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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

What owners actually said

694 reports
212,000 miles · May 16, 2014
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED ON AND IN PARK, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED ON AND IN PARK, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 212,000. UPDATED 10/2/14*CN

NHTSA ODI #10588858

156,250 miles · May 8, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON MAY 4, 2014. I HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE YET MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO MY SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. AS A RESULT I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY MOUTH. I ALSO HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE TOP OF MY HEAD. MY TEETH CUT INTO MY BOTTOM LIP AND I …

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I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON MAY 4, 2014. I HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE YET MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO MY SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. AS A RESULT I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY MOUTH. I ALSO HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE TOP OF MY HEAD. MY TEETH CUT INTO MY BOTTOM LIP AND I HAD TO GO TO THE ER LATER THAT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THE PAIN. I FEEL THAT HAD THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED I WOULDN'T HAVE SUSTAINED THE INJURY THAT I DID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587348

37,764 miles · May 7, 2014
TiresWheels

4 MICHELIN HYDROEDGE ST P225/60R16 97T TIRES HAVE ONLY 11,020 MILES SINCE PURCHASE AND ARE SHOWING HEAVY CRACKS IN THE OUTER CIRCUMFERENCE TREAD PORTION OF THE TIRE.. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE TREAD HAS A BAD COMPOUND MIX.. THREE OF THE TIRES SHOW PRODUCTION CODE M33VF6WX5208. THE OTHER TIRE SHOWS M33VF6W4008.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587144

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

197,000 miles · Apr 21, 2014
Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEGUN TO GO OFF AUTOMATICALLY. SO FAR, WE CAN CLICK THE LIGHTS FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM OR VICE-VERSA AND THEY COME BACK ON. THIS STARTED THE LATTER PART OF LAST YEAR, BUT LAST WEEK THEY ACTUALLY STARTED FLICKERING RIGHT BEFORE THEY WENT OFF. I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND THIS IS A…

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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEGUN TO GO OFF AUTOMATICALLY. SO FAR, WE CAN CLICK THE LIGHTS FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM OR VICE-VERSA AND THEY COME BACK ON. THIS STARTED THE LATTER PART OF LAST YEAR, BUT LAST WEEK THEY ACTUALLY STARTED FLICKERING RIGHT BEFORE THEY WENT OFF. I SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH MANY CONSUMERS. I LIVE IN RURAL AMERICA AND FEAR THE LIGHTS GOING OUT WHERE THERE ARE NO STREET LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF LIGHTING. THERE ARE MANY CURVES AND HILLS AND FEAR WHAT COULD HAPPEN ESPECIALLY IF MY TEENAGER IS DRIVING AND PANICS. WE HAVE SEARCHED FOR THE "FIX" BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW FOR SURE AND GM HAS MADE NO ATTEMPT TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM. MY COMPLAINT IS WHY NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE READ SO MANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT IT MAY BE BUT NO ONE HAS THE EXACT REMEDY FOR IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10583877

108,000 miles · Apr 13, 2014
EnginePower Train

CAR WILL NOT START, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT INSIDE THE CAR. NO LIGHTS GO ON - NOTHING. HAVE REPLACED KEY, KEY CYLINDER (TWICE), AND IGNITION SWITCH. NEXT STEP IS TO REPLACE BCM, BUT NOT SURE IF THAT WILL SOLVE ISSUE. IN RESEARCHING SIMILAR ISSUES PEOPLE HAVE BYPASSED THE SECURITY SYSTEM TO THE BCM SO CAR WILL START. WE HA…

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CAR WILL NOT START, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS HOT INSIDE THE CAR. NO LIGHTS GO ON - NOTHING. HAVE REPLACED KEY, KEY CYLINDER (TWICE), AND IGNITION SWITCH. NEXT STEP IS TO REPLACE BCM, BUT NOT SURE IF THAT WILL SOLVE ISSUE. IN RESEARCHING SIMILAR ISSUES PEOPLE HAVE BYPASSED THE SECURITY SYSTEM TO THE BCM SO CAR WILL START. WE HAVE NOT DONE THIS BYPASS. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10579467

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

150,000 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ABS AND THE CHECK TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS ALSO A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ABS AND THE CHECK TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS ALSO A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10578532

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.