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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
92,000 miles · Nov 7, 2013
Seat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BELT BECAME COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BELT BECAME COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

NHTSA ODI #10551354

102,500 miles · Oct 30, 2013
Service Brakes

DRIVING SAID VEHICLE THANKFULLY AT LOW SPEED WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR . PULLED OVER AT SAW BRAKE FLUID . LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE SAW ROTTED OUT BRAKE LINES WITH A BIG HOLE IN ONE OF THEM AND THE OTHER IS JUST AS RUSTED . I CONSIDER THIS A GREAT SAFETY ISSUE . DUE TO IT HAPPENS SUDDENLY. NOTE: I SAW ON ABC…

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DRIVING SAID VEHICLE THANKFULLY AT LOW SPEED WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR . PULLED OVER AT SAW BRAKE FLUID . LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE SAW ROTTED OUT BRAKE LINES WITH A BIG HOLE IN ONE OF THEM AND THE OTHER IS JUST AS RUSTED . I CONSIDER THIS A GREAT SAFETY ISSUE . DUE TO IT HAPPENS SUDDENLY. NOTE: I SAW ON ABC NEW AND ON THE INTERNET THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS AS WELL. IT NOW SEEMS ITS NOT JUST TRUCKS. I KEEP MY CAR IN GREAT SHAPE AND HAVE IT SERVICED AT THE DEALER AND NEVER WAS INFORMED OF A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKE LINES. THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10550091

118,000 miles · Oct 11, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineSteering

ACTED AS IF IT DOSEN'T HAVE POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT, VERY STIFF,AND JERKY. TOTAL CUT OUT ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. WHEN TRY TO PUT FUEL IN GAS TANK HAVE TO HOLD FUELING NOZZLE BARLEY OPEN OR IT WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. DROVE TO WORK, GOT OFF OF WORK WENT TO START IT, IT WOULD START WITH OUT A JUMP. …

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ACTED AS IF IT DOSEN'T HAVE POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT, VERY STIFF,AND JERKY. TOTAL CUT OUT ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. WHEN TRY TO PUT FUEL IN GAS TANK HAVE TO HOLD FUELING NOZZLE BARLEY OPEN OR IT WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. DROVE TO WORK, GOT OFF OF WORK WENT TO START IT, IT WOULD START WITH OUT A JUMP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547618

124,000 miles · Oct 8, 2013
Visibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AND BECAME STUCK IN A VERTICAL POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND WOULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER HOWEVER, IT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AND BECAME STUCK IN A VERTICAL POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND WOULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER HOWEVER, IT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 12/24/13*CN

NHTSA ODI #10547260

Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2013
Traction Control SystemWheels

TRACTION ACTIVE MESSAGE COMES ON TURN TRACTION CONTROL TURNS AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I PUT CAR IN REVERSE, PULL FORWARD TURN WHEELS TO RIGHT IT MAKES A NOISE NIT A GRINDING NOISE BUT CLOSE AND WHEN MESSAGE COMES UP AND I APPLY BRAKES IT MAKES THAT NOISE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10544160

150,400 miles · Aug 24, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other

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

NHTSA ODI #10537028

82,000 miles · Aug 23, 2013
Wheels

THE LUG NUTS ON MY VEHICLE SEEM TO SOMEHOW LOOSEN THEMSELVES. THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE WILL MAKE NOISE THEN I LOOK AT THE NUTS TO FIND THAT THEY ARE LOOSE. THEN WHEN I GRAB THE TIRE IRON TO TIGHTEN THEM, THEY EITHER A) CAME LOOSE AGAIN LATER, OR B) THE NUT COMPLETELY COMES OFF...WITH PART OF THE PART THE NUT GOES ON STILL INSIDE. I…

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THE LUG NUTS ON MY VEHICLE SEEM TO SOMEHOW LOOSEN THEMSELVES. THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE WILL MAKE NOISE THEN I LOOK AT THE NUTS TO FIND THAT THEY ARE LOOSE. THEN WHEN I GRAB THE TIRE IRON TO TIGHTEN THEM, THEY EITHER A) CAME LOOSE AGAIN LATER, OR B) THE NUT COMPLETELY COMES OFF...WITH PART OF THE PART THE NUT GOES ON STILL INSIDE. I MEAN THE ENTIRE PART BREAKS AND CAN'T BE FIXED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE AXLE. AS OF RIGHT NOW THERE ARE ONLY 3 OF THE 5 NUTS HOLDING THE TIRE ON AND THE OTHERS BROKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10536843

58,000 miles · Aug 6, 2013
Service Brakes

AT ANY TIME WHETHER TURNING OR PROCEEDING FORWARD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS TRACTION ACTIVATES AND STAYS ON. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF THIS RECALL WEBSITE. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE 2006, 10,000MILES AND HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET ALL RECALL INFO SO I CAN TAKE TO DEALERSHIP AND GET FIXED WHATE…

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AT ANY TIME WHETHER TURNING OR PROCEEDING FORWARD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS TRACTION ACTIVATES AND STAYS ON. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF THIS RECALL WEBSITE. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE 2006, 10,000MILES AND HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET ALL RECALL INFO SO I CAN TAKE TO DEALERSHIP AND GET FIXED WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE FIXED? ALSO WHENEVER IT RAINS THE FLOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT FILLS WITH WATER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 2006. PLEASE EMAIL OR SEND LETTER FOR MY RECALLS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10533941

95,000 miles · Jul 30, 2013
Electrical System

GAS GAUGE GIVING INCORRECT READING. JUMPS FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND CAN RESIDE ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN REGARDLESS OF AMOUNT OF GAS. CAUSES CAR TO RUN OUT OF GAS WITHOUT PROPER WARNING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532609

81,000 miles · Jul 30, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM CANT FILL VEHICLE FUEL TANK PUMP SHUTS OFF AND GAS SPRAYS OUT OF FILL TUBE POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532607

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.