT IS BEING DONE TO HELP SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE OR ARE WE JUST STUCK PAYING OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THIS FIXED
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE LATE SEPT. WITH INSTRUCTIONS NOT TO CALL FOR APPT BEFORE OCT. 1. CALLED ON OCT.15, WAS TOLD PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. CALLED AGAIN TODAY FOR STATUS UPDATE, WAS TOLD THE WAITING LIST IS ABOUT 1000 VEHICLES AND THEY ARE GETTING ONLY ABOUT 1-2 KITS PER WEEK. NOT EVEN A GUESS AS TO WHEN THEY…
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RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE LATE SEPT. WITH INSTRUCTIONS NOT TO CALL FOR APPT BEFORE OCT. 1. CALLED ON OCT.15, WAS TOLD PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. CALLED AGAIN TODAY FOR STATUS UPDATE, WAS TOLD THE WAITING LIST IS ABOUT 1000 VEHICLES AND THEY ARE GETTING ONLY ABOUT 1-2 KITS PER WEEK. NOT EVEN A GUESS AS TO WHEN THEY WILL BE READY FOR MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MEDIA REPORTS GM IS BEGGING OWNERS TO BRING IN THEIR CAR TO GET THEM FIXED AND OFFERING GIFT CARDS, NOT THE CASE HERE IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA. AT THIS RATE WE'RE LOOKING FOR NEXT YEAR MAYBE SUMMER, BY THEN MAYBE THEY HAVE DECIDED TO FIX THE AIRBAG PROBLEM TOO. ITS NOT HUMID EXCEPT DURING THE MONSOON SEASON. HOPEFULLY YOU CAN HELP TO EXPEDITE THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU *TR
MY CAR WILL NOT START PROPERLY. THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL FLASH SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. SOMETIMES THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL JUST STAY ON AND IT WILL TURN OVER. THIS HAS CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS FOR ME. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND WE END UP STUCK PLACES FOR 10, 20, OR 30 MINUTES, UP TO AN HOUR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO…
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MY CAR WILL NOT START PROPERLY. THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL FLASH SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. SOMETIMES THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL JUST STAY ON AND IT WILL TURN OVER. THIS HAS CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS FOR ME. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND WE END UP STUCK PLACES FOR 10, 20, OR 30 MINUTES, UP TO AN HOUR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED $400. TO FIX THE SECURITY CHIP AND THE KEY SHAFT BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT IS MAKING THE SECURITY SYSTEM MESS UP. WELL NOW THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR WITH THE KEY, BUT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE CHIP FOR FREE AND I DO NOT HAVE MONEY TO SPEND ON IT! *TR
WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT, THE CAR WILL NOT START. ONCE STARTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THROWS MULTIPLE ERRORS, FROM SECURITY, BATTERY, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, ABS LIGHT, SEAT BELT LIGHT, AND BRAKES. THE RADIO IS LOCKED OUT AND THE AC FAN RUNS BUT WILL NOT ALLOW THE AC COMPRESSOR TO FUNCTION. ALSO THE HEAD LIGHTS FLASH AND THE COM…
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WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT, THE CAR WILL NOT START. ONCE STARTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THROWS MULTIPLE ERRORS, FROM SECURITY, BATTERY, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, ABS LIGHT, SEAT BELT LIGHT, AND BRAKES. THE RADIO IS LOCKED OUT AND THE AC FAN RUNS BUT WILL NOT ALLOW THE AC COMPRESSOR TO FUNCTION. ALSO THE HEAD LIGHTS FLASH AND THE COMPLETE DASH BOARD GOES DEAD INCLUDING ALL GAUGES, FROM THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE. THE WARNING BELL CONTINUES TO RING AS THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. THIS IS A COULD CAUSE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH NO HEAD LIGHTS AND NO WORKING GAUGES ON THE DASH, AND SHOULD FOR SOME REASON THE SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTS THE CAR DOWN WHILE DRIVING, COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. GM SEEM TO BE NEGLECTING THIS ISSUE, AND EVEN GM AND THEIR DEALERSHIPS CLAIM TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS. YET IN MULTIPLE IMPALA FORUMS, THIS IS THE TOP ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED, AND IT IS NOT FAIR FOR THE CONSUMER TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO CHASE THIS ISSUE DOWN. I JUST WISH AMERICAN CAR COMPANIES WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PUBLIC'S SAFETY IS IN QUESTION. *TR
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE.
MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND EVERYONE ELSE WITH THE IMPALA HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN CHARGING PEOPLE $600 TO CHANGE THE IGNITIAN THAT DOESN'T EVEN FIX THE PROBLEM. THAT IS WHAT THEY CHARGED ME 3 YEARS AGO. THE CAR WILL NOT START ONCE IN AWHILE A…
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MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND EVERYONE ELSE WITH THE IMPALA HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN CHARGING PEOPLE $600 TO CHANGE THE IGNITIAN THAT DOESN'T EVEN FIX THE PROBLEM. THAT IS WHAT THEY CHARGED ME 3 YEARS AGO. THE CAR WILL NOT START ONCE IN AWHILE AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT 15-20 MINUTES FOR IT TO FINALLY START. IT STARTED OUT EVERY OTHER MONTH THEN EVERY MONTH THEN TWICE A MONTH. NOW IN 2010 IT HAPPENS 2-3 TIMES A WEEK FOR ME. HERE IS ONE OF THE MANY FORUMS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HTTP://64.13.204.178/CHEVROLET/IMPALA/2002/ELECTRICAL/PASSLOCK_PROBLEM_WONT_START_AND_SECURITY_LIGHT_IS_ON.SHTML
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.