Illustration2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE, PERIODICALLY NOT RUNNING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TURNED ON THE IGNITION, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY TYPE OF NOISE, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS AND SECURITY LIGHT WOULD TURN ON. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE SIT FOR AWHILE, IT WOULD THEN START. *JB
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
What owners actually said
694 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHENEVER THE PARKING LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE AND THE REPAIR COST WAS $500. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAIL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHENEVER THE PARKING LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE AND THE REPAIR COST WAS $500. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
FUEL LEAKS FROM THE HOSE THAT CONNECTS TO THE FUEL INJECTOR PRESSURE REGULATOR ON MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA FROM TIME TO TIME WITH NO REGULAR SCHEDULE. I AM AFRAID THAT AT SOME TIME A FIRE COULD RESULT FROM THIS LEAKAGE. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS AT START UP AND THEN AT OTHER TIMES FOR REASON AT ALL. IT IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF LEAKAGE.…
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FUEL LEAKS FROM THE HOSE THAT CONNECTS TO THE FUEL INJECTOR PRESSURE REGULATOR ON MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA FROM TIME TO TIME WITH NO REGULAR SCHEDULE. I AM AFRAID THAT AT SOME TIME A FIRE COULD RESULT FROM THIS LEAKAGE. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS AT START UP AND THEN AT OTHER TIMES FOR REASON AT ALL. IT IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF LEAKAGE. WHEN I DETECT THE SMELL,I STOP AND PUSH DOWN ON THE HOSE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE PRESSURE REGULATOR AND IT SEEMS TO STOP THE SMELL AND THE LEAK. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS, THE DOOR LOCKS, TURN SIGNALS AND ANYTHING ELECTRICAL BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND IT WOULD STALL. THE WARNING LIGHTS AND THE HEAT WOULD ALSO STOP WORKING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS, THE DOOR LOCKS, TURN SIGNALS AND ANYTHING ELECTRICAL BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND IT WOULD STALL. THE WARNING LIGHTS AND THE HEAT WOULD ALSO STOP WORKING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED REPLACING THE COMPUTER; HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT KNOW IF THAT WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91000.
THE TRACTION CONTROL IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGING EVEN UNDER IDEAL DRIVING SITUATIONS. IT ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONCE ENGAGED DURING PULLING ONTO A ROAD AND DUE TO HOLDING CAR BACK (NO TRACTION) ALMOST HAD A COLLISION. ALSO WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED A NOISE IS HEARD AND A SLIGHT PUSH BACK OF THE BRAKE PED…
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THE TRACTION CONTROL IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGING EVEN UNDER IDEAL DRIVING SITUATIONS. IT ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONCE ENGAGED DURING PULLING ONTO A ROAD AND DUE TO HOLDING CAR BACK (NO TRACTION) ALMOST HAD A COLLISION. ALSO WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED A NOISE IS HEARD AND A SLIGHT PUSH BACK OF THE BRAKE PEDAL OCCURS. NOISE IS POSSIBLY FROM THE ABS. SINCE THE TWO (TC AND ABS) ARE LINKED IT COULD BE DISRUPTING ONE OR THE OTHER. I HAVE SEARCHED SEVERAL FORUMS AND MANY CONSUMERS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY HAVE TRIED SEVERAL SOLUTIONS, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. WROTE A LETTER TO GM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. ALSO NO KNOWN ROOT CAUSE OR EASY FIX AND CUST HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS TO FIX ISSUE AT DEALER YET ISSUE REMAINS. THIS SHOULD BE RESEARCHED AND RECALLED BEFORE ANYONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE TO BE THE STEERING SHAFT. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY FIV…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE TO BE THE STEERING SHAFT. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS LATER. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY A FEE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,262. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 2/17/11 *CN UPDATED 05/31/11
PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE TRANS - WASN'T SHIFTING RIGHT, HARD SHIFT. TOOK IT TO ROTOLO CHEVY IN FONTANA, CA. DX: CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NEARLY $800 TO GET NEW ONE ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR COMPLETELY DIE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE TRANNY DISINTEGRATED. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD SHIFTING DIFFICULTIES - TOOK IT …
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PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE TRANS - WASN'T SHIFTING RIGHT, HARD SHIFT. TOOK IT TO ROTOLO CHEVY IN FONTANA, CA. DX: CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NEARLY $800 TO GET NEW ONE ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR COMPLETELY DIE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE TRANNY DISINTEGRATED. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD SHIFTING DIFFICULTIES - TOOK IT BACK A WEEK LATER TO BE TOLD IT HAS A "SMART ADAPT" IN TRANS AND NEEDED APPROX 1000 MILES TO SYNC ITSELF, NOW THE CAR SPUTTERS, HAS A MISFIRE CODE IN CYLINDER 2, TRANS CODE. HARD STARTS, RANDOMLY STALLS WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS SURGE WHEN AT AN IDLE, CAR CONSTANTLY FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL - IT CAN ACTUALLY MAKE YOU NAUSEAS WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT BECAUSE OF THE SURGING OF THE CAR. THIS MORNING THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I WAS AT A STOP SIGN. ALL PLUGS, PLUG WIRES AND COIL PACK FOR CYLINDER 2 HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH NO CORRECTION TO HOW THE CAR RUNS. SOUNDS AND FEELS WORSE WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, BUT SMOOTHES OUT SOME WHEN IN DRIVE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH BAR REGARDING CAT REPLACEMENT, RECOMMENDED REFUND TO DEALER FOR UNNECESSARY ITEM - DEALER REFUSES TO GIVE MONEY BACK. TOLD ME CAR WOULD NEVER RUN RIGHT AFTER THE TRANNY WAS REPLACED BECAUSE I REFUSED TO HAVE THEM CHANGE THE MOTOR MOUNTS. THE CAR HAS NOT RUN RIGHT SINCE, BUT A SECOND OPINION FOUND THAT THE MOUNTS WERE OK - RECOMMENDED THAT ONE OF THE BACK MOUNTS BE REPLACED AS IT WAS MORE WORN THAN THE OTHERS. *TR
I HAVE 2003 CHEVY IMPALA AND I HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK THEFT SYSTEM THAT GM PUTS IN THE CAR. I ONLY HAD THE CAR YEAR AND HALF, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEM UP TO AUG 28 2010. NOW ONCE EVERY 3 MONTHS IT WONT START. THE CAR FOR NO REASON WILL NOT START. WHEN IT DOES START IT STALL OUT THEN AFTER OTHER TRY IT START AND …
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I HAVE 2003 CHEVY IMPALA AND I HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSLOCK THEFT SYSTEM THAT GM PUTS IN THE CAR. I ONLY HAD THE CAR YEAR AND HALF, I HAVEN'T HAD ANY PROBLEM UP TO AUG 28 2010. NOW ONCE EVERY 3 MONTHS IT WONT START. THE CAR FOR NO REASON WILL NOT START. WHEN IT DOES START IT STALL OUT THEN AFTER OTHER TRY IT START AND THE SECURITY LIGHT STAYS ON FOR 4 TO 7DAYS. I HAVEN'T FIXED IT YET READING LOT ABOUT THE CHEVY DEALERS HAVEN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY TURN OFF AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 IMPALA. NOTHING I DO SEEMS TO HELP THEM COME BACK ON. I HAVE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO MANUALLY TURN THEM ON, I HAVE TURNED OFF MY CAR AND RESTARTED, I HAVE HIT THE SWITCH TO GO FROM BRIGHT TO DIM. NOTHING HAS HELPED. THEY EVENTUALLY COME BACK ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED M…
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HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY TURN OFF AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 IMPALA. NOTHING I DO SEEMS TO HELP THEM COME BACK ON. I HAVE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO MANUALLY TURN THEM ON, I HAVE TURNED OFF MY CAR AND RESTARTED, I HAVE HIT THE SWITCH TO GO FROM BRIGHT TO DIM. NOTHING HAS HELPED. THEY EVENTUALLY COME BACK ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MAYBE THREE TIMES SO FAR. I HAVE NO CLUE AS TO WHEN THIS STARTED BUT SINCE YOU ARE MAKING ME PICK A DATE I DID. IT WOULD PROBABLY HAPPEN MORE BUT I QUIT DRIVING MY CAR AT NIGHT FOR THE FEAR OF IT HAPPENING AGAIN! HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP TO HAVE FIXED SINCE I AM MARRIED TO A MECHANIC. HOWEVER HE HAS YET TO BOTHER TRYING TO FIX IT OR SEE WHAT COULD BE WRONG EITHER. *TR
FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFOGGER BLOWS ONLY COLD OR HOT AIR- IE GETS STUCK IN ONE OR THE OTHER POSITION. *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.