808 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Impala. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJanuary 3, 2026
Fuel system or backfire is what I believe happened to it. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety was severely put at risk because the car exploded and caught fire while I was inside the car and fire came through the dash and air conditioner slots, anything could of happened whether shrapnel or burn. this also put others at risk if my spouse was in the car with me or the apartment complex I live in could have caught fire and endangered multiple people. No the issue has not been seen or confirmed by a dealer or service center. Yes the vehicle has been inspected by state fire marshal. No there was no warning lights or problems at all. We drove the car the night before, everything was normal and nothing was showing on the dash and the next day I jumped in, put my seat belt on and started the car to make sure it was running good and it exploded and caught flames.
Fire reported
NHTSA #11708557TIRESMay 24, 2025
225/60 R16 tire size valve leak and pushed in slow tire leak
Crash reported
NHTSA #11662981SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELSMay 23, 2025
Power windows fail at times Blinkers fail at times Front hub assembly damage Front calipers are damaged and affect steering These are available for inspection. There are huge safety risks with all of these compromised issues. Last inspection is unknown. No known warning lamps present.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 25, 2024
Transmission hesitates to pull out in drive from a stop
AIR BAGSFebruary 25, 2024
I was driving out of supermarket I was alone and the airbags deployed. I was hit hard and had a panic attack. I was able to drive home 14 miles. Windshield busted and dash board totaled Everyone I try to download a picture I'm sent to the begining. I'm going to have pictures on file incase needed. .
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHEROctober 16, 2022
I was driving along when out of no where my trunk opened. I got off the highway and closed it. At that time I was puzzled wondering who had been in my truck to have not closed it correctly. I knew I hadn't been in it in awhile. It wasn't until a few weeks later when the "Service Vehicle Soon" light on my dash came on. I went and had my vehicle scanned and was told about the TrapAlert system in the trunk and that is why my trunk popped open. I realize there was a post about this like a decade ago. But this is happening to me now and I can't find help for this issue anywhere. I've contacted both Chevrolet and GM support online as well as repair shops and no one seems to know what I'm talking about. GM told me they don't keep info on Vehicles older than 10 years. All the information online would suggest there is an actual sensor somewhere in the trunk although extremely vague on where it actually is and that it has a disable switch. Well, we've tore this thing apart only to find out it's some looped wiring that goes into the stereo amp in the trunk. I've yet to see a sensor yet for some reason my vehicle is still giving a single that someone is trapped in the trunk thus, popping the trunk whenever it wants. I've been searching high and low for information and already spent $1100 to repair issues to clear the dash light and nothing seems to work. Just a waste of time and money and considering this happened while I was driving 55mph I would think it obvious that its dangerous. Could we at least get some actual information without having to spend more than the Vehicle is worth. Smh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 25, 2021
My vehicle caught on fire after I returned from it getting serviced by Pepboys in Phenix City Alabama. My car was only getting serviced for the A/C and once I returned home, my car caught on fire in our drive port.
Fire reported
NHTSA #11418512ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENovember 9, 2020
I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2002 CHEVY IMPALA WHICH CAME WITH THE IMPORTANT VEHICLE SAFETY RECALL AND I WOULD NEED THE PROBLEM FIXED. NHTSA 15V-701 IM ACTUALLY NOW SCARED TO DRIVE IT/
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMOctober 2, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE GAS GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN. I SUBSEQUENTLY RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I DID NOT KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAD. I WAS STUCK ON THE ROAD. I HAD TO GET THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP ON OTHER CHEVY IMPALAS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DENNY MENHOLT CHEVROLET (3000 KING AVE W, BILLINGS, MT 59102) ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 279,303.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 18, 2020
HIGH BEAM SWITCH HAS BEEN BROKEN, VERY COMMON PROBLEM WHEN GOOGLE SEARCHING. NO ONE FIXES IT AS IT IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE. CANNOT USE HIGH BEAMS AND MANY PEOPLE ADJUST THE LOW BEAMS HIGHER AS A SOLUTION, WHICH IS BAD FOR EVERYONE. SHOULD BE A RECALL?
POWER TRAIN,ENGINEMarch 31, 2020
SUPPOSEDLY THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS FIXED IN 2003 BUT IT STILL TELLS ME THAT MY COOLANT IS LOW AND IT LEAKS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR AND HAVE ONLY HAD IT SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2019. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION HAS A DELAYED SHIFT FROM 1ST TO SECOND.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMDecember 16, 2019
I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA AND GOT IT LOOKED AT BEFORE PURCHASE THE ONLY THING THAT POPPED UP ON THE CODE READER WAS THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, SOMETIMES MY SIGNAL LIGHTS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T, MY SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T LIGHT UP OR ANYTHING. I THEN START TO SMELL GAS WHEN I TURN ON THE HEAT OR AIR IT'S UNBEARABLE. I THEN PROCEEDED TO CHECK FOR ANY RECALLS AND THERE ARE A FEW DEALING WITH THE ENGINE COOLING AND EXHAUST/GAS LEAK ALONG WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THEY SAID THE CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE AT ANY TIME. I HAVE TWO TODDLERS SO THERE IS NO WAY THAT THIS IS A SAFE CAR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEAugust 3, 2019
TAKARA RECALL
ENGINEJuly 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF BURNING OIL EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS OIL ON THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MODERN CHEVROLET (5955 UNIVERSITY PKWY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27105 (336) 793-5943) BUT, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #11240441ENGINEApril 13, 2019
ON APRIL 9TH OF 2017, OUR 2002 IMPALA LS WAS BROUGHT IN TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED DUE TO THIS RECALL: THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING, WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE. THIS WORK WAS DONE IN APRIL 2017: 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. SUMMER OF 2017 WE HAD THE OIL AND FILTER REPLACED, AND AFTERWARDS LOTS OF SMOKE CAME FROM ENGINE. WE THOUGHT THE MECHANIC HAD SIMPLY SPILLED SOME OIL ON THE ENGINE. SUMMER OF 2018 OIL AND FILTER WAS CHANGED AND SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WE AGAIN THOUGHT THE MECHANIC HAD SPILLED SOME OIL ON THE ENGINE. IN MARCH OF 2019 THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FACING DOWNHILL AT AN ABOVE AVERAGE ANGLE, AND OIL BEGAN TO SEEP OUT OF THE ENGINE AND BURN OF ON THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD LOTS OF SMOKE AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO BOB MCCOSH, WHO HAD PERFORMED THE ORIGINAL GASKET REPLACEMENT IN 2017, TO HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORK INSPECTED. UPON INSPECTION A PIECE OF GASKET, ABOUT 2 TO 3 INCHES LONG, WAS FOUND TO BE PROTRUDING FROM BETWEEN THE VALVE COVER AND THE ENGINE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THIS GASKET, THE EDGE OF THE GASKET VISUALLY APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN CAUGHT BY THE BOLT AS IT WAS TIGHTENED AND THIS EITHER TORE THE GASKET OR WEAKENED IT SUFFICIENTLY SO THAT THE GASKET FAILED. SAID GASKET IS CURRENTLY IN MY POSSESSION. WE KNOW IT FAILED BEFORE THE OIL/FILTER CHANGE IN THE SUMMER OF 2017, BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF SMOKE THAT ISSUED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTERWARDS. THIS RECALL REPAIR LASTED FAR LESS THAN THE 12MONTH/12,000 MILE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE, TODAY APRIL 2019, STILL HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES SINCE THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORK WAS DONE IN MARCH 2017.
ENGINEApril 5, 2019
LAST YEAR I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A PRIVATE DEALER. SINCE PURCHASING IT, MY CAR ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE RUNNING HOT. MY "CHECK ENGINE COOLANT" LIGHT USE TO COME ON SO OFTEN, I WENT OUT AND PURCHASED ANOTHER RADIATOR HOSE AND CLAMPS AND GOT THE LIGHT TO TURN OFF. HOWEVER THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR RUNNING HOT HAS NOT GONE AWAY. I'M SCARED THAT THIS IS A BIGGER ISSUE THAN COOLANT AND IT COULD CREATE A FIRE AND AFTER READING THE RECALL, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFebruary 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL, FUEL, AND POWER STEERING FLUID. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
STRUCTURE,SEATSSeptember 12, 2018
THE SPRING ON THE DRIVER SEAT BROKE NOT VERY HEAVE PEAPLE DRIVING THE CAR. BODY OF THE CAR I HAVE 2 IMPALAS 2002 AND 2004 BOTH ARE RUSTING UNDER THE DOORS AND AT THE QUARTER PANELS I LOOK AT ALL IMPALAS AROUND THE AGE OF BOTH OF MINE AND 90% OF THE ARE RUSTING IN THE SAME SPOTS. MY CARS WERE RUSTPROOFED AND UNDERNEITH IT IS A MESS YOU CANT HARDLY GET A JACK UNDER BOTH OF THEM. I KEEP THEM GARAGE KEPT SINCE WE GOT BOTH OF THE I WILL NEVER OWN A IMPALA AGAIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKESJuly 19, 2018
ABS IS KICKING BACK AND TRACTION CONTROL IS COMING ON FOR NO GIVEN REASON MAKING STOPPING THE CAR INCREASINGLY HARD AT SLOW SPEEDS. INEVITABLY CAUSING THE ABS AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS TO COME ON THE LIGHT IS NOW STAYING ON AS SOON AS THE CAR IS TURNED ON. TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP TO ATTEMPT TO FIND THE PROBLEM BEING TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRICAL GROUNDING PROBLEM ALSO MAKES THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN DOING THIS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 17, 2018
YOU PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT DOESNT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL IS FREE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE WRONG. YOU HAVE TO SIT THERE FOREVER MOVING THE KEY IN EVERY WHICH WAY. TO HOPEFULLY FIND THE RIGHT COMBINATION TO GET THE CAR TO START.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 3, 2018
THE PIECES THE DEALER GLUED UNTO MY IGNITION KEY FELL OUT. I DID NOT DO ANYTHING. I JUST NOTICED ONE DAY THEY HAD FALLEN OUT. GLUING THE PIECES IN THE KEY WAS NOT A FIX. I AM USING MY SPARE KEY, BUT I AM AFRAID THEY WILL COME UNGLUED AND FALL OUT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE VEHICLE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WIRED TO A STARTER TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTURY CHEVROLET (6105 WEST 120TH AVE, BROOMFIELD, CO), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,598.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 7, 2018
CAR RANDOMLY LOCKS ME OUT FOR 10 MINUTES, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. THESE CARS ARE [XXX]. CONSTANTLY LEAVES ME STRANDED. PASSLOCK SECURITY CODE, SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES FOR 10 MINUTES. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 20, 2018
THE POWER DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING. WHEN YOU TRY TO START THE CAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK OR TURN OVER. IN THE RARE INSTANCE YOU DO GET IT TO START, IF YOU TURN IT OFF, IT WILL NOT START AGAIN (ANYWHERE FROM AN HOUR TO TWO WEEKS OR MORE). I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND THERE ARE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHOM OWN GM CARS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. I CANNOT GET HELP FROM ANYONE AND AM FRUSTRATED BEYOND REASON, SO HOPEFULLY YOU CAN DO YOUR RESEARCH AND FIGURE THIS OUT! I CANNOT DEPEND ON THIS CAR AND I AM DISABLED!
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMNovember 8, 2017
FUEL SHUTDOWNS WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE AT BETWEEN 60-75 MPH. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, I IMMEDIATELY LOOSE POWER, IT GOES INTO A ROUGH IDLE, AND I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. IT WILL EITHER IDLE ROUGHLY WITH NO ABILITY TO INCREASE THROTTLE FOR 5-15 MINUTES, OR, IT WILL STALL AND I CAN START IT AGAIN IN 5-15 MINUTES (WHEN WHATEVER IS NOT WORKING, COOLS DOWN). THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2014. OUR SERVICE CENTER HAS A LONG HISTORY. NO PROPER ERROR MESSAGE IS GIVEN THROUGH THE REGISTER STORAGE WHEN TESTED USING GM SHOP ANALYZERS. CHECKED GAS CAP, REPLACED FUEL PUMP, CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, SPARK PLUGS & WIRES, CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, FUEL INJECTOR, BCM. HAVE NOT REPLACED COIL PACKS AND ICM YET. (A DYNOMETER IS PROBABLY NEEDED TO SIMULATE LOAD FOR A MOVING VEHICLE. MANY SHOPS DON'T HAVE IT BECAUSE OF COST.)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE IGNITION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AN IGNITION LOCK FAILURE OCCURRED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE IGNITION KEY LOCK, CYLINDER, AND IGNITION SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 12/13/2017 *LN *TT CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL DEALERS WERE CONTACTED AND NO HELP WITH FAULTY "KEY FOB". UPDATED 7/20/18*JB *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 31, 2017
TAKATA RECALL SIGNAL LIGHTS DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. JUST SOMETIME, SOMETIMES IT DOES IT FOR A FEW DAYS.. THEN THEY START WORKING AGAIN. I HAVE TO TRAVEL ON INTERSTATE QUITE OFTEN TO GET MY SON TO THE DOCTOR.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)July 7, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY SECURITY SYSTEM. AT RANDOM TIMES MY CAR WILL NOT START AND THE SECURITY LIGHTS UP ON MY DASH. I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES AFTER THE INITIAL START BEFORE IT WILL FINALLY START UP. ONCE IT DOES IT RUNS JUST FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING AND SUCH AN INCONVENIENCE AS WELL AS NOT SAFE. I WAS LEAVING FROM TAKING MY SON TO THE ER ONE MORNING AT LIKE 3AM AND IT DONE THIS. SO I AM SITTING AN THE ER PARKING LOT WITH A SICK 2 YEAR OLD AT 3AM. THANK GOD IT WASN'T WHEN I HAD TO TAKE HIM IN. WHAT IF I WOULDN'T HAVE MADE IT AND SOMETHING WORSE COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY CHILD. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS.
SEATSJuly 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/07/17*LJ
Fire reported
NHTSA #11003692ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 18, 2017
CHEVROLET IMPALA ENGINE COLD PARKED IN DRIVEWAY STARTED THE CAR AND THE ENGINE EXPLODED: FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD. THE MANIFOLD EXPLODED
Fire reported
NHTSA #10986292AIR BAGSMay 9, 2017
MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND WAS ONLY LESS THAN TEN FEET FROM MY FRONT DOOR,STILL IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT UNIT. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SHE HADN'T HIT ANYTHING. THEY BOTH DEPLOYED ,CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD AND DISABLED THE DASHBOARD.
ENGINEApril 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE BEGAN USING APPROXIMATELY A QUART OF WATER PER DAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,505.
ENGINEApril 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10970130ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SECURITY SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY AND WAITED. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE STARTED AND OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPATED 12/04/2017*JS
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKESDecember 19, 2016
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS. ON DECEMBER 16TH I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN I COULD NOT STOP ST A RED LIGHT. TRACTION LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF ALL DAY. ABS PUMP WOULD RUN FOR NO REASON. AS I APPROACHED THE TRAFFIC LIGHT THE REACTION LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND MY BRAKES FAILED. CAUSING ME TO HO THROUGH THE RED LIGHT AND HIT CAR PASSING THROUGH INTERSECTION. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10936363ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT WORKING. THE SECURITY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE BEGAN FIVE YEARS AGO. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),VISIBILITY/WIPEROctober 1, 2016
TAKATA RECALL I WAS DROPPING MY DAUGHTER OFF AT THE BABYSITTERS HOUSE ON MY WAY TO A FUNERAL AROUND 10:30 ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 2016. I PULLED OUT THE BABYSITTERS DRIVEWAY AND PROCEEDED TOWARDS BERKSHIRE STREET. MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AND BEFORE I MADE IT TO THE CORNER MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BURST OPEN MY DASHBOARD OPENED ALL THE WAY ACROSS TO DRIVER'S SIDE. MY RADIO BROKE OFF MY BUTTONS FLEW OFF THE DASH AND I COULDN'T TELL WHETHER IT WAS DUST OR SMOKE FROM THE AIRBAG. I WASN'T HURT BUT WHEN I INHALE MY CHEST HURT AND MY ASTHMA FLARED UP AND MY RIGHT EAR IS IRRITATED. ALSO MY WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I DIDN'T HIT A BUMP OR CAR IT'S SMOOTH PAVEMENT I WAS CONFUSED AS TO WHAT CAUSED IT.
ENGINESeptember 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 20, 2016
I AM TIRED OF MY CAR NOT STARTING, ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEED TO GO TO WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED QUIT A FEW TIMES. I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MIN. FOR IT TO START OR KEEP TRYING TILL IT STARTS. I HAVE A NEW BATTERY. THIS HAS HAPPENED LATE AT NIGHT TOO.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINESeptember 18, 2016
MY CAR WILL NOT CRANK OR START..... IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM SO I'M TOLD...... THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD....THIS HAPPENS OFTEN WHEN I'M FAR AWAY FROM HOME! I HAVE THE KEY BUT THE SECURITY SYSTEM STILL SHUTS THE CAR DOWN... THIS TIME I WENT IN THE STORE FOR 10 MINUTES, WHEN I RETURNED TO GO HOME THE CAR WOULD NOT START.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)September 16, 2016
FOR AWHILE MY CAR HAS BEEN HAVING STARTING PROBLEMS, AT RANDOM TIMES IT DOES NOT START AND IT TAKES TEN MINUTES FROM THE FIRST TIME I TURN THE KEY TO START. RECENTLY IT STARTED SHUTTING DOWN (AS FAR AS DASHBOARD FUNCTIONS AND THE MOTOR KILLS) BOUNTY FOR A BRIEF MOMENT AS I AM DRIVING I NOTICED IT DOES IT WHENEVER I USED THE TURN SIGNALS AND IT ALSO MAKES A BUZZING TYPE NOISE WHEN I USE THE TURN SIGNALS THEN IT GOES AWAY. NOW MY CAR WON'T START AT ALL, IVE HAD MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BOTH TESTED AND THEY BOTH CAME BACK FINE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 25, 2016
SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS AND CAR WILL NOT START. HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES UNTIL THE LIGHT STOPS BLINKING AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEJuly 28, 2016
MY 3.8 IS UNDER RECALL BUT APPARENTLY DEALERSHIP CAN'T GET OIL LEAK REPAIR PARTS. THE LEAK IS ALL OVER THE STARTER NOW AND USUALLY IT DOESN'T WORK. I NEED TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF. CAN I GET A REFUND IF INDEPENDENT DOES THE WORK?
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJuly 27, 2016
I JUST BOUGHT THIS 2002 CHEVY IMPALA FOR MY SON FOR HIS GRADUATION. THE PREVIOUS OWNERS SEEM TO TAKE GREAT CARE OF THIS CAR AND THE ONLY ISSUE IT HAD WAS THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT ACCURATE. IT FLUCTUATES BETWEEN FULL AND EMPTY. THIS WEEK IT SEEMS TO BE STUCK ON FULL, BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN COME DOWN TO EMPTY THEN RIGHT BACK TO FULL . WE HAVE MY SON DRIVE MY YOUNGER BOYS BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL AND HE DRIVES LONG DISTANCES TO GO TO HIS ARMY TRAININGS. IT HAS BECOME AN ISSUE FOR HIM TO REMEMBER HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. AND HAS BECOME A WORRY FOR ME THAT HE MIGHT GET STRANDED SOMEWHERE DUE TO NO GAS. AFTER REVIEWING THE COMPLAINTS IT SOUNDS LIKE WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WITH THIS ISSUE. HOPE THE MANUFACTURER DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SOON.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)July 8, 2016
MY CAR DOES NOT MAKE A SOUND WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON SOMETIMES. I'LL HAVE TO KEEP TURNING THE KEY FROM THE OFF POSITION TO THE START POSITION SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT FINALLY COMES ON. I HAVE HAD MY IGNITION SWITCH CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT IS FINE. THIS IS A VERY RANDOM ISSUE BEING IT WILL HAVE TODAY AND NOT HAPPEN AGAIN TILL LIKE 6 MONTHS AND WILL HAPPEN FOR 3 DAYS IN A ROW. THEN WON'T HAPPEN TILL THE NEXT YEAR AND WILL ONLY HAPPEN FOR A DAY. IT IS VERY IRRITATING BEING IT HAS MADE ME LATE FOR WORK IN THE PAST AND THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO DETERMINE WHEN IT MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT SAT OVER NIGHT OR IF I JUST DROVE IT GOT OUT AND THEN GOT BACK IN, IT'S JUST COMPLETELY RANDOM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 7, 2016
RECALL N140350. ATTEMPTED TO HAVE VEHICLE SERVICED AT JIM GLOVER ON THE RIVER IN TULSA, OK. WAS CONSTANTLY TOLD THAT MY REQUEST FOR SERVICE WAS SENT SLING TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND I WOULD HEAR FROM THEN SHORTLY. EVERY TIME I CONTACTED THEM, I WAD TOLD THE SAME THING. NO COMMUNICATION WHATSOEVER, OTHER THAN FROM THEIR SALES DEPARTMENT TRYING TO SELL ME ANOTHER CAR. AFTER A WEEK OF GETTING THE RUN AROUND AND NO COMMUNICATION OTHER THAN "YOU'LL BE HEADING FROM THEM," I'M ASSUMING THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO ACTUALLY HELP ME, SINCE THEY WONT MAKE ANY MONEY OFF OF ME.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAP SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 350,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/02/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURN SIGNAL, AC, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS, INTERIOR LIGHTS AND SECURITY SYSTEM WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. UPDATED 08/08/16.*JB
ENGINEMay 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ENGINEMay 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
ENGINEApril 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS CRUISING DOWN A HILL AND LOST POWER. THE CONTACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKESApril 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED, AND THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTDOWN AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ENGINEApril 11, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT SUFFICIENT. THE REAR VALVE COVERS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER RECALL REPAIR AND THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO SMELL FUMES OF BURNING OIL. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO REPLACE THE REAR VALVE COVERS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTED THE DEALERS NOT TO SUPPLY A REPLACEMENT PART UNTIL IT WAS IN PRODUCTION AND SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SUPPLY THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE BEAUTY COVER. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING LEAKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VALVES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINEApril 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 182,212.
ENGINEApril 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TIRESApril 6, 2016
SIDEWALL FAILURE: FIRESTONE PRECISION TOURING, P225-60R16 M+S. DOT:8XX0 R3D. THE TIRE WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. I NOTICED THE TIRE PRESSURE WENT DOWN TO ABOUT 10 POUNDS. I FILLED THE TIRE BACK UP TO 36 POUNDS. TWO DAYS LATER THE TIRE WAS AGAIN DOWN TO ABOUT 15 POUNDS. I REFILLED THE TIRE, WENT TO HAVE THE TREAD CHECKED FOR A PUNCTURE. NOTHING FOUND. THE NEXT MORNING THE TIRE WAS FLAT. ON REFILLING THE TIRE, I FELT AND HEARD AIR ESCAPING FROM THE TIRE. I FELT AROUND AND FOUND ABOUT A 3/4 TO 1 INCH SPLIT IN THE SIDEWALL. THERE WAS NO [HYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE TIRE, IT WAS THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. I AM THANKFUL THIS HAPPENED NOW, AS WE WERE PLANNING TO TAKE A TRIP TO ALASKA THROUGH CANADA IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS. 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 1, 2016
MY BACK LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD DOES NOT WORK
Crash reported
NHTSA #10852980ENGINEMarch 26, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" MY 2002 IMPALA IS OVERHEATING I DID A PRESSURE CHECK IT HELD PRESSURE CHANGED THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT ALSO THE FANS AND RADIATOR AND IT STILL IS OVERHEATING WHAT ELSE COULD IT BE WHEN I'M AT A RED LIGHT IT GETS TO THE MAXIMUM BUT WHEN I'M DRIVING IT STAYS AROUND NORMAL
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKESMarch 23, 2016
WE BOUGHT THIS 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA IN APRIL OF 2002. FORTUNATELY, WE PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. WE HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. INITIALLY, THE WARRANTY COVERED THE MALFUNCTIONS: WHEEL SENSORS, MODULES, BRAKE PUMP, WIRING, ETC. WERE REPLACED. SHORTLY AFTER EACH REPAIR, THE SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN. WHEN THE WARRANTY EXPIRED WE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, REPLACING PART AFTER PART. TO DATE, OVER $3.5K HAS BEEN SPENT TO ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS POORLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED SYSTEM. IT HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR MORE YEARS, THAN IT HAS FUNCTIONED. IT HAS BEEN OUT FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS, BECAUSE WE CAN NOT PUT GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD. I RECENTLY CONTACTED GM CORPORATE WITH MY COMPLAINT AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT IN FOR SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS. SAME RESULT: BRAKE PUMP AND MODULE OUT, WITH POSSIBLE WIRING PROBLEMS AND WHEEL SENSORS. ESTIMATE TO TRY TO FIX: $2.5K. NO GUARANTEE IT WILL WORK. THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS WITH NO WARNING: SOMETIMES UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING. I INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS, NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THEM FIXED PROPERLY. IT OCCURS IN IMPALAS AND MONTE CARLOS OF SIMILAR YEARS, 2002-2008. HOW CAN GM JUSTIFY SPENDING $6K TO MAINTAIN A SINGLE SYSTEM WHICH WORKS DIRECTLY WITH THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM? MY CONTACT AT GM IS [XXX] 855.880.1500 EXT. [XXX]. CHEVROLET NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS FAULTY, POORLY ENGINEERED SYSTEM. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU. (I HAVE ATTACHED JUST A FEW OF THE MANY INVOICES I HAVE COLLECTED OVER THE YEARS FOR YOUR INSPECTION.) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 20, 2016
MY CAR WANT START SOMETIMES. I'VE TAKEN TO THE SHOP AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT'S STARTS LIKE NOTHING WAS EVER WRONG. I'VE PUT A BATTERY IN IT. CHANGED THE FUEL FILTER AND IT STILL DOES THIS. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR MONTHS AND TODAY IT STARTED. IT IS ALWAYS PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPEN.
SERVICE BRAKESMarch 16, 2016
BOUGHT VEHICLE IN APRIL, 2002. WE HAVE HAD REPEATED MALFUNCTIONS OF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. I HAVE UPLOADED A FEW OF THE REPAIR DOCUMENTS WE HAD COLLECTED OVER THE YEARS. I HAVE SEVERAL MORE. DESPITE NUMEROUS REPAIRS, FROM WHEEL SENSORS, TO WIRING (INCLUDING COMPLETE HARNESS), COMPUTER CHIPS, RESETS, ETC. EVERY ATTEMPT BY CHEVY TO FIX THIS POORLY DESIGNED SYSTEM HAVE FAILED. CHEVY HAS ADMITTED THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. THEIR BEST SUGGESTION IS TO TRY YET ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. I AM TIRED OF WASTING MY MONEY ON A POORLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED SAFETY FEATURE. THE SYSTEM HAS FAILED ON START UP, DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, LOW SPEEDS, WHILE BRAKING, ETC. I HAVE CONTACTED GM CORPORATE TWICE. ONCE THEY REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS ONLY TO HAVE IT FAIL SHORTLY AFTER. MY SECOND CONTACT IS IN PROGRESS. MY ONLINE SEARCHES OF THIS YEAR AND MODEL HAVE REVEALED MANY SUCH COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL AND SIMILAR MODELS. THE STORY IS THE SAME: GM CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. WE LIVE IN SNOW COUNTRY, AND TRACTION CONTROL IS IMPORTANT TO US. CURRENTLY THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR OVER TWO YEARS. IF YOU INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL, YOU WILL FIND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT GM HAS NOT RECALLED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKESMarch 15, 2016
CAR WAS PARKED I STARTED IT AND BEGAN DRIVING MY ABS JUST WENT CRAZY. THE PUMP WAS TRYING TO ENGAGE OVER AND OVER AGAIN EVEN WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I HIT THE ABS OFF BUTTON THIS PROBLEM CONTINUED. I FEEL THIS CAR COULD AT ANYTIME HAVE SOMETHING IN THE BREAK OR TIRE AREA JUST COMPELETLY FAIL. ALONG WITH ANOTHER LIST OF ISSUES INCLUDING BURNING OIL FROM THE GASKET. PLEASE TELL ME IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEMarch 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A ODOR OF BURNING OIL AND THEN SUDDENLY THERE WAS A FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR CHILD PASSENGER INHALED SMOKE DUE TO THE FIRE THAT AFFECTED THEIR BREATHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Fire reported3 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10846450VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)March 3, 2016
ABS SYSTEM IS FAULTY RIGHT SIDE KEEPS COMING UP WITH CODES "C1233 AND C11226" THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE NOT APPLYING BREAKS.WE HAVE REPLACED THE HUB ASSEMBLY ON BOTH SIDES EVEN THOUGH THESE CODES ARE FOR THE RIGHT SIDE. STILL DIDN'T HELP.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 3, 2016
HAD VEHICLE IN SHOP TO REPAIR RECALL FOR OIL ON MANIFOLD. WITHIN A WEEK OF THAT BEING REPAIRED I STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURING UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. WE WERE DRIVING FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, WE STOPPED LOOKED UNDER HOOD DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BUT COULD CONTINUE TO SMELL IT. CHECKED FUSES THEY WERE ALL GOOD, CHECKED UNDER THE CAR STILL GOOD. NOTHING OIUTOF THE ORDINARY BUT COULD STILL SMELL SOMETHING BURNING.
ENGINEFebruary 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR ENGINE VALVE COVER AND GASKET LEAKED OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE CABIN. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10839001ENGINEFebruary 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A LOUD BANGING SOUND AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. THE SPACE BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE ENGINE BLOCK BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10837840UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 22, 2016
THIS AUTOMOBILE WAS TOTALED (WRECKED) IN 2012 IT BELONGS TO THE SALVAGE YARD IN TRAVERSE CITY MI (GENES). STOP SENDING THE NOTIFICATIONS OF RECALL FOR [XXX] TO [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10837539ENGINEFebruary 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF BURNING OIL WAS NOTICED WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLANT) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10837592ENGINEFebruary 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESELFebruary 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,498. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
ENGINEFebruary 8, 2016
VALVE COVER LEAKS OIL ONTO MANIFOLD . WHEN ENGINE IS HOT YOU CAN SMELL THE OIL BURNING ON THE MANIFOLD. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE #15757 NOTIFYING US OF THIS PROBLEM IN DECEMBER 2015. THE DEALER TELLS US GM DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE DEFECT BUT THEY DEALER WOULD REPAIR DEFECT AND BILL US AND GM WOULD REIMBURSE US FOR REPAIR. IF THE DEALER HAS THE PARTS TO REPAIR DEFECT WHY NOT JUST DO IT? RECALL NOTICE WARNS US NOT TO PARK VEHICLE IN GARAGE BECAUSE OF FIRE DANGER.
AIR BAGSFebruary 6, 2016
THE "AIR BAG " IDIOT LIGHT GOES ON THE DASH. IT CAN BE STATIONARY OR BEING DRIVEN.
ENGINEJanuary 20, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINEJanuary 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
VISIBILITY,ENGINEJanuary 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A FAINT BURNING ORDER INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE THE HEAT WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJanuary 15, 2016
SECURITY PASSLOCK NOT ALLOWING CAR TO START. FUEL REGULATOR FAULTY NOT GETTING FUEL TO START CAR. ONCE I GET VEHICLE STARTED I CAN CUT CAR OFF AND TRY TO RESTART, CAR WILL NOT START. ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESLOVED.
ENGINEJanuary 14, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10820221ENGINEJanuary 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10820049ENGINEJanuary 12, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY OR PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINEJanuary 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE HOOD. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEJanuary 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO A STOP LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE AIR CONDITIONING FANS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
ENGINEJanuary 5, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VALVE COVERS LEAKED OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINEDecember 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE RADIATOR AND THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ENGINE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 201,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10816862ENGINEDecember 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OIL LEAK AROUND THE EXTENSION PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINEDecember 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINEDecember 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD FAILED TO START AND THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 02/10/16*LJ *TR
ENGINEDecember 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE STOPPED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE NOTICE WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10810762ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 14, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH TOOK A LONG PERIOD TO TURN IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ UPDATED 05/10/18*JB *TR
ENGINEDecember 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
ENGINENovember 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINESeptember 26, 2015
GOT INTO THE CAR FROM WORK DROVE LESS THAN TWO MILES WENT IN THE HOUSE FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES GOT BACK IN THE CAR DROVE ABOUT A MILE AND A HALF TO GET FOOD GOT BACK IN CAR RETURNED TO PRIOR LOCATION DELIVERY FOOD TO MY MOM WENT INSIDE HOUSE BOUT 5 MINUTES LATER A PASSERBY BANG ON THE DOOR TO NOTIFY US THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER COULDN'T PUT IT OUT PROCEEDED TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire reported
NHTSA #10777801ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE PARK LOCK CYLINDERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *CN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 24, 2015
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION KEY RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE INTAKE GASKETS LEAKED ANTI-FREEZE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
AIR BAGS,STRUCTUREJune 29, 2015
I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WATCHING THE GAUGES ON THE INSTAMENT CLUSTER GOING UP AND DOWN, LIKE THEY WERE LOOSING POWER, THEN BOTH AIR BAGS EXPLODED! ,SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD AND DASHBOARD! I JUST CANT BELIEVE THAT HAPPENED IF I OR MY LOVED ONES HAD BEEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD!!! WELL I DONT WANT TO THINK ABOUT THAT BUT, THE PIONT IS THE SYSTEM FAILLED. AND IF I HAD HIT A WALL OR SOMETHING AND BEEN KILLED IT WOULD HAVE LOOKED LIKE THE AIR BAGS WORKED PROPERLY. THIS CAR WAS IN MY DRIVE IDELING , IN PARK NO ONE EVEN TOUCHING IT!
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKESJune 29, 2015
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN ON A DRY ROAD,WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF AND IT WOULD BARELY MOVE. A FEW SECONDS LATER THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON. AFTER THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON THE CAR WENT FINE.THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT FEELS LIKE THERE IS NO PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS COME ON AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS AND I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT AUTO MECHANICS. I HAVE REPLACED BOTH FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES AT LEAST 4 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. EACH AUTO MECHANIC WILL TELL YOU A DIFFERENT DIAGNOSIS WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE SHOP. I HAVE CONTACTED GM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ABOUT 10 TO 12 MONTHS AGO AND THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. IT IS STARTING TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN NOW, AND MY WIFE WILL NOT EVEN RIDE IN MY CAR ANYMORE BECAUSE SHE IS SCARED TO. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE AN INVESTIGATION STARTED INTO THIS MATTER. IF YOU GO TO SOME CHAT ROOMS ON THE WEB YOU WILL FIND MANY MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR IMPALAS. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS COMPLAINT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 24, 2015
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLY RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD UPDATED 09/14/15*LJ UPDATED 10/25/2017*CN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 7, 2015
VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. KEY WOULD TURN, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED EVEN THOUGH THE LIGHTS AND ACCESSORIES WERE ON. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WOULD START NORMALLY. DEALER ATTEMPTED TO FIX BY REPLACING THE BATTERY TWICE, BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IN DECEMBER 2013, THE IGNITION SWITCH CYLINDER WAS REPLACE. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED, BUT NOW THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING CAN NOT BE SHUT OFF. NO FURTHER DEALER ACTION HAS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)June 4, 2015
YOU CAN BE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN YOUR TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING. THEY WILL WORK WELL FOR HOURS THEN WHEN YOU GO TO MAKE A TURN THEY EITHER WILL NOT TURN ON OR TURN ON FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TURN OFF. IF YOU LIGHTLY TAP THE EMERGENCY FLASH BUTTON THEY WILL START WORKING AGAIN BUT IF YOU TAP THE EMERGENCY FLASH BUTTON TO HARD YOUR EMERGENCY FLASH LIGHTS TURN ON. IT REALLY CONCERNS ME WHEN I TRY TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE FAST LANE AND THEY STOP WORKING. I FEEL THIS IS WORSE THEN THE KEY PROBLEM GM HAS HAD BECAUSE THEY WORK ON AND OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE SPOKE WITH A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNALS AND THEY HAVE ADVISED ME THAT IT WILL RUN ANYWHERE FROM THREE TO FOUR HUNDRED TO HAVE REPAIRED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 207,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 13, 2015
I HAD TO HAVE THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT IN ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND GM DONE THE RECALL WHICH WAS TO PUT A PLASTIC PLUG IN THE KEYS BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE LOCK AND AT THE TIME I TOLD THEM I NEEDED A NEW LOCK. I HAVE NOT TAKEN MY CAR OUT OF THE AREA BECAUSE OF WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON AND NOT STARTING PROBLEMS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY MANY TIMES AND GM REPLACED SENSORS A FEW TIMES. GM KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE REPAIRS.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEMay 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT LOCK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 27, 2015
CAR WILL ONLY START RANDOMLY. ENGINE WILL NOT TURN. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH WILL GO OUT WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION. STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND ELECTRICAL SHOP ADVISED TO GO TO DEALER. TOOK TO DEALER FOR IGNITION RECALL WHICH DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALER ADVISED THIS ISSUE IS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. SECURITY LIGHT TURNS ON. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 24, 2015
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND IT STALLED, SO SHE PULLED OVER TO TRY AND RESTART IT BUT IT WOULDN'T START. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS THE CRANK SHAFT CENSOR. WE DROVE FOR 3 DAYS AND THE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. SO WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. I'VE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT GM HAVEN'T HAD A RECALL ON THIS PART. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. THIS PART HAS TO BE DEFECTED. *TR
ENGINEMarch 21, 2015
MY DAUGHTER OWNED A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. ON MONDAY 3/16/15, SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE. SHE CALLED ME AND I ASKED WHAT COLOR THE SMOKE WAS. SHE SAID IT WAS BLACK SMOKE. I TOLD HER TO IMMEDIATELY GET HERSELF AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN OUT OF THE CAR. SHE AND HER SISTER REMOVED THE CHILDREN AND WALKED AWAY WHILE CALLING 911. A FEW SECONDS LATER, SHE HEARD A LOUD POP. THE WINDSHIELD BUSTED FROM THE APPARENT HEAT FROM THE FLAME THAT WERE RISING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WITHIN SECONDS, THE ENGINE WAS IN FLAMES. I'VE RESEARCHED ONLINE, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE TWO RECALLS IN 2007 AND 2009 STATING THAT THE ENGINE COULD IGNITE. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. SHE HAD FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE ON THE CAR, BUT IT'S BARELY ENOUGH TO REPLACE IT. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THIS? *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10700886EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 19, 2015
THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE OCCURS AT RANDOM TIMES AND CONDITIONS. AS I'M TRAVELING AT NIGHT AND I PULL BACK THE DIMMER SWITCH LEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT AND LEAVE ME TOTALLY IN THE DARK. THE ONLY WAY THAT I CAN GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON AGAIN IS TO CONTINUE TO MANIPULATE THE DIMMER/TURN SIGNAL LEVER UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON. *TR
ENGINEMarch 10, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY SHIFTING THE GEAR LEVER INTO VARIOUS POSITIONS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMarch 5, 2015
MY VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY ELECTRICAL START UP SYSTEM AND FUEL PUMP SYSTEM THE BATTERY ON THIS VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AND THE STARTER WAS REPLACED AS WELL AND THE VEHICLE STILL IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AT A MECHANIC SHOP AND THE VEHICLE WORKED PERFECTLY FINE FOR THE MECHANIC AT THE TIME AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DIDN'T PERFORM THE ISSUE IN FRONT OF THE MECHANIC. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE JUNE OF 2014 AND IT RANDOMLY WONT START AT ALL AND THEN ITS STARTS HOURS AND HOURS LATER. I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS REPLACING PARTS ON THIS CAR THAT DEAL WITH STARTING ISSUES AND STILL THIS CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DIFFICULTIES. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS PLACES WITH THIS VEHICLE REFUSING TO START. I AM AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS A RECALL OUT FOR KEY IGNITION ELECTRICAL SWITCH AND FUEL PUMP PRESSURE ALL OF WHICH FIT THE PROBLEMS MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE RECALL THAT IS AVAILABLE TO MY VEHICLE DOESN'T INCLUDE EITHER ONE OF THESE AND I PERSONALLY FEEL IT SHOULD INCLUDE THESE BECAUSE MULTIPLE MECHANICS WHO HAVE INSPECTED THE CAR HAVE CONFIRMED THESE ARE THE ISSUES THIS CAR IS EXPERIENCING I DON'T HAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO KEEP INSTALLING AND MAKING REPAIRS ON THIS CAR ONLY TO HAVE IT KEEP BREAKING DOWN I AM IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE TO FIGURE OUT IF I CAN GET THIS VEHICLE UNDER THE OTHER RECALLS AS WELL PLEASE AND THANK YOU. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 26, 2015
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED BECAUSE GM DID NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN A TIMELY MANNER, THE WORK ON HIS VEHICLE HAD TO BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT. RECALL # 14V40000 *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE KEY DISLODGED FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT CAUSE AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THERE WAS NO KNOWN DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND THE KEYS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT KEYS WERE DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE THE DETAILS OF THE DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
ENGINEFebruary 3, 2015
CAR DIES WHILE DRIVING. CAR MUST BE PUT IN NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING AND RESTARTED WHILE MOVING TO AVOID ACCIDENT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINEJanuary 30, 2015
THE CAR IGNITION SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED ON A STEEP GRADE. (THE IGNITION RECALL HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, AND THE KEY FOB HAD BEEN REWORKED SO IT SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN A IGNITION ISSUE). THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR RESTARTED (WHILE STILL COASTING DOWN THE HILL) TO REGAIN CONTROL,THIS WAS REPEATED NUMEROUS TIMES UNTIL A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF WAS REACHED. THIS GRADE WAS EXTREMELY STEEP, THE ROAD HAD SWITCHBACKS , CLIFFS,AND NO GUARDRAIL, IT WAS A MIRACLE NO ONE WAS INJURED OR KILLED. THIS SAME VEHICLE HAD JUST HAD A DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN JULY, LESS THAT 1000 MILES PRIOR TO THIS CURRENT EVENT. THE DEALER IN JULY REPLACED THE MAS SENSOR AND THE BATTERY AS THEY SAID THE MAS WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS CURRENT EVENT WAS CAUSED BY THE MAP SENSOR AND THE MAIN COMPUTER ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEJanuary 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,471.
ENGINEJanuary 9, 2015
I NOTICED THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOTTER THAN NORMAL SO I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING, HAD IT REPAIRED AND I RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AGAIN @106,954 MILES BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING AGAIN IN THE SAME PLACE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 6, 2015
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER STATES CAR WAS TOTALED IN AN ACCIDENT AND NO LONGER OWNS THE CAR. REQUESTS NO MORE RECALL NOTICES. *TA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BY UNPLUGGING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND REMOVING AND RE INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V4000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND WAS REPAIRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS REAR ENDED BY THE VEHICLE IN THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON THE DASH PANEL ALSO FAILED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR, WHICH PREVENTED HIM FROM SEEING IF ANY WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 02/24/15*LJ UPDATED 9/12/2017*CN
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10669743FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINEDecember 24, 2014
MY SON WENT TO JUMP START THE CAR AND WHEN HE TRIED TO START IT THE ENGINE BLEW UP . THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FLEW OFF IN MULTIPLE PIECES. HAD CAR TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THE CYLINDER WAS DEAD DUE TO THE EXPLOSION. THOUGH WELL THE CAR HAD A LOT OF MILES, SO I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ITS TIME. SO WE DECIDED TO BUY A RE-MANUFACTURED MOTOR BECAUSE WE HAD PUT SOME WORK INTO THE CAR AND MY SON AND I THOUGH THAT WOULD BE A GOOD CHOICE. EVERYTHING WAS GREAT WITH THE NEW MOTOR TILL NOVEMBER 30TH 2014 WHEN WE NEEDED TO JUMP START THE CAR, AND THE ENGINE BLEW AGAIN THIS TIME TAKING OUT THE FUEL LINE ALONG WITH THE NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE ENGINE COVER. THE CAR STARTS ON FIRE AND LUCKILY THE FLYING PARTS MISSED MY SONS GIRL FRIEND BY INCHES AS THEY FLEW BY HER.SO I KNOW NOW SOMETHINGS UP. AND I FIND THAT GM HAD DEFECTIVE FUEL REGULATORS THAT WERE RECALLED (04V090000 RECALL#) ON THE 2000 MODELS WITH THE 3800 SERIES 2 ENGINE. NOW I KNOW WHY MY ENGINE BLEW BECAUSE THE FUEL REGULATORS ARE POOR DESIGN. NO CAR NO MATTER HOW OLD ARE HOW MANY MILES SHOULD BLOW AN ENGINE WHEN YOU JUMP START IT. BATTERIES YES ENGINES I WOULD THINK NEVER BUT WHAT HAPPEN TO ME IS THE SAME AS THE RECALL NOTICE AND I AM THANK FULL NO ONE WAS HURT. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10668168ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 23, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION TURNING ON AND OFF. *TA ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND NO COMMUNICATION WITH THE BCM. THE BCM WAS REPLACED. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 21, 2014
THE SECURITY PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE.THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR IN JULY 2014, THE DEALER INDICATED A LOW BATTERY WAS THE ISSUE, REPLACED THE BATTERY WITH A NEW BATTERY(THE BATTERY REPLACED WAS A YEAR OR SO OLD).THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SECURITY LIGHT STILL COMES ON AND STALLS THE VEHICLE. IF THE LIGHT DISPLAYS AND THE CAR IGNITION IS TURNED OFF IT WILL NOT RESTART FOR 1/2 HOUR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)December 21, 2014
MY MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND ALTERNATOR IS CAUSING MY ENGINE TO SHUT OFF ON ME ON STREETS AND INTERSTATES. A ACCIDENT HAS NOT HAPPENED YET BUT IM TRYING TO DIFFUSE THIS SITUATION BY GETTING IT FIXED. MY NAME IS [XXX] . I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 12/7/14 WITH 88,624 MILES ON IT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 16, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE KEY SWITCH BROKE ALONG WITH THE ICM MODULE AND THE CRANK AND CAM SHAFT CENSORS AND THE COMPUTER. *TA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 16, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. VEHICLE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH THAT HAS A TENDENCY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IN THE EVENT OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER STATED GM'S FIX WAS NOT ADEQUATE. THE CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PAY $300 TO REPLACE THE IGNITION . *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN AND PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 1/7/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. UPDATED 03/03/15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINENovember 7, 2014
MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR MAF MALFUNCTION IF CORRODED OR DIRTY WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL. ENGINE STALLING CAUSES LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND LOSS OF BRAKES. DISASTEROUS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, INTERSECTIONS, OR IN ANY SITUATION REQUIRING STEERING OR BRAKING. THIS CAR MAF FAILED GOING DOWN A STEEP MOUNTAIN ROAD, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE USING MANUAL BRAKE AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 27, 2014
TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. AND JUST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WAY YOU SEE THAT YOUR TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY WORK! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 27, 2014
THE GM IGNITION SWITCH RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED TODAY, AND THE KEY STILL SWITCHES ITSELF OFF OF THE "ON" POSITION BY ITSELF. ALSO THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT OF THE SWITCH VERY EASILY WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE ONLY THING REPAIRED WAS THE PLASTIC TOP, WHICH WAS CHANGED, SO THAT IT HAS TO BE ON ITS OWN KEY RING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 23, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL # 14350. * LD THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT , FOR THE STARTER HE HAD REPLACED. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 22, 2014
I HAVE HAD 1 TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED DUE TO A WIRE THAT FRIED AND STARTED SMOKING CAUSING WHITE SMOKE TO COME OUT NEAR THE STEERING WHEEL. THE HIGH BEAM HEAD LIGHTS WERE STUCK ON THE ON POSITION KILLING THE BATTERY. THAT WAS LAST YEAR. THESE SWITCHES COST ABOUT 500.00 BC THEY ARE DEALER PARTS. NOW, 10/21/14 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT AND LOST MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. MECHANICS TELL ME SAME PROBLEM. I NEED ANOTHER TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED. I'VE BEEN DRIVING ON ONLY HIGH BEAMS NOW UNTIL I CAN AFFORD ANOTHER 500 BUCKS. TO EXPENSIVE FOR ME TO KEEP REPLACING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT HAD TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAMS AS AN INTERIM FIX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 14, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEOctober 14, 2014
TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT RESIDENTIAL STREET AFTER CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 10 MILES AND WAS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE, I HEARD A SHORT "CHIRP" SOUND FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED SUBSTANTIAL FORCE TO STOP THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THE ENGINE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY WITH NO PROBLEM. I WAS NOT MOVING OR TOUCHING THE KEY AT THE TIME THAT THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW IN NOVEMBER 2001 AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR ABOUT 20 MILES SINCE THIS INCIDENT AND IT HAS NOT RECURRED AS OF YET. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME DISLODGED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,681. UPDATED 12/9/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AT ANY TIME, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN RUNNING. THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REBUILT TWICE. UPDATED 10/5/15*JS
STEERINGOctober 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,164.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURNING SIGNALS FAILED TO ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 29, 2014
HELLO I'M DEAF MYSELF AND THE PERSON THAT GOT HURT WAS ME WHEN THAT SITUATION HAPPEN . IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH MOVE OUT OF RUNNING POSITION WHILE DRIVING IT TURN OFF THE ENGINE AT THE SAME TIME I WAS DRIVING. AND SOME TIME WHILE I HAPPEN TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND COME BACK LATER THE IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN OUT UNTIL ABOUT 15 MIN LATER IT KEEP GOING ON LIKE THAT FOR A WHILE AND IT KEEP TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAD TO PAY NEAR THOUSANDS OUT OF MY POCKET TO GET THAT REPAIR. I SHOW THIS LETTER I GET IN THE MAIL TO MY ATTORNEY. SO WE ARE HOPING I CAN GET THAT FUNDS BACK THAT I HAS WASTE ON THAT PROBLEMS THANK YOU! *TR
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10639850ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY START AFTER TURNING THE KEY ON AND OFF NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL WIRING NEEDED TO BE TESTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
AIR BAGSSeptember 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND AN INJURY WAS SUSTAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10639115ENGINESeptember 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE MOTOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO START OCCASIONALLY AND THE RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED IT INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE LANDED ON ITS ROOF. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 11/04/14
Crash reported
NHTSA #10637565ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE ON THE GEAR BOX PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM SEEING WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS IN DISAGREEMENT WITH THE REMEDY LISTED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)September 16, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON MAIN STREET IN RIO VISTA AND MY VEHICLE JUST SIMPLE SHUT OFF. THE CAR ROLLED AND HIT A PLANTER IN FRONT OF THE STORE AS I TRIED STEERING IT OUT OF THE STREET. WHEN I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN, THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NOT OPERATE. I CALLED THE AMICA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOWED TO ABEL CHEVROLET. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS TYPICAL TO THIS YEAR VEHICLE AND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY REPLACED IT AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $509.11 SINCE MY IGNITION HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED, DO I NEED TO TAKE IT BACK IN? ALSO WILL I BE COMPENSATED FOR THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT? *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10633583ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE PER THE SAFETY RISK LISTED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE WAITING FOR THE DOCUMENTATION ON HOW TO REMEDY THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
AIR BAGSSeptember 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,ENGINESeptember 15, 2014
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY SON AND THE CAR JUST CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THANK GOD WE DIDN'T GET HIT. THE CAR CUT BACK ON BUT THAT WAS SCARY. IT (THE CAR) ALSO HAS SOME TYPE OF SECURITY FEATURE THAT WON'T ALLOW THE CAR TO START AT TIMES. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINESeptember 11, 2014
THE CAR WAS CONSTANTLY STALLING IN LOW SPEED OR STARTING FROM A STOP IN D DRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. CAR HAD STALLED A FEW TIMES IN TRAFFIC, BECOMING A HAZARDOUS SITUATION. CAR WAS OVERHEATING. CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED A WEEK AGO AT AAA REPAIR CENTER, EATONTOWN, NJ FOR OIL LEAK FROM GASKET OF THE MANIFOLD. *TR
AIR BAGSAugust 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA . THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED ARM AND HEAD INJURY BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SDM SENSOR WAS COVERED IN WATER AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10627253ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW COOLANT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFILLED THE COOLANT, BUT IT HAD LEAKED OUT BY THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
ENGINEAugust 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, SMOKE WAS SEEN FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 229,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10618598ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 1, 2014
ON NUMEROUS TIMES, ANTI THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTS ME FROM STARTING MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN STUCK TRYING TO COME HOME FROM WORK, TRYING TO GO TO WORK AND AT MANY OTHER TIMES. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET FROM MANY CONSUMERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT IS DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE OUT LATE AT NIGHT AND YOU CANT EVEN START YOUR OWN CAR. CHEVROLET HAS REFUSED TO PAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND HAS OFFERED NO HELP AT ALL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE IGNITION CYLINDER HAD A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000. UPDATED 11/12/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. UPDATED 01/15/15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 26, 2014
MY BLINKER SWITCH AND HIGH BEAM DOESN'T WORK AT ALL YOU HAVE TO MESS WITH THE FLASHER BUTTON IF YOU WANT TO SINGLE A TURN. OTHER TIMES IT WORKS BUT STILL NO HIGH BEAMS ITS BEEN WORKED ON LIGHTS CHANGED EVERYTHING STILL NOTHING. I WAS TOLD A FACTORY DEFECT BUT HEARD NOTHING ON THIS. I CARRY MY SMALL CHILDREN AND MY WIFE IN THIS CAR AND I ALMOST GOT REARENDED A FEW TIMES SO IF ITS A FACTORY DEFECT THEY SHOULD FIX IT. I HEARD OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT SO ITS NOT JUST PARTS WORE OUT IT WAS NO GOOD IN THE BEGINNING THEN THEY SHOULD PAY FOR IT SINCE THE FAULT IS AT THE FACTORY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS UNABLE TO TURN AS A RESULT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN WAS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJuly 19, 2014
THIS IS A CONTINUING PROBLEM. WHEN I START MY CAR AND DRIVE IT DOWN THE ROAD, SOMETIMES, BUT NOT ALWAYS, THE IDLE WILL NOT COME DOWN FROM HIGH IDLE. I CAN DO UP TO 45 MPH AND NEVER TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR. IF I TAP THE ACCELERATOR TO RELEASE THE HIGH IDLE, IT WORKS SOMETIMES. USUALLY THOUGHT, I HAVE TO STOP THE CAR AND CUT THE ENGINE OFF, WAIT A FEW SECONDS, AND RESTART IT. THAT USUALLY, BUT NOT ALWAYS FIXES THE IDLE PROBLEM. IF IT CONTINUES TO HIGH IDLE, I HAVE TO REPEAT THE STOP AND START SCENARIO. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT,ENGINEJuly 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE A/C SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 08/27/14*LJ UPDATED 09/18/2014 *JS
AIR BAGSJuly 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10609667ENGINEJuly 9, 2014
MODEL YEARS AFFECTED: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 ENGINES AFFECTED: 3.4L V6, 3.8L V6 AVERAGE MILEAGE: 108,315 MI (13,756 MI - 198,000 MI) VERIFIED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CAN DEVELOP EXTERNAL ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAKS. IN SOME CASES THE FAILED GASKET WILL LEAK COOLANT INTERNALLY. THE MANIFOLD GASKET WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. THOUSANDS OF CARS ARE AFFECTED. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 8, 2014
THE CAR DONT START. THE KEY STUCK ALWAYS . SOMETIMES THE CAR TURNS ITSELF OFF WHEN START THE CAR *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 2, 2014
IGNITION SWITCH FAILS AT TIMES AND I NEED TO KEEP TURNING IT ON NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEN IT FINALLY STARTS! IT IS ON THE NEWS THIS IS A RECALL AND I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, GM AND BOTH FAILED TO HELP ME WITH THE ISSUE AT ALL! *TR
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSJuly 1, 2014
THIS CAR WAS ONE-OWNER AND VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND SERVICED ROUTINELY. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY CAR JUST LOST POWER. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT SLAMMED INTO THE CONCRETE MEDIUM WALL ON DRIVERS SIDE, THEN SPUN AROUND AND LODGED UNDERNEATH THE TRAILER OF A SEMI-TRACTOR. THE SEMI HIT THE BRAKES AND IT PROJECTED ME BACK ACROSS UPON THE TOP OF THE CONCRETE MEDIUM WHERE MY CAR JUST RODE TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY BEAUTIFUL CAR WAS TOTALED BUT, BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND SEAT BELTS I AM ALIVE. I HAVE A CONCUSSION, SPRAINED ANKLE, CUTS, AND BRUISES, BUT I AM HERE TO TELL ABOUT IT. HOPEFULLY, THE NHTSA WILL INVESTIGATE AND SAVE SOMEONE ELSE FROM INJURY OR DEATH. MY CAR IS AVAILABLE TO INSPECT. *TR
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10607310POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITYJune 23, 2014
SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, I PARKED AND WHEN I TRIED TO START IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 20 MINUTES IT DID START. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A SENSOR WHICH THEY REPLACED. DID NOT STOP THE PROBLEM, CONTINUES TO DO IT TODAY. NOW AT ABOUT 8500 MILES A MESSAGE COMES UP TO SERVICE TRACT SYSTEM. AM TOLD IT IS A SENSOR IN THE HUB AND THE ENTIRE HUB WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF ABOUT $750 PER HUB FOR THE FRONT AND SLIGHTLY MORE IF IT IS THE REAR HUB. AFTER READING ON THE INTERNET OF THIS SAME PROBLEM PEOPLE ARE HAVING, I REALIZE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS ALL THESE FIXES DO NOT STOP THE PROBLEM. I PURCHASE THE CAR NEW AND LOVE THE RIDE AND PERFORMANCE I GET FROM THIS CAR BUT AM NOT ABLE AT THE TIME TO PAY FOR EXPENSES OF THIS MAGNITUDE. HAVE CONSIDERED TRADING BUT DO NOT WANT TO SADDLE SOMEONE ELSE WITH THIS PROBLEM. WOULD NOT MIND THE REPAIRS IF IT WAS GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT SEEMS AS IF THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT CANNOT BE FIXED. HELP *TR
AIR BAGSJune 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF HIS VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES TO THE LOWER BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,600.
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10599106ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS AND AIR CONDITIONER BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)June 5, 2014
ISSUES WITH THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE). THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH THE CAR WOULD NOT START WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL. ACCORDING TO THE PENSKE CHEVY, THE BCM IS BAD DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINEJune 5, 2014
MY GAS GAUGE STOP WORKING AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO TELL HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN THE VEHICLE. FUEL GAUGE READ INACCURATELY. I WOULD PUT GAS IN THE CAR AND FILL UP TANK AND BARELY DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MILES AND THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD INDICATE "EMPTY". I WAS TOLD BY PENSKE THAT THEY WERE UNSURE AS TO WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ISSUE AND THAT I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET THE ISSUED REPAIRED. I HAVE RAN OUT GAS SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ENGINEJune 5, 2014
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I CAME TO A STOP TO PUMP GAS I LEFT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK. I TURNED AROUND TO PLACE THE PUMP INTO THE GAS GAUGE AND MY CAR WAS ROLLING DOWN THE HILL AND I HAD TO CHASE THE CAR OPEN THE DOOR AND STOP THE CAR. WHEN I GOT THE CAR TO A HALT POSITION. I TRIED TO TAKE THE KEY OUT THE IGNITION AND COULDN'T GET THE KEY OUT THE IGNITION. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO GET THE KEY, THE KEY SLOT WAS TURNED AT 3:00 POSITION AND NOT A 12:00 POSITION WHEN A KEY IS REMOVED FROM A IGNITION. AFTER THE KEY WAS REMOVED THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL AGAIN AND I HAD TO PLACE THE "EMERGENCY BRAKE" ON TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ROLLING. ONCE I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON AFTER PUMPING THE CAR STARTED UP AND I PLACED IT IN DRIVE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND CAR STALLED, I PLACED THE CAR IN REVERSE AND PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR STALLED. MY CAR HAS NOT WORKED SINCE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 4, 2014
VEHICLE WILL NOT START PERIODICALLY, WAIT A FEW MINS AND IT WILL START. WHEN AUTOMATIC LIGHTS COME ON, THE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT. ALL LIGHTS ON GO OFF. MAKES NIGHT DRIVING DANGEROUS. *TR
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGSMay 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF UNKNOWN INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000.
Crash reported3 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10594747SERVICE BRAKESMay 29, 2014
ALL OF THE SUDDEN OUT OF NO WHERE THE ABS LIGHT AND THE TRAC CONTROL LIGHT COME ON WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND THE CAR ALMOST SKIDDED OUT OF CONTROL! NOW THE LIGHTS HAVE STAYED ON CONSTANTLY. I HAVE SPENT ABOUT 3 MONTHS RESEARCHING THE WEB TO FIND THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME VEHICLE ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME ISSUES. NO ONE HAS DONE A RECALL ON THIS IN ALL OF THESE YEARS??? DOES THERE HAVE TO BE A DEATH TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED? MAYBE THERE ALREADY HAS BEEN. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE PARTS OR IT WOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO THIS AMOUNT OF PEOPLE. IT SHOULD NOT BE A FIX AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE WHEN THERE IS A DEFINITE ISSUE WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTS. THIS FIX CAN COST UPWARDS OF $3,000.00. I WOULD ASK THAT SOMEONE INVESTIGATE THESE ISSUES AND DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO GET THIS RESOLVED ASAP. I WILL BE KEEPING A RECORD OF ALL CONTACT ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT IF ANYTHING DOES HAPPEN WITH THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY OR OTHERS FAMILIES IT WILL SHOW CONTACT WAS MADE AND WHAT STEPS CHEVY HAS TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THERE CUSTOMERS. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 27, 2014
ABS LIGHT ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LAMP. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)May 24, 2014
I WAS DRIVING STARAIGHT DOING 40 AND AND I SAW A VECHILE SPEND OUT OF CONTROL I TRIED TO DRIVE FASTER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BUT DOING IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING THE KEY FALLS OUT OF THE IGNITION CAUSING THE THE OTHER CAR TO HIT MINES IN THE REAR RIGHT NO ONE WAS HURT BUT MY CAR WAS SCATCH AND A DENT I NOTICE IT FREQUENTLY THAT WHEN DRIVING THE KEY COMES OUT BY ITSELF ITS REALLY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 23, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I FLASHED MY BRIGHTS AND THEY CAME BACK ON. IT HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 19, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEMS HE EXPERIENCED WERE EERILY SIMILAR AS TO THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMED HIM, HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF A SUDDEN, ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS CEASED. ALL OF THE GAUGES WENT TO THE OFF POSITION, AND THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WERE LOST. MINUTES LATER, ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS RESUMED. THE CONSUMERS MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO ISOLATE THE PROBLEM. *JB UPDATED 06/19/14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 6, 2014
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON JUNE 4, 2013. ON FEBRUARY 13, 2014, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. ON APRIL 5, 2014, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AGAIN. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,413. UPDATED 7/7/14*CN UPDATED 07/11/2014 *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED OFF; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE THEN RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE WAS DETACHED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 6/10/14*CN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 4, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK AND BODY CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
ENGINEApril 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SEVERAL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE PASS LOCK ASSEMBLY SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,400.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTUREMarch 31, 2014
I HAD JUST DROPPED MY 8 YEAR OLD SON OFF AT SCHOOL, AND I WAS HEADED TO WORK. THE CAR CUT OFF WHILE I WAS SLIDING ON VERY THIN ICE. I COULD NOT STEER AWAY FROM THE BACK OF A PICK UP TRUCK. THE DRIVER DROVE OFF BEFORE I COULD EVEN EXIT THE CAR. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOUSE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT STARTED SINCE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOK AT IT BUT NONE COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM A SINGLE PARENT WHO LIVES PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCTOBER. I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP POURING INTO THIS CAR. I KNOW THERE IS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM BUT I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A DEALER, MUCH LESS THE MONEY TO HAVE IT FIXED. ALL I WANT TO HAVE MY CAR BACK ON THE ROAD RUNNING. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10575961EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED AND WHEN SWITCHING FROM THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS TO THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, THE LIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WOULD SWITCH THE LIGHTS ON AND OFF, BUT THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY OVER A THREE YEAR PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 05/29/14 MA THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 06/2014 *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 23, 2014
ON THE ABOVE DATE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO PULL OF AND CAR DID WANT TO START NOTICE THE PASSLOCK 2 SYSTEM SECURITY LIGHT WAS ON. I HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME CAR START RIGHT UP DROVE TO WORK CAR DIDN'T WANT TO START AGAIN. HAS NOT START SINCE. NOTE I SPENT 700 ON THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM A YEAR IN HALF AGO.THIS IS BULL GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR GOOD. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 21, 2014
CAR BEGAN TO FLASH SECURITY LIGHT. THEN WITHIN A MONTH THE LIGHT STAYED ON ALL THE TIME WITH SIGNAL LIGHT MAKING A CLICKING SOUND THEN NOT ABLE TO FLASH PREVENTING THE DRIVERS BEHIND ME NOT TO KNOW THE DIRECTION IM TURNING. THE SWITCH YOU HAVE TO JUGGLE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START ANYMORE. I HAD THE BCM CHANGED THE RADIO IS LOCKED THE LIGHTS USE TO FLASH ON AND OFF. NOW THE CAR STARTS INTERMENT AND THE RADIO IS STILL LOCKED THE SECURITY LIGHT IS STILL ON, CRUISE LIGHT, AND PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT ON. THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR THE CHEVY IMPALA TO BUT THEIR IS NO RECALL....WHY? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6900. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, THE TURN SIGNALS DID NOT ALWAYS WORK. UPDATED 06/30/14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 19, 2014
CAR WOULD NOT START. SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WOULD NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 10 TIMES A YEAR SINCE 2004. THE WIRING TO THE LIGHT SYSTEM MELTED AT THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ONE INCIDENT. I CONTINUALLY HAVE TO RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM TO OVERRIDE THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM ERRORS. THE CAR CONTINUES TO FAIL WITH PAS LOCK SECURITY ISSUES. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ON CHEVROLET IMPALAS, PONTIAC AND OTHER GM MODELS. THE SOLUTIONS ARE VAGUE AND INCONSISTENT. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER IN SAN DIEGO AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND THEIR SUGGESTION WAS TO REPLACE A BUNCH OF EXPENSIVE PARTS WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD FIX THE SECURITY LOCK START ISSUE. THEY SAID THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THEY HAD NO SOLUTION FOR THE CAUSE. THEY TOLD ME THE BEST THING TO DO WAS TO TRADE IT IN ON A NEW CAR OR SELL IT TO SOME UNSUSPECTING PERSON TO DEAL WITH. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ENGAGED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND KEYS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFebruary 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOAT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING INACCURATE AMOUNTS OF FUEL AND THE LOW FUEL GAUGE WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFebruary 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINENovember 18, 2013
PROBLEM WITH STARTING HAS PROGRESS TO A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF DURING OPERATION. SEVERAL TIMES NOW THE CAR HAS SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THIS CAUSES A LOSS OF CONTROL WITH THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE CAR WHILE MOVING. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND MERGING INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I HAD PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TRYING TO MAKE THE CURVE WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR. AT THIS POINT, THE POWER STEERING KICKED IN AND I FOUND MYSELF SWERVING FROM THE SUDDEN SNATCH ON THE STEERING. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN AT THE CONTROLS I KNOW IT WOULD HAVE TURN OUT BAD! I SEE UNLIMITED COMPLAINS AROUND THIS ITEM. DO WE HAVE TO WAIT ON PEOPLE TO GET INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE THE COMPANY IS FORCE TO BE RESPONSIBLE? IF THIS WAS A FOREIGN CAR COMPANY, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE ALREADY FORCED A RECALL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINENovember 7, 2013
PASSLOCK SYSTEM WOULD DISABLE THE CAR FROM STARTING DOZENS OF TIMES FOR MONTHS. I WOULD GET STUCK ANYWHERE WITHOUT WARNING FOR HALF AN HOUR OR MORE WITH MY CHILDREN. IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR A COOLANT LEAK ISSUE. THE DEXCOOL ( A HORRIBLE PRODUCT WITH LAWSUITS DUE TO ENGINE DAMAGE) HAD EATEN THE HOSES AND WAS SPRAYING AROUND THE ENGINE. IT CREATED A SLUDGE THAT THANKFULLY DID NOT DESTROY MY RADIATOR. THE CAR FINALLY OUTRIGHT FAILED BECAUSE OF THE SECURITY SYSTEM. THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH GM. I HAVE READ ENDLESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT READ THE KEY. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR WEEKS. HAD TO GET NEW BCM AND HAVE THE SYSTEM REPROGRAMMED. MY CAR ONLY HAS 37,000 MILES AND FOR IT TO FAIL AND NEED SUCH EXPENSIVE REPAIRS FOR A FAULTY SYSTEM WITH NOTHING WRONG WITH THE MECHANICS OF THE CAR IS UNREAL. ANOTHER KNOWN ISSUE IS WITH THE SIGNALS GOING OUT WITHOUT WARNING. I NEVER KNOW IF THE TURN SIGNALS WILL WORK AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I AM FEARFUL THAT OTHER ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MIGHT HAPPEN. BUT KNOWING THAT THE BCM MIGHT FAIL AGAIN IN ANOTHER YEAR OR SO IS THE BIGGEST RUB. HOW MANY TIMES DO PEOPLE HAVE TO REPROGRAM THEIR CAR AND REPLACE PARTS ON A FAULTY PASSLOCK SYSTEM THAT WILL FAIL AGAIN? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 7, 2013
YOU NEVER KNOW IF THE CAR WILL START. WILL START 30 TIMES THEN NOTHING. WAITING ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND STARTS. CAN NOT TRUST IT TO START AND NOT LEAVE YOU STRANDED.THE FOLLOWING LINK HAS 218+ OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/IMPALA/2002/ELECTRICAL/PASSLOCK_PROBLEM_WONT_START_AND_SECURITY_LIGHT_IS_ON.SHTML. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 4, 2013
THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM IN MY CAR DISABLES MY FUEL AND MY STARTER. I HAVE BEEN STUCK PLACES BEFORE BECAUSE THE CAR WON'T START. THE SECURITY MESSAGE IS ON AND SO IS THE BATTERY ALONG WITH SERVICE VEHICLE SOON. THE CAR WILL NOT START AND HASN'T FOR MONTHS NOW. I AM VERY UPSET, MY RADIO SAYS LOCKED AND I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET MY CAR TO START. IT WILL LEAVE ME STRANDED AT SOME POINT IF IT STARTS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEOctober 31, 2013
FACTORY INSTALLED SECURITY SYSTEM WON'T LET ME START THE CAR, I HAVE TO WAIT ANYWHERE FROM 15-45 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS, AND THAT IS NOT SAFE TO BE STRANDED WITH THE FAMILY. I'M NOT THE FIRST PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND I HOPE YOU CAN DO SOMETHING TO HELP ME SOLVE IT. THANK YOU. *TR
ENGINESeptember 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID NOT STATE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT BY LAW, THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10543083ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 20, 2013
I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE I WAS DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED WHEN SWITCHING FROM LOW BEAMS TO HIGH BEAMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEXT THE CAR DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK. ORDERED NEW BODY CONTROL MODULE AND HAD IT PUT IN AND REPROGRAMMED AT DEALER. WORKED FOR A WEEK AND WHILE IN DRIVE THRU AND SHUT CAR OFF WHEN TRIED TO RESTART CAR IT WOULD NOT RESTART BUT START THROWING A BUNCH OF CODES. SAT FOR AWHILE FOUND SECOND SET OF KEYS PUT IT IN AND IT STARTED. APPARENTLY THE SECURITY SYSTEM WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY WHEN IT WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THIS LOCKED THE CONTACT IN THE VEHICLE AND PREVENTED IT FROM STARTING. THE VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE SHOP. I HAVE FOUND OVER 1,000 COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE WITH THIS CAR. IN 2004 I HAD NEW HEAD GASKETS PUT ON DUE TO THE COOLANT AND WAS SUPPOSE TO RECOUP SOME MONEY. I PUT IN CLAIM AND NEVER HEARD ANYTHING. NOW TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMEDIATELY. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH IMPALAS. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I SIGNAL I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO WORK. I HAVE ALMOST CAUSED MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I COMPLAINED MULTIPLE TIMES TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG. AS SOON AS I HIT THE 100,000 MILE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 16, 2013
HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH IS BAD. THE TURN SIGNALS WILL GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. IF YOU PRESS THE HAZARD BUTTONS OVER AGAIN THE TURN SIGNALS WORK AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 2012 WHEN MY VEHICLE HAD 70,000 MILES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COASTING, THE PASS LOCK SECURITY WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED A FEW TIMES BEFORE IT BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,500. UPDATED 9/17/13*CN
SERVICE BRAKESAugust 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BRAKE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMJuly 28, 2013
THE SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING THE CAR HAD LOST THE ABS FUNCTION. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE FUNCTION WAS SUPPOSED TO STILL WORK. HOWEVER, IF WHAT I EXPERIENCED RECENTLY USING THE HYDRAULIC FUNCTION IS SUPPOSED TO CONSOLE ME OR OFFER BRAKING SECURITY IT HASN'T LEADING ME TO HAVE MY BRAKES WORKED ON AT MIDAS. WHAT LED ME TO MIDAS WAS THE UNNERVING FEELING OF MY RIGHT FRONT BRAKE SHUDDERING AND GRABBING. THEY SAID THE FRONT BRAKES AND PADS WERE FINE BUT THEY DID DO THE REARS. I CALLED GM AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS. I THEN WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THEY HAD NO SERVICE BULLETIN ON THIS. SINCE THIS IS PART OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM I AM ASTONISHED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. I AM NOT THE ONLY CUSTOMER WITH THIS PROBLEM ACCORDING TO MY OWN INTERNET INVESTIGATING. ACCORDING TO CHEVY THIS PROBLEM COULD COST THOUSANDS. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT APPEAR MECHANICAL BUT ELECTRICAL INVOLVING THE ABS SENSORS AND/OR ECB MODULE. *TR
ENGINEJuly 26, 2013
THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MILES PER HOUR, IT LOST POWER. I PULLED OVER AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PISTON BROKE, AND A PORTION OF THE PISTON FLEW THROUGH THE OIL PAN. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10531973ENGINEJune 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER BEING TURNED OFF FOR ONE WEEK AND THE ENGINE EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A FIRE REPORT WAS PROVIDED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,847.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10520263ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMay 6, 2013
I PUT A NEW FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR IN AND NOW MY 02 IMPALA WONT START AND NOT GETTING ANY POWER TO FUEL PUMP NOW, WE ARE A CAR LOT AND THIS CAR HAS BEEN SITTING UNABLE TO START NOW FOR OVER 2 WEEKS, HAD MANY CERTIFIED MECHANICS FROM OUR AREA OBSERVE THE PROBLEM, INCLUDING 2 CERTIFIED CHEVROLET MECHANICS, AND NONE HAVE COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. JUST DON'T MAKE SENSE, I AM SURE CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS SO I CAN HAVE IT REPAIRED SO WE CAN SELL THE CAR. *TR
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEApril 21, 2013
INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK, REPLACED THE ENGINE. INTERMEDIATE NO STARTS, VEHICLE CUTS OFF IN 5 MINS OF DRIVING, TURN SIGNALS WORKS SOMETIMES.. CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND I HAVE ALMOST HAD SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES. *TR
VISIBILITY/WIPERApril 20, 2013
GO TO START THE CAR, EVERYTHING APPEARS NORMAL, YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS. THERE IS POWER TO EVERYTHING BUT DOES NOTHING WHEN YOU TURN THE KEY. NO CLICK OR CRANK SOUND AT ALL. HAPPENS OUT OF THE BLUE LEAVING YOU STRANDED. SOMETIMES IF YOU WAIT IT OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL WORK LIKE NOTHING EVERY HAPPENED. VERY BAZAAR. MECHANICS UNABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT. THIS IS A CAR OUR DAUGHTER DRIVES AND HAS BEEN STRANDED ALONE AT NIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I GOGGLED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE WIPERS STAY IN UP POSITION ON THE WINDSHIELD WHEN YOUR TURN THEM OFF AFTER IT SNOWS. SEVERAL THOUSAND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON LINE AS WELL. CAUSES A VISIBILITY ISSUE.. VERY DANGEROUS! *TR
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMarch 30, 2013
THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK IMMEDIATELY. ONCE STARTED IF YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE GAS THE CAR WILL COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. CANNOT TAKE FOOT OFF THE GAS WHEN DRIVING OR SHIFTING GEARS OR IT STALLS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJanuary 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE FUEL GAUGE READING FLUCTUATED FROM FULL TO EMPTY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE EXTERIOR SWITCH TO THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THE MULTIFUNTION WINDOW SWITCH WOULD NOT OPERATE ANY OF THE WINDOWS WHEN THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WAS NOT OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SENDING UNIT RELAY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE FUEL GAUGE FAILURE. THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED THE REPAIR THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN BEGAN SOUNDING INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 239,281.
VISIBILITY/WIPERDecember 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE REAR WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A WINDOW REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE REAR WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROSTER MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEDecember 3, 2012
SAFETY FLASHES ON DASHBOARD AND CAR WILL NOT START FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES. IT HAPPENS TOTALLY AT RANDOM TIMES IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER. DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY DOES NOT HELP NOR DOES RESETTING A FUSE WITH A KILL SWITCH. THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL? I WAS TOLD FROM A DEALER IT WAS A COMPUTER ISSUE AND COULD BE FIXED FOR AROUND 1000 DOLLARS. I WANT TO BUY AMERICAN CARS BUT DO I HAVE TO SUFFER BECAUSE OF THIS CHOICE? WHAT AN AWFUL INCONVENIENCE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG AND SECURITY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN THAT THE BCM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGSNovember 13, 2012
AT 10:00 P.M., DRIVER STARTED THE VEHICLE (COLD) AND PULLED AWAY FROM CURB STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN 100 FEET AHEAD. AS DRIVER PULLED AWAY FROM THE CURB, THE DASH LIGHTS (SEAT BELT, ABS, AIRBAG, ETC.) AND TACHOMETER BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY FLASH/ FLUCTUATE. DRIVER PROCEEDED TO TAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO A MAIN ROAD WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD CURTAIN AIRBAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK. DRIVER IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR AND PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)November 2, 2012
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSED THE CAR ENGINE TO TURN OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS HAVING ACCELERATION PROBLEMS GETTING TO JUST 25-30 MPH AND WHILE DRIVING IT, THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART IT. AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS, I FOUND ONLINE THAT LETTERS (SPECIAL POLICY NUMBER 05551) WERE SUPPOSEDLY SENT OUT TO IMPALA OWNERS FOR AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THIS FAULTY PART. I'M THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR SO I WASN'T AWARE OF THIS AND JUST GOT IT REPLACED IN OCTOBER. A CHEVY DISTRICT SPECIALIST SAID THE CAR WAS BOUGHT 18 DAYS BEFORE THIS WARRANTY COVERAGE AND I WAS 2 YEARS OUTSIDE OF IT BECAUSE I'M THE SECOND OWNER. THE CAR IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND LESS THAN 84,000 MILES ON IT AS OF TODAY. I'M NOT SURE WHAT WARRANTS A RECALL, BUT SEVERAL SITES HAVE CUSTOMERS SAYING THEY'VE HAD TO REPLACE THIS PART MULTIPLE TIMES ON THEIR CARS BECAUSE GM SOLD A CAR WITH A FAULTY DESIGN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 17, 2012
THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM HAS BEEN FAILING ME SINCE 2005. THE CAR STARTS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED FOR 6 MONTHS, LATE TO WORK, AND MENTALLY STRESSED THANKS TO THIS PROBLEM. EVERYDAY FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. IN 2005 I HAD THE BCM REPLACED, AND GM BLAMED THE PROBLEM ON THE VIPER ALARM SYSTEM. AS OF LAST WEEK GENERAL MOTORS CUT A NEW KEY, BECAUSE THE OLD KEY WAS STATED AS THE PROBLEM. NOW THAT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST GM INFORMS ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION. THIS HAS TO BE A FORM OF RAPE. I AM A VETERAN, UNIVERSITY STUDENT, AND A PART-TIME WORKER, SO MY VEHICLE IS VERY MUCH NEEDED. MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY WATCH ME STRUGGLE DUE TO THIS VEHICLE ISSUE. I GUESS THIS IS THE THANKS YOU GET FOR BEING A HARD WORKING AMERICAN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 1, 2012
PARKED AND TURNED OFF CAR, GAUGES, LOCKS AND LIGHTS WENT CRAZY. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONTINUED TO GO CRAZY EVENTUALLY THE BATTERY EXPLODED AND EVERYTHING TURNED OFF. DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT WAS THE BCM. 6 YEARS LATER BCM IS BAD AGAIN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 1, 2012
PARKED CAR GAUGES WENT CRAZY WITH A SOUND COMING FROM THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. BAD BCM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 12, 2012
PROBLEMS BEGAN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WITH DIGITAL GEAR INDICATOR, DASH, AND OTHER LIGHTS GOING OUT AND COMING BACK ON. GOT NO SATISFACTORY RESPONSE FROM MANUFACTURER AND NOW CLUSTER HAS GONE OUT, SWITCH OUT, LOW COOLANT LIGHT STAYS ON. AT TIMES ACRID SMELL IN VEHICLE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 1, 2012
MY TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL AND SOMETIMES HAVE TO ACTIVATE FLASHERS ON AND OFF. SOMETIMES LITES WON'T TURN ALL THE WAY OFF WHEN I PARK THEY WILL MAKE A CHIMING SOUND AND I WILL TURN THEM ON AND OFF TIL IT STOPS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEAugust 1, 2012
FOR THE PAST 2-3 YEARS THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL COME ON AND FLASH ABOUT 10 MINUTES. DURING THAT TIME I HAVE TO SIT WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE IGNITION SWITCHED BACK UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS, WHICH THEN THE CARE WILL START. ABOUT A MONTH AGO SAME CONSTANT PROBLEM EXCEPT NOW AFTER THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING CAR WON'T START AT ALL. I'VE GOTTEN NEW BATTERY AND HAD ALTERNATOR CHECKED AND BOTH ARE GOOD. THE SECURITY PASS CODE DEALING WITH THE KEYS OR SOME MESS I WAS TOLD WHICH WILL COST $500.-$600. OMG!!!!! REALLY. IS THERE A RECALL OR SOMETHING FOR THIS. GMC PLEASE DO BETTER. LAST AMERICAN MADE CAR THAT I WILL PURCHASE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 24, 2012
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHEN STARTED *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE MANAGED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, BUT IT RUINED THE MOTOR. THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, GM DENIED THE CLAIM, STATING DUE TO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS BEING FIVE YEARS, THEY COULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10467464ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEJuly 23, 2012
CAR WON'T START AND CAR WILL JUST TURN OFF WHILE IM DRIVING, ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 18, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON I127 HIGHWAY, WITH MY DIM LIGHTS ON AND CARS PASSING ME, MY DIMS GO BLANK. NOTHING. I HAD TO QUICKLY PULL OVER AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO FIND THE PROBLEM. AFTER ABOUT A DOZEN EPISODES OF THESE I FIND THAT MY BRIGHT LIGHTS WOULD STILL OPERATE. AFTER I'D GET HOME I WOULD SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND RESTART THE ENGINE AND MY DIMS WOULD COME BACK ON !!!!! I HAVE CLEANED THE LITTLE SIGNAL SWITCH ON THE FRONT DASH BUT THEY STILL GO OFF AT ANY TIME OF THE NIGHT. I HAVE COME CLOSE TO A FEW ACCIDENTS. PLEASE HELP ! I HAVE TALKED WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS AND ROOKIES BUT THEY WERE STUMPED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
STEERINGJune 19, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A POPPING NOISE EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED AND THAT THERE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 11, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HEAD LIGHTS AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LAMPS FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 28, 2012
WENT TO TURN ON THE CAR; ALL LIGHTS LOCKS RADIO WINDOWS WORKED. WHEN I TURNED KEY TO ON POSITION CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON. SECURITY LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. CAR WOULDN'T TURN ON FOR TEN MINUTES THEN IT TURNED ON. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING SECURITY LIGHT WILL COME ON AND STAY ON UNTIL CAR IS TURN OFF AND BACK ON. SOMETIMES SECURITY LIGHT WILL STAY ON. IN ADDITION, TO SECURITY LIGHT AND CAR NOT WANTING TO TURN ON, TURN SIGNALS WILL RANDOMLY STOP WORKING AND I HAVE TO TURN HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND OFF TO GET TURN SIGNALS TO WORK AGAIN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED WHEN SWITCHING FROM LOW BEAMS TO HIGH BEAMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOW EXPERIENCING ANOTHER NEW SAFETY CONCERN IN REGARDS TO THE PASS LOCK, WHERE THE COMPONENTS WERE WEARING OUT. THE SECURITY SYSTEM WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY WHEN IT WAS INSERTED INTO THE IGNITION. THIS LOCKED THE CONTACT IN THE VEHICLE AND PREVENTED IT FROM STARTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE THIS PASS LOCK FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 102,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 28, 2012
THE TURN SIGNALS STOP WORKING ON ITS OWN. THEN STARTED WORKING AGAIN. THE SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 6, 2012
TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMEDIATELY. THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH IMPALAS. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN I SIGNAL I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO WORK. I HAVE ALMOST CAUSED MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I COMPLAINED MULTIPLE TIMES TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG. AS SOON AS I HIT THE 100,000 MILE MARK THEY ALL OF A SUDDEN HAVE A SOLUTION. THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF TIMES IT'S BEEN REPORTED. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE SWITCH. *TR
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)February 29, 2012
MY ABS AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS ON. WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL, THERE'S A FUNNY NOISE AND A FEELING LIKE MY BRAKES ARE SCRUBBING. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 29, 2012
THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE ABS HUB ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE HAS REAPPEARED. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THEY STAY ON UNTIL THE MOTOR IS TURNED OFF THEN RESTARTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS ABOUT 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 87000. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 13, 2012
CAR CRANKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO IT CRANKS UP AND SOMETIME IS DOES NOT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 2, 2012
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSTIC BY, AUTHORIZED CHEVY DEALER, AS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. ESTIMATED COST OF THE PART $703.00 PLUS TAX AND SHIPPING. THIS IS A PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE ,ESPECIALLY AT THAT PRICE. I WAS TOLD, THERE IS RECALLS IN REFERENCE THE SAFETY AIR BAG SYSTEM FOR 2002 CHEVY IMPALA'S .WAS THIS PART INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ? IF NOT, THIS PART SHOULD BE, OR AT LEAST MADE AVAILABLE TO THE END CUSTOMER AT THE MANUFACTURERS COST. I AM A CONTINUES GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMER SINCE 1987. THIS 2002 IMPALA HAS GIVEN ME ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED IT. I AM AT THE POINT OF LOOKING AT DIFFERENT PRODUCT LINES. I AM VERY INTERESTED IN GM RESPONSE TO THIS . *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMDecember 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE ABS HUB ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 28, 2011
MY IMPALA STOPS RUNNING WHILE IM DRIVING ON OR OFF THE FREEWAY BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN IM DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 55 TO 65MPH WHEN ON FREEWAY WITHOUT WARNING, THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES AND POWER STEERING IS LOST. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 23, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PASS LOCK 2 FUNCTION HAD A FAILED PASS LOCK SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHILE THEY KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RED SECURITY FAILURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT BE CAUSED BY THE SECURITY PASS LOCK SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 191,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 7, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA,DOOR LOCKS,LOCK AN UNLOCK BY THERE SELF DRAINING THE BATTERY,DOME LIGHT STAYS ON BLINKERS DON'T WORK THERE'S A CLICKING SOUND COMING OUT OF FUSE BOX DASH LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS BLINK CAR STARTS BUT RUNS ERRATICALLY,REPLACED TURN SIGNAL SWITCH DID NOT HELP,WIPERS STAY IN THE UP RITE POSITION ALSO,I'VE TRIED CONTACTING GM NO LUCK,DO NOT TRUST DEALERSHIP BEEN RIPPED OFF MORE THAN ONCE. *TR
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 17, 2011
PURCHASED VEHICLE THAT WAS FRAUDULENTLY MISREPRESENTED AS A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, WHICH TURN OUT TO BE THE OPPOSITE. FEAR, VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A FATALITY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 10, 2011
AFTER STARTING THE CAR BLOWER MOTOR WONT WORK CRUISE LIGHT STAYS ON MIRROR CLUSTER DON'T WORK UNTIL 15 MIN THEN EVERYTHING WILL WORK BUT WHEN USING THE CRUISE IT WILL STOP WORKING BUT LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER TIME GAUGES CUT OUT AND THEN COME BACK ON AND ALL PROBLEMS SLOWLY BECOME WORSE WITH TIME. HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE ITS THE IGNITION SWITCH. *KB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEATSOctober 6, 2011
I BOUGHT THIS CAR 4 YEARS AGO AND I DID NOT HAVE PROBLEMS TILL THIS HAPPENED, THE CAR DON'T WANT TO STAR IN SEVERAL TIMES, IM ALREADY PISSED OFF AND I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT, CUZ I KNOW THAT NOBODY IS GOING TO BUY IT LIKE THAT; I LIKE THE CAR BUT THIS IS INOPERABLE!!!! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 1, 2011
MY WELL-MAINTAINED 2002 CHEVY IMPALA, 3.4L V6, BASE MODEL SHUT OFF A COUPLE DAYS AGO WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ACCELERATING, AS THE TRAFFIC WAS FINALLY PICKING UP. THAT'S WHEN I FELT THE CAR JERK AND SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. IT WAS HORRIFYING - THE BRAKE PEDAL & STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, SO I FORCIBLY TURNED THE WHEEL WITH ALL MY STRENGTH, COASTED TO THE SHOULDER, WITH TWO NEAR-COLLISIONS, PRESSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, THEN SHIFTED TO PARK. THE RED BATTERY SYMBOL WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AS IF THE KEY WAS SET TO "ON", BUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE DASH LIGHTS WERE OFF, BUT I BELIEVE THAT'S BECAUSE THE CAR SHUT OFF (WHICH IS WHAT WOULD NORMALLY HAPPEN AFTER SHUTTING OFF A CAR WITH AUTO-OFF LIGHTS). SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START ONLY RESULTED IN SOUNDS OF A CAR STRUGGLING TO TURN OVER, BUT NEVER ACTUALLY TURNING. EVENTUALLY THE CAR STUTTERED, BUT STARTED. I WAS BACK IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AND AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING, IT SHUT OFF AGAIN. SAME DRILL - COASTED OFF THE ROAD, AND SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO START BEFORE FINALLY STARTING. BACK ON THE ROAD, A FEW MINUTES LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. AFTER 2 MORE EPISODES OF THIS, INSTEAD OF STRUGGLING TO START, THE WASN'T EVEN COMING CLOSE. THE CAR RADIO AND HAZARD LIGHTS WERE STILL WORKING. WHICH LED ME TO BELIEVE THAT CONSTANT STARTING ATTEMPTS MAY HAVE EXHAUSTED THE BATTERY. AFTER A SUCCESSFUL START, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME, USING LOCAL ROADS FOR FEAR OF A HIGHWAY CRASH. 25 MINUTES LATER, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING JUST FINE. IT DIDN'T SHUT OFF AGAIN UNTIL I WAS PARKED AT HOME AND IDLING FOR A FEW MINUTES. EVERYTIME IT SHUT OFF, I'D SEE *NO* CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, *NO* WARNINGS FROM THE MIL, THOUGH IT'S FULLY FUNCTIONAL. THE NEXT DAY I MOVED THE CAR FOR ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING AND IT STARTED UP JUST FINE, NO HESITATION. SEVERAL MORE STARTS SINCE MONDAY - NO HESITATION OR PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT LONG FOR NOW, FOR FEAR OF AN IMMINENT CRASH. THIS COULD BE FATAL. *TR
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 29, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE BEING ROTATED WHEN THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE REAR STRUT CHAMBER WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT, CAUSING THE INTERIOR SIDES OF THE REAR TIRES TO WEAR EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE TIRES MAY BLOW OUT AND DECIDED TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. ON A 65,000 MILE TIRE REPAIR REAR STRUT HOLES CAMBER RODS ETC. UPDATED 10/07/2011 *LN *TR
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMAugust 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED WITH THE ILLUMINATED OF THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT. THE FAILURE CAUSED AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 24, 2011
SECURITY SYSTEM FAILURE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. LUCKILY I WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN IT REFUSED TO START. HAD TO REPLACE BODY CONTROL MODULE, LOCK CYLINDER WITH PASSLOCK SENSOR BEFORE CAR WOULD START. THIS MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A SAFETY PROBLEM, BUT, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT ALL THE PLACES YOUR CAR COULD LEAVE YOU STRANDED, IT'S SCARY. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH THIS PROBLEM ON SEVERAL WEB SITES.THIS IS A FAULT OF GENERAL MOTORS, THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO HELP THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. THEY NEED TO COME UP WITH A PERMANENT FIX FOR THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM AND HAVE A RECALL AND FIX IT ONCE AND FOR ALL. AVERAGE COST FOR THIS REPAIR IS ABOUT $1,000.00 DOLLARS. THE CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE PAID IT DESERVES THEIR MONEY BACK. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENTAugust 23, 2011
ELECTRONIC - FIRST PROBLEM WAS AIRBAG LIGHT STAYING ON - AFTER AT LEAST 4 TRIPS TO DEALER - PROBLEM FIXED - NOW RADIO IS LOCKED AND SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO DOOR LOCKS AND SECURITY SYSTEM - APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL AND NEEDS RECALL. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED TWICE IN 2009 FOR THE SIMILAR FAILURE WHERE THE DIMMER SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,936.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTAugust 15, 2011
GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PASSKEY SYSTEM MAY, AND THOUSANDS DO, EXPERIENCE A PASSLOCK SYSTEM LOCKOUT, WHERE THE SECURITY SYSTEM PREVENTS STARTING OF THE VEHICLE, EVEN WHEN USING THE MFR'S SUPPLIED KEY. THE PASSKEY SENSOR PROBLEM IS RECURRING EVEN AFTER SOME CONSUMERS HAD DEALERS REPLACE IT. THIS DEFECT IN THE PASSKEY II AND III AS WELL AS THE PASSLOCK SYSTEMS ON GM VEHICLES HAS PLAGUED MY VEHICLE SINCE 3 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE. THE DEALER SAID I HAVE TO REPLACE THE PASSKEY SENSOR, IGNITION CONTROL MODULE, IGNITION SWITCH, BCM AND EVEN POSSIBLY THE ECM. I HAVE CHECKED WITH OTHER SHOPS AND CONSUMERS VIA ONLINE FORUMS AND PERSONAL INTERACTIONS, AND HAVE COME TO LEARN OF 1000'S IF NOT 10,000'S OF CONSUMERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS ONLY COVER UP THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR. THIS PROBLEM PREVENTS THE OWNER FROM STARTING THE CAR, AS WELL AS CAUSE IT TO STALL REGARDLESS OF LOCATION OR DRIVING CONDITION. THIS CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND POSSIBLY LEAVING A CONSUMER STRANDED IN UNSURVIVABLE SITUATIONS. THIS IS A PUBLIC SAFETY AND A HEALTH RISK. EVEN WHEN UNDER WARRANTY, THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE 'RECOMMENDED' PARTS AS THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, HOWEVER THEY CAUSE THE VEHICLE'S POWERTRAIN TO NOT FUNCTION OR CEASE FUNCTION WHEN RUNNING JUST FINE SECONDS PRIOR. GM HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS ISSUE BY MYSELF AND TO NO AVAIL, A RESOLUTION IS UNAVAILABLE. I HAD A FRIEND OF MINE REPLACE OVER 8 COMPONENTS OF THE IGNITION/SECURITY SYSTEM AT THE DEALER FOR A COST OVER $2500. THE VEHICLE WAS 4 MONTHS OLD. MY VEHICLE, AT 9 YEARS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 4. GM NEEDS TO RECALL ALL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PASSLOCK/PASSKEY 2-3 SYSTEM FOR REPLACEMENT WITH A MORE RELIABLE ONE. A GOOGLE SEARCH TURNS UP OVER 138,000 RESULTS FOR GM PASSKEY PROBLEMS. GM PASSLOCK PROBLEMS TURNS UP OVER 85,100 RESULTS. THAT IS 223,100 RESULTS. IF I DO VEHICLE SPECIFIC, THAT NUMBER TRIPLES. CHEVY PASSKEY PROBLEMS RETURNS 1,340,000. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 10, 2011
PASSLOCK SYSTEM ON 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA IS DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED. FAILURE LEAVES OWNER UNABLE TO START OTHERWISE 100% OPERABLE VEHICLE. PASSLOCK DEVICE REPLACED IN 2008 AFTER COMPLETE FAILURE. PASSLOCK DEVICE FAILURE AGAIN IN 2011. GM CLAIMS NOTHING WRONG. ISSUE VERY WIDESPREAD AND WELL KNOWN TO DEALERS AND MECHANICS. *TR
VISIBILITYAugust 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS WINDOW FAILED AND WOULD NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,544 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000. SM.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 5, 2011
OUR 2002 GENERAL MOTORS CHEVROLET IMPALA HAS THE REPORTED AND WELL KNOWN INTERMITTENT ISSUE KNOWN AS THE PASSLOCK FAILURE REGARDING GENERAL MOTORS SECURITY MODULE WHICH OCCURS ON MANY GENERAL MOTORS CARS MADE FROM 1999-2005. THE PASSLOCK FAILURE HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND IS DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE AND FIX/RESOLVE BUT IS REPORTED ON THE INTERNET. THE PASSLOCK FAILURE SEEMS TO BE TIED TO THE 'SECURITY' LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD, HOWEVER IT HAS BEEN SEEN THAT THE 'SECURITY' LIGHT CAN COME ON FROM TIME TO TIME WHILE DRIVING WITH NO PROBLEMS BUT NOT ALWAYS. THE PASSLOCK FAILURE IS OBSERVED IN 2 SCENARIOS: 1) WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE VEHICLE MAY STALL, LEAVING THE DRIVER WITHOUT POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES, ALSO THE 'SECURITY' LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD WILL BE LIT. 2) AFTER GETTING INTO THE CAR IT FAILS TO START, THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER BUT ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTS ALL APPEAR TO WORK OKAY, THE 'SECURITY' LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD WILL BE LIT. FREQUENCY OF FAILURE - THE FREQUENCY OF THESE TWO FAILURES IS UNABLE TO BE PREDICTED, IT HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE DAY, MULTIPLE TIME TIMES ACROSS 2 DAYS AND THEN MAY NOT OCCUR FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS. THE ISSUE CAN OCCUR IN WINTER, SUMMER, FALL OR SPRING. TEMPORARY CORRECTION - WHEN THE CAR FAILS TO START THEN THIS ISSUE MAY BE ABLE TO BE RESOLVED TEMPORARILY BY USING ANOTHER KEY ( A SPARE KEY SHOULD BE STORED IN THE CAR FOR SAFETY) OR THE DRIVER MUST WAIT ABOUT 20 MINUTES WITH THE KEY REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AND THEN THE ISSUE WILL BE TEMPORARILY RESOLVED UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. RESEARCH INTO THIS FAILURE HAS SHOWN THAT THIS FAILURE IS NOT ABLE TO BE REPLICATED BY MYSELF OR ANY RELIABLE SERVICE TECHNICIANS THROUGH MY RESEARCH VIA THE INTERNET. ALSO - RESEARCH INTO THIS FAILURE HAS NOT SHOWN A PROVEN AND FINAL FIX THOUGH MANY THEORETICAL FIXES ARE AVAILABLE. SHOULD THIS FAILURE CAUSE A VEHICLE WHILE IN TRAFFIC TO STALL, DEATH AND INJURY MAY RESULT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, THIS ISSUE NEEDS A RECALL FROM GM! *TT
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 4, 2011
I GOT MY CAR ON 03/09/2011. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH MY CAR. IT HESITATES TO CRANK, WHEN TURNING I CAN FEEL A POPPING FEELING IN THE STEERING. VERY OFTEN MY SIGNAL LIGHTS DOESN'T COME ON. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHEN HITTING MY BREAKS THE CAR SOMETIMES SPEEDS UP BEFORE SLOWING DOWN, WHICH CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING. THE LOW COOLANT LEVEL LIGHT STAYS ON, EVEN THOUGH THEY CLAIM THEY FIXED SOME SENSOR SWITCH. THEY ALSO SAID THEY FIXED MY CAR FROM LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, BUT THE BRAKES ARE SOUNDING WORST EVERYDAY. I ASKED THEM IF THE BRAKES NEEDED CHANGING AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. THE CAR HESITATES WHEN TAKING OFF. I JUST GOT HOME FROM WORK AND NOT EVEN 30 MINUTES WENT BY BEFORE I TRIED TO LEAVE OUT AND MY CAR WOULD NOT CRANK. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE I GOT THE CAR AND THEY HAVE PROCRASTINATED UNTIL THE 30 DAY WARRANTY EXPIRED. WHEN CALLING TODAY THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. WHEN ASKING WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS, WHEN I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE ISSUES SINCE I FIRST GOT THE VEHICLE, THE REPLY WAS THEY ARE NOT GOING TO PAY THAT ANY MIND AND I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE IT WOULD HESITATE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE EGR VALVE WAS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMJuly 28, 2011
FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS MY TRACTION ON LIGHT APPEARS AND WHEN TURNING RIGHT, THE RIGHT FRONT END HESITATES AND BOGS DOWN AND MAKES A WHIRRING NOISE. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE MY BRAKES. ONCE LAST WEEK AFTER THIS HAPPENED THE ABS LIGHT APPEARED. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN RESTARTING THE LIGHTS DISAPPEARED. THE ABS LIGHT HAS NOT SINCE APPEARED BUT THE TRACTION ON LIGHT AND EFFECTS CONTINUE. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 28, 2011
I HAVE A 2002 IMPALA AND MY TURN SIGNAL WORKS SOMETIMES AND OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T. MY MOM HAS A CHEVY MALIBU AND HERS WAS DOING THE SAME THING AND THEY RECALLED IT DUE TO DEFECTIVE PARTS SO I LOOKED IT UP ON LINE AND GM HAS RECALLED OTHER MODELS BUT NOT IMPALA. SO I TOOK IT TO A GM LOCATION AND THE GUY TOLD ME THEY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM BUT UNTIL THEY RECALL IT THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO BUT PAY FOR IT. IT STARTED AT AROUND 98,000 MILES AND I WOULD ALMOST GET HIT WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO TURN AFTER A WHILE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY I GUESS ABOUT 135,000 NOW ITS BACK AGAIN IM AT 182,000 AND STILL NO RECALL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 28, 2011
ON THE IP THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT FUNCTIONAL EVERY ONCE A WHILE AND IT DOES REQUIRE A 10 MINUTES WAIT IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION BEFORE YOU CAN FIRE THE ENGINE. THIS ISSUE BEEN PERSISTING FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS. I DO WONDER IF THIS PROBLEM BEEN EXPERIENCE WITH CHEVY? *TR
SEATSJune 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE YET A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRING OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. UPDATED 10/31/11
Fire reported
NHTSA #10407158EQUIPMENTJune 6, 2011
ON OCTOBER 11, 2010, WAS STOPPED FOR A LEFT TURN, IN MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. I WAS HIT FROM THE BACK BY A PICKUP TRUCK. UPON IMPACT, MY ONSTAR MIRROR CAME LOOSE FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND THE CABLE BECAME A WEAPON IN THE CAR WITH THE MIRROR STILL ATTACHED. A WITNESS SAID IT LOOKED LIKE A BASEBALL BAT FLYING AROUND ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. THE CABLE WAS HANGING AND APPROXIMATELY 2FT LONG WHEN THE WRECKER PULLED IT AWAY. I RECEIVED MULTIPLE INJURIES TO MY HEAD/NECK AND RIGHT EYE DUE TO THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT. THERE WERE ALSO OTHER INJURIES THAT I FEEL PROBABLY DO NOT PERTAIN TO THIS. THE CAR WAS LATER TOTALED AND SO NOTHING WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. I WILL REMAIN LEARY TO HAVE OR INSTALL ONSTAR EQUIPMENT IN ANY OTHER VEHICLE FOR THIS REASON. *TR
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10405327STEERINGJune 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 19, 2011
CAR WOULD NOT START. TRIED ABOUT 10 - 100 TIMES AND IT WOULD USUALLY TURN OVER. HAPPENING OVER THE LAST YEAR, BUT GETTING WORSE (CAR WILL NOT START RIGHT AWAY FOR LAST THREE DAYS!). EVERYTHING INSIDE CAR (LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC.) IS ON BUT ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMay 2, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT READ THE FUEL LEVELS PROPERLY. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD DRIFT INDICATE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND THEN IT WOULD DISPLAY HALF FULL AND EMPTY WITHIN MINUTES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SENDER AND WIRING HAD FAILED. THE VIN WAS REJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 06/13/11 *BF UPDATED 1/19/2012 *LN *TR
AIR BAGSApril 11, 2011
I FELL ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL AND WAS HEADING STRAIGHT FOR A TELEPHONE POLE. I AWOKE AT LAST SECOND AND MANAGED TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING POLE HEAD ON, IN WHICH CASE I WOULD PROBABLY BE DEAD. DOCTORS SAID I WAS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE EVEN THOUGH I WORE MY SEATBELT B/C THE CAR HIT THE POLE AND THEN FLIPPED OVER 2 OR 3 TIMES BEFORE LANDING ON ITS HOOD WITH ME TRAPPED INSIDE. THE JAWS OF LIFE WERE USED TO HELP PULL MY PASSENGER DOOR OFF ENOUGH TO GET ME OUT OF CAR ONTO A FLATBOARD, ONCE THEY HAD ME IN A NECKBRACE, THAT IS. THE REASON I AM MAKING A COMPLAINT IS BECAUSE I LEASED THIS CAR AT A VERY HIGH PERCENTAGE RATE AND WAS MORE THAN 75% DONE PAYING IT OFF AND NOW I HAVE NOTHING. THE '02 CHEVROLET IMPALA HAD FRONT AIRBAGS, (AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THEY SAID WHEN THEY SOLD ME THE CAR), HOWEVER, NEITHER DEPLOYED IN THE ACCIDENT AND I SUSTAINED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MY WHOLE LEFT SIDE. MY HEAD AND SHOULDER WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, HITTING THE PAVEMENT, AND I HAVE NERVE DAMAGE NOW B/C OF THIS. MY LEFT ARM IS NOW TINGLING AND GOING NUMB, WHICH COMES DOWN FROM A PINCHED NERVE IN MY NECK. I WILL NEED TO GO TO PHYSICAL THERAPY ONCE I AM ABLE. I AM ON HIGH DOSE PAIN MEDS. RIGHT NOW AND CAN BARELY WALK. I NOW WONDER IF THE AIRBAGS HAD BEEN DEPLOYED ALREADY SOMETIME B/F I BOUGHT THE CAR, PUT BACK IN USED, AND THAT IS WHY NEITHER CAME OUT WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE. I AM THINKING ABOUT CONTACTING A LAWYER REGARDING THIS SITUATION. DO YOUR HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON THIS? THANK YOU AND PLEASE GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AS TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE IN THIS SITUATION. *TR
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10395480EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL MECHANISM WAS SLIGHTLY JOLTED THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNIVERSAL LIGHT SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 04/15/11*LJ UPDATED 11/21/11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 18, 2011
MY 02 CHEVY IMPALA HAS ISSUES WITH THE STARTING SYSTEM. I HAVE NO KNOW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR EXCEPT SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT START AND HOURS OF TRYING TO START THE CAR IT STARTS. I EVEN TRIED TO SHORT OUT MY STARTER AND THAT DIDN'T WORK. IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER AND MY INFANT CHILD GOT VERY HOT WAITING ON ME TO START THE CAR. *LN
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 17, 2011
BOTH HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AT NIGHT WITH NO WARNING. SOMETIMES LOW LIGHTS TURN OFF AND THEN COME BACK ON AFTER A FEW SECONDS. SOMETIMES HIGH LIGHTS SHUT OFF AND DO NOT COME BACK ON UNLESS THE LIGHTS ARE MANUALLY SWITCHED TO LOW. THIS HAPPENS AS MUCH AS ONCE A MONTH TRAVELING AT 65 MPH EVER SINCE I OWNED THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO INDICATION WHEN AND WHERE THIS WILL HAPPEN. IT IS JUST RANDOM. IF YOU ARE UNAWARE HOW TO GET THE LIGHTS TO COME BACK ON, THEY WILL NOT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF SEVERAL OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO REMEDY! *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 14, 2011
I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS 4D. I WOULD BE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON AND FOR NO REASON BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITHOUT ABILITY TO SEE. WHEN I THEN I THEN HIT THE HIGH/LOW DIMMER SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES WITH MY HAND THE LIGHTS WOULD RETURN. THIS WOULD OCCUR ONCE EVERY MONTH OR SO, AND OCCURRED AT THIS APPROXIMATE FREQUENCY OF TIME FOR AS OFTEN AS I OWNED MY CAR, SINCE 2007. IT IS QUITE FRIGHTENING TO DRIVE AT NIGHT WHEN YOUR LIGHTS WOULD SUDDENLY GO OFF WITHOUT WARNING. FINALLY, LAST YEAR THE HIGH BEAM WOULD NOT CLICK ON WITH THE SWITCH APPARENTLY BEING BROKEN. MY FATHER OWNED THE SAME YEAR IMPALA, AND HE REPORTED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM, THE LIGHTS WOULD SUDDENLY GO OUT AND HE WOULD HAVE TO HIT THE SWITCH TO HAVE THE LIGHTS RETURN ON. HE HAD HIS FIXED AND IT COST HIM IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 600 DOLLARS. MY BRIGHTS ARE CURRENTLY NOT FUNCTIONING DUE TO THIS BROKEN SWITCH WITH THE COST TO FIX BEING AROUND 600 DOLLARS. I FIND IT QUITE UNUSUAL WITH THE SAME YEAR IMPALA TO HAVE THIS OCCUR, AND FIND IT EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 6, 2011
MY CAR LEAVES ME STRANDED FOR HOURS BEFORE IT STARTS. PASSLOCK/PASSKEY II IS THE WORST THING CHEVY EVER CREATED. WHILE DRIVING THE GAUGES GO OFF AND ON; AND THE CAR SHUTS THE FUEL OFF. BEING SAID MY SISTER USED MY CAR ONE DAY AND THE FUEL SHUT OFF, THE CAR DIED, AND SHE WAS REAR ENDED. THANKFULLY IT WAS A BUMP AND SHE WASN'T SERIOUSLY INJURED. I'M ALWAYS LATE FOR WORK AND I HAVE REPLACED THE BCM, IGNITION SWITCH, AND TUMBLER. NOTHING IS RESOLVED. I'VE BEEN HOME STRANDED FOR A WEEK, WHICH HAS CAUSED ME TO MISS SCHOOL. DUE TO THE LACK OF MONEY I AM FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM COLLEGE AND THIS IS MY SENIOR YEAR WHICH THROWS MY OUT OF MY INTERNSHIP. CHEVY NEEDS TO RECALL THIS "PASSLOCK" FEATURE AND REIMBURSE ALL OF THE PEOPLE THEY HAVE SWINDLED. THIS IS THERE FAULT AND WE, THE CONSUMERS, SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THIS FEATURE ALLOWS OWNERS TO NOT BE ABLE TO USE THEIR VEHICLES, AND A PROFESSIONAL THIEF CAN STEAL THE CAR. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND STILL NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE, AND FRANKLY, I DO NOT THINK ANYTHING EVER WILL BE. I FOR ONE WILL NEVER PURCHASE A CHEVY AGAIN. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10380912ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 7, 2011
PASSLOCK 2 SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 7, 2011
HEAD GASKET FAILURE. HEAD GASKETS ARE DEFECTIVE ON THE 3400 SERIES ENGINES. THE COOLANT USED IN THESE VEHICLES CAUSES PREMATURE EROSION IN THE HEAD GASKET. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 3, 2011
MY ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES, MAKING AWFUL GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT AWAY. DOES IT RATHER ROADS ARE WET OR DRY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS . I HAVE READ MANY MANY OWNERS OF THE 2002 CHEVY IMPALAS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR RESULT IN A FATALITY.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 16, 2010
HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT WHILE IN OPERATION. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START IT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY THE FIRST TIME BUT THE REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A NEW BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE MODULE BEING BURNED OUT BY THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 02/03/11*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD TO WAIT 15 MINUTES AND THEN START THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE SHOULD NO HAVE TO WAIT TO START THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 03/22/11
STEERING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENTDecember 1, 2010
BROUGHT CAR AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT TIMED CORRECTLY AND I NEEDED A PART CALLED PLAW - THE COMPANY SAID THEY WERE FIXED BUT, NOT 3 MONTHS LATER WHEN HEAVY RAIN CAME MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ON MY WINDSHIELD STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN RIGHT IN FRONT OF WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE MY VISIBLE AREA. IM 5'3 AND I HAVE A SEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD AND I WOULD HATE TO BE ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT STARTS RAINING AND NOT ABLE TO SEE BECAUSE NO ONE TOOK IT SERIOUSLY.. I DO NOT LOOK FORWARD TO RAINY DAYS ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE A NEWER CAR BUT I HAVE TO GET A RIDE OR ON THE BUS WITH MY CHILD......... HELP HELP HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 30, 2010
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA HEADLAMPS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING WHEN HIGH BEAMS ARE ON. FREQUENCY IS EVERYTIME HIGH BEAMS ARE USED. RESEARCHED PROBLEM ON INTERNET AND FOUND THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM. WHY WILL GM NOT RECOGNIZE THIS AS A SAFETY RECALL SITUATION? *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 15, 2010
LEAKING UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS,CAR OVERHEATING AND RUNNING POORLY.OCCURED AT 55,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 110,000 MI.. GASKETS REPLACED FOR 900.00 EACH TIME,OLD GASKETS AERE AVAILABLE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 14, 2010
2002 IMPALA "PASSKEY" SYSTEM FAILS... NO START CONDITION, LEAVES DRIVER AND PASSENGERS STRANDED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 12, 2010
INTERMITTENT PASSLOCK FAILURE CAUSED CAR NOT TO START HAVE TO WAIT 20-30 MINUTES TO START MY CAR. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT APPROACHED THE PARKED VEHICLE AND SMELLED A STRONG BURNING ODOR COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE HOOD WAS RELEASED AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THERE WERE NO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS BEYOND REPAIR DUE TO THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10365162ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 8, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE STARTER FAILED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CHARGING SYSTEM AND DETERMINED THAT THE STARTER HAD A DEFECTIVE SOLENOID. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STARTER AND CLEANED THE CABLES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER REPAIRS, THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS A CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A RISK TO SAFETY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,013 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,030.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 1, 2010
AT TIMES THE CAB OF THE 2002 CHEVY IMPALA SEEMS TO OVERHEAT AND WHEN YOU TRY TO START IT ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS FLASH, INCLUDING HEADLIGHTS, THEN IT WON'T START. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN WHILE THE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE BUT IF TURNED OFF, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO HAVE TO WAIT THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STARTER TO NO AVAIL AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. UPDATED 03/22/11*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED EVERY OTHER YEAR. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 05/06/11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 26, 2010
2002 IMPALA IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BOX THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT AND THE SECURITY LIGHTS ALSO SHOWS AND THE BATTERY LIGHT THEN THE ENGINE DIES IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC I HAVE SEEN SO MANY AND MORE PEOPLE WITH IMPALAS IN DANGEROUS MOMENTS TALKING OF IT ONLINE COULD YOU PLEASE HAVE CHEVY CORRECT THIS DEADLY MESS GOT THE PROBLEM FIXED THEN IT STARTED BACK I DO HAVE KIDS ACTIVE IN SCHOOL SPORTS NEEDING TRANSPORTATION I CAN NOT DESCRIBE HOW BEING STRANDED IN TRAFFIC MAKES ME FEEL. *TR
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMOctober 23, 2010
WHEN WHEELS ARE TURNED TO THE RIGHT EITHER SLIGHTLY OR ALL THE WAY THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKS IN, LOSS OF POWER AND LOSS OF BRAKES WHEN ABS ALSO KICKS IN. BOUGHT THE 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS JUST A WEEK AGO. THIS ISSUE STARTED AS VERY INTERMITTENT BUT I CAN RE-CREATE THE ISSUES NOW JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR BY TURNING RIGHT FROM A STOP. AT THIS POINT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE NO ONE KNOWS WHY IT IS HAPPENING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 14, 2010
2002 CHEVY IMPALA. BOUGHT NEW. THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAGE STARTED TO ACT ERRATICALLY TWO YEARS AGO. THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED COMPLETELY LAST YEAR. IT SHOWS INFINITE SPEED FOR EXAMPLE WHILE IDLING. NO WAY TO KNOW HOW FAST THE CAR IS GOING. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM ON VARIOUS INTERNET BLOGS. THE PROBLEM EXISTS ON ALL IMPALA MODELS, STARTING WITH 2001 AND UNTIL PRESENT. SOME OTHER GM CARS HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM. GM DOES NOT CARE. DEALERS CHARGE UP TO $900 TO REPLACE AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND SOMETIMES A SPEED SENSORS. MANY TIMES THEY ARE GUESSING THE PROBLEM AND OVERCHARGE CUSTOMERS FOR TRAIL AND ERROR DIAGNOSTIC. THE ISSUE IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PEOPLE ARE GETTING SPEEDING TICKETS FOR NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN. CAR CAN OVERTURN ON SHARP TURNS. THE DRIVER HAS ONLY HIS GUT FEELING TO GUESS HOW FAST HE IS GOING. HE CAN BE TO SLOW ON A HIGHWAY AND POSE RISK TO OTHER DRIVERS. GM IS NOT CONCERNED AND WON'T FIX THIS PROBLEM, UNLESS A RECALL IS FORCED ON IT. PLEASE SAFEGUARD THE LIVES OF DRIVERS AND FORCE GM TO DO WHAT IS FAIR AND JUST. THEY SOLD A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE WOULD LOCK UP AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AS A RESULT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST ONCE EVERY WEEK AT ANY TIME. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT AND KEEP ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE; EVENTUALLY, IT WOULD START. THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMSeptember 29, 2010
HAVE HAD "TRACTION CONTROL" PROBLEMS FOR 2 YEARS. WAS TOLD MANY THINGS COULD CAUSE THIS. NOW DRIVING WITH NO TRACTION CONTROL AND NO ABS, JUST REGULAR BRAKES. HAVE REPLACED HUBS AND BRAKES. HAVE TO FILE FOR WAIVER FOR INSPECTION. WILL TRY REPLACING ABS PUMP NEXT IF CAN EVER AFFORD SUCH A BIG REPAIR. DANGEROUS ISSUE. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 13, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD BECOME FILLED WITH WATER WHENEVER IT WOULD RAIN. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND RESEALED YET THE HEADLIGHTS CONTINUED TO RETAIN MOISTURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHT WOULD SHORT OUT WHENEVER THE BULB WAS REPLACED. THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WOULD ONLY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 5, 2010
I HAVE A 02'CHEVY IMPALA WHEN I TURN IT ON ALL ELECTRIC COMES ON AND THE ENGINE RUNS FOR A SPLIT SECOND AND DIES THEN THE BATTERY LIGHT AND SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM COMES ON I GOT THE FUEL PUMP AND SENSOR REPLACED STILL THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT FOR A FEW MILES AFTER READING THE MANUAL AND PUSHING THE GAS TO THE FLOOR WHILE HOLDING THE KEYS ON FOR THREE SECONDS BUT EVENTUALLY IT DIED AGAIN. PLEASE HELP!!!!! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 24, 2010
UNKNOWN REASON AS TO WHY THE DIRECTIONALS ON MY 02 IMPALA WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THIS FIRST OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 4 MONTHS AGO WITH AVERAGE OCCURRENCE OF ONCE A WEEK. NOW IT OCCURS APPROXIMATELY ONCE A DAY. MECHANIC CANNOT FIND A SOLID REASON AS TO WHY THIS IS OCCURRING AND CANNOT REPLICATE IT AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP. *TR
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMAugust 21, 2010
MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA 3.8L V-6 HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGING WHEN BRAKING IN TURNS TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKES TO SLIP AND GRIND. A HUMMING SOUND CAN BE HEARD WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND SOMETIMES THE "CHECK ABS " LIGHT BECOMES ILLUMINATED AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER FOR REPAIR. BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. I REQUESTED A CHECK OF WIRING HARNESSES TO SEE IF THERE WAS DETERIORATION. NONE WAS APPARENTLY FOUND BY THE SHOP. IM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR OR ALLOW OTHERS IN MY SON TO DRIVE IT INCASE THE BRAKES CANT ENGAGE PROPERLY. FROM READING ONLINE ACCOUNTS OF OTHER DRIVERS, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH A CHEVROLET OF THIS MODEL. AFTER HAVING THE RIGHT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY REPLACED, I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. THEN AFTER HAVING THE LEFT FRONT REPLACED AS WELL TO THE TUNE OF AROUND $350.00 A PIECE, I THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. NOT SO. WHERE DOES THIS END. I URGE YOU TO LOOK INTO A RECALL OF THIS MODEL AND HAVE GM ULTIMATELY FIX THIS PROBLEM AND AVOID ALLOWING FOR A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES OR DEATH. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT GM KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND AGAIN SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 20, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 17, 2010
2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THE TURN SIGNALS OFTEN FAIL TO ACTIVATE, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD. APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM ON THAT TIME PERIOD IMPALAS. SUSPECTED A FAULTY MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING IT INTO DRIVE SHE COULD HEAR A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND FUSE BOX UNDER THE ENGINE. SHE ALSO STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE SHUTS THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGH BEAMS WILL CONTINUE TO FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT WITH A FAULTY BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,050 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,432. UPDATED 11/05/10. *LJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 8, 2010
BLINKERS WERE INTERMITTENTLY WORKING AND NOW NOT WORKING AT ALL. BRAKE LIGHTS AND HAZARDS WORKING. FUSES REPLACED. SEE ONLINE THAT MANY PEOPLE REPORT THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 5, 2010
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA BLINKERS STOP WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. HAPPENS EVERY MONTH OR TWO AND LASTS ABOUT AN HOUR OR UNTIL THE FOUR-WAY FLASHER IS REPEATEDLY TURNED ON AND OFF. FIXED BY REPLACING THE HAZARD SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS WAS DANGEROUS SINCE THE BLINKERS WOULD NOT WORK WHEN EXPECTED AND NECESSARY SUCH AS CHANGING LANES ON THE FREEWAY, OR WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A BUSY INTERSECTION. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 2, 2010
2002 CHEVY IMPALA: TURN SIGNAL RANDOMLY STOPS FUNCTIONING: SOMETIMES WHEN LEVER IS PULLED SIGNAL WILL FUNCTION THEN JUST STOP, OTHER TIMES SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK AT ALL WHEN LEVER IS PULLED. PRESSING HAZARD BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES RETURNS TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONALITY TEMPORARILY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE! AN INTERNET SEARCH OF "2002 IMPALA TURN SIGNAL" ON GOOGLE SHOWS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
EQUIPMENT,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMJuly 31, 2010
MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA 3.8L V-6 HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGING WHEN BRAKING IN TURNS TO THE LEFT. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKES TO SLIP AND GRIND. A HUMMING SOUND CAN BE HEARD WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND SOMETIMES THE "CHECK ABS " LIGHT BECOMES ILLUMINATED AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER FOR REPAIR. BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. I REQUESTED A CHECK OF WIRING HARNESSES TO SEE IF THERE WAS DETERIORATION. NONE WAS APPARENTLY FOUND BY THE SHOP. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR OR ALLOW OTHERS IN MY FAMILY TO DRIVE IT INCASE THE BRAKES CAN'T ENGAGE PROPERLY. FROM READING ONLINE ACCOUNTS OF OTHER DRIVERS, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM WITH A CHEVROLET OF THIS MODEL. AFTER HAVING THE RIGHT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY REPLACED, I THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED. THEN AFTER HAVING THE LEFT FRONT REPLACED AS WELL TO THE TUNE OF AROUND $500.00 A PIECE, I THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. NOT SO. WHERE DOES THIS END. I URGE YOU TO LOOK INTO A RECALL OF THIS MODEL AND HAVE GM ULTIMATELY FIX THIS PROBLEM AND AVOID ALLOWING FOR A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES OR DEATH. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTJuly 29, 2010
WENT TO WORK AND WHEN I WENT TO LEAVE THE CAR WOULDN'T START- THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY AND GOT A JUMP, WOULDN'T START. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AUTO PLACE, AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG, THEN AFTER THAT THE CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED AND UNABLE TO GET TO WORK ITS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING- THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS ON, AFTER THE MANY COMPLAINTS TO CHEVY- THEY WONT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR OF THE PASS LOCK SECURITY SYSTEM FOR THE SIMPLE REASON ITS OUT OF WARRANTY. ITS NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE ITS A MECHANICAL ISSUE. ITS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF AS IF SOMEONE IS STEALING IT. HOW DANGEROUS- ON ROUTE 80 HIGHWAY OR ANY ROAD FOR THAT MATTER, YOUR CAR SHUTS OFF AND YOUR SMASHED FROM BEHIND WITH CARS PILED UP- SOMEONE WILL BE DEAD ANDMANY WILL BE SERIOUS HURT. OR BEING STRANDED ON A DARK COUNTRY ROAD WITH NO CELL RECEPTION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND AFTER ALOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM- GM"S RESPONSE' SORRY WE CANT HELP YOU- TODAY TOYOTA RECALLED 412K CARS, BECAUSE OF STEERING ISSUE AND WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. NISSAN, TOYOTA, AND HONDA DIDN'T NEED BAILOUTS WHY BECAUSE THEY STAND BEHIND THEIR CARS UNLIKE GM- THIS IS A BIG ISSUE WITH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING AND GM AS USUAL DOES NOTHING TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. I WILL NEVER AGAIN PURCHASE A GM PRODUCT AS ITS A COMPLETE PIECE OF GARBAGE AND THE ONES WORKING FOR GM AREN'T ANY BETTER. LET GM SINK AND GO UNDER, THAT WAY AMERICANS WILL HAVE MORE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION AND COMPANIES THAT ACTUALLY STAND BEHIND SAFETY ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS. IT AMAZES ME HOW GM CAN TAKE BAILOUTS- TO KEEPTHEM AFLOAT BUT WONT DO ANYTHING TO BACK THEIR VEHICLES, SOONER OR LATER THEY WILL SINK AND THEY WILL ALL BE SITTING THERE DUMBFOUNDED SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS WONDERING OH GEE WHAT HAPPENED, YOU DIDN'T STAND BEHIND YOUR CARS MORON THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED, AND PEOPLE WENT TO MORE RELIABLE COMPANIES. 13K FOR A 2002 IMPALA LS, GUESS ITS TIME TO TAKE IT TO THE JUNK YARD VERY UNSAFE AND NO PEACE OF MIND TO DRIVE THE GARBAGE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 29, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE RE-STARTING THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE DIAGNOSED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP POTENTIALLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT COULD NOT CONFIRM IF IT WOULD CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 62,576. UPDATED 10/04/10. *LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. UPDATED 10/05/10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 26, 2010
2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS V6 ENGINE, REQUIRED TO HAVE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED. THE GASKET HAD DISSOLVED AND WAS ALLOWING OIL AND COOLANT TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK, AND MIX WITHIN THE ENGINE. MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE DEX COOLANT THAT GM USES, AND DETERIORATES THE GASKET. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 26, 2010
LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LIGHT CAME ON 2002 CHEVY IMPALA, BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. REPAIR SHOP 1 MILE AWAY. BRAKE LINE RUSTED AND SPLIT. REPLACED ALL BRAKE LINES, BECAUSE OTHER SIDE WAS RUSTING AND SHOP AFRAID OF FAILURE ON OTHER LINE AFTER FLUSH AND FILL. SO REPLACED ALL LINES. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMJuly 21, 2010
SINCE WE BOUGHT THIS CHEVY IMPALA AT GENE PANKEY MOTOR IN TACOMA WASHINGTON WE HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHTS COMING ON WHEN WE WOULD RETURN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT WORKED ON THEY WOULD CLEAR THE COMPUTER WHICH WOULD CLEARS THE PROBLEM FOR A FEW DAYS BUT IT ALWAYS COMES BACK. WE HAVE HAD OUR IMPALA IN ALOT OF TIMES AT LEAST 15X WE NEVER THOUGHT TO KEEP TRACK HOW MANY TIMES WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THIS WORKED ON ITS BEEN TO 4 DIFFERENT SHOPS FOR THE SAME THING. WE LOVE THIS CAR IT IS A GREAT CAR LOTS OF ROOM AND HAS GIDDY UP AND WELL ITS HOT AND ITS PAID FOR. WE REALLY WANT OUR CAR FIXED WE ARE TIRED OF TAKING IT IN TO BE FIXED AND NOTHING GETS DONE. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT THE CHEVY DEALER SAYING THAT WAS BAD AND REPLACED THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL SENSOR TWICE AT AMCO TRANSMISSION SHOP IN FIRCREST ITS BEEN TO BITTERLINGS IN TACOMA AS WELL AS THE DEALER WE BOUGHT IT FROM GENE PANKEY. AND WE STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE ABS LIGHT NOW COMES ON, IT HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. I FEEL IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BRAKES OR THE TRANSMISSION! THE BRAKES GO SPONGY WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON WE LOSE OUR BRAKES!!!! I AM STILL UNDER WARRANTY TIL 100,000 MILES AND IM ONLY AT 80,000 BUT I JUST DON'T HAVE TIME TO KEEP TAKING THIS THING TO THE DEALER. I WANT MY RIDE FIXED AND I WANT IT FIXED NOW. CANT WE START A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!!!!!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 12, 2010
ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA, THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE DOESN'T WORK AND CAR WILL NOT START AFTER BEING DRIVEN ALL DAY AND SITTING FOR A FEW MINUTES. HAD TO REPLACE COMPUTER MODULE JUST SO THAT COMMUNICATION COULD BE STARTED. AND HAD TO REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 11, 2010
THE STARTER WILL NOT GET A SIGNAL FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. I HAVE CHANGED RELAYS, IGNITION SWITCH, STARTER, KEY CORE AND PASSLOCK, ALL TO NO GAIN. GAVE VEHICLE TO THEY LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP WHO CHANGED TO BCM AND REPROGRAMMED THE SECURITY FEATURE AND WHEN I WENT TO PICK IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT WOULDN'T START. THE STARTER GETS NO SIGNAL ABOUT 90% OF THE TIMES I TURN THE KEY. FOR THE 10% IT DOES WORK, THERE SEEMS TO HAVE HAD NO ISSUE WHAT SO EVER. IT TURNS ON SMOOTH AND RUNS LIKE A DREAM. YET IT CAN BE THE FIRST ATTEMPT OR THE 50TH BEFORE THE STARTER CATCHES A JOLT AND STARTS THE CAR, THERE SEEMS TO BE NO PATTERN. THE SECURITY SYSTEM WORKS FINE B/C WE INSTALLED A SIMPLE PUSH BUTTON SWITCH TO THE STARTER AND IT WORKED EVERY TIME WITH NO TROUBLE FOR A FEW MOMENTS TILL THE GAS WAS TAKEN AWAY AND THE CAR TURNED OFF. BYPASSING THE SECURITY FEATURE AND ALLOWING A SECONDARY IGNITION METHOS WOULD SEEM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF BEING STUCK OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION IF THE CARS HAPPENS TO STALL. OR IF AN INFANT WAS LOADED INTO THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START FOR 15 TO 30 MINUTES, LEAVING THE CHILD WITH THE RISK OF HEAT ISSUES. THE PROBLEM ITSELF CAME SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 30, 2010
MY 2002 IMPALA WILL RANDOMLY NOT START. THE MESSAGE CENTER FLASHES SECURITY, BATTERY AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON. I HAVE TO UNHOOK AND RECONNECT THE BATTERY TO GET THE CAR TO START. I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE IT ALONE, AS I LIVE IN A BIG CITY AND DO NOT WANT TO BE DRIVING AND THE CAR MALFUNCTION. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH 2002 IMPALAS. I HAVE ASTHMA AND ONE DAY I STARTED TO HAVE AN ATTACK. HUSBAND WAS GOING TO DRIVE ME TO HOSPITAL AND MY CAR DECIDES NOT TO START. I COULD HAVE DIED WAITING FOR HIM TO RECONNECT THE BATTERY. I PAID GM FOR A RELIABLE CAR BUT GOT A CAR THAT WILL START ONLY WHEN IT WANTS TO. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT'S MESSED UP THAT I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR FOR FEAR OF IT NOT STARTING AND BEING MUGGED OR RAPED WHILE TRYING TO UNHOOK/REHOOK THE BATTERY. GM SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. THEY DON'T WANT TO THOUGH BECAUSE THEY MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY FIXING SOMETHING THAT THEY SCREWED UP. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM AGAIN. TOYOTA AND HONDA FROM HERE ON OUT!!! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 19, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THE CAR BEHAVES AS THOUGH THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. MY OWN RESEARCH SEEMED TO INDICATE A FAULTY BCM MODULE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER AND EXPLAINED MY SUSPICION AND THE ODD INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS, AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME TRYING TO FIND A WIRING PROBLEM. AFTER 2 WEEKS THEY SAID THEY FOUND THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND CHARGED ME $700. NOW, A FEW WEEKS LATER ALL SYMPTOMS ARE BACK. WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED ON, THE LIGHTS FLASH, TRUCK LATCH OPENS AND CLOSES, AND SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES. THIS IS JUST 1 SET OF SYMPTOMS. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS. I FOUND THIS SITE WHILE LOOKING FOR HELP HERE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=GR-O5R1UPFY&FEATURE=RELATED . PLEASE HELP! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 14, 2010
PASS KEY SENSOR, I HAD TO PAY 500 DOLLARS TO FIX AN IGNITION SWITCH THAT WAS PERFECTLY FINE BUT A BAD SENSOR WAS THE PROBLEM, MANY COMPLAINTS BUT STILL NO RECALL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 3, 2010
HAVE 2002 CHEVY IMPALA AND THE SECURITY PASSLOCK WON'T LET CAR START, I HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN MANY PLACES. HAD IT CHECKED OUT AT 2 PLACES AND IT ALL COMES BACK TO COMPUTER, OR KEYS, WE TRIED TO HAVE KEYS RECODED BUT IT STILL HAPPENS OFTEN. BY RESEARCHING ON COMPUTER I SEE I'M NOT ALONE OUT THERE. WHAT DO PEOPLE HAVE TO DO TO GET GM RECALL THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE IT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN IT EITHER 5 BELOW OR 90 OUTSIDE AND HAVE SIT IN CAR AND HOPE YOU DON'T GET MUGGED OR ROBBED WAITING FOR CAR TO START OR DID OF HEAT STROKE OR FREEZE TO DEATH. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO . HELP PLEASE MY CAR DOES THIS 4-5 TIMES A DAY AND NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT. GM NEED TO STEP IN AND FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 27, 2010
THE SECURITY LIGHT GOES AND CAR WILL NOT START BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS. HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH, COMPUTER MODULE EVERYTHING! AND STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE RADIO IS LOCKED. THE WIPERS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. I HAVE PUT SO MUCH MONEY INTO THIS CAR AND IT STILL ONLY RUNS WHEN IT WANTS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 20, 2010
THIS IS A GENERAL POINT OF INFORMATION MESSAGE: FOR THE LAST DECADE OR MORE, GM VEHICLES HAVE A PROPENSITY TO BURN OUT THEIR LAMPS DUE TO AN OVERCHARGE CONDITION (CAUSE UNKNOWN TO ME); THIS CONDITION CAN AFFECT ANY OF THE LAMPS OR BULBS, MOST NOTICABLY HEADLAMPS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND RUNNING (PARKING) LAMPS. COULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ELECTRICAL DEFECT IN ALL GM VEHICLES.*TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 19, 2010
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS. WE HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS PARTS DEALING WITH THE IGNITION/STARTER, PASS/LOCK, POWER LOCK, AND SECURITY SYSTEM. WE RECENTLY HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE CAR STARTING OR NOT STARTING FOR THAT MATTER. AT FIRST, IT WAS ONCE IN AWHILE AND NOW IT DOESN'T START 7-8X PER WEEK. IT IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING TO HAVE TO CONSTANTLY THROW MONEY AT THIS PROBLEM. ONCE AGAIN IT IS GOING INTO THE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND MORE PARTS. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT OF SOME SORT AND NEEDS TO BE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 26, 2010
MY CAR STARTED A SOUND IN THE WIRING SUCH AS A POPPING SOUND AS IF THE WIRES ARE GROUNDING OUT THEN SOMETHING SMELL SMOKE THEN IT STARTED NOT CRACKING AND I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WAY I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY REPLACED IT THEN WOULDN'T START AGAIN AFTER I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE BATTERY THE DASH READS SECURITY ON IT THIS HAPPEN TO MY CAR MY FRIENDS CAR AND MY HUSBANDS COUSINS CAR THEY ARE ALL IMPALAS ALL IN 2002 I HAVE ALSO SPOKE TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THEM SAME PROBLEM WANT START READS SECURITY ON DASH WIRES GROUND OUT AND HEAR POPPING SOUND AND THE BATTERY DRAINS FROM THE HEAD LIGHTS NOT TURNING OF OR SECURITY READS AND THE LIGHTS FLASH ITS BROKEN DOWN IN MY YARD NO ONE AROUND HEAR REALLY KNOWS THE PROBLEM THEY SAY ITS THE SECURITY MY HUSBAND BELIEVES ITS THE WIRING AND IT GROUNDS OUT CAUSING THINGS TO HAPPEN. *TR
STEERINGApril 23, 2010
AS I BRAKE MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME FOR THIS VEHICLE. I HAD IT SERVICED AT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IN PLAINVILLE CT. ON OR ABOUT JUNE 20 2009. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 23, 2010
MY CAR, A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA, HAS AN INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED IT AT 2006. FOR EVERY 2-3 WEEKS, IT SIMPLY DOES NOT CRANK BY TURNING THE KEY. BUT AFTER 10 MINS, IT STARTS AGAIN. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TO TRY TO FIX THIS ISSUE BUT IT IS UNSUCCESSFUL. AFTER SEARCHING ON WEBSITE, I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE FOR GM CARS AND MAY BE RELATED TO SOME ELECTRIC SECURITY ISSUE. THEREFORE, HERE I AM FILING THE COMPLAINT. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMMarch 28, 2010
BOUGHT CHEV IMPALA 2002 BRAND NEW, NO MILES. 2005 BEGAN EXPERIENCING COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS-RUNNING HOT ETC. REPLACED RADIATOR, FLUSHED SYSTEM, REPLACED THERMOSTAT, ETC. ETC. SEVERAL TIMES, BODY CONTROL UNITS- LIGHTS AND LOCKS GOING CRAZY, HUB ASSEMBLY/TRACKING SYSTEM PROBLEMS- SOUNDS AND PULSATING WHEN TRY TO BRAKE OR TURN, HIGH BEAM LIGHT WON'T STAY ON TO THIS DATE. EXPERIENCING SMOKE FROM HOOD-MAY BE A LEAK WHICH SEEMS TO BE ACOMMON COMPLAINT BUT DEALER PUT DYE IN AND SAID THEY DON'T DETECT A LEAK. NO AIR-FREON REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. *CN
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 24, 2010
STARTING WITH THE 2000 CHEVY IMPALA THEY HAVE A WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEM, WHERE IF HEAVY SNOWS SLIDES OFF THE ROOF ONTO THE WINDSHIELD, OR IF THE WIPERS ARE FROZEN TO THE WINDSHIELD WHEN YOU OPERATE THE WIPERS, IT BENDS A TAB UNDER THE WIPER MECHANISM AND CAUSES THE WIPERS TO PARK IN THE OUTWIPE CONDITION WHEN TURNED OFF INSTEAD OF OUT OF THE WAY OF THE DRIVERS VISION JUST UNDER THE FRONT HOOD. THEY PARK STRAIGHT UP CAUSING A DANGEROUS OBSTRUCTION IN THE DRIVERS VIEW. THERE HAVE BEEN HUNDREDS OF POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET WHERE IMPALA OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SPECIFICALLY IN THE STATES THAT EXPERIENCE FREEZING WEATHER AND SNOW. SOME HAVE STATED AFTER PAYING FROM $75 TO $300 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM WOULD RETURN. PERHAPS A VERY POOR DESIGN ON GMS PART BUT TO THIS DATE GM HAS NOT INSTITUTED A RECALL. GM HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM AND DESIGNED REPLACEMENT KIT FOR THE BENT TAB AT GREAT EXPENSE FOR THE OWNER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.
STEERINGMarch 18, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING JOINT SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37464 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37964.
POWER TRAINMarch 9, 2010
AS OF YET THERE HAS BEEN NO INCIDENT HOWEVER THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS CLOSE CALLS AS THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR UNLESS YOU RACE THE MOTOR. NEARLY REARENDING OTHER VEHICLES, PROPERTY OR PEDESTRIANS. I CAN NOT SAFELY PULL OUT AT AN INTERSECTION BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION MAY SLIP. I'VE READ ON MESSAGE BOARDS WHERE HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND GM HAS NO GOOD FIX FOR IT. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATER IF THE CAR IS WARM OR COLD THE TRANSMISSION STILL ACTS UP. 89K MILES ON THE CAR WHEN THIS BEGAN AND I HAVEN'T FELT SAFE DRIVING THE CAR SINCE. THANK YOU *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 1, 2010
02 IMPALA 3.8 ENGINE WOULD NOT START. IT HAS DONE THIS COUNTLESS TIMES AND I WILL HAVE TO WAIT 20 OR 30 MINUTES FOR IT TO START. MY BATTERY IS LIKE NEW, AND NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE STARTER, I'VE HAD IT ALL TESTED. I'VE READ IT COULD BE THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM OR SOMETHING CALLED THE TUMBLER. MY SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE READ THAT MANY IMPALA OWNERS CARS HAVE CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I'M HOPING MINE DOESN'T DO THE SAME. MY CAR WAS A FORMER POLICE CAR. IT NOW HAS ABOUT 112,000 MILES ON IT. I HOPE I NEVER HAD TO GO SOMEWHERE IN AN EMERGENCY OR GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE AT NIGHT. I'VE READ SEVERAL FORUMS EXPLAINING HOW CHEVY KNOWS ABOUT THE DEFECT BUT WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS YOU PAY ABOUT 600 TO ALMOST 1,000 DOLLARS. BUT THEN WHEN THEY CLAIM IT'S FIXED, THE PROBLEM HAPPENS ALL OVER AGAIN. I READ FROM A MECHANIC THAT WORKED FOR CHEVY IN THE PAST, THAT THEY POLITELY IGNORE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PASSLOCK AND SECURITY PROBLEM. I GUESS NO ONE WILL TAKE IT SERIOUSLY UNTIL PEOPLE START TO GET INJURED OR EVEN KILLED LIKE TOYOTA DRIVERS. MUST WE WAIT FOR THE DEATH TOLL TO RISE BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT STEPS IN TO ACT??? POLICEMEN DRIVE THESE CARS ALTHOUGH THERE SLOWLY BEING PHASED OUT WITH THE NEWER MODELS. A POLICEMAN THAT CANNOT GET TO THE SCENE OF A CRIME ON TIME BECAUSE HIS CAR WOULDN'T START. I GUESS THAT'S THE HEADLINE WERE WAITING FOR BEFORE CHEVY OR THE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PASSLOCK PROBLEM THAT COUNTLESS AMERICANS ARE HAVING AND GM DOESN'T WANT TO FIX. THIS IS WHY I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER AMERICAN CAR BECAUSE THE PARTS ARE CHEAP AND GM COULD CARE LESS. THE TIME TO ACT IS BEFORE MAJOR INCIDENTS HAPPEN, BEFORE PEOPLE LOSE THEIR LIVES, BEFORE 5 CAR PILE UPS ON THE HIGHWAY, BEFORE AN EMERGENCY THAT GM DRIVERS CANNOT GET TO BECAUSE THERE CAR WILL NOT START. NOT AFTER!!! THAT'S TOYOTA'S PROBLEM NOW. ADVICE FOR GM AND THE U.S. GOVERNMENT - GET IT TOGETHER!!! *TR
STEERINGFebruary 27, 2010
THE POWER STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT MANY TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. IT CONTINUES TO GO OUT ALL THE TIME. THE RACK & PINION GEAR, THE PUMP AND THE HOSES WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL DELCO PARTS BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CHEVROLET DEALER MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS CAUSED BY LOW TIRES BUT MY TIRES WERE NOT LOW. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. IT IS HARD TO STEER ON THE STRAIGHT ROAD AND IT GOES OUT ON A TURN AND I CAN'T STEER IT. I HAVE TO HIT MY BRAKES. A LOCAL MECHANIC HAS TRIED TO REPAIR IT ABOUT 5 TIMES AND HE FINALLY GAVE ME MY MONEY BACK AND SAID TO TAKE IT TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHICH I DID AS NOTED ABOVE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRESFebruary 26, 2010
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT HAD TO BE RESET. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ONLY STAYED OFF FOR 12 MILES THE LAST TIME IT WAS RESET BY THE DEALERSHIP. THE ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED ONLY 2 YEARS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE ROTORS CRACKED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE BLINKERS WOULD ONLY WORK IF THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OFF AND THE RADIO WOULD ONLY WORK IF THE BLINKERS WERE OFF AND WHEN GOING UP HILLS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE TO A SPEED OF 10-15 MPH. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 26, 2010
LIGHTS WENT OUT AFTER DARK. IN A PANIC, I MOVED THE DIMMER SWITCH BACK AND FORTH UNTIL THEY CAME BACK ON. IT LASTED JUST A COUPLE OF SECONDS, BUT I WAS GOING 60 MPH AND IT WAS PITCH BLACK. THIS IS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, 4 DOOR SEDAN WITH 68, 000 MILES. I HAVE SPENT SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS ON REPAIRS FOR THIS VEHICLE. SEAL LEAKS (OIL LEAKING ON MANIFOLD) HEATER WENT OUT DURING ZERO WEATHER, REPLACED BODY CONTROL MODULE, PASS LOCK SYSTEM, TRACTION SYSTEM PARTS ( TWO SEPARATE TIMES). THESE ARE A FEW. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND PUT ONLY 68 THOUSAND MILES ON IT IN THE LAST 9 YEARS. I BELIEVE THE LIGHTS ARE A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD NOT COST $695.00 TO REPAIR. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITYFebruary 25, 2010
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED FROM ANOTHER DEALER IN 2003. I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM IN NOVEMBER 2005, IT WOULD NOT START SOMETIMES LIGHT WOULD FLASH AND AFTER 20 MINUTES IT STARTS. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY UNTIL LAST NOVEMBER, AND THEN IT WOULD DO IT ABOUT 2-3X A WEEK. IN FEBRUARY 2009 I HAD TO REPLACE MY LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, WATER PUMP AND BATTERY. THE SUMMER 09 I HAD TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR DUE TO A HAIRLINE CRACK IN IT. THE SECURITY SYSTEM STARTS TO INTERMITTENTLY NOT START THE VEHICLE AGAIN IN LATE SEP. 09 ABOUT 2-3X PER WEEK. IN JAN.2010 THE VEHICLE DOESN'T START FOR ME ONE DAY AFTER COMING OUT OF THE GROCERY STORE FOR 25 MINUTES. SINCE THEN IT DOES IT EVERY MORNING WHEN I GO TO TAKE MY CHILD TO SCHOOL AND I HAVE TO WAIT 10-20 MINUTES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE GM DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WEREN'T FAMILIAR WITH THIS PROBLEM AND I NEEDED $950 FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE BCM. I HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED BY ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM AND THE VEHICLE IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. IT'S FRUSTRATING FOR ME AND MY CHILD. IT'S SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I'M SO AFRAID THAT ONE DAY OR NIGHT IT MAY NOT START AND I'M STRANDED IN THE STREETS AND MAY BE SUBJECTED TO A CRIME OR DEATH. I DON'T DRIVE IT AT NIGHT UNLESS IT'S AN EXTREME EMERGENCY NOW AND THIS IS SUCH AN INCONVENIENCE. I HAVE TO PAY FOR RIDES AT TIMES TO GET MY CHILD TO AND FROM SCHOOL WHEN THIS CAR DECIDES NOT TO START SO MY CHILD WON'T BE LATE FOR SCHOOL OR GETTING PICKED UP FROM SCHOOL. I'VE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE MY WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR AND MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WINDOW REGULATOR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 15, 2010
SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, DOORS LOCK AND WILL NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR ELECTRICALLY. CAR WILL NOT START. SERVICE ENGINE SOON, BRAKES, DOOR AJAR, LIGHTS ALSO COME ON. RED LIGHT ON STEREO FLASHES, HEADLAMPS FLASH. AFTER WAITING 20-30 MINUTES CAR WILL RESTART. HAPPENS OFTEN AND INTERMITTENTLY. REPLACED BATTERY. *TR
AIR BAGSFebruary 7, 2010
ME AND MY WIFE WAS RIDING DOWN AZALEA ROAD IN MOBILE ALABAMA AND A CAR CAME INTO OUR LANE AND WE HIT IT DEAD ON...MY WIFE HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED .. WE WERE GOING ABOUT 35 MPH..WE WERE IN A 2002 IMPALA THAT WE JUST BOUGHT THE DAY BEFORE..I WANT SOME ANSWERS FOR WHAT HAPPEN AND I REALLY WANT TO SUE THE CHEVY COMPANY..PLEASE GIVE ME INFORMATION ABOUT WHO I SHOULD TALK TO ABOUT MY LAWSUIT.. EVEN THOUGH MY WIFE AND I WERE NOT HURT, SHE COULD HAVE HAD A SERIOUS HEAD INJURY, BECAUSE ONCE AGAIN HER HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CRACK THE WINDSHIELD..WE HAD TO TAKE AN AMBULANCE RIDE AND EVERYTHING AND GET X-RAYS...PLEASE NOTIFY ME ON WHAT CAN I DO... *TW
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 4, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA.THE CONTACT ALSO OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN THE LIGHTS WENT OFF. THE CONTACT STATES HE TOLD HIS CHILDREN TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT OFF AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. THE CONTACT STATES THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLES REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 3, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE TURN SIGNALS INTERMITTENTLY STOPPED WORKING. I WAS TOLD THE MULTIFUNCTIONAL WAND WOULD COST $500.00 (NOT INCLUD.LABOR) AND THERE IS NO AFTER MARKET PART. MY MECHANIC COULD NOT CONFIRM THE PROBLEM THOUGH. ALL ELSE ON THE WAND WORKS. I FEEL THIS PROBLEM IS CONNECTED WITH MY AIR/HEAT RUNNING AND/OR LOSS OF POWER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR REAR-END INCIDENCES. I AM AFRAID TO HAVE MY DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT. IS THERE A RECALL FOR THIS ITEM? *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENTJanuary 27, 2010
BOTH THE HAZARD AND TURNING SIGNAL LIGHT STARTED ACTING FUNNY AND THEN STOP WORKING AT THE SAME TIME CHANGED THE HAZARD SWITCH IT STARING WORKING AGAIN AND CHANGED THE TURNING SIGNAL LEVER THE TURNING SIGNAL STILL DOES NOT WORK.*CW
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 21, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WHEREAS I BELIEVE THE PASSLOCK IGNITION IS DEFECTIVE. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR NOT STARTING. THE FAILURE OCCURS WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR BY TURNING THE KEY. NOTHING HAS BEEN DO TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 26, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA AND QUITE OFTEN THE CAR WILL NOT START AND DISPLAYS THE SECURITY LIGHT BUT AFTER LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION AND PRESSING THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE VEHICLE THE CAR WILL START 10 MINUTES LATER. I HAD TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO THE ER BECAUSE OF A BAD CUT ON HER FINGER WHICH WAS BLEEDING PROFUSELY AND WE GOT IN THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. AFTER PRESSING THE LOCK BUTTON AND LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR 15 MINUTES IT FINALLY STARTED. IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME AT LEAST 10 TIMES PER WEEK. THANK GOD MY KIDS WEREN'T DYING OR SOMETHING OR THANK HEAVENS IT WASN'T AN EMERGENCY SITUATION WHEN THE CAR WOULDN'T START. BUT I HAVE LOOKED AT NUMEROUS WEBSITES AND IT SEEMS THAT THE 2002 CHEVY IMPALAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED THE OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PARTS!! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 16, 2009
IN 2002 I PURCHASED A IMPALA LS WITH 3.8 ENGINE. CASS # CHV0350387 ---08/15/03---AS STATED PRIOR--CONSUMER WANTS THE MANUFACTURER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE CORRECTLY. I FEEL THAT THE REPAIR THAT IS BEEN DONE ON THE VEHICLE IS NOT CORRECT AND IN A MATTER OF TIME THE PROBLEM WILL RECUR AGAIN. REFERRING TO THE ABOVE STATED PARAGRAPH THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED WITH THE VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 60K. THE VEHICLE IS LOOSING ANTIFREEZE AT A CONSISTENT RATE AND IS NEEDING REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY. IF REPAIRS ARE NOT DONE THEN THE VEHICLE WILL BECOME A DRIVING HAZARD TO BOTH PASSENGER AND FELLOW USERS OF THE HIGHWAY. THE RECALL WAS A DEFECT MANAGEMENT REPAIR AND WASN'T COMPLETED IN A QUALITY AND PROFESSIONAL MANNER. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS IMMEDIATELY ATTENTION TO RESOLVE THE INJURY LIABILITY OF ALL CONCERNED. IT WAS AND IS STILL THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GM TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. IT SHOULD NOT FALL TO THE CUSTOMER TO MAKE THE COSTLY NEEDED REPAIRS NOW. WHEN IT WAS ASSEMBLED AND SOLD TO THE CUSTOMER. THIS MATTER SHOULD DEFINITELY BE RESEARCHED TO CONFIRM THE PROBLEMS WHICH COULD BE SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT BUT ORIGINATED FROM THE SAME RECALL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTDecember 11, 2009
THE PROBLEM IS WITH A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IS THE PASSIVE LOCK 2 SYSTEM.. THIS SYSTEM LOCKS THE CAR OUT AND KEEPS IT FROM STARTING FOR ANY WHERE TO 15-30 MINS AT A TIME. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE THING FOR ME I AM A SECURITY OFFICER AND FIND MYSELF IN AREAS THAT I NEED TO GET OUT OF AND CAN'T BECAUSE OF THE CAR NOT START DO TO THE FAILING OF THIS SYSTEM THIS IS A ON GOING PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF GM MADE CARS FROM THE YEARS 1999-2004 I HAVE DONE ALOT OF RESEARCH WITH REPAIR SHOPS IN MY AREA AND OUT OF THE AREA. EVERYONE OF THIS PLACE I HAVE CALLED OR BEEN TO HAS TOLD ME THE SAME THING AND THAT IS THEY GET AT LEST ONE GM MADE CAR WITH IN THESE YEARS ONCE A MONTH. THE PROBLEM IS A FAULT IN THE PASS2 SYSTEM THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IS TO TAKE IT TO A GM DEALER OR A AUTO ELECTION TO FIX THIS AND THE COST OF THIS IS OVER $500.00 . CHEVY REFUSES TO DO A RECALL ON THEIR PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. AND OTHER CARS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 9, 2009
CAR STARTS INTERMITTENTLY, AT FIRST ONCE EVERY MONTH OR SO AND THEN GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORST. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING OVER ANY AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME (9-15 MONTHS, MAYBE LONGER). USED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME (3-5 VISITS) WAS NEVER ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS REASONABLE IN HIS CHARGES. SINCE 10/23/09 STARTED USING A GM DEALER (A BIG MISTAKE). THEY HAVE CHANGED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER WITH PASSLOCK SENSOR. COST APPROACHING $1K AND STILL THE SAME PROBLEM THOUGH WITH LESS FREQUENCY (ABOUT THREE TIMES SINCE 11/10/09). CONTACTED GM FOR ASSISTANCE AND DUE TO MILEAGE (ABOUT 130K) THEY ARE UNWILLING TO HELP. ONLY BUY A GM PRODUCT IF YOU DON'T PLAN TO PUT MUCH MILEAGE ON IT. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT UNIT FOR $600 AND THE TURN SIGNAL MODULE FOR $400. THE CHEVROLET MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OR RECALLS RELATED TO THE HEADLIGHTS OR TURN SIGNALS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)December 5, 2009
I HAVE A SAFETY CONCERN INVOLVING UNRESOLVEABLE ISSUES WITH A 2002 IMPALA LS. DUE TO PASSLOCK, MY CAR WILL RANDOMLY NOT START, THINKING THAT I (THE OWNER) AM TRYING TO STEAL THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BEING THAT I AM A YOUNG, UNMARRIED WOMAN, WHO HAS TO DRIVE IN AND THROUGH ROUGH NEIGHBORHOODS TO GET TO WORK AND SCHOOL. THIS ISSUE COULD LEAVE ME AND OTHERS STRANDED AT LOCATION. AND WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAPPEN FROM THERE, VARYING FROM MURDER TO ASSAULT, ETC. AND IF YOU KNOW FLINT, SAGINAW, AND DETROIT MICHIGAN, THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE. THE CAR HAS BEEN EVALUATED BY THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS, TWO DEALERSHIPS, AND THERE IS NO SOLUTION. ASIDE FROM THAT ISSUE, THE CAR'S TRACTION CONTROL TURNS ON AT RANDOM, THE ABS BRAKES TURN ON, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS. THIS IS ANOTHER ISSUE THAT CAN'T BE RESOLVED BY ANY OF THE MECHANICS I'VE TALKED TO. THIS IS COSTING TONS OF MONEY AND GM HAS NO SOLUTION. GM NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL AND HAVE THESE ISSUES FIXED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMNovember 25, 2009
ANTILOCKS AND TRACTION ACTIVATION. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP OR GO BECAUSE OF ANTILOCKS AND TRACTION ACTIVATION. ALL THE TIME THE DEALERSHIP WANTED TO REPLACE PARTS AT MY COST. WE TOOK IT TO A SERVICE GARAGE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 25, 2009
THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. IT OCCURS FREQUENTLY. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DIAGNOSE. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 25, 2009
WE WERE DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT AND THE HEADLIGHTS ON OUR 2002 CHEVY IMPALA WENT OUT AND DIDN'T COME BACK ON. WE DIDN'T REALIZE IT AT THE TIME, BECAUSE WE WERE DRIVING IN TOWN AND THERE WERE STREET LIGHTS. THIS WAS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 23, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. SHE INSTALLED A NEW FUSE, BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER NOR THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,624.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 18, 2009
MY 2002 IMPALA WONT START EVERYDAY I HAVE TO GET A BOOST IT MAKES ME LATE FOR WORK I GO TO CRANK IT JUST CLICK CLICK WITH ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHT BLINKING THAT'S NOT SAFE BEING A FATHER OF 2 AND RUNNING THE RISK OF CAR NOT STARTING AFTER SITTING FOR 2 HOURS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 18, 2009
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS 60,000 MILES LEAVES WIFE STRANDED DUE TO SOME SECURITY DEVICE THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO START , NO WARNING SIGNS OTHER THAN A SECURITY LIGHT THAT IS DISPLAYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. THE REPAIRS ARE EXPENSIVE AND DON'T SEEM TO BE A RELIABLE FIX THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. GM SHOULD FIX IT, AS IT IS A OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 7, 2009
CHEVY IMPALA 2002 TURN BLINKERS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY SIMILAR TO 03V327000 RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TR
STEERINGOctober 26, 2009
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED AT 36,000 MILES THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. AT 43,165 MILES, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE DEALER ONCE AGAIN REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 22, 2009
MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA HAS A RANDOM ISSUE WITH STARTING AND HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. ONE TIME THE CAR QUIT RUNNING WHILE DRIVING LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY! THEN WOULD NOT START AGAIN FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. ON THE INTERNET I SEE WHERE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF IGNITION SWITCH COMPLAINTS ON THIS AND SEVERAL OTHER GM MODELS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A GM ISSUE THAT THEY HAVE FAILED TO ADDRESS. LEAVING SOMEONE STRANDED OR EVEN WORSE STALLING WHILE DRIVING IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I LIVE IN OHIO WHERE IT CAN EASILY GET BELOW ZERO IN THE WINTER IF MY CAR LEAVES ME STRANDED, IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 14, 2009
THE PASSLOCK PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. THIS HAPPENS APPROX. 4 OR 5 TIMES A MONTH. YOU PUT THE KEY IN TO START AND THE CAR DOES NOT START. YOU HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES USUALLY, SOMETIMES 20 SOMETIMES 30. VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY AND NEED TO START YOU CAR RIGHT AWAY INSTEAD OF WAITING TO START. YOU MAY DIE OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE. VERY SCARY WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CAR ALONE AND IT WON'T START. WILL NEVER BY A GM CAR AGAIN! *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 11, 2009
CAR WILL NOT START SOMETIMES. BATTERY IS FINE. LIGHTS WORK, LOCKS WORK, ETC. BATTERY WAS REPLACED TWICE BEFORE REALIZED IT WAS NOT BATTERY. HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES AND THEN TRY AGAIN TO START CAR. USUALLY STARTS AFTER 10 MINUTE WAIT. IF NOT, HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 10 MINUTES. SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON FOR NO REASON AT TIMES AND THEN GOES OFF. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 29, 2009
SEVERAL CHEVROLET VEHICLES IN THE 2002 RANGE (INCLUDING MY 2002 IMPALA) HAVE A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE THAT CAUSES A FAILURE IN THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM. THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE, BUT CAUSES THE CAR TO EITHER NOT START, OR STOP RUNNING. ONCE THE BCM FAILS, THE COMPUTER MUST BE RESTARTED TO START THE CAR- THIS MEANS SITTING IN THE CAR FOR 8-11 MINUTES WAITING FOR THE SECURITY LIGHT TO GO OFF; REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT'S 110 DEGREES OUT, OR 10 BELOW. THE PROBLEM IS WIDELY REPORTED ON AUTO FORUMS, SO THERE IS NO WAY CHEVY DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT IT. THERE ARE EVEN COMPANIES WILLING TO BYPASS THE SECURITY SYSTEM (BY CUTTING A WIRE FROM THE BCM, AND ROUTING A WIRE FROM ANOTHER SOURCE WITH AN APPROPRIATE RESISTOR) TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM. A DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BCM, BUT THE REPLACEMENT IS THE SAME DESIGN AS THE ORIGINAL, AND IS JUST AS LIKELY TO FAIL (NOT TO MENTION RUNNING $500-$800). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 2, 2009
1999-2004 IMPALAS HAVE A PROBLEM, TRAC OFF, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM AND ABS LIGHTS GO ON. THIS DEACTIVATES THE ANTI-BRAKE SYSTEM AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING ON A SLICK ROAD. ALSO WITHOUT TRACTION CONTROL YOUR CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE, TURN OR BRAKE AND WILL SKID. WHAT HAPPENS IS GM USED CHEAP WIRING OR CUT TOO SHORT AND THESE WIRES CORRODE. THIS PROBLEM IS AN EASY FIX, GM IS AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS BUT REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM. IT WOULD BE AN EASY FIX BUT THE ONLY THING ABOUT THAT THOUGH IS THAT YOU CANT JUST REPLACE THE WIRES, THE WIRES ARE SEALED IN THE HUB ASSEMBLY, SO YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HUB ASSEMBLY. ALSO THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSLOCK FEATURE, PASSLOCK WAS CREATED TO PREVENT THIEVES FROM STEALING YOUR CAR, NOT TO PREVENT YOU FROM DRIVING IT.PASSLOCK CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MAY STALL. THAT IN ITSELF IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. I SUGGEST YOU FORCE GM TO DO A RECALL BEFORE PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF NEGLIGENCE. AND IF THEY REFUSE TO COMPLY, JUST SLAP THEM WITH A MAJOR LAWSUIT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 30, 2009
2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WILL NOT START. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ONLINE SINCE I HAVE SENT MY CAR TO MY MECHANIC TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE, AND HE HAS NO IDEA HOW TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I'VE FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER IMPALA OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO THEM, AND MANY CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY A RECALL HAS NEVER HAPPENED. ON THIS LINK, THERE ARE OVER 150 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS LISTED OF OVER 2002 IMPALA OWNERS. PLEASE MAKE GM HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS RECURRING PROBLEM THAT HAS ALSO BEEN A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE SOME IMPALA OWNERS HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/IMPALA/2002/ELECTRICAL/PASSLOCK_PROBLEM_WONT_START_AND_SECURITY_LIGHT_IS_ON.SHTML PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE ON 2002 IMPALAS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 30, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS IN NOVEMBER OF 2008. THE SECURITY PASSLOCK SYSTEM BEGIN ACTING FAULTY IN MAY OF 2008,FAULTY AS IN THE CAR WON'T START IF IT'S TOO HOT OUTSIDE, WHEN U TURN THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION YOU HEAR SPARKS AND STATIC FROM THE WIRING WHEN THE SECURITY LIGHT IS ON. YOU HAVE TO BASICALLY PERFORM MAGIC TO GET THE CAR TO START. AND THE COULD TAKE UP TOO 4 HOURS OF SITTING WHEREVER YOU ARE. GM IS PRACTICALLY AWARE OF THIS VERY IRRITATING AND COSTLY PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE. *TR
EQUIPMENT,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMJuly 27, 2009
TRACTION FREQUENTLY ACTIVATES. "SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM" AND "ABS" LIGHTS COME ON FREQUENTLY. LAST SPRING AND SUMMER, MY MECHANIC REPLACED A COUPLE OF PARTS BUT IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I CAN NOT TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT THOSE PARTS WERE WITHOUT FINDING MY RECEIPTS FOR THE WORK. LAST SPRING AND SUMMER, THE TRACTION DID NOT ACTUALLY ACTIVATE BUT THE LIGHT DID COME ON. DIAGNOSTIC WAS DONE SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESULTS EXCEPT FOR A COUPLE OF TIMES. I HAD THE BODY MODULE REPLACE LAST FALL. I HAD NO PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT A MONTH BUT PROBLEMS STARTED PERIODICALLY AND ARE GRADUALLY INCREASING. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL. WITH THE TIRES SPINNING LIKE THAT, IT COULD BE DANGEROUS. AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN OR MAKING A TURN, MY TRACTION SOMETIMES ACTIVATES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 25, 2009
IT STARTED BACK IN 2002 A FEW MONTHS I PURCHASED MY 2002 IMPALA. IT WAS A USED CAR WITH 15,000 MILES. THE CHECK ENGINE AND LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE WATER PUMP AND LOW COOLANT SENSOR REPLACED. A WEEK LATER, LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. AGAIN TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND HAD TO REPLACE ANOTHER SENSOR. THAT HAPPEN 10 TIMES DURING THE SAME YEAR. AS OF NOW, JULY 2009, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON. IN 2007, MY VEHICLE STARTED TO RUN HOT. WAS TOLD I NEEDED THE MANIFOLD INTAKE GASKET, THERMOSTAT AND HOSES REPLACED WHICH WOULD OF COST ME OVER $1000.00. I COULDN'T AFFORD IT. I GOT A LOCAL MECHANIC TO REPLACE EVERYTHING WHICH HE CHARGED ME $300.00. JUST RECENTLY, I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING MY CAR ESPECIALLY AFTER I DRIVE IT FOR A WHILE. I'M A SINGLE MOTHER WHO GOES TO SCHOOL AND WORK AND THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. THIS CAR HAS BEEN GIVING ME THE BLUES THE PAST FEW YEARS AND I'M SICK OF IT. ALL THIS STARTED WITH ABOUT 150,000 MILES AND CURRENTLY I HAVE ABOUT 168,000 MILES. I WILL GET A BETTER, DEPENDABLE VEHICLE LATER THIS YEAR AND I WON'T BUY ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AGAIN. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY OVERHEAT AND THE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO START AND WOULD OFTEN STALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD COULD POSSIBLY BE LEAKING WATER. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 126,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. ON JULY 20, 2009, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. SHE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT DUE TO A FAULTY SECURITY SYSTEM. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 17, 2009
MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA DOES NOT START ON MANY OCCASIONS. THE ENGINE DOES NOT EVEN CRANK. AFTER TAKING MY CAR TO 2 REPAIR SHOPS THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FOUND AND BOTH PLACES HAVE NO IDEAS. I HAVE DONE MY OWN RESEARCH AND FOUND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM A 23 YEAR OLD FEMALE AND FOUND MYSELF STUCK OVER AN HOUR FROM HOME EARLIER THIS WEEK WHEN MY CAR WOULD NOT START. HOW CAN I FIX IT OR IS THERE A RECALL THAT I AND ALL THE OTHERS DO NOT KNOW ABOUT? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTJuly 8, 2009
2002 CHEVY IMPALA 7 TIMES IN 3 YEARS I HAD SECURITY LIGHT ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE LEAVING ME STRANDED I HAD PAID TO HAVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL I THROUGH A FIT IN DECEMBER OF 2007 GM HONORED IT BECAUSE THE PART THEY PUT IN WAS FAULTY. HERE IT IS A YEAR AND A HALF LATER AND I HAVE THE SAME SECURITY ISSUE THIS TIME IT COST ME 510 BUCKS AND SOME CHANGE. THE CAR HAS 50 THOUSAND MILES. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY PERIOD. SINCE I HAVE BEEN DOING MANY SEARCHES ON THIS ISSUE AND NOW SEE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
AIR BAGSJuly 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR DIMMED ONCE THE VEHICLE SPEED WAS REDUCED. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILURE, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,122 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,652.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 30, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE). SOMETIMES WHEN I START IT UP IT WILL NOT LET ME START IT UP BECAUSE THAT SECURITY SYSTEM COMES ON. IT ALSO FAILED IN GENERAL YESTERDAY WHICH I FIGURED THIS OUT BECAUSE I HAD UNPLUGGED MY BCM AND RECONNECTED IT AND MY CAR STARTED UP JUST FINE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT IF IT COULD POSSIBLY BE THAT BECAUSE I AM NOT GM CERTIFIED. BUT LIKE ANY OTHER PLACE THEY GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND AND TOLD ME IT CAN BE SOMETHING ELSE AND SOMETHING ELSE BUT I'M PRETTY SURE ITS THIS. I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND MOST PEOPLE HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THERE BCM, ONCE THEY CHANGE IT THE PROBLEMS GO AWAY. I BELIEVE GM SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR FREE BECAUSE ITS SOMETHING THAT ONLY HAPPENS ON CHEVY'S. I KNOW THIS BECAUSE I OWNED A 2001 CHEVY MALIBU AND IT USED TO DO THE SAME THING. THIS ALSO HAS HAPPENED TO ME MORE THEN TEN TIMES IN THE PAST FOUR MONTHS AND ITS RIDICULOUS. NOW I GO TO SEE IF I CAN GET IT FIXED AND THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT IF THEY PROGRAM IT AND ITS NOT THAT MY MONEY IS NOT REFUNDABLE AND I'M STUCK WITH A CAR THAT DOESN'T WORK AND I LOOSE OUT AROUND 300-400 DOLLARS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 30, 2009
I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA THAT HAS ONLY 38,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE LAST TEN DAYS THIS CAR HAS COST ME $1,100.00. THE MAJORITY OF THIS COST WAS BECAUSE OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GET THIS REPAIRED BECAUSE THE CAR COULD HAVE STOPPED RUNNING AT ANY TIME. IT APPEARS FROM WHAT I HAVE READ RECENTLY THAT THIS AUTO AND OTHERS LIKE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED LONG AGO BECAUSE OF THESE SECURITY SYSTEMS THAT SEEM TO GO OUT QUITE FREQUENTLY. I CANNOT GIVE AN ACCURATE INCIDENT DATE SINCE THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR OVER TWO MONTHS - I HAVE FINALLY BEEN ABLE TO BORROW THE MONEY TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WILL TURN INSIDE OF THE IGNITION, BUT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SAME FAILURE THREE YEARS AGO AT 40,000 MILES. IN ADDITION, THE SECURITY LIGHT FEATURE BEGAN TO FLASH BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 7/23/109 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A SEVERE PROBLEM WITH THE PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM AND GM DOES NOT HAVE A PROPER FIX. UPDATED 07/30/09.*JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DIM. THE CONTACT HAS TO PLAY WITH THE DIMMER SWITCH IN ORDER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR TWO YEARS AND PROVIDES POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHEVROLET AND A CHRYSLER DEALER AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE APPROXIMATELY $600 FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD MAKE THE REPAIR AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE BELIEVES THAT GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR DUE TO THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 07/08/09 *BF THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHEN THE DIMMER WAS USED. THE DEALER STATED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS FAILING INTERNALLY. UPDATED 07/08/09.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 16, 2009
SAFETY RECALL # 09047: OIL DRIP FROM 2002 IMPALA 3.8L ENGINE MAY CAUSE FIRE WHEN DEPOSITED ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND MAY SPREAD TO SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND. DATE OF DEFECT RECALL IS CONSPICUOUSLY MISSING BUT I RECEIVED THIS NOTICE THE WEEK OF JUNE 8, 2009, I CALLED DEALER ON JUNE 10, 2009. DEALER IS STATING THAT THEY ARE BACKED UP IN DOING THE REPAIR DUE TO LACK OF PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WE ARE DRIVING CARS THAT ARE JUST WAITING TO GO ON FIRE AND THIS IS NOT THE ONLY TIME THIS TYPE OF POTENTIAL FIRE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ADDRESSED ON THESE SPECIFIC ENGINES.*TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 14, 2009
TURN SIGNAL TURNS OFF INTERMITTENTLY. WORK FINE MOST OF THE TIME. I WENT AS FAR AS REPLACING ALL BULBS AS WELL AS THE FUSE. STARTS WORKING A COUPLE OF MONTHS THEN STARTS FAILING AGAIN. SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I'VE LEARNED ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 14, 2009
MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA'S SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS FLICKERED AND A STRANGE CLICKING NOISE OCCURRED. SOMETIMES VEHICLE WON'T START. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJune 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE JERKS. THE JERKING STOPS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY FOUND NO FAILURES. A MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOW FUEL SURGE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC WOULD COST $90 AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000. UPDATED 062909 *BF UPDATED 07/01/09.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 65-70 MPH WITH THE RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONING ACTIVATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR PANEL AREA IGNITED INTO FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE PASSENGER EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE DASHBOARD AND CARPET SUSTAINED MINOR FIRE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10273480ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 10, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A PASS LOCK FAILURE, WHICH IS A SECURITY ISSUE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE THINKS IT IS BEING STOLEN AND WILL NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BY THE DEALER. THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 06/24/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEAST CHEVROLET COULD IS FIX THE PROBLEM IF THEY ARE NOT GOING TO ISSUE A RECALL. UPDATED 06/26/09. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FOG UP. THE DEALER CHARGED $300 TO REMEDY THE ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THERE WERE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR A YEAR; HOWEVER, THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED DIM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. ON MARCH 10, 2009, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. GM ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL HIS INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGES. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR GM RECALL NUMBER 90047, WHICH STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Fire reported
NHTSA #10273134FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TURNS THE IGNITION, IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE KEY. SHE HAS TO WAIT 10-15 MINUTES TO TURN THE IGNITION AGAIN BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS NORMALLY. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MONTHS. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FLICKER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE SECURITY LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATES IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE RELAY SWITCHES RUN THROUGH THE FUEL PUMP. TWO NEW RELAY SWITCHES WERE INSTALLED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,651.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 4, 2009
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS/ 3.8-V6 THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. TOOK IN TO DEALER, AFTER IT WAS REPLACED, ANOTHER PROBLEM SURFACED.. WE KEEP GETTING THE RUN AROUND AT THE DEALER..THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY STARTS. WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE DEALER THAT I BROUGHT IT TO SAID HE WAS 80% SURE THAT IT WAS MY BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULES) AND HE WOULD HAVE TO RESET MY RADIO. THE TWO REPAIRS WOULD RUN ME ABOUT $1,200 AND THAT ISN'T EVEN 100% GUARANTEED THAT IT WOULD REMEDY THE PROBLEM. WHAT A WAY TO CONDUCT BUSINESS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS.. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH I SEE THE PROBLEM IS QUITE FAMILIAR ON MODELS OF THE SAME PLATFORM.. I'M AT MY WITS END WITH THIS PROBLEM.. THE CAR DOES FINALLY START AFTER SITTING THERE FOR 10 MIN OR SO.. MY ISSUE WITH THIS IS! I'M HAPPY TO PAY IF THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY BUT NON OF THE G.M DEALERS I'VE CONTACTED SEEM TO BE UPFRONT REGARDING THE MATTER, AND I QUOTE "BRING IT IN WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT IT" THAT'S IT! HOW ABOUT FIXING IT? I REPLY.. "WELL WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT".. THE CAR DOES NOT DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT A LOT OF THE TIME.. USUALLY AT THE MOST INOPPORTUNE TIME. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A NEW ONE IT'S HAPPENING A LOT.. I'M SURE A DESIGN FLAW. I'M JUST SCARED OF ANOTHER FIRE. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10272827ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 28, 2009
PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE ON 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. MY WIFE BECAME STRANDED LATE AT NIGHT DUE TO THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT TOOK ALMOST 30 MINUTES TO EVENTUALLY GET THE CAR TO START AND IT IS NOW HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. AN INTERNET SEARCH TURNED OUT LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *TR
AIR BAGSMay 26, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR-ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN HER VEHICLE. SHE BELIEVES THAT THE IMPACT WAS SEVERE ENOUGH THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE BACK PAIN AND A HEADACHE. SHE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND RELEASED THREE HOURS LATER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 122,000.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10269958ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 22, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 IMPALA. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SPECIFICALLY, THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, THE DOOR LOCK FUSE BLOWS, CLICKING NOISES FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE FUSE PANEL, AND ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE STARTER WILL NOT TURN WHEN THE KEY IS PLACED IN THE "START" POSITION. THIS ISSUE CAN EASILY BE FOUND ELSEWHERE ON THE INTERNET. WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR SINCE SEPT 2003. NO ISSUES UNTIL THE LAST 7 MONTHS. THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND SOMETIMES DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES FIXES THE PROBLEM. IT IS A VERY FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCE HAVING TO "REBOOT" THE BCM BY DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE BATTERY ALL OF THE TIME. MY CONCERN IS EVENTUALLY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WILL COMPLETELY FAIL OR WORSE CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. OTHERS WHO ARE DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUE ARE SPENDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN PARTS REPLACEMENTS ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RETURN A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER. THIS "SECURITY" PROBLEM HAS TO SOMEHOW QUALIFY AS A RECALL WITH CHEVROLET/GM. CURRENTLY, I AM STILL ABLE TO MANIPULATE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR TO START. I'M REALLY NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND BE CHARGED ENORMOUS FEES FOR PARTS AND LABOR KNOWING THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL RETURN LATER ON LIKE OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED. PLEASE FIND A WAY TO FORCE GM TO DO A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 17, 2009
2002 CHEVY IMPALA LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON AS MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF AND THERE'S NO CHANGE OR VERY LITTLE CHANGE IN LEVEL OF THE ANTI-FREEZE. AS MANY OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE INTAKE GASKETS ARE PLASTIC AND END UP LEAKING. THE 3.4 IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN GM PRODUCTS AND I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER NOT TO BUY 1. PLEASE MAKE THIS A RECALL. I DON'T HAVE $1000 TO FIX THIS CAR I ALREADY PAID $4400 FOR IT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 16, 2009
FAULTY SYSTEM CAUSE ANTI-THEFT MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE INTERMITTENTLY DURING A NORMAL START ATTEMPT. THE VEHICLE'S MESSAGE INDICATOR WILL FLASH SECURITY/BATTERY/SERVICE VEHICLE SOON DESPITE HAVING A NEW BATTERY AND A WELL MAINTAINED CAR WITH A CLEAN HISTORY. THE MESSAGES ALWAYS FLASH TOGETHER IN A CYCLE, AND IS ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SYMPTOMS BELOW: DURING THE ABOVE CONDITION, THE VEHICLE WILL NEITHER CRANK NOR START, OR THE VEHICLE WILL START, WITH THE ABOVE INDICATORS, AND THE RADIO WILL LOCK AS WELL AS THE DISABLING OF THE AIR CONDITIONER, HEAT AND ABILITY TO DEFOG/FROST. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION WHEREBY THE WINDOWS FOG DRAMATICALLY, COMPLETELY OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. THE DEFECT HAS ALSO CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ME IN CASES WHERE I'VE HAD TO TURN OFF THE CAR ON THE SHOULDER OF A HIGHWAY AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESTART IT, AND IN ONE INSTANCE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY GRAZED ON MY ARM BY A PASSING CAR AFTER I EXITED MY VEHICLE. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE LINKED IT TO EITHER A FAULTY PASSLOCK SENSOR, FAULTY BCM OR BAD WIRING, ALL OF WHICH I WAS TOLD SHOULD LAST AT LEAST THE LIFE OF THE ENGINE, AS IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED FROM IT'S ORIGINAL ASSEMBLY AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR OTHER DAMAGING CIRCUMSTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS ALSO FOLLOWED ITS MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE TO A T. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND MORE FREQUENT (SEVERAL TIMES DAILY AS OF 9 MONTHS AGO) SINCE THE INITIAL DATE OF INCIDENCE, BUT BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS, AND UNCERTAINTY FROM REPRESENTATIVES AT SEVERAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTERS, I HAVE BEEN PRIMARILY USING OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION UNTIL I CAN COVER WHAT WILL BE AN EXORBITANT COST TO REPAIR. *TR
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10268893EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 13, 2009
HEAD LIGHTS WILL GO OUT WHEN USING THE DIMMER LEAVER. I HAVE REPLACE THE DIMMER SWITCH TWO TIMES ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. COST $450.00 EACH TIME. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTORE THE HEADLIGHTS BY TURNING OFF THE HIGH BEAMS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS POSSIBLY FAILING. THE COST FOR REPAIR WOULD BE $600. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO CURRENT RECALLS. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 6, 2009
WE ARE THE OWNERS OF A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. WE PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN OCTOBER OF 2001. IT HAS BEEN LIGHTLY DRIVEN AND WELL MAINTAINED. IT HAS HAD TWO MAJOR REPAIRS; THE FIRST BEING A RECALL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM, THE SECOND, A FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER FEDERAL LAW AND REPLACED. TODAY, I FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR POSSIBLE FIRE FROM DRIPPING OIL. THAT IS THE BASIC HISTORY. FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF, WE HAVE HAD A FRIGHTENING ISSUE WITH THE CAR. YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING. A LIGHT THAT SAYS "SECURITY" FLASHES THREE TIMES OVER AND OVER AND YOU CANNOT START THE CAR FOR TEN MINUTES. GM'S PASSLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH I BELIEVE MALFUNCTIONS, THINKS THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. TEN MINUTES LATER, YOU CAN START THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS EVEN IN THE MANUAL FOR THE CAR. GM ADMITS THAT, BUT THEY SAY IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AS MUCH AS I HAVE IT HAPPEN, LIKE ONE TIME IS OK, BUT THE 5-6 TIMES OUT OF 10 THAT MY CAR WON'T START IS EXCEPTIONAL. TEN MINUTES IS A LONG TIME WITH A SICK CHILD, ALONE IN A DARK PLACE AT NIGHT, IN AN EMERGENCY OF ANY KIND. IT IS A TERRIFYING SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. GM OFFERED ME A COUPON TOWARDS A NEW CAR. I KNOW THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS IN THE MANUAL AND PEOPLE ARE FRIGHTENED AND SCARED ABOUT IT. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL A LONG TIME AGO SINCE PEOPLE ARE BEING STRANDED WITH A CAR WITH NO FUEL SUPPLY. DUE TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER SOMEHOW MALFUNCTIONING AND THINKING THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN, THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM REACTS BY CUTTING OFF FUEL SUPPLY FOR A DESIGNATED PERIOD OF TIME, IN THIS CASE, 10 MINUTES EXACTLY. GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR HAVING THIS ISSUE AND DOING NOTHING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMApril 22, 2009
PASSLOCK SENSOR ISSUES. SOMETIMES IT JUST WON'T START AND THEN I WAIT THE 8-10 MINUTES FOR IT TO RESET AND THEN IT WILL START. BEEN TOLD BY THE CHEVY DEALER THAT IT WILL BE ABOUT 800.00 TO FIX IT. I AM ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SENSOR IN THE ABS WHEELS GOING OUT. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 21, 2009
8-10-2005 I BOUGHT IT USED MILEAGE WAS 91186 7-5-2006 TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP THEY REPLACED INTAKE/VC/HEAD/GASKETSFLUSHED RADIATOR REPLACED H2O PUMP/THERMOSTAT COOLANT OIL CHANGE RESURFACE HEADS COVERED BY GUARDIAN WARRANTY OVER $1700.00 DOLLARS 2/2008 IT STARTED ALL OVER LOW COOLANT LIGHT IT WOULD GET HOT BROWNISH LOOKING WATER REPLACED RADIATOR/HOSES/WATERPUMP/COOLANTSENSER /THERMOTSTAT/FLUSHED COOLANT SYSTEM BUT IT STILLWOULD GET HOT/BUT IF YOU TURN ON THE HEATER ON HOT BUT IT WOULD NEVER BLOW OUT HOT AIR IT WAS COLD ONLY IT SMELL AS IF THEIRS COOLANT SEEPING INTO THE MOTOR OIL MY MILEAGE AT THE FIRST REPAIR WAS 102100 MY MILEAGE AS OF TO DAY139297 AS IT SIT IN DRIVE WAY I STILL HAVE PAYMENTS OF 300.00AMONTH IM PAYING FOR 11MORE MONTHS AND CANT EVEN DRIVE IT NOT EVEN A1/2MILE TO WORK I BEEN TOLD ITS AFFECT IN THE CLOSED COOLINGSYSTEM AND DEX COOL IT INTERNAL AND I CANT AFFORD THE REPAIR OR THE PAYMENT BUT IM STUCK WITH THEM. *TR
STEERINGApril 20, 2009
NOT BEEN NOTIFIED BY G.M. ABOUT SAFETY DEFECT, I JUST HAPPEN TO TAKE MY CAR IN THE SHOP AND HAD TO PAY FOR A RECALL ; I HAVE A 2002 IMPALA THE STEERING SHAKES, I FEEL SOMETHING RATTLING AROUND IN THE STEERING. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 19, 2009
MY 2002 CHEVORLET IMPALA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE GASKETS LEAKING. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE. THEY ALSO TOLD ME IT WOULD OVER $750.00 TO REPAIR THIS. THE SAME THING HAPPEN WITH MY WIFE'S 2001 MALIBU. THE DEALER SAID THAT GM KNOWS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 17, 2009
CAR DOES NOT RELIABLY START. MY WIFE HAS BEEN STRANDED WITH OUR DAUGHTER WHILE WAITING FOR THE CAR TO START. GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK, TURN SIGNALS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL WHEN OR WHERE THIS PROBLEM WILL OCCUR. AM FEARFUL OF MY WIFE BEING STRANDED IN A BAD AREA WHILE WAITING FOR THE CAR TO START. HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR APPROX. 2 YRS. *TR
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTApril 15, 2009
2002 CHEVY IMPALA 3.8L PURCHASED USED IN DEC. 2004 W/ 65,000 MILES. WHERE TO BEGIN... FLOODING IN FLOORBOARDS DUE TO CLOG UNDERNEATH WINDSHIELD, THREE SETS OF ROTORS/BRAKES, CLUNKY NOISE IN STEERING SHAFT (REPLACED TWICE BY DEALERSHIP) STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM, CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AFTER DEALERSHIP TRIED TO CHARGE ME NEARLY $1000 TO REPLACE; COVERED BY GM AS HARRY GREEN CHEVROLET WAS 'UNAWARE' OF REPLACEMENT POLICY?!? NEW STRUTS, NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS/BALANCES B/C VEHICLE STILL SHAKES AND SHIMMYS AT 60-65 MPH; MUST DRIVE ABOUT 75-80 MPH JUST TO KEEP THIS TO A MINIMUM! BCM REPLACED TWICE BY DEALER, SECURITY ISSUES WON'T ALLOW CAR TO START FOR 15 MINS. EACH TIME, WHICH IS VERY INCONVENIENT. SOOO MANY PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS WITH THESE 'QUALITY' GM VEHICLES, AND YET THEY DO NOTHING TO RESOLVE THEM, EXCEPT HOLD OUT THEIR HANDS WANTING MORE $$$ FROM AMERICAN TAXPAYERS TO KEEP ON MAKING JUNK! AND NOW THE NEWEST OF A LONG LINE OF RECALLS/PROBLEMS IS THAT THERE IS A FIRE HAZARD FOR LEAKING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD! ALL OF THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED DUE TO THE NUMEROUS SAFETY CONCERNS AND CONSUMERS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF GENERAL MOTORS OBVIOUS DISREGARD FOR SAFETY AND RELIABILITY! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 14, 2009
BROWN MILKY FILM IN THE RADIATOR WAS DIAGNOSED AS BEING CAUSED BY A LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. REPLACEMENT OF THE GASKET DID FIX THE PROBLEM. BASED ON INTERNET SEARCHES AND DEALER INFORMATION, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
EQUIPMENTApril 13, 2009
WE HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL COME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF. IT WILL NOT RESTART FOR ABOUT 10 TO 20 MINUTES. THIS USED TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY BUT NOW IT'S HAPPENING ATLEAST 3 TO 5 TIMES A MONTH. HAVE TAKEN IT IN FOR SERVICE BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY SAY IT HAS TO ACTUALLY BE DOING IT WHILE THEY ARE CHECKING IT. DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHY IT'S DOING THIS. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING NOW FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 13, 2009
AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO START MY VEHICLE THAT MORNING I HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE HOOD WAS RAISED, THE ENGINE WAS IN FLAMES. WE HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10265169FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,AIR BAGSMarch 30, 2009
CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE STATES THAT THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NOTICES - 07E021000 & 02V222000 - DO NOT APPLY TO MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS. CHEVROLET DOES NOT RECOGNIZE OR CROSS REFERENCE YOUR CAMPAIGN NUMBERS. THEY STATED TO ME THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY NHTSA IS "FALSE". I THINK CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE IS LYING. HELP NEEDED. PLEASE DON'T SEND ME SOME LEGAL JARGON ANSWER. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 29, 2009
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST ACCELERATION. MY CAR FELT LIKE IT DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER. SO WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS, I HAVE TO HAVE THE PEDAL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR TO GET MY CAR TO GO. MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND HE CHECKED OUT THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL FILTER AND HOOKED THE CAR TO THE COMPUTER AT WORK TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND NOTHING CAME BACK. SO WE GOT ONLINE AND STARTED LOOKING UP DEFECTS IN IMPALA'S AND FOR THE 2002 IMPALA, THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS BECAUSE OF THEM BEING DEFECTIVE. MY CAR HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT SO ACCORDING TO THE INTERNET INFORMATION I HAVE GATHERED, MY CAR SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 27, 2009
ON MARCH 19, 2008 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 5AM AND TURNING ON MY HIGHBEAMS. A CAR WAS COMING OVER THE HILL SO I TURNED OFF MY HIGHBEAMS AND MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF. IN A PANIC I HIT THE BRAKES AND ENDED UP PUTTING MY CAR IN THE DITCH. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT OUT OF THE DITCH BUT I WAS PRETTY SHOOK UP. AFTER JIGGLING MY DIMMER SWITCH I WAS ABLE TO GET MY HEADLIGHTS AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE DIMMER SWITCH THAT NEEDED REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST $450. I FOUND AN AFTER MARKET ONE ONLINE AND PUT IT IN MYSELF FOR $350. I NOTICED MY LIGHTS FLICKERING BEFORE THIS EVENT BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT. USUALLY IT WAS 1 OR 2 TIMES A WEEK FOR TWO WEEKS WHEN THE SWITCH FINALLY WENT OUT COMPLETELY. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE A RECALL ON ALL DIMMER SWITCHES DUE TO THE FACT THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENT. THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ON A VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING IN THE DARK. IN MY CASE I WAS LUCKY NOT TO HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN DURING BAD ROAD CONDITIONS. *TR
Crash reported
NHTSA #10263236EQUIPMENTMarch 27, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WOULD TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO RESTART. INITIALLY, THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT IT NOW OCCURS EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE SECURITY SYSTEM WOULD LOCK UP THE INJECTORS AND HE WOULD HAVE TO TURN THE KEY ON FOR 10-15 MINUTES TO REPROGRAM THE MODULE. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PAID APPROXIMATELY $700 FOR THE REPAIR, BUT IT DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 21, 2009
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM IT HAS LOCKED AND WILL NOT LET ME START MY CAR. *TR
EQUIPMENTMarch 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING. THE DEVICE DRAINS THE BATTERY, MAKES THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FLICKER, AND DISABLES THE RADIO. IN ADDITION, THE RELAYS IN THE VEHICLE CLICK ON AND OFF AS SOON AS THE KEY IS PLACED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT HAS NOT YET TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
AIR BAGSMarch 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT AN IMPACT OR CRASH OCCURRING. THE CONTACT WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED DURING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED BY A GM ENGINEER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AND THE VEHICLE IS WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT A FIELD TECHNICIAN WOULD COME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,000.
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10262350EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 15, 2009
I HAVE A 2002 IMPALA AND THE SAME PROBLEM AS EVERYONE ELSE. MY BLINKERS WILL RANDOMLY STOP WORKING. WHEN I PUSH THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND OFF 3 OR 4 TIMES THE BLINKERS START TO WORK AGAIN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 13, 2009
THIS IS A PASS-LOCK PROBLEM. RANDOMLY THE PASS-LOCK SYSTEM ON THE 2002 CHEVY IMPALA I OWN WILL NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO START. I WAIT 15 MINUTES AND THE CAR STARTS. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CHEVY IMPALA AND IT CAUSES ME LOTS OF PROBLEMS. I AM LATE FOR WORK, LATE PICKING UP PEOPLE, SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS WHEN I RUN ERRANDS SO I HAVE TO SIT IN THE PARKING LOT AND WAIT FOR IT TO RESET. A HUGE WASTE OF MY TIME. THE REASON WHY I AM WRITING TODAY IS THAT IT JUST HAPPENED THIS MORNING AND I HAVE FINALLY REACHED THE END OF MY ROPE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 4, 2009
THERE WERE NO EVENTS THAT LEAD TO THIS FAILURE. WITH ALL FUSES OPERATIONAL, I DO NOT HAVE ANY DASHLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT NIGHT. I HAVE TO USE MY CELL PHONE LIGHT TO PLACE OVER MY SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER PANEL TO VIEW MY SPEED, GAS LEVELS AND ANY WARNING LIGHTS. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. WHEN MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE ON, THEY BLINK CONSTANTLY AND OTHER DRIVERS THINK I AM EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY. IF I USE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS, THEY FLASH LIKE I AM TRYING TO SIGNAL FOR HELP. SAME IF I OPEN THE VISOR TO USE THE LIGHTED MIRROR. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS REPAIRED SINCE GM WILL NOT GUARANTEE A RESOLUTION WITH A REPAIR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP GIVING MONEY TO GM DEALERSHIPS WITHOUT A REPAIR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME AT NIGHT, I CANNOT USE MY CRUISE CONTROL EVERYWHERE. MY TRACTION CONTROL WILL NOT DISENGAGE EITHER. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 3, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TWO REAR BRAKES WERE RUSTED AND WORN DOWN TO THE POINT THAT ONLY HALF OF THE BRAKE SHOES WERE USED. THE ROTORS AND BRAKES WERE REPLACED. A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIRS, HE HEARD A NOISE AND NOTICED THAT THE TWO FRONT BRAKE SHOES HAD SPLIT INTO TWO PIECES. THE TWO FRONT BRAKES, ROTORS, AND BRAKE SHOES WERE ALL REPLACED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITYMarch 2, 2009
BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A RELATIVE. HAS HAD THE PROBLEM THE ENTIRE TIME I OWNED IT. I WAS TOLD TO JUST NEVER USE THE HIGH BEAMS. THEY DON'T STAY ON ANYWAY. I RECENTLY SPOKE TO A CHEVROLET MECHANIC THAT STATED THAT ALMOST ALL IMPALAS THAT COME IN ON TRADE HAVE A DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT DIMMER SWITCH. $300-400 REPAIR. I HAVE NO HIGH BEAMS. SWITCH HAS BEEN BAD ENTIRE TIME. BUT IF EVERY IMPALA THAT COMES INTO THE DEALERSHIP HAS THIS ISSUE WHY IS THERE NO RECALL. I ASK EVERY IMPALA OWNER TO FILE A COMPLAINT. ESPECIALLY SINCE SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS JUST GO OUT, WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. LETS GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF. ESPECIALLY SINCE GM KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND IS DOING NOTHING TO ADDRESS IT. ALSO HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE WIPERS GOING TO THE FULL UP POSITION WHEN TURNING THEM OFF. HEARD THIS IS ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 27, 2009
2002 CHEVY IMPALA - DID FINE THE FIRST YEAR OR SO. ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON. LONG STORY SHORT - BEEN HAVING TO MAKE SURE THERE'S ALWAYS ANTIFREEZE FOR YEARS NOW AND HOPING AND PRAYING I DON'T END UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NOW I'M NOTICING HAVING TO ADD 1/2 TO 3/4 GALLON OF ANTIFREEZE EVERYDAY. TEMP LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON. ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF WHICH WORRIES ME MORE THAN WHEN IT'S ON. NOW NOTICING ANTIFREEZE BURNING AFTER I HAVE DROVE IT A LITTLE WHILE. LEAVES ME A LITTLE PUDDLE NOW EACH NIGHT. SEEMS TO LOSE ANTIFREEZE MORE IN THE WINTER WHILE RUNNING THE HEATER THAN IT DOES IN THE SUMMER. TIRED OF STRESSING ABOUT THE POS!!!!!!!!! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 20, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE ENGINE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE FINALLY STARTED FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER. SUDDENLY, THE SECURITY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURES OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE PASSLOCK SENSOR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 18, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HER HEAD LAMPS DIMMED PERIODICALLY. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD LIGHT MODULAR FAILED AND COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $500. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,500.
AIR BAGSFebruary 5, 2009
2002 CHEVY IMPALA AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. *NJ THE CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. *JB
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10257893VISIBILITYJanuary 29, 2009
MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMAPLA'S WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. I BELIEVE THIS HAPPENS WHEN FREEZING RAIN OR EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF ICE OR SNOW ACCUMULATES ON THE WINDSHIELD AND ISN'T COMPLETELY CLEARED BEFORE TURNING THE WIPERS ON. NOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION AND OBVIOUSLY THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT BEGINS TO RAIN OR SNOW AS ONE CANNOT SEE CLEARLY WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE HEARD THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ESPECIALLY FOR IMPALAS IN RECENT YEARS, SO I FEEL THAT THE PART SHOULD BE RECALLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST TWO OTHER TIMES, AND NOW A THIRD TIME WHERE I BELIEVE THE PART IS DAMAGED TO THE POINT WHERE IT MUST BE REPLACED. THE PREVIOUS TWO TIMES THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO RE-SET THE WIPERS FOR CHEAP, BUT THE MOST RECENT VISIT HE SAID IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE NOT REPLACED THE PART YET AS I DO NOT TRAVEL FAR OR IN POOR WEATHER, BUT I WILL BE DOING SO IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 27, 2009
APPROXIMATELY 60K MILES, PASS LOCK LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER SAID IT WAS COMMON IN IMPALAS, WOULD COST $1500, NEEDED TO REPLACE COMPUTER MODULE WHICH RUNS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. STARTED HAVING STARTING ISSUES, AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONS, POWER DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING, WIPER & WINDOW MALFUNCTIONS, TRUNK OPENING ON ITS OWN, ETC. TOOK TO MECHANIC, SAID SAME AS DEALER, HAS SEEN A NUMBER OF IMPALAS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM. CAR RANDOMLY DOES NOT START, AIRBAG MALFUNCTION, AND DOORS NOT WORKING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 26, 2009
TRIED TO START MY CAR AND I THOUGHT SOMEONE WAS AFTER ME. WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR TO START IT, IT WOULDN'T START. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS THERE. MECHANIC SAID THAT THE TUMBLER IN THE KEY SYSTEM IS BAD AND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR IMPALAS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 19, 2009
I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO, MY SON INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE IS LEAKING ENGINE COOLANT, ABOUT A 1/2 GALLON A WEEK. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE DEX COOLANT LAWSUIT AFTER THE FILING DATE. I CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE SALESMAN REFERRED ME TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY REFERRED ME TO THE LAWSUIT WEBSITE. (THIS IS WHERE I FOUND OUT THAT OCTOBER 27, 2008 WAS THE CUTOFF DATE FOR BEING INCLUDED IN THE LAWSUIT.) CHEVROLET SO FOR IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 15, 2009
2001-2002 CHEVY IMPALA HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHEN CHANGING FROM LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM AT ANY TIME ALSO BURNING WIRE SMELL ON GOING PROBLEM WITH GM NEEDS TO BE RECALLED GM WANTS $700 TO FIX . *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 13, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. BOUGHT USED IN 2005 HAD 72,000 MILES. IT NOW HAS 89,800 MILES. SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BCM MODULE, REBUILT TRANSMISSION, REPLACE THE PCM MODULE, REPLACE ALL FOUR ROTORS ALONG WITH BRAKE PADS ALL AROUND, AND NOW MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL HAS STOPPED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WORKS FINE. WHEN THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL IS WORKING THE HAZARDS WORK FINE AS WELL, BUT WHEN THE LEFT ISN'T NEITHER DOES THE HAZARD LIGHTS. ALONG WITH THE PROBLEM IT DISENGAGES THE TRACTION CONTROL, WHICH THEREFORE DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL. I READ ON A FORUM THAT REPLACING THE HAZARD SWITCH WILL FIX THIS PROBLEM HOWEVER NOT MY CASE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE THE TURN SIGNAL MODULE, BUT THE PART IS 299.99 PLUS LABOR OR THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY COULD TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM, BUT AT ASTRONOMICAL LABOR CHARGES. FROM ALL THE FORUMS I'VE READ AND MY OWN PROBLEMS THE 2000-2002 IMPALAS ARE NOTHING, BUT GARBAGE! THIS WILL BE MY LAST AMERICAN MADE CAR! VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MAKING EITHER A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,700.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 8, 2008
HEADLIGHTS TURN COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING - MANIPULATING HI/LOW BEAM SWITCH TURNS THEM BACK ON. *TR
SEATSDecember 8, 2008
HEATED SEAT SHORTED OUT, CAUGHT FIRE, BURNED DRIVER. *TR
Fire reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10251051ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENTDecember 6, 2008
THE FIRST THING IS THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET TWO TIME NOW IT IS LEAKING AGAIN INTO THE WATER RESERVOIR THEN I HAD TWO REPLACE THE MAIN CONTROL ( BCM ) AND ( PCM ) BY THE DEALERSHIP HA TO REPLACE THE STARTER AND THE WATER PUMP HAD TO RE PLACE TWO WINDOW MOTOR AND TWO WINDOW ELECTRONIC SWITCH THAT CONTROL EACH WINDOW THERE A LOT MORE BUT THIS ARE THE MORE IMPORTANCE ONES IT WOULD BE OKAY IF I GOT THIS CAR USED BUT I PAID FOR A NEW CAR SO I WOULD NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF BREAKDOWNS DOES GM STAND BEHIND THERE CAR OR WHAT !!!!!!!! *TR
SUSPENSIONDecember 5, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. I HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH IS CAR SINCE THE MOMENT I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. IN MY OPINION, THE WHOLE CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED. BUT, I AM ONLY GOING TO FILE A COMPLAINT ON MY CURRENT ISSUE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I STARTING HEARING A ROARING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MY CAR WHEN I DROVE DOWN THE ROAD. IT WAS REALLY STRANGE BECAUSE IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ENGINE, BUT THE NOISE WAS NOT CAUSE FROM PUSHING THE GAS, JUST THE TIRES DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE CENTER. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE HUB BEARING LOCATED NEAR MY TIRE. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS SO BAD THAT MY TIRE WOULD HAVE FALLEN OFF WHILE DRIVING, WHICH COULD HAVE A CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THEY FIXED IT, CHARGING ME $350. NOW, LAST MONTH (NOV 08), I STARTED HEARING THAT SAME NOISE. I ALREADY KNOW THAT IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT UNSURE IF ITS COMING FROM THE SAME SIDE OR NOT. IT IS SO BAD THAT WHEN I AM GOING AROUND A CURVE WHILE DRIVING, THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES AND RATTLES. I CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THIS FIXED AGAIN. I HAVE CHILDREN AND AM VERY CONCERNED FOR OUR SAFETY. I JUST THINK THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND COULD BE DANGEROUS. I DO THINK THAT CHEVY SHOULD RECALL THIS. *TR
AIR BAGSNovember 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AT 5 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS DAMAGED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. GENERAL MOTORS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WOULD NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 189,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD PULSATE AND THE STEERING COLUMN TURNED SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND NEEDED TO BE TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY SEVEN MONTHS LATER, THE ROTORS HAD TO BE TURNED AGAIN. THE FAILURE HAS PERSISTED FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED SINCE AUGUST OF 2008. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO HIS VIN; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
STEERINGNovember 14, 2008
HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND WITH STEERING. HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT AT TIMES THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED A LOCK UP AND COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM AND GM KNOWS ABOUT IT. THERE IS A TSB #01023200 ON THE CAR. DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THE CAR HAS 38,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS DONE THIS SINCE IT WAS NEW. JIMMI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 10, 2008
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA I HAVE A 50 / 50 CHANCE OF GETTING THIS JUNK TO START. I HAVE TALKED TO THE DEALER AND ALL THEY WANT TO DO IS REPLACE THE BCM AND THE IGNITION, BUT JUDGING FROM THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL WHY SPEND THE MONEY IF IT IS NOT GOING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. SOME ONE SOME WHERE MUST KNOW HOW TO FIX IT, IT CAN'T BE THAT DIFFICULT. WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING TO GET IT STARTED IS LEAVE THE KEY ON THE ON POSITION FOR A FULL TEN MINUTES UNTIL THE SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING 3 TIMES. IF YOU TRY AND START IT TO SOON YOU HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER TEN MINUTES, THE GREAT PART ABOUT ALL THIS IS GM WANTS THE GOVERNMENT TO BAIL THEM OUT BECAUSE THEY ARE LOOSING MONEY, I WISH GM WOULD HELP BAIL ME OUT OF THIS PIECE OF JUNK, I'M LOSING MONEY TRYING TO KEEP THIS THING GOING. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 30, 2008
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT AND USING THE "HIGH BEAMS," THEY GO OUT AFTER AWHILE. NEARLY CRASHED UNTIL I COULD SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO SAFELY STOP! BY MOVING HIGH/LOW BEAM LEVER, I WAS ABLE TO GET HEADLIGHTS TO COME BACK ON IN THE LOW BEAM POSITION. IN CHECKING NHTSA WEB SITE, FOUND THIS IS A PROBLEM GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF BUT EXPECTS OWNERS TO PAY FOR REPAIR OF POORLY DESIGNED PART. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 30, 2008
TRACTION CONTROL PANEL WOULD LIGHT UP WHEN THERE WASN'T ANY SNOW. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE WARNING WOULD BE TO "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL", WOULD SHUT DOWN THE ABS. CAR WAS SERVICED, BAD WHEEL BEARING. COST $427.00. *TR
VISIBILITYOctober 7, 2008
MY WINDOW REGULATOR KEEPS SNAPPING. THIS IS THE SECOND ONE THAT I PURCHASE IN ONE YEAR AT THE COST OF $300.00 EACH TIME TO REPAIR. THE REPAIRMAN SAID THAT HE BELIEVE THAT THE WINDOW IS TO HEAVY FOR IT. EACH TIME I GET IT REPAIRED, THEY SAID THAT THEY GET A LOT OF THEM TO FIX. *TR
STRUCTURESeptember 29, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA AND IT IS A MAINTENANCE NIGHTMARE. THE LATEST ISSUE IS I HAVE FOUND A LARGE PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE AFTER THE RAIN. A GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS OTHERS ARE HAVING THE TROUBLE WITH VARIOUS YEARS. I AM TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH IMPALA'S AND IS REALLY UNACCEPTABLE. BESIDES HAVING TO REPLACE ALL THE HUBS, THE CAR LITERALLY ATE TIRES FOR THE FIRST 2 YEARS I OWNED IT BUT HAVE FOUND TIRES THAT LAST MORE THEN 4000 MILES AND LAST THE PAINT IS NOT STAYING ON THE CAR. I CANNOT FIND ANY RECALLS AND I KNOW SEVERAL TRUCKS THAT THE PAINT IS PEALING OFF AND THE OWNERS ARE TOLD TO BAD BY THE DEALER. I HOPE THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING SO A RECALL CAN BE DONE. I COULD LITERALLY SWIM IN THE WATER FROM THE RAIN THAT CAME IN. OH ALMOST FORGOT THE DRIVERS SIDE POWER WINDOW IS RANDOMLY WORKING AS WELL. *TR
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT HIS VEHICLE, BUT WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE RADIO DISPLAYED "LOCKED" AND HE COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DOORS NOR THE WINDOWS BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALER STATED THAT HE OWNED THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE AND HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DEFECT AND REPAIRED IT AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF OVER $1,400. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE KEY SWITCH AT THE COST OF $492.13 THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,301 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,328. UPDATED 020209 *BF THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. UPDATED 02/03/09. *JB SEVERAL COMPONENTS WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WERE REPLACED AND THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWICE. UPDATED 02/20/09. *JB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS NEEDED AT A COST OF $300.00. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, IT MADE STRANGE NOISES AS IF IT WERE ABOUT TO BREAK. UPDATED 0423/10.*JB UPDATED 04/29/10.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 22, 2008
2002 CHEVY IMPALA INTAKE GASKET ON MOTOR LETS WATER INTO MOTOR COST $740 DOLLARS TO REPAIR. HAD SAME TROUBLE ON A 95 BUICK WHICH RUINED THE ENGINE. MY SON HAD SAME TROUBLE ON A 97 BUICK. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ENGINE GM HAS HAD THIS TROUBLE FOR YEARS I KNOW OF A FEW OTHER WHO HAVE HAD SAME TROUBLE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE VEHICLE LOSES TOTAL POWER. SHE HAS TO DISCONNECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND THEN RECONNECT THE CABLE. AFTER SHE WAITS FOR IT RECHARGE ITSELF, THE VEHICLE WILL START IMMEDIATELY OR TWO HOURS LATER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE COST OF $445. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000. *UPDATED 10/20/08 *BF UPDATED 10/21/08. *JB
STEERINGSeptember 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN STRAIGHT LINE, THE DRIVER MUST MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL FURTHER OUT. DEPENDING ON WHAT SIDE THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, THERE IS SOME SLACK IN THE WHEEL AND NOISES ARE MADE. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THE DEALER INSTALLED A SHORT STEERING SHAFT. THIS REPAIR CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR FOUR YEARS. WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE IT EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED FOR FREE BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HE PAID FOR THE DEALER TO INSTALL A NEW SHORT STEERING SHAFT ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 10/16/08 *BF UPDATED 10/20/08. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 18, 2008
VALVE BROKE OFF IN ENGINE CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. 60,400 MILES ON ENGINE AT TIME. OIL RESERVOIR WAS FULL, OIL PUMP WAS OPERATIONAL AND FILTER HAD NOT COLLAPSED. ENGINE COOLANT WAS FULL. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 14, 2008
1. CASUAL USE OF VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE THE ONLY VARIABLE LEADING UP TO THE DISPLAY OF THE SECURITY MESSAGE AND THE CAR NOT STARTING. 2. MY RESEARCH SUGGEST THE ETIOLOGY OF THE PROBLEM (CAR NOT STARTING AND SECURITY MESSAGE DISPLAY) MAY BE A MALFUNCTION OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, BUT FAILURE CAN STILL OCCUR ONCE PASSLOCK IS REPLACED. THE CAR FAILS TO START ABOUT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS AND IS UNPREDICTABLE. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A THREE MONTH PERIOD OVER THE SUMMER OF 2008 DURING WHICH THE CAR'S BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED BY A GM DEALER. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE CAR FAILING TO START INCLUDE THE DRIVER MISSING WORK, BEING LATE TO WORK, BEING STRANDED IN 90 DEGREE HEAT AND IN SECLUDED AREAS. 3. A BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE SECURITY MESSAGE/PASSLOCK ISSUE AS WELL AS AN OTHER ISSUE (CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE). APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS LATER THE CAR AGAIN WOULD NOT START AND THE SECURITY MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. ***WHILE NO INJURIES HAVE YET OCCURRED, THE CAR NOT STARTING CAN LEAVE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS VULNERABLE TO THE ELEMENTS AND VICTIMIZE (ROBBERY, ASSAULT, RAPE, AND MURDER). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO START HIS VEHICLE WHILE THE SECURITY LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAS NOTICED THE FAILURE SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 28, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA WITH 80,000 THAT I BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2001. APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AGO I HAD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AS THE ANTIFREEZE LEAKED OUT INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE MANIFOLD GASKETS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO THEY FOUND THAT THE FRONT BRAKES WERE BAD AND THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WITH REGARD TO THE LEAK I WAS TOLD I WAS LUCKY BECAUSE MOST TIMES THE FAILED GASKETS CAUSES THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE MOTOR AND SEIZE IT. I HAD THE REPAIRS DONE AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1,500.00. THIS PAST WEEKEND WHILE ON THE BELTWAY MY CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER THE MOTOR DIED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN, THAT THEY KNOW OF AT LEAST ONE PISTON WAS IN MY OIL PAN. NOW I NEED TO HAVE THE MOTOR REPLACED. WHICH I HAVE GOTTEN PRICES FROM $4,500 - $6,500.00. ALSO, THEY TOLD ME MY BRAKES ARE BAD AGAIN, ONLY AFTER 4 MONTHS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIMES RESTART AND SOMETIMES NOT. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. DURING THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, BUT THE STARTER DID NOT MAKE A NOISE. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 12, 2008
THE PASSLOCK SEEMS TO BE FAILING ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA..74,000 MILES. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START IT, NOTHING HAPPENS, AND I HAVE TO WAIT 10-20 MINUTES BEFORE I CAN START IT AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE MARCH 2008. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 9, 2008
ON MANY OCCASIONS, CAR WILL NOT START AFTER SITTING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE NEW AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MANY TIMES TO BE FIXED. LOTS OF MONEY SPENT AND NO RESOLUTION. LEAVES MY ELDERLY PARENTS STRANDED AND COULD RESULT IN MAJOR ISSUE IF IN THE WRONG PLACE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE - GM IS NOT!!! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,INTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)August 7, 2008
CAR WOULD NOT START CHANGED PASSLOCK AND STILL WILL NOT START. SECURITY LIGHT IS ON, RADIO IS LOCKED AND THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, THEY ARE GUESSING THAT IS THE BCM AND THE SDM BUT THEY CANNOT PROMISE THAT IT WILL WORK. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 6, 2008
MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH FAILED ON 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA CAUSING A LOSS OF HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. THE SWITCH AND THE HIGH BEAM BULBS HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR SAFETY REASONS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTJuly 31, 2008
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS - SECURITY/PASSLOCK SYSTEM PROBLEM - SUMMER 2007 - TOOK IN TO CHEVROLET DEALER (SINCE OUT OF BUSINESS - PALM BAY CHEVROLET IN FLORIDA) BECAUSE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON AT TIMES, EVENTUALLY DISABLING CAR FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. FIRST REPAIR, BCM REPLACED - SAME ISSUE TWO MONTHS LATER - IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED - TWO MONTHS LATER, SECURITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON AGAIN. DEALERSHIP OUT OF BUSINESS THAT DID TWO ORIGINAL REPAIRS FOR 1200.00 - TODAY, SECURITY LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND CAR WOULD NOT START. LOOKING ONLINE, THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH IMPALAS FROM 2000 - 2005 - WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 28, 2008
2002 IMPALA TURN SIGNALS WORK AT TIMES AND THEN DON'T WORK. I FOUND THAT PRESSING THE HAZARD SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES DID WORK BUT ONLY FOR A SHORT WHILE UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 27, 2008
INITIALLY STARTED WITH THE ENGINE NOT TURNING OVER. FULL BATTERY POWER, PUT CAR IN N TO START, NOTHING. PUT CAR IN EMERGENCY PARK TO START AND IT DID. THIS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY, WITH NO WARNING. NOW THE CAR STARTS EVERY TIME. THE PROBLEM NOW IS INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH LIKE STROBE LIGHTS EVERY TIME I START MY CAR TILL THE TIME I TURN IT OFF, SO I CAN'T DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE "SECURITY" LIGHT PASS LOCK ISSUE INTERFERES WITH THE A/C COMPRESSOR AND WILL BLOW HOT AIR. A CONSTANT CLICKING FROM THE RELAYS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FUSE BOX. WHY IS IT MANY GM DEALERSHIPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY CANNOT DIAGNOSE THIS WHEN CONSUMERS HAVE BROUGHT IN THE VEHICLE FOR ASSESSMENT. CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE OF CARCOMPLAINTS.COM FOR MORE OF THE SAME ISSUE. FELLOW IMPALA OWNERS; LETS FILE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAIN GM TO GET THIS RESOLVED. BUT SADLY IT WILL TAKE ONE DEATH OR MORE FOR ANY ACTION FROM GM. "THE AMERICAN WAY IS LETS DO SOMETHING AFTER THE FACT AND NOT BE PROACTIVE TO PREVENT". *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 22, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. WHILE WAITING IN A LINE, THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY FOUND NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE PASS LOCK. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 21, 2008
AT RANDOM TIMES, THE CAR WILL NOT START WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED. THERE IS NO RESPONSE FROM MOTOR AT ALL. THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL FLASH ON THE INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. AFTER WAITING 10-20 MINUTES THE CAR WILL START. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO AND HAS BEEN OCCURRING AT RANDOM TIMES EVER SINCE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A GM DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SINCE THEN I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE FAN FOR THE HVAC SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK AT TIMES AND THE SECURITY LIGHT AND OTHER LIGHTS WILL APPEAR ON THE INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAY AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 17, 2008
I OWN A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. ON 5/20/05 THE SECURITY LIGHT STARTED COMING ON AND WOULD REMAIN ON. THE SECURITY LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AND NOW THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WOULD TAKE 10-30MINUTES BEFORE I COULD START THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION CYLINDER. ON 6/15/05 THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP INSTALLED A NEW STARTER. ON 7/16/05 SAME PROBLEM AROSE AGAIN WITH SECURITY LIGHT. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS DONE AND CODES CAME UP FROM A NOTICE FROM GM (8/04). THE CODE #'S WERE B2958 AND B2960. THE CODE SAID TO REPAIR POOR TERMINAL CONNECTIONS AT BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE SECURITY LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND CAR DOES NOT START. THIS CONTINUES ON/OFF FROM 9/11/05-11/28/05. ON 11/28/05 THE IGNITION LOCK/SENSOR IS REPLACED AND THE PCM IS REPROGRAMMED. AND I AM GIVEN A NEW KEY. LOOKS LIKE AT THE MOMENT THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED. WELL TODAY 7/17/08 I NOTICE THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT IS BACK ON AND I BEGIN TO CRINGE BECAUSE OF WHAT I WENT THROUGH IN 05'. I GET ONLINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE # OF COMPLAINTS FROM DISGRUNTLED CUSTOMERS ABOUT THIS SECURITY LIGHT. THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! GM BY NOW IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THIS SECURITY LIGHT GOING ON. IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL NOTICE GOING OUT TO CHEVY IMPALA OWNERS. I HAVE CONTACTED GM. MY COMPLAINT IS ON FILE. I HAVE 2 FILE #'S. ONE FOR IN 2005--# [XXX] AND A NEW ONE JUST STARTED TODAY (7/17/08)--#-[XXX]. PLEASE GOOGLE CHEVY IMPALA AND SECURITY LIGHT PROBLEM AND SEE THE LIST OF COMPLAINTS THAT COME UP. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE! I FEEL THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO ASAP. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 9, 2008
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH BAD INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND BRAKES. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAK IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES. BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. HE STATES THAT THIS IS ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. THE ENGINE AND RADIATOR WERE REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK. *JB
EQUIPMENTJune 27, 2008
ABS LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY AND WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, IT FEELS EXTREMELY UNSAFE. BRAKES EITHER DO NOT RESPOND OR SKID WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE. HAD MECHANICS CHECK VEHICLE AND ISSUE CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED FROM FAILURE CODES. APPEARS WIRING MAY BE DAMAGED AND WILL COST QUITE A BIT TO REPAIR. MECHANICS UNSURE THIS WILL SOLVE IT. DON'T WANT TO SELL VEHICLE AS IT WILL MAKE IT SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM.
EQUIPMENTJune 25, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF, THE SECURITY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY REMAINS ILLUMINATED. ON ONE OCCASION, THIS PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM RESTARTING. AFTER TEN MINUTES OF TURNING THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF AND SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO NEUTRAL, IT FINALLY STARTED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WILL RECUR. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 25, 2008
WHEN THE CAR STARTS, SECURITY LIGHT APPEARS ON DASH, A/C MALFUNCTIONS, TRUNK OPENS AUTOMATICALLY, RADIO DISPLAYS "LOCKED OUT" MESSAGE, LIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON, QUICK CLICKING SOUND ON PASSENGER SIDE OF DASHBOARD. THE CAR HAS A 50/50 CHANCE OF STARTING. *TR
EQUIPMENTJune 16, 2008
MY PASSLOCK SYSTEM HAS FAILED. SHUTS THE FUEL OFF. 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 2, 2008
2002 IMPALA - SOMETIMES FAILS TO START, SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON. INTERMITTENT AS TO HOW OFTEN..SOMETIMES ONCE EVERY COUPLE OF DAYS SOMETIMES 1 EVERY WEEK. MULTIPLE DEALERS WANT TO CHARGE $300-$1000 TO REPLACE BCM WHICH AFTER RESEARCHING DOES NOT GUARANTEE TO FIX PROBLEM. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE TRAVELING TO JACKSON, FL., THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED BY A POLICE OFFICER AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER HEADLIGHT WAS FLICKERING. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER IN FLORIDA AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT HOUSING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $1,000. THE CONTACT COULD NOT PROVIDE THE FAILURE MILEAGE; HOWEVER, SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE HAS WORSENED OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENTMay 20, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS AS OF 05-16-08 THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF. ON 05-18-08 THEY WENT COMPLETELY OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE FOLLOWING EVENING I ONLY HAVE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, NO LOW BEAM. I CAN DRIVE IN LOW LIGHT OR DARK CONDITIONS. LOCAL MECHANIC STATED IT WAS THE MULTI SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE PART WAS $300-$400 DOLLARS. HE STATED THAT HE HAS HAD MANY IMPALA CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND HE STATED THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN RESURFACED THE BRAKE ROTORS. TWO YEARS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE HE WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH A SUFFICIENT EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE ROTORS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,009 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 42,363. UPDATED 06/09/08 *BF THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. UPDATED
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. SIX MONTHS AGO, WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL CONTROL MECHANISM FAILED. THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK ON A CONSISTENT BASIS AND WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. WHILE MAKING A TURN IN TRAFFIC, THE TURN SIGNALS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK PROPERLY. THE FAILURE IS AN ONGOING OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 16, 2008
20002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, FREQUENTLY DOES NOT START ABOUT ONE IN EVERY TEN TRIES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS ONE SAID COULD FIND NOTHING THE SECOND TIME I LEFT IT AT THE GARAGE FOR A WEEK AND A HALF BEFORE IT WOULDN'T START FOR THE MECHANIC. HE CHECKED THE CODES AND THEY SAID IT NEED A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. I AM RELUCTANT TO INSTALL A NEW SWITCH BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL CAR AND IN MANY CASES A NEW SWITCH AND COMPUTER DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 6, 2008
SUDDENLY BLINKER LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK, IF YOU MOVE OR USE THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH THE BLINKER LIGHTS WILL START TO WORK, SOMETIMES. YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY JIGGLE OR MOVE THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH FOR THE BLINKER LIGHTS TO WORK. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 27, 2008
TURNING SIGNAL DID NOT COME ON. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY PUTTING MY LIFE IN DANGER IN MANY OCCASIONS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH INDICATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WAS DEFECTIVE. AS A RESULT, SHE WAS UNABLE TO START HER VEHICLE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE PATH LOCK SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT HOWEVER APPROXIMATELY TEN MONTHS LATE THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PATH LOCK SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE AND THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT. APPROXIMATE SIX MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PATH LOCK SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF APRIL 21, 2008, THE MECHANIC HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 15, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMP ON PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE INTERMITTENT. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 98,764 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED AT ABOUT 89000 MILES. THERE IS AN ASSORTED AMOUNT OF SYMPTOMS THAT GO ALONG WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. HERE ARE THE SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE YOU MAY HAVE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: 1. AFTER START UP (WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED) THE ABS/TRACTION LAMP MAY OR MAY NOT COME ON. THIS IS TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT COLD START OR HOT RESTART (IT SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AT THE BOTH EXTREMES). 2. THE ABS BRAKES MAY CYCLE ON JUST DURING NORMAL BRAKING. THIS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO UNEXPECTEDLY PULL TO THE RIGHT. 3. THE ABS BRAKES MAY CYCLE ON WHILE MAKING A SLOW RIGHT HAND TURN WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED LIGHTLY. 4. THE ABS BRAKES MAY CYCLE ON WHEN TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT ROADWAY AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND THEN COMING TO A SLOW STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL LIGHTLY APPLIED. 5. THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LAMP MAY COME ON WHILE TRAVELING IN LIGHT AND HEAVY RAIN. THIS MAY ALSO OCCUR AFTER RUNNING THE CAR THOUGH AN AUTOMATIC CAR WASH. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT YOU MAY HEAR THE ABS PUMP MOTOR CYCLE A NUMBER OF TIMES (USUALLY 3) BEFORE THE INDICATOR LAMPS COME ON. TECHNICAL INFORMATION: THE FOLLOWING FAILURE CODES MAY BE STORED IN THE EBCM SEE BELOW: C1216 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE COMMANDED PRESSURE RELEASE IS TO LONG. C1221 LF WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL IS 0. C1222 RF WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL IS 0. C1223 LR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL IS 0. C1224 RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL = 0. C1225 LEFT FRONT EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR VARIATION. C1226 RIGHT FRONT EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR VARIATION. C1232 LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT IS OPEN OR SHORTED. C1233 RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT IS OPEN OR SHORTED. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 15, 2008
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMP ON PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE INTERMITTENT. THE CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 98,764 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED AT ABOUT 89,000 MILES. THERE IS AN ASSORTED AMOUNT OF SYMPTOMS THAT GO ALONG WITH THIS ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. HERE ARE THE SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE YOU MAY HAVE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: 1. AFTER START UP (WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED) THE ABS/TRACTION LAMP MAY OR MAY NOT COME ON. THIS IS TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT COLD START OR HOT RESTART (IT SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY AT THE BOTH EXTREMES). 2. THE ABS BRAKES MAY CYCLE ON JUST DURING NORMAL BRAKING. THIS MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO UNEXPECTEDLY PULL TO THE RIGHT. 3. THE ABS BRAKES MAY CYCLE ON WHILE MAKING A SLOW RIGHT HAND TURN WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED LIGHTLY. 4. THE ABS BRAKES MAY CYCLE ON WHEN TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT ROADWAY AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND THEN COMING TO A SLOW STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL LIGHTLY APPLIED. 5. THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LAMP MAY COME ON WHILE TRAVELING IN LIGHT AND HEAVY RAIN. THIS MAY ALSO OCCUR AFTER RUNNING THE CAR THOUGH AN AUTOMATIC CAR WASH. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT YOU MAY HEAR THE ABS PUMP MOTOR CYCLE A NUMBER OF TIMES (USUALLY 3) BEFORE THE INDICATOR LAMPS COME ON. TECHNICAL INFORMATION: THE FOLLOWING FAILURE CODES MAY BE STORED IN THE EBCM SEE BELOW: C1216 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE COMMANDED PRESSURE RELEASE IS TO LONG. C1221 LF WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL IS 0. C1222 RF WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL IS 0. C1223 LR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL IS 0. C1224 RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR INPUT SIGNAL = 0. C1225 LEFT FRONT EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR VARIATION. C1226 RIGHT FRONT EXCESSIVE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR VARIATION. C1232 LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT IS OPEN OR SHORTED. C1233 RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CIRCUIT IS OPEN OR SHORTED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 14, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER CHANGED THE BCM MODULE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE BCM MODULE AGAIN. APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. AS A RESULT, THE POWER WINDOWS WERE INOPERABLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THEY REPLACED THE WIRES HOWEVER APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. AS OF APRIL 14, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
STEERINGApril 13, 2008
CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS SERVICED UNDER WARRANTY. THE STEERING BEGAN TO SQUEAL WHEN TURNING AND NOW THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE. THERE IS NO SLACK IN THE STEERING. A TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED ALSO WHEN THE STEERING SHAFT WAS SERVICE. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THERE WAS A TECH BULLETIN ON THE SHAFT BUT NO RECALL. THIS PROBLEM DEFINITELY SHOULD BE RECALLED. STEERING FAILURE IS A POSSIBILITY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 2, 2008
INTAKE/HEAD GASKET FAILURE. LEAKING COOLANT IS DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECTIVE GASKET. IN FACT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED BUT IS INSUFFICIENT TO REPAY COST OF REPAIR. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A RECALL ITEM. IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED AMONG WEB-BASED AUTOMOTIVE COMPLAINT FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM MOST IF NOT ALL OWNERS EXPERIENCE....2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA..... *TR
STEERINGApril 2, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE STEERING MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ON APRIL 2, 2008, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION PRIOR TO A ROAD TRIP. AT THAT TIME, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ROD WAS GOING TO NEED REPLACING AGAIN SOON. HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, IN WHICH THEY SHOULD REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,926. UPDATED 04/22/08. *LJ THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LUBRICATED. UPDATED
AIR BAGSApril 2, 2008
WE HIT A HORSE WITH OUR CAR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WE RECEIVED CUTS ON OUR HEAD, FACE, HANDS, AND LEGS. I RECEIVED A BLOW TO MY HEAD CAUSING SWELLING AND BRUISING TO MY FOREHEAD, EYES, NOSE, CHEEKS. EXPERIENCING HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS SINCE THEN. LARGE BRUISES AND SWELLING ON MY THIGHS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10223207ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENTMarch 29, 2008
VARIOUS ENGINE FAILURES DUE TO DEX COOL COOLANT SYSTEM. ENGINE REBUILT. GASKETS. ETC NEW PARTS INSTALLED IN EACH INSTANCE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 26, 2008
ENGINE FIRE WHEN CAR WAS STARTED, A POP OR BACK FIRE SOUND WAS HEARD THEN FLAMES WERE SEEN, FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED FIRE. CAR IS SITTING WAITING GM TO RESPOND ON INVESTIGATED EVENT. THIS IS A POLICE CAR AND WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 59 IMPALAS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT. *TR
Fire reported
NHTSA #10222370STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THREE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT FELT A HARD VIBRATION IN THE AXLE AND ALSO HEARD A CRACKING NOISE ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE OIL WAS CHANGED AT 104,000 MILES. BEFORE THE OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE OIL HAD NEVER BEEN CHANGED AND THAT A NEW RACK AND PINION AND SERPENTINE BELT WERE NEEDED. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE DEALER WOULD NOT GIVE HER A CARFAX REPORT AFTER ONE WAS REQUESTED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,979 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,840.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSMarch 14, 2008
OUR SON WAS GOING APPX 35 MILES AN HOUR AND MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. A DRUNK DRIVER PULLED OUT OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX, LITERALLY ON TOP OF MY HUSBANDS CAR - HITTING THEM ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY HUSBANDS SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD. HE WAS IN PERFECT HEALTH BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT AND IS NOW A PARTIAL FUNCTIONING QUADRIPLEGIC. ALL BECAUSE OF DEFECTED AIR BAGS!!! I REALIZED ALSO, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME SOMEONE'S SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD!! *TR
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10221246EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING OF THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. THE LIGHTS WOULD THEN SPONTANEOUSLY ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THE DEALER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 138,000. UPDATED 04/21/08 *CN UPDATED 04/21/08 *TR
STEERINGMarch 6, 2008
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH A STEERING PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN AFTER 20,000 MILES. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *KB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 1, 2008
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OUR TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ALSO THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES AND THE RADIO SAYS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE ONLY WAY WE CAN GET IT STARTED IS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND LET THE COMPUTER REBOOT. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 1, 2008
THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING WITH THE RADIO LOCKING OUT ON OUR 2002 IMPALA AT 15,630 MILES. LOVE CHEVY HUMMER RESET THE COMPUTER. LATER THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. AT 16,009 MILES LOVE CHEVY HUMMER REPLACED THE INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE. LATER, THE SAME PROBLEMS RECURRED MANY TIMES BUT, WE FOUND THAT WE COULD RESET THE COMPUTER BY SHUTTING THE CAR OFF, OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR AND RESTARTING THE CAR. AT 23720 MILE THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO TUSCALOOSA CHEVROLET. THE COMPUTER INDICATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. IT WAS REPROGRAMMED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER THE SAME PROBLEMS RECURRED OVER AND OVER. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BARKLEY PONTIAC, CADILLAC, GMC. THE COMPUTER CODE INDICATED A BODY CONTROL MODULE WAD NEEDED BUT THAT SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. IT WAS NOT REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I WAS ABLE TO GET THEM BACK ON BY FLASHING THE LOW BEAM / HIGH BEAM LEAVER. NOTIFIED GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP SPECIALIST SPOKE WITH CARLEY LEBLANC. (SERVICE REQUEST: 71-437167435). AFTER SEVERAL EMAILS AND PHONE CONSERVATIONS WE WERE TOLD US TO FIX IT OURSELVES IF WE WERE SO CONCERNED. WE SENT ADDITION INFORMATION TO CARLEY LEBLANC AND LATER ANGELINA MONCIVAIS CONTACTED ABOUT OUR COMPLAINTS. AFTER SEVERAL MORE EMAILS AND PHONE CONVERSATIONS ANGELINA SAID SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO HELP US. IN JANUARY OF 2008 ALL WARNING INDICATORS STARTED CYCLING AND THE WARNING BELLS STARTED RINGING. ON FEBRUARY 6, 2008 THE IMPALA WOULD NOT START. I CHARGED THE BATTERY AND ON FEBRUARY 15, 2008 TOOK IT BACK IN TO TUSCALOOSA CHEVROLET. AFTER ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC CHECK WAS TOLD THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED REPLACING AT A COST OF NEARLY $600.00. CALLED GM ASKING FOR HELP SINCE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR HAVE OCCURRED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW ON JUNE 6, 2002. AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS OF PHONE CONVERSATIONS WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING GM WOULD DO. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL ABS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKES AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED AS IF THE PEDAL WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A WEEK LATER. THE CONTACT WAS SCHEDULED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK A THIRD TIME TO BE REPAIRED. HE PLACED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,800. UPDATED 05/05/08. *BF THE IGNTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED A SENSOR AND WIRING HARNESS WERE REPLACED.UPDATED 05/05/08.*B
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 26, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR LESS, IT FAILS TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION MEMORY WAS BLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 149,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 23, 2008
2002 IMPALA. HAVE A BUILD UP OF WATER IN BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHTS, THIS PROBLEM IS ON GOING FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS..VERY HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. HIGH BEAMS WILL NOT TURN ON WITH MULTI SHIFTER AND CRUISE CONTROL SHUTS OFF AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF USE. DEALER STATES THIS IS ALL NORMAL. THIS LAST PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL IS A NEW PROBLEM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 19, 2008
ON A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. FOLLOWING THIS EVENT VARIOUS ELECTRICAL ABNORMALITIES OCCUR. DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS ALL FLASH TOGETHER, DASH GOES DARK. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE CAR THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE HEADLIGHTS FLASH AS IF THEY WERE ICC FLASHERS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON THE INTERNET. CHEVROLET DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE ANY FINITE FIX FOR THIS AND RANDOMLY REPLACES THE BCM AND IGNITION SWITCH AS POSSIBLE CAUSES. MOST PEOPLE REPORT HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM OVER AGAIN SEVERAL DAYS LATER??? DUE TO THIS ERRONEOUS REPORTING I THOUGHT I HAD A BATTERY PROBLEM AND THE GARAGE CHANGED MY ALTERNATOR. AT A COST OF $306 DOLLARS. WHICH I NOW BELIEVE WAS TOTALLY UN-NECESSARY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 11, 2008
INTERMITTENT FLASHING OF ALL VEHICLE EXTERNAL LIGHTS. IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FOLLOWING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS: CONNECTION AT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MUST BE REPAIRED. THE PASSOLCK SENSOR AND IGNITION SWITCH MUST BE REPLACED. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTUREFebruary 6, 2008
THE HEAD LIGHTS ON MY 2002 IMPALA ARE GETTING WATER IN THEM CAUSING ELECTRICAL AND SAFETY PROBLEMS. STEAM - MOISTURE GATHER IN THE LIGHTS AND WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD. THIS IA A DEFECT THAT IS ON EVERY 2002-2003 IMPALA I HAVE SEEN, GM REFUSES TO REPLACE OR EVEN RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM, THEY AND THE DEALER I PURCHASED FROM SAID ITS NOT CONSIDERED A DEFECT UNLESS IT IS A RECALL, I WAS TOLD UNTIL A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAPPENS THAT THEY WILL NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE. I TOLD THEM WHEN THE LIGHTS GET HOT THE WATER IN THE HEAD LIGHTS TURN TO STEAM FOGGING UP THE LIGHTS PREVENTING ME FROM SEEING THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THEY (THE DEALERSHIP) SAID WELL YOU SHOULD DRIVE ONLY DURING THE DAY. THIS IS ALSO CAUSING OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH TURN SIGNALS NOT WORKING SOMETIMES AND HAZARDS NOT WORKING NOT TO MENTION HAVING TO REPLACE A BULB EVERYTIME IT GETS WET. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN WE WASH OUR CAR OR GET INTO BAD WEATHER. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL... GM REFUSES TO HANDLE THIS PROBLEM UNTIL WE HAVE MULTIPLE FATAL ACCIDENTS AROUND THE COUNTRY? NOT SMART THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE ON OUR STREETS AND HIGHWAYS THAT ARE BEING PUT AT RISK. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 31, 2008
VEHICLE IGNITION IS LOCKED UP, NO WARNING, THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST OF THESE VEHICLES PRODUCED WITH IN DASH IGNITIONS. AT 51,000 MILES GM WANTS CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR REPAIRS OF THESE AT THE CUSTOMER COST BEING AROUND $900.00 AND IN MOST INSTANCES WITHIN 18MONTHS THE FAILURE OCCURS AGAIN. I FEEL THAT THIS IS CRIMINAL OF GM TO BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND NOT RECALL EVERY VEHICLE TO COVER REPAIRS. TOWING BILL 75.00 TO DATE AS WELL 900.00 FOR REPAIRS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 28, 2008
ON 01/22/08 WHILE DRIVING, THE "SECURITY" LIGHT APPEARED IN THE MESSAGE CENTER ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF, AND RESTARTED, ALL WAS FINE AND THE LIGHT REMAINED OFF. THE FOLLOWING DAY, AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES, THE "SECURITY" LIGHT APPEARED. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES, MOST RECENTLY ON 01/27/08. WHEN THE LIGHT APPEARED, THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED FOR A MOMENT. WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR, THE LIGHTS ON THE RADIO WERE EXTREMELY DIM. ON 01/28/08, I WENT TO START THE CAR AND THE BATTERY APPEARED TO BE DEAD. AN ATTEMPT TO JUMP OFF THE CAR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THIS SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE VERY COMMON "PASSLOCK" PROBLEMS ON OTHER GM PRODUCTS. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 22, 2008
ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO HIGH BEAMS WOULD GO OUT COMPLETELY (NO LIGHTS AT ALL) UNTIL HIT LEVER. GOT WORSE UNTIL NO HEADLIGHTS AT ALL. TOOK TO DEALER AND CHARGED ME $629.66 FOR A MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH. ADVISED GM OF NHTSA PEO6017 BUT THEIR RESPONSE WAS THAT GM WOULD NOT COVER DUE TO AGE (2002) AND MILEAGE (107,200). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 16, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY THE LAST THREE YEARS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION AND PASS SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 14, 2008
I TOO AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND THE LEAKING ANTIFREEZE. THE MANIFOLD GASKET ISSUE HAS TURNED INTO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST GM. RECENTLY A DECISION WAS MADE IN FAVOR OF CAR OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. DETAILS SHOULD BE RELEASED IN FEB 08 ABOUT THIS BUT I'VE HEARD THAT GM WILL HAVE TO PAY CAR OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED A PORTION OR ALL OF THE REPAIR COST. FOR MORE INFO GOOGLE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, GM, AND GIBBS(THIS IS THE ATTORNEY). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 8, 2008
DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW ELECTRONIC BODY CONTROL MODULE.( $1,100.) ABS LIGHT ON AND OFF, TRACTION LIGHT ON AND OFF, SECURITY LIGHT ON AND OFF, CAR WOULD NOT START 4 TIMES. TRUNK OPENS ON AND OFF. SERVICE WRITER TOLD ME IT IS NOT COMMON. WHILE PICKING UP MY CAR,I REFUSED TO HAVE THE EBCM REPLACED, ANOTHER CUSTOMER CALLED IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. MECHANICS WHO WORK INDEPENDENT HAVE TOLD ME THE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS GM REQUIRES ARE A MAJOR RIP OFF. A CLASS ACTION SUIT NEEDS TO BE STARTED AGAINST GM FOR DESTROYING THE MORAL OF THE AUTO CONSUMER. I HAVE SEEN OTHERS POST THAT THEY HAD THE MODULE REPROGRAMMED. OTHERS HAVE HAD IT REPLACED FOR $400-500. SERVICE WRITERS SHOULD NOT BE ON COMMISSION THIS GIVES THEM A RIP YOU OFF MENTALITY! GM DEALERS ARE SCUM CHEVY IS SCUM. *TR
POWER TRAINJanuary 5, 2008
TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *CN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 27, 2007
2002 CHEVY IMPALA 3.4L 84,000+ MILES LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON. LEAKING ANTIFREEZE BUT NOT SURE WHERE. CONTINUALLY HAVING TO ADD ANTIFREEZE TO OVERFLOW TO MAINTAIN LEVEL. CAR SMELLS LIKE BURNING ANTIFREEZE AFTER BEING DRIVEN. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE AT CAR FORUMS WITH OTHER CONSUMERS HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE. CONTENTS IN RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW IS THICK, OILY-LIKE SUBSTANCE. SO FAR, WHILE CHECKING OIL, IT IS OK. NOT MILKY OR CLOUDY. NUMEROUS REASONS WHY VEHICLE HAS COOLANT PROBLEMS. ONE THEORY IS DEXCOOL CAUSES THE SLUDGE. ANOTHER THEORY IS FAULTY INTAKE VALVE & GASKET. MAIN THEORY IS PROBLEM ORIGINATES FROM INTAKE VALVE (GASKET) AND DOMINOS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 22, 2007
OWNER OF 2002 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAS AN INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAK. FAMILY MEMBER ALSO HAD AN IMPALA, 2003, AND HAD THE SAME ISSUE. WHY IS THIS SUCH A PROBLEM? WHEN I SEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE I FOUND MANY OWNERS THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE. GM NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE PROPER GASKETS INSTALLED IN THEIR CARS. THIS CAR IS NOT A CHEAP CAR, AND TO HAVE THESE PROBLEMS IS A SIGN OF A POOR QUALITY. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 19, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS BACK ON INITIALLY, BUT NOW THEY WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 020209 *BF THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH FAILED. UPDATED 02/03/09.*JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 10, 2007
IN READING NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE06017 - I WANT TO REPORT THAT I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA - THE HEADLIGHTS FAIL WITHOUT PREDICTION. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 8, 2007
2002 IMPALA TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. VERY DANGEROUS! HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 4-5 YEARS. OUT OF WARRANTY. DON'T HAVE MONEY TO REPAIR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 6, 2007
CAR IS HAVING MULTIPLE STRANGE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY - WILL OFTEN NOT WORK AT ALL. SOMETIMES HAVE TO TURN ON EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO GET TURN SIGNALS TO WORK. ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY - DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT FUEL LEVEL. WILL SOMETIMES SHOW FULL WHEN THE TANK IS EMPTY, WILL SOMETIMES SHOW EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. MOST OFTEN SHOWS HALF FULL, REGARDLESS OF ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL. GM CERTIFIED MECHANIC VERIFIED THAT FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT ARE NOT FAULTY. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS. BCM WAS REPLACED, NO CHANGE IN PROBLEMS. POSSIBLE ISSUE WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC). BECAUSE OF TURN SIGNAL PROBLEMS, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL "NEAR MISSES" IN ACCIDENTS BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO PROPERLY SIGNAL FOR A TURN. FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM HAS CAUSED ME TO BE STRANDED WHEN I RAN OUT OF FUEL UNEXPECTEDLY BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I ACTUALLY HAD. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 5, 2007
WAS STRANDED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES BECAUSE CAR WOULDN'T START ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA THE ORIGINAL SECURITY SYSTEM PASSLOCK DOESN'T LET THE VEHICLE START. HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT 10 AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS I HAVE READ SOME FORUMS IN THE INTERNET AND IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH GM AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND A RISK SINCE THEY ARE TRYING TO FIX IT BY WORKING BY THE STEERING WHEEL AND TRIGGER THE AIR BAG. SOME PEOPLE SAY IT COULD BE THE BCM I DON'T KNOW BUT GM DOES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS WORK SPORADICALLY AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 29, 2007
HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. IT IS IN AT THE DEALER NOW FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A WEEK. THIS COULD KILL OR INJURE SOMEONE. I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR A MONTH AGO (2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA). *TR
POWER TRAINNovember 27, 2007
I PURCHASED MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS IN DECEMBER, 2004. GREAT LOOKING VEHICLE WITH NUMEROUS PROBLEMS. THE MOST RECENT AND SEVERE HAS COME OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS. WHILE ACCELERATING ON AN ENTRANCE RAMP, THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY; VERY ROUGH AND THE RPM'S GO TO 4000 OR ABOVE BEFORE SHIFTING OR IF I LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I AM TERRIFIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING TO COME OUT COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE; I AM TAKING THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN RESEARCHING OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CAR, AND TO MY HORROR, I AM EXPERIENCING MUCH OF THE SAME AS OTHER CONSUMERS. HOW CAN SO MANY COMPLAINTS BE ISSUED ABOUT THE SAME VEHICLE AND GENERAL MOTORS NOT FIXING THE PROBLEMS?? *TR
STEERINGNovember 17, 2007
OUR 2002 CHEVY IMPALA'S STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SHOW ALOT OF PLAY. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE INTO OUR MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BECAME CRACKED. WE THEN HAD IT REPLACED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 16, 2007
KEY START DELAY START ISSUE, DUMMY LIGHTS, NO CRANK. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 11, 2007
WE HAD JUST TURNED ON TO HWY 188 WHICH IS A COUNTRY ROAD IN WISCONSIN. MY HUSBAND HAD JUST TURNED ON THE HIGH BEAMS WHEN WITHOUT WARNING WE LOST ALL HEADLIGHTS. HE SWITCHED IN BACK TO THE LOW BEAMS BUT IT WAS UNRESPONSIVE FOR 30 SECONDS, THEN AFTER CYCLING THE LIGHT SWITCH A FEW TIMES IT CAME BACK ON TO THE LOW BEAMS AND WE DIDN'T USE THE HIGH BEAMS AT ALL FOR FEAR WE WOULD LOSE LIGHTS AGAIN. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 18, 2007
MY IGNITION COIL (?) BECAME STUCK/FROZEN AND WOULD NOT TURN - THUS THE CAR WOULD NOT START. $700 LATER, I GOT A NEW IGNITION, BUT NOW MY LIGHTER DOESN'T WORK, HALF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH NO LONGER WORK, EQUIPMENT WAS NOT BOLTED DOWN UNDER THE HOOD AND FOR THE COST OF THIS REPAIR, AT LEAST THE WORKMANSHIP COULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE BETTER. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED ON MANY CHEVY PRODUCTS THAT I HAVE FOUND ON LINE AND STILL NO RECALL ... I GUESS IT WILL TAKE A FEW PEOPLE DYING BEFORE THIS TURNS INTO ANYTHING LIKE THAT. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 14, 2007
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MYSELF AND MY WIFE HAVE EXPERIENCED HEADLIGHT FAILURE. IT APPEARS THAT THERE MAY BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE DIMMER SWITCH BECAUSE WHEN THE LIGHTS DO GO OUT, MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH USUALLY CAUSES THE LIGHTS TO COME BACK ON. *JB
VISIBILITYSeptember 11, 2007
WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER WINDOW FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR FRAME CAUSING SUCH A LOUD NOISE AND STARTLING ME WHILE DRIVING I NEARLY CRASHED MY CAR, LEAVING MY CHILD EXPOSED TO THE WEATHER AND OTHER THINGS. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 31, 2007
SECURITY LIGHT COMING ON AND PASSLOCK FAILURE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY GM IS NOT FIXING THIS PROBLEM WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THEM. MY SECURITY LIGHT WILL ONLY GO OFF IF I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT. THE LIGHTS BLINK, AND FROM WHAT I AM HEARING, SOON I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO START MY CAR. *TR
TIRESAugust 28, 2007
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL AND HIT THE MEDIAN WALL. *KB AN EXAMINATION OF THE TIRE SHOWED TWO HOLES APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER ON THE SIDEWALL. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT. *JB
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10201502ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 26, 2007
CAR WOULD NOT START THERE WAS NO CLICKING SOUNDS OR ANYTHING PASSLOCK SECURITY LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON FIDDLED AROUND WITH LOCK AND UNLOCK ON REMOTE WAITED 10 MINUTES AND CAR STARTED NO PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR 2 WEEKS AGO. I AM NOT IMPRESSED WITH THIS CAR. GOOD THING I WASN'T STRANDED SOMEWHERE ESPECIALLY WITH MY 5 WEEK ON SON IN THE CAR. *TR
BACK OVER PREVENTIONAugust 8, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC PASS LOCK SYSTEM PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR A YEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE A COMPUTER GENERATED CODE IN ORDER TO INSTANTLY RECTIFY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN THE VEHICLE, WHICH ALSO PREVENTED IT FROM STARTING. VARIOUS COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 4-6 TIMES, INCLUDING TWICE THIS WEEK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,500.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 6, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH, ALARM, AND SECURITY LIGHTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE IS DISABLED AND FAILS TO START. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE NEEDED AN IGNITION SWITCH AND THE MODULE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER OFFERED 10% OFF OF THE REPAIR COST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITYAugust 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE TRUNK AND DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO WORK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. SHE HAS REPROGRAMMED THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES. THE WINDSHIELD ON A CLEAR DAY CAUSED BLURRED VISION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD, THE FAILURE DID NOT CONTINUE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO BLINK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 31, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY RATE OF SPEED, THE HEAD LIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO TURN HEADLIGHTS FROM HIGH TO LOW, TO GET THEM TO ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 18, 2007
FAILURE OF DIMMER CONTROL ON 2002 IMPALA. SWITCH BEGAN FEELING HEAVIER TO ACTIVATE, THEN HEADLIGHTS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES, INITIALLY ON HIGH BEAM AND THEN ON LOW BEAM. HEADLIGHTS WOULD SUDDENLY GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. TOGGLING THE DIMMER SWITCH WOULD REACTIVATE THE LIGHTS. FORTUNATELY I WAS DRIVING ON A FAIRLY STRAIGHT ROAD. DEALER INDICATED THEY NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. REVIEW OF INTERNET COMPLAINTS, THIS ISSUE APPEARS COMMON. REPAIR WITH DEALER COST $479. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESJuly 16, 2007
SEVERAL TIMES I WOULD GO TO START MY CAR AND THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD BE ON IN THE MESSAGE CENTER. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT DID NOTHING LIKE A DEAD BATTERY. I WOULD WAIT ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND TRY AGAIN. SOMETIMES IT WOULD START SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T. IT WAS DOING THIS 2 OR 3 TIMES A WEEK. ON SEPT. 9, 2006 I CAME OUT FROM SHOPPING AND IT WOULDN'T START. I WAITED FOR 15 MINUTES AND STILL NOTHING. I DID THIS FOR AN HOUR. THEN I CALLED A FRIEND TO COME AND GET ME. I WENT BACK TO MY CAR WHICH IS A 2002 IMPALA, THE NEXT DAY, STILL NOTHING. THE NEXT DAY, STILL NOTHING. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO THE DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. ALSO MY POWER DOOR LOCKS HAD QUIT AT THE SAME TIME. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO GIVE THEM $100.00 JUST TO LOOK AT IT. 3 HOURS LATER THEY CALLED AND SAID THAT I COULD PICK UP MY CAR. TOTAL COST TOWING $59.00, DEALER $496.95. I AM DISABLED AND ONLY GET $600.00 A MONTH FROM DISABILITY. NOW I HAVE NO MONEY FOR MY LIVING EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH BUT THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. ON THE 1ST OF OCT. I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR AND GUESS WHAT IT WON'T START. SINCE THIS WAS A SUNDAY I CALLED THE DEALER ON MONDAY MORNING TO TELL THEM THAT IT WAS NOT FIXED . IT WAS STILL DOING THE EXACT SAME THING THAT IT WAS BEFORE THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT. BY THE WAY WHEN THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIX IT THEY REPLACED THE BMC. NOW THEY WANT ANOTHER $100.00 TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. THE PART WAS GUARANTEED BUT NOT LABOR, I COULD NOT AFFORD ANOTHER BILL LIKE THE LAST ONE, I JUST HOPE IT STARTS WHEN I GO TO THE DR. IT STARTS ONLY WHEN IT WANTS TO. MY HUSBAND JUST HAD BRAIN SURGERY, I HAVE HAD 5 SURGERIES ON MY SPINE, I NEED A CAR THAT I CAN DEPEND ON TO START. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT. I WILL HOLD CHEVROLET RESPONSIBLE IF ANY THING HAPPENS TO MY HUSBAND OR MY SELF BECAUSE THE CAR WON'T START. AFTER I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I CAME HOME, LOOKED ON THE INTERNET UNDER CHEVROLET IMPALA 2002 AND FOUND 100'S OF SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. WHY ISN'T ANY THING BEING DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 8, 2007
WAS WAITING IN TERMINAL FOR MY FERRY HOME...TRIED TO START CAR WHEN ASKED TO MOVE ONTO FERRY...NOTHING CAR WOULD NOT START .. JUST DEAD...TRIED TO START WITH TWO DIFFERENT CHARGERS..NO LUCK.. CALLED BCAA .. MISSED FERRY...FINALLY BACK IN CAR TO WAIT FOR AAA TALKING TO HUSBAND WHO ASKED IF WINDOWS WORKED AND RADIO? YES WINDOWS DID BUT HADN'T TRIED RADIO...WENT INTO CAR TURNED ON IGNITION TO START RADIO AND CAR STARTED RIGHT AWAY...NO HESITATION...HAD TO LEAVE ON WHILE WAITING FOR LAST FERRY HOME AND DURING THE TRIP ACROSS THE STRAIGHT...GOT HOME TURNED OFF CAR...TRIED TO START AGAIN...NO PROBLEM STARTED FIRST TIME...STILL HAVEN'T FOUND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AND HOW TO FIX IT. *AK
PARKING BRAKEJune 24, 2007
THE 2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE HAS FAILED INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE.. IT WAS COMPLETELY USELESS. IT DIDN'T WORK. WHY I DON'T KNOW, BUT THE INSPECTION PLACE STATED THAT THEY HAD FAILED NUMEROUS TAHOES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FELT THAT IT WAS UNSAFE AND CHEVROLET SHOULD RECALL THE FEW THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE AN INNOCENT PARTY CONCERNING SEVERAL DEATHS OR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE REPORTING IT BEFORE IT IS RECALLED. I DIDN''T EVEN USE THE BRAKE HOW COULD IT NOT WORK ANYMORE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 19, 2007
SECURITY ISSUE WHEN TRYING TO START THE ENGINE. SECURITY ERROR WILL FLASH WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START UP THE ENGINE WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER TO ALL SYSTEMS. THE ONLY FIX APPEARED TO BE TO WAIT 20-30 MINUTES AND THEN TRY TO START THE ENGINE AGAIN. AREA SHOPS ADMIT KNOWLEDGE OF DEFECT,. SOME BLAME THE IGNITION SWITCH, WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED AT PERSONAL COST AND THE PROBLEM REMAINED. SOME TECHNICIANS CLAIMED THAT GM HAS NOT YET FIGURED OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. AM WA S AWARE OF THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SILVERADO TRUCKS AS WELL. AM A LIFETIME OWNER OF GM VEHICLES, BUT THIS WILL PROBABLY BE MY LAST UNLESS AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION WAS FOUND. *AK FOUND.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 19, 2007
HEADLAMPS AND INTERIOR LIGHTING APPEARED TO HAVE A SHORT IN THEM. HAVE BEEN TRAVELING AT NIGHT AT 55 MPH AND DIMMED THE LIGHTS FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN ALL LIGHTS EXCEPT THE FOG LIGHTS COMPLETELY WENT OUT. CONTINUOUS FIDDLING WITH SWITCHES FINALLY MADE THEM COME BACK ON. ALSO, LIGHTS WILL NOT ALWAYS COME ON AT NIGHT WITHOUT CONTINUOUS FIDDLING WITH SWITCHES. OCCURS 5 DAYS OUT OF 7 IN EVERY WEEK.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTMay 31, 2007
MY CAR WAS RUNNING ONE DAY WHEN I WAS IN A STORE AND I CAME OUT AND GOT IN AND IT WAS DINGING AND LIGHTS WERE FLASHING RADIO DIDN'T WORK FAN WAS NOT AS STRONG AS USUAL. AND ONCE IN AWHILE I WON'T EVEN HAVE LIGHTS UNLESS I HOLD IN THE BRIGHTS SWITCH. BUT THAT WAS JUST THE START IT GOT MORE FREQUENT THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN THEN, IT WOULN'T START I WOULD TRY FOR HOURS TO GET IT TO START I WOULD HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND WAIT AND THEN EVEN AFTER DOING THIS IT MIGHT NOT START. AND THEN JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT WILL DING AND FLASH RAID SHUTS OFF SAYS "LOCKED" WHAT WHAT IS THIS NOW. SO I WILL STOP SHUT OFF WONT START, FINALLY STARTS THEN NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK OR RADIO OR EVEN THE A/C. I HAVE LOST TWO JOBS BECAUSE OF MY CAR NOT STARTING AND BEING LATE FOR WORK OR NOT BEING ABLE TO MAKE IT CAUSE IT WONT START. NOW I HAVE TAKEN IT TO ABOUT TEN DEALER SHIPS , WELL EVERY PLACE TELLS ME SAME THING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR CAR. MAY 30,2007 WAS THE WORST TIME WITH MY CAR, IT WAS RAINING REALLY HARD, MY CAR STARTED TO ACT UP LIKE USUAL MY A/C WOULDN'T WORK IT WAS REALLY HUMID AND ABOUT 85 DEGREES AND I GOT TO A TOWN AND SHUT OFF THE CAR AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AS USUAL ALSO AND NOTHING HAPPEN AND THIS WENT ON FOR 2 HOURS AND STILL NOTHING HAPPENED THE WORST PART ABOUT THIS IS I HAD MY 6 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME, MY FIANCE IS OUT OF TOWN WE ARE AN HOUR FROM HOME AND MY FRIEND HAS A FLAT TIRE AND MY PARENTS ON VACATION I HAD NO RIDE OR ANY BODY TO CALL AND I COULDN'T CALL A TOW SERVICE BECAUSE I ONLY HAD $10.00 TO MY NAME I HAD TO BUNDLE MY DAUGHTER UP IN HER BLANKET AND START WALKING HOME, I WALKED FOR ABOUT 20MINS BEFORE ANY ONE STOPPED TO PICK US UP. I AM SO SICK AND TIRED OF THIS HAPPENING AND WOULD LIKE THIS PROBLEM TO BE RESOLVED BUT I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD HAVE TO BE AT MY EXPENSE WHEN IT OBVIOUSLY IS NOT JUST HAPPENING TO ME! PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME !! I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!! AKL *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 29, 2007
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS LEAKING. IT POSES A FIRE HAZARD IF THE CAR IS OVERHEATED WHICH COULD POSE HEALTH THREATS TO THOSE IN THE CAR AND OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA WITH 71,000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND IS GOOD CONDITION. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL THINGS FIXED OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. WE HAVE SPENT OVER $3,000 FIXING EVERYTHING. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX YET ANOTHER PROBLEM. THIS CAR SHOULD NOT BE FACING THESE PROBLEMS AT SUCH AN EARLY STAGE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 23, 2007
NOTICED BROWNISH COLOR OF COOLANT ON THE 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, SOME SLUDGE BUILT-UP IN RADIATOR. THIS CAR HAS 59000 MILES ON IT. DEALER REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO BE A INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. COST OF REPAIRS TO BE $500 PLUS. IT APPEARED THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM THAT WAS RELATED TO THE TYPE OF COOLANT GM USED.*AK
STEERINGMay 17, 2007
LOUD CLANKING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. DEALERSHIP STATED THIS WAS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN IN THE STEERING SHAFT. HOWEVER, GM HAS NOT RECALLED IT. SISTER-IN-LAW PURCHASED AN IMPALA SHORTLY AFTER I DID. SHE HAS SINCE HAD TO PAY $350.+ TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED.*AK
EQUIPMENTMay 16, 2007
AIR CONDITIONER ONLY WORKED ON FIRST SETTING. MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE DOOR THAT CONTROLS WHERE THE AIR WENT WAS NOT WORKING AND WOULD COST $500 TO $600 FOR REPAIRS. SEEMED TO WORK FINE WITH HEAT, BUT NOT WITH AIR. MECHANIC STATED THE DOOR WAS A SMALL PLASTIC PIECE, BUT HE WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD TO GET TO IT. NO DISCERNIBLE REASON FOR THIS MALFUNCTION.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 10, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TURN SIGNAL ILLUMINATES SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS A SHORT IN THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER UNIT AND MENTIONED THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT A RECALL DOES NOT EXIST FOR THIS FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 10, 2007
PASS LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. THIS WAS THE 3RD TIME IN FIVE YEARS , THE SECOND TIME IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS. WHILE THIS DID NOT POSE AN IMMEDIATE DANGER IT COULD BECOME A PROBLEM IF SOMEONE NEEDED TO USE THEIR CAR FOR AN EMERGENCY , AND BECAUSE OF THE PASS LOCK FAILURE ENABLED TO RECEIVE THE HELP THEY NEEDED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITYMay 9, 2007
WHILE I LOVE MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA IT HAS TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS WHICH AFFECT ITS SAFETY. FIRST, I HD REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY TWICE IN 1.5 YEARS AND THE LINKAGE HAD BEEN RESET TWO SEPARATE TIMES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STAYED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, BLOCKING THE VIEW FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE SECOND PROBLEM WAS THE REAR BRAKES, WHICH DETERIORATED AND CRUSTED , REQUIRING FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, ETC. THIS COULD CAUSE BRAKE FAILURE IF NO ACTION WAS TAKEN BY THE OWNER AND A RESPONSIBLE MECHANIC. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE DATE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERSWAS LISTED BELOW. THE BRAKES WERE FULLY REPLACED IN MARCH 2007.*AK
VISIBILITYApril 30, 2007
WINDSHIELD WIPER DEFECT. STAYS IN UP POSITION WHEN TURNED OFF. I HAVE SEVERAL OTHER IMPALAS SIINCE THIS HAS STARTED ON MY VEHICLE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 28, 2007
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE THAT INVOLVES THE PASSLOCK IGNITION SECURITY SYSTEM FAILURE WITH NO-START. I PURCHASED THE 2002 CHEVY IMPALA FROM A DEALER USED WITH 80,000 MILES ON IT. A COUPLE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE I STARTED HAVING THE PROBLEM AND THE DEALER KEPT PUTTING IT ON DIAGNOSTICS AND CHARGING ME FOR ITEMS THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I NOW, THROUGH RESEARCH, HAVE DISCOVERED THE GM DIRTY LITTLE SECRET OF THE DEFECTIVE SYSTEM THEY WILL NOT RECALL AND I AM A SINGLE WOMAN IN HER LATE 50'S THAT LIVES ON A FIXED INCOME AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GET A NEW VEHICLE. I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM DEALERS AND THEY WILL NOT GIVE ME A HONEST SOLUTION THAT WILL NOT REQUIRE ALMOST $1,000 REPLACEMENT ON THE IGNITION AND PASSLOCK SENSOR. I AM VERY ANGRY AND SITTING WITH A VEHICLE THAT I CANNOT GO ANYWHERE WITH THAT I PAID TOO MUCH FOR BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT AND NO ONE WILL HELP. I AM HAVING HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO THIS AND I WANT HELP TO MAKE THE MANUFACTURER TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM AND RECALL THE DEFECTIVE PART. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 27, 2007
AT AROUND 40,000 MILES OUR 2002 IMPALA HAD BROWN STUFF SIMILAR TO PUDDING IN THE RADIATOR. WE HAVE LEARNED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE DEX-COOL ANTIFREEZE THAT GENERAL MOTORS PUTS IN THEIR VEHICLES. AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES THE CAR OVERHEATED. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT NEEDED NEW HEAD GASKETS AT A COST $1300.00 POSSIBLY HIGHER IF THE HEADS ARE DAMAGED. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM VEHICLES YET GM REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT A DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT. WE HAVE PURCHASED A FORD CAR AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE A GM PRODUCT AGAIN. I HAD BEEN A GM MAN FOR 30 YEARS BUT NOT ANYMORE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 28, 2007
CAR DOES NOT TURN OVER. EVERY SIX MONTHS OR SO THE CAR DOES NOT TURN OVER. THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS THAT IT WOULD NOT START. AAA WAS CALLED AND STATED IT WAS THE STARTER. NEXT MORNING, CAR STARTED RIGHT UP. DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATES THAT IT IS ELECTRONIC .AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. DIAGNOSTIC CODES P1626, 1064. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 27, 2007
I HAVE TWICE HAD TO TAKE MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA TO THE SHOP (RESULTING IN LOST TIME FROM WORK AND UNNECESSARY REPAIR BILLS) BECAUSE THE LOW ENGINE COOLANT WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON EVEN THOUGH THE COOLANT LEVEL IS FULL. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS TWICE FOUND OIL IN THE COOLANT, DESPITE HAVING FLUSHED THE COOLING SYSTEM AND INSTALLING A NEW LOW COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR AT A COST OF $165. NOW I AM TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THAT IT WILL COST AROUND $900 TO FIX IT PROPERLY. THIS CAR HAD ONLY 20,580 MILES ON IT WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST ATTENDED TO AND NOW STILL HAS ONLY 21,557 MILES. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 27, 2007
TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT WORK ALL THE TIME MAKING FOR DANGEROUS DRIVING. *JB
VISIBILITYMarch 20, 2007
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK, BUT WHEN YOU CUT THEM OFF THEY STAND STRAIGHT UP INSTEAD OF LAYING DOWN.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 19, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. IF THE DIMMER SWITCH IS PRESSED THE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A REPAIR SHOP. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000 MILES.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 16, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA'S PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BRAKE LINE RUSTED. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY ON 3/15/07 HE NOTICED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THEY FELT SOFT AND DRIFTED TO THE FLOOR. HE GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND CHECKED THE GARAGE FLOOR AND NOTICED SPOTS OF BRAKE FLUID. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE A DETERIORATING BRAKE FLUID LINE TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO RUST. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE SERVICE MANAGER TO KEEP ALL OF THE PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,995, AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000 >AK CONSUMER PROVIDED COPY OF PICTURES AND INVOICE. UPDATE *4/23/07 **TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 6, 2007
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THEY COME BACK ON WHEN YOU ACTIVATE THE HIGH/LOW BEAM LEVER. NO ACCIDENTS OR INJURY HAVE OCCURRED. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS QUOTED $400-$600 TO FIX IT. I HAVE ORDERED A BODY CONTROL MODULE TO TRY TO FIX IT MYSELF. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 23, 2007
PASSLOCK FAILURE NO START. HAS HAPPENED TOTAL OF 8 TIMES IN A LITTLE LESS THAN 5 YEARS. FORTUNATELY IT HAS NOT HAPPENED WHEN I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NEEDED THE CAR TO START, ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN INCONVENIENT WITH A SMALL CHILD WITH ME SEVERAL OF THE TIMES. I DREAD THE OCCASION WHEN IT HAPPENS AND I NEED THE CAR TO START BECAUSE OF SOME EMERGENCY. FROM REVIEW OF WEB FORUMS, GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE THAN WOULD BE INDICATED FROM REVIEWING COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 16, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2002 CHEVROLET WITH IMPALA 48000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 60 MPH THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND CONFIRMED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55000. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 2, 2007
STARTED EXPERIENCING ENGINE PULLING/HESITATION, THEN MY ENGINE WOULD IDLE AT 2,000 RPMS AND INCREASE TO 3,000. COME TO FIND THAT THERE IS A HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NOT KNOWING WHY. I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS AND PUT A LITTLE OVER 7,000 MILES ON IT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 22, 2007
HAD INTAKE GASKET REPLACED IN FEB. OF 2006 FOR COOLANT LEAKING INTO ENGINE OIL, BECAUSE OF SAID GASKET FAILING (77,000 APPROX. MI.) NOTICED COOLANT LEVEL DROPPING AGAIN IN JAN. 2007 (85,000 MI.) FOUND WHITE/BROWN SLUDGE IN OIL AGAIN!APPARENTLY THE PROBLEM IS BACK AND I AM TOLD IT WILL KEEP COMING BACK UNTIL GM CORP. COMES UP WITH A PERMANENT FIX. WHY ARE THEY NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THIS? I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP ON FIXING THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS NO END IN SIGHT. I LIKE MY CAR BUT IF GM WON'T ADDRESS OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAWS I'LL HAVE TO BUY FROM SOMEBODY ELSE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 12, 2007
DEAR GM CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO MR. DOUGLASS J HERBERGER, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF SERVICE AND PARTS OPERATION. DEAR MR. HERBERGER, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE CODES FOR THE PASS LOCK THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS AND THE DEALERS AROUND MEMPHIS, TN REFUSE TO GIVE IT TO ME. THEY ALSO REFUSE TO REPROGRAM IT FOR FREE. I FEEL THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY A DEALER TO UNLOCK THAT SYSTEM. I'M PAYING FOR AND OWN MY CAR, NOT THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, I WENT IN TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF CHUCK HUTTON CHEVROLET TO AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $47.00 FOR THEM TO ENTER AND REPROGRAM THE THEFT LOCK SYSTEM, THAT THEY CANNOT DO IT BY HAND. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY THE DEALER $47.00 EVERYTIME I CHANGE OUT MY BATTERY - TO REPROGRAM MY THEFT LOCK SYSTEM? I THOUGHT THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR TO BECOME THE OWNER OF IT. I PAY TAXES ON IT, I PAY MY INSURANCE AND MAINTENANCE FEES. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY A DEALER TO CODES THAT I SHOULD HAVE FREE ACCESS TO. WHY WAS MY CAR DESIGNED TO LOCK ME (THE OWNER) OUT WITHOUT FREE GENERAL ACCESS TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE? I HAVE EXHAUSTED MY ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER OUT OF COURT, HOWEVER, UNLESS THIS MATTER GETS FIXED AT NO EXPENSE TO ME, I WILL TAKE IT TO THE LAWFUL LIMIT. I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU MR. HERBERGER, NOT THESE NO THINKING THAT UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OWNER AND DEALER. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 10, 2007
TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN CLOSING THE HOOD IT PRESSED THE RUBBER ABOVE THE HEADLIGHTS INTO THE TOP OF THE HEADLIGHTS, AND CAUSED WATER TO LEAK INTO THE HEADLIGHTS. THERE WAS ALWAYS WATER IN THE HEADLIGHTS WHICH CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO BE DIM AND NOT TO PERFORM AT HIGHEST POTENTIAL. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT WAS COMING OFF OF THE TURN SIGNAL DUE TO THE WATER. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BECOMING DIMMER AND DIMMER. *AK UPDATE 4/9 *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 5, 2007
MY CHEVY'S PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM IS STUCK ON AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I MUST TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 4, 2007
HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE FIRST TIME IT WAS VERY MOMENTARY (JUST A FEW SECONDS AND THEY AGAIN CAME ON AND FUNCTIONED OK). NONE-THE-LESS IT CAUSED A RAPID APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. SECOND TIME, APPROXIMATELY 10 DAYS OR SO LATER, SAME HAPPENING AND RAPID STOP CAUSED AND PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY. AGAIN THE LIGHTS CAME ON AND FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO A MINUTE OF TIME PASSED. THIRD TIME, APPROXIMATELY 2 DAYS LATER, SAME HAPPENING ONLY LIGHTS REMAINED OUT. WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE DIMMER SWITCH AND THE COST TO REPAIR WAS $345. *JB
AIR BAGSJanuary 4, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 55 MPH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE WERE TURNING ON AND OFF. BOTH THE WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS WERE GOOD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TOOK FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON BOTH THE DRIVER 'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE HORN STARTED SOUNDING. THE HORN HAD TO BE DISENGAGED MANUALLY. THEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD NOT COVER THE EXPENSE OF THE REPAIRS BECAUSE THE CONTACT DIDN'T STRIKE ANYTHING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE REPAIR WILL COST $3,000. *AK UPDATED 02/27/07. *JB
AIR BAGSJanuary 2, 2007
DASH INDICATOR FOR AIRBAG STAYS ON. DEALER SAYS COMPUTER MODULE CONTROLLING AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT RESPOND TO DIAGNOSTICS. DEALER SAYS THAT CONTROL UNIT MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $557 PARTS AND LABOR. GM WILL ONLY PAY FOR PART, LEAVING CONSUMER WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR $225. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINDecember 29, 2006
IN JANUARY 2006 MY 2002 IMPALA LOSS POWER. I WAS GOING UP A VERY SMALL HILL AND I DIDN'T THINK I WAS GOING TO MAKE IT UP. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY LOCAL MOM AND POP'S GARAGE AND THEY PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER. IT SHOWED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS BAD EVENTHOUGH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. I HAD THEM REPLACE NOT KNOWING THAT THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR EMISSIONS AND THEY DIDN'T USE A GM PART. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ON. AGAIN IT SHOWED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID HE HAD NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH PUTTING A NON-DEALER PART ON A CAR BEFORE BUT DID REPLACE THE CONVERTER ONCE AGAIN WITH A NON-GM PART IN CASE THE FIRST ONE HAPPENED TO BE A BAD PART. A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BACK ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHOWS AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION. OF COURSE, THEY WOULDN'T MAKE GOOD ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER BY THIS TIME BECAUSE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WASN'T THE ORIGINAL GM PART. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $775 JUST FOR THEM TO LOOK AT THE TRANSMISSION. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS AND JUST BROUGHT THE CAR HOME. I'M STILL DRIVING IT BUT IT'S WORSE AND WORSE EVERY DAY. I WOULDN'T TRUST DRIVING THIS CAR VERY FAR. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER & THE TRANSMISSION THAT YOU WOULD THINK GM WOULD HAVE TO STEP UP AND DO SOMETHING. AT THIS POINT I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AND MY HUSBAND IS DIEHARD GM. I'VE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR HOPING THAT IT WOULD LAST UNTIL MY DAUGHTER STARTS DRIVING AND I COULD HAND IT TRUSTINGLY DOWN TO HER BUT THAT'S NOT GOING TO BE THE CASE. MY HUSBAND DOESN'T TAKE CARE OF HIS TRUCKS LIKE I WOULD AND HE STILL HAS A 1995 THAT RUNS GOOD.
VISIBILITYDecember 21, 2006
2002 IMPALA WIPERS WILL NOT RETURN TO PARK POSITION WHEN TURNED OFF. NORMAL OPERATION IS OK. WHEN WIPERS ARE TURNED OFF THEY STAY IN THE FULL UPPER MOST POSITION, CAUSING AN OBSTRUCTED VIEW THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 19, 2006
THE FOLLOWING MATTER IS A POTENTIAL DISASTER WAITING TO OCCUR. I HAVE INFORMED GM BY MAIL AND TELEPHONE. I HAVE WENT TO THE CHEVY DEALER ONLY TO COME OUT WITH MY KEY FIVE HAND HELD TRANSMITTER TO STOP WORKING. I HAVE SENT LETTERS TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD ME THE CAR. T THE SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN THE VEHICLE AT RANDOM TIMES AUTOMATICALLY. CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS: SECURITY LIGHT ON MESSAGE CENTER CONTINUES TO FLASH SECURITY SERVICE VEHICLE SOON, - BATTERY THE SECURITY SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY, CONTINUOUSLY ATTEMPTS TO SHUT DOWN MY CAR THIS SECURITY SYSTEM ALSO UNLOCKS MY TRUNK THE HANDHELD TRANSMITTER DOES NOT WORK AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY AFTER THE CHEVY DEALER CHECKED THE PROBLEM I HAVE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY THE LIGHTS FLASH AND THE MESSAGE ON THE RADIO PANEL SAYS LOCKED I CANNOT USE MY CAR, IT WILL NOT START - ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON - ALL LIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING , THIS FAULTY "PASS LOCK THEFT DETERRENT" SYSTEM, AUTOMATICALLY COMES ON AND SHUTS MY CAR DOWN WHEN I PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT WILL NOT TURN ON AGAIN, ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I HAD THE CAR INSPECTED TODAY AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THE RESULTS WAS," REPLACE THE CONTROL MODULE AT $325.00, FIRST, THEN I CAN PROGRAM THE KEY FIVE TRANSMITTER." REPLACED TRANSMITTER BATTERY AND CAR BATTERY I CONCLUDE THAT GM HAS THE MONOPOLY ON VEHICLE PARTS AND SERVICE ALL IN THE NAME OF TECHNOLOGY AND COST THE CONSUMER A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF REPAIRS ON TOP OF THE COST FOR THE VEHICLE. CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A SERVICE THAT THEY CANNOT REPAIR AT ANY SHOP IN TOWN. FOR INSTANCE, I CAN TAKE MY TRANSMISSION ISSUES TO ALMOST ANY TRANSMISSION SHOP, HOWEVER, I CANNOT TAKE MY MANUFACTURER BUILT- IN SECURITY SYSTEM TO ANY SHOP. THEY WILL NOT TOUCH IT JUST BECAUSE IT IS MANUFACTURER BUILT. I WANT THE LAWS CHANGED. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 14, 2006
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY WHEN HIGH BEAMS TURNED ON! *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 13, 2006
2002 MALIBU. TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEDecember 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CAB. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL LINE AND THE CONNECTOR FROM THE GAS TANK WERE DEFECTIVE. THE FUEL HOSE AT THE RAIL WOULD NOT SEAL AT THE FITTING FORM WHICH CAUSED RAW FUEL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 30, 2006
COOLING SYSTEM LEAK LOW COOLANT WARNING--INTAKE GASKET REPLACED AT 25,461 MILES (AUGUST 2002) LOW COOLANT WARNING--WATER PUMP AND INTAKE GASKET REPLACED AT 60,045 MILES AGAIN. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 30, 2006
AT 89,000 MILES I NOTICED THAT MY ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT WAS ON. I FILLED THE COOLANT. THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON AND I FILLED IT A FEW MORE TIMES, BUT COULD NOT PINPOINT THE LEAK. THEN ONE NIGHT THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISES AND I PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO CHECK THE COOLANT. I FILLED IT AND WAITED UNTIL THE CAR COOLED. I STARTED THE ENGINE AND DROVE ABOUT A QUARTER MILE AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN. WHEN I TOWED IT TO A GARAGE I LEARNED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING WATER INTO THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I PAID THE GARAGE TO PUT IN A USED MOTOR. IT COST ME OVER $1300. I NEVER THOUGHT TO CONTACT CHEVY SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. NOW, BECAUSE OF MY INTERNET RESEARCH, I KNOW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME I ALSO BOUGHT A SECOND CHEVY IN 2002. WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT - MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS AT 62,000 MILES. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET BY WITH REPLACING THE HEAD GASKET. THE SAME GARAGE GAVE ME A PRICE BREAK AND FIXED IT FOR $252.00. BOO TO CHEVY. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 21, 2006
2002 CHEVY IMPALA HEADLIGHTS DO NOT COME ON. TAIL LIGHTS ARE OK. MANUAL SWITCH DOES NOTHING. BOTH TIMES THE LIGHTS DID NOT WORK, A COUPLE DAYS LATER EVERYTHING WAS OK. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 21, 2006
HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FLICKING THE HIGH-BEAM SWITCH RESTORED THE LIGHTS. I JUST LOOKED IN THE ODI DATABASE & DISCOVERED A CLOSED INVESTIGATION (PE06017). IT WAS PITCH DARK & RAINING OUTSIDE, LUCKILY I WAS IN A RURAL AREA & NO OTHER CARS AROUND. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I'M GLAD TO KNOW YOU CAN RESTORE LIGHTS BY MANIPULATING THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH BUT WHAT IF THE DRIVER DOESN'T KNOW TO DO THIS! A RECALL IS REALLY IN ORDER, IF FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN TO ALERT PEOPLE TO THE POTENTIAL RISK SO THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS. *NM
STEERINGNovember 17, 2006
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THERE ARE CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SHARPER THE TURN, THE WORSE THE PROBLEM IS. I ALSO HEAR AN INTERMITTENT WHIRRING NOISE WHEN I MAKE TURNS (THE SOUND IS LIKE WHEN YOU WEAR A NYLON COAT, AND YOUR SLEEVES RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE COAT). IT IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM, AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THAT I WILL LOOSING STEERING CONTROL. I MADE THE MISTAKE OF LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, AND I HAVE FOUND 17 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH 2002 CHEVY IMPALA VEHICLES. NOW I AM REALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. I AM PLANNING ON GETTING THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY CAN RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT, OF COURSE, SINCE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. BUT I FEEL THAT MY LIFE IS WORTH THE MONEY. HOWEVER, DON'T YOU THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE BY NOW? HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO YOU NEED BEFORE YOU REALIZE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED? I HOPE THAT SOMEONE DOESN'T NEED TO BE INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE ANY ACTION IS TAKEN. I HOPE THAT MY ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT WILL HELP OTHER IMPALA OWNERS GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED THROUGH A RECALL NOTICE. I'M SURE THAT YOU WOULD HAVE NUMEROUS MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE (AND OTHERS) IF MORE PEOPLE REALIZED THAT THIS COMPLAINT PROCEDURE WAS AVAILABLE. MAYBE THE ROADS WOULD BE SAFER. PLEASE TRY TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED THROUGH A RECALL NOTICE. *NM
STEERINGNovember 16, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, A CLANKING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED A LACK OF LUBRICATION, HOWEVER THE NOISE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LOW STEERING SHAFT, BUSHES AND LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE NOISE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY CREATED BY THE NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 10, 2006
IT HAS BECOME DIFFICULT, AND IT TAKES EXCESSIVE FORCE TO SWITCH FROM LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM. THERE IS NO PROBLEM GOING FROM HIGH TO LOW. *NM
STEERINGNovember 9, 2006
STEERING COLUMN SHAFT RATTLES. PROBLEMS WITH THIS SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING. NOW AFTER 100,000+ MILES, THEY HAVE SAID THIS IS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND THAT OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE THIS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 1, 2006
DRIVING WHEN ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, THEN THE BATTERY LIGHT STAYED ON FOR A SHORT PERIOD. IT DID NOT EFFECT THE CAR PERFORMANCE BUT IT DID RESET THE CLOCK ON THE RADIO AS IF THE BATTERY HAD BEEN DISCONNECTED. ANOTHER TIME THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS BRAKE LIGHTS FLASHED AND THE RADIO PULSED. THE SECURITY LIGHT REMAINED ON AS I WAS MOVING FORWARD OUT OF A DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED AND ALL THE LIGHTS CLEARED. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 23, 2006
PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA USED AT A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER. THE COOLANT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A MONTH, BUT I COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS, THE DEALER TELLS ME IT IS THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET AND THE COST IS ($1000). HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THAT THE GASKET IS NOW PLASTIC, WHEREAS PREVIOUSLY WAS MADE OF METAL. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART IS ALSO PLASTIC AND INDICATED THAT THIS WILL PROBABLY NEED TO BE REPLACED IN THE FUTURE. THERE IS NO BETTER PROOF OF PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE. AS I AM DOING MY RESEARCH, I FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON. THE SERVICE MANAGER EVEN SAID THEY HE IS SURPRISED THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL. THX, GEK. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 19, 2006
MOISTURE IN DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT. IT NEVER DRIES OUT. MAKES DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THAT SIDE HARD TO SEE. TALKED TO DEALER, WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. COULD NOT AFFORD $450.00 TO REPAIR. *NM
STEERINGOctober 18, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HITTING A BUMP, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE OIL IN THE GEAR BOX. THE PROBLEM RETURNED TWO YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 16, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 IMPALA. I EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS CAN RESULT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ENGINE SEIZURE, BLOWING A ROD, ETC. I BELIEVE THIS IS REFERRED TO IN SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 070803 AND NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 10003814 PER RECORDS FOUND ON THIS SITE. AFTER CALLING CHEVROLET'S 800 NUMBER, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FOR MY VIN, BUT THEY ONLY OFFERED IT FOR 2 YEARS, FROM 07/03 - 07/05. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED, I WAS NOT SENT A RECALL NOTICE AND NOW IT APPEARS I HAVE TO PAY THE RATHER EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILL.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTUREOctober 14, 2006
A STATE INSPECTION @30,000 MILES REVEALED A BAD UPPER CONTROL ARM, LEFT AND RIGHT INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND BOTH MOTOR MOUNTS. MY MECHANIC FEELS AS THOUGH THESE PART FAILURES ARE VERY PREMATURE AND WERE CAUSED BY A VERY LOOSE STEERING RACK . HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD CONTACT SOMEONE TO SEE IF THERE IS A REPAIR BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK A CAR SHOULD NEED THAT KIND OF FRONT END WORK A 30,000 MILES . I'M ALSO CONCERNED THAT MY WIFE ,WHO DRIVES THE CAR ON A DAILY BASIS, IS AT RISK WHILE DRIVING HERSELF AND OUR 2 KIDS TO AND FROM THEIR DAILY ROUTINES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!! THANK YOU!! *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 12, 2006
DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. MOISTURE CONDENSES ON FRONT OF ASSEMBLY OBSCURING LIGHT SOMEWHAT. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 11, 2006
2002 IMPALA LS WITH SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE FIRST PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE TURN SIGNALS GOING OUT. THEN THE RADIO WOULD NOT GO OFF EVEN WHEN THE KEYS WERE OUT AND DOORS LOCKED, AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK NO LONGER WORKS. WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR, I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN WAIT FOR IT TO FINALLY START. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER. THE HEADLIGHTS DON'T ALWAYS WORK - I TRY NOT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY'LL GO OUT. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WORKS ABOUT HALF THE TIME, SO I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE OR HOW FAST I AM GOING. THE MESSAGE DISPLAY GOES BETWEEN "SECURITY", "HIGH BEAM OUT", "SERVICE ENGINE SOON", WHEN IT'S WORKING. THERE SEEMS TO BE A NEW ELECTRICAL COMPONENT THAT GOES OUT EACH DAY. *JB
STEERINGSeptember 30, 2006
WHILE ENGAGING IN A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURN, A KNOCKING NOISE IS DETECTED IN THE STEERING WHEEL BOX. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 22, 2006
COMPLETE HEADLIGHT FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. COULD NOT GET HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 21, 2006
FRONT HEADLIGHT SEALED UNITS LEAK AND ALLOW MOISTURE TO COLLECT INSIDE WHICH REDUCES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LIGHT EMANATING FROM THE LAMPS. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 19, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE FROM LOW TO HIGH BEAMS, THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF, INTERMITTENTLY. THE HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON AFTER CHANGING FROM HIGH TO LOW A FEW TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE DIMMER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 30, 2006
CAR WOULD NOT START. THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY OR POSSIBLY THE ALTERNATOR, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE A FAILED BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM). OUR CAR HAD ONLY 46,000 MILES WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THERE SHOULD BE AN OFFICIAL RECALL ON THE BCM GIVEN THE NUMEROUS BULLETINS AND COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE BCM BEFORE SOMEONE'S LOSES HIS OR HER LIFE AS A DIRECT OR INDIRECT RESULT OF ITS FAILURE. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 30, 2006
BRAKES. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 24, 2006
SEVERAL ELECTRICAL / SECURITY PROBLEMS - LIGHTS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALSO AT TIMES WHEN APPROACHING CAR, IT WON'T START DUE TO SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTTING DOWN STARTER CIRCUIT. ALTHOUGH THESE THINGS CORRECT THE PROBLEM AFTER WAITING, THE DEALER DOESN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT I PAY FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT MIGHT FIX THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T WANT TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 5, 2006
PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA USED AT A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER, IN LESS THAN 8 MONTHS I HAVE COME ACROSS TWO PROBLEMS. ONE, THE TURN SIGNAL STARTS ACTING UP AND AFFECTS THE SYSTEM AND THEY TELL ME IT IS THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH ($400.00) AND THE SECOND, I NOTICED I HAD TO CONSTANTLY ADD COOLANT/WATER TO THE RADIATOR BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKS, THE DEALER TELLS ME IT IS THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET AND THE COST IS ($1000). AS I AM DOING MY RESEARCH TO FIND A MORE REASONABLE COST TO WHICH I CAN ACCOMMODATE, I FIND THAT THESE PROBLEMS ARE TOO COMMON IN THE VERSION OF THE MOTORS/STYLE OF VEHICLES. SO FAR, THAT EVEN TWO OF THE SHOPS I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE FOR AN ESTIMATE HAVE SAID THEY ARE SURPRISED THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL, ESPECIALLY IN THE LOWER INTAKE PROBLEM. WHERE CAN I TURN TO, TO TRY TO GET HELP AND MAKE SURE THESE MANUFACTURERS TAKE CARE OF THESE ISSUES THAT ARE VERY COSTLY AND AS YOU CAN SEE, IN LESS THAN 3 TO 4 YEARS, THE CONSUMER HAS TO PAY FOR THEM. THANK YOU!! *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE ROTORS PULSATED AT 11,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REFACED THE ROTORS AND THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED AT 33,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO INSTALL NEW ROTORS BUT REFACED THE ROTORS A SECOND TIME. THE ROTORS BEGAN PULSATING A THIRD TIME. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE 2005 MODEL OF THE SAME VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED SIMILAR BRAKE PROBLEMS.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 28, 2006
TURN SIGNALS WON'T WORK UNLESS YOU MESS WITH THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 28, 2006
THE HEADLIGHTS ON OUR 2002 IMPALA WILL GO OUT ON THEIR OWN. YOU CAN GET THEM BACK ON BY QUICKLY OPERATING THE HIGH/LOW BEAM ARM. WHEN OPERATING AT NIGHT YOU DON'T DARE TRY TO SWITCH TO HIGH BEAM OR THE LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THIS IS A VERY,VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION NOT ONLY FOR IMPALA OWNERS BUT ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THE REPAIR WILL LIKELY BE EXTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG .WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL?ALSO THE TURNING SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY ALL THE TIME. TO GET THIS WORKING ONCE IT HAS STOPPED YOU MUST TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT CONTINUALLY UNTIL IT WORKS AGAIN. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSJuly 15, 2006
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR. FORD RANGER IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO AVOID HEAD ON COLLISION. I HAD PLENTY OF TIME FOR CAR TO STOP BUT ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP AND I REAR ENDED THE TRUCK. THEN AFTER HITTING THE TRUCK HARD ENOUGH TO HAVE CAR TOWED THE BATTERY BURST AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. *JB
Crash reported
NHTSA #10162484ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 14, 2006
WHEN GETTING INTO MY CAR I GO TO START MY CAR AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT WILL START. THE SECURITY LIGHTS COMES ON WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF SOMEONE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO. NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS WHEN THE CAR WILL NOT START AND THE SECURITY LIGHT IS ON. IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE SECURITY SYSTEM. THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES WITH THIS. SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO WAIT 30 MINUTES BEFORE THEIR CAR WILL START. THIS COULD PUT A WOMAN IN A SERIOUS SITUATION. WE NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AND I HOPE SOMEONE CAN HELP. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 24, 2006
DEFECTIVE EXTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH) ON 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THIS LIGHT SWITCH BECOMES DEFECTIVE WITHOUT WARNING AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. CURRENT MODELS COME EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS WHICH COME ON AT DUSK (OR IN DARKENED CONDITIONS) HOWEVER THIS DEFECT DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY WARNING THAT THIS AUTOMATIC FUNCTION HAS FAILED AND THE MANUAL LIGHT SWITCH IS ALSO DISABLED BY THE SAME DEFECT. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJune 23, 2006
(1) AT FIRST, THE TURN SIGNAL DID NOT WORK SOMETIMES. AND IT WOULD BE OKAY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED. BUT AFTER THAT, THE PROBLEM WAS MORE SERIOUS. 2)TURN SIGNAL FAILURE WHEN DRIVING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT I CAN NOT WARN OTHER DRIVERS THAT I WILL BE TURNING WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. (3) NOT YET DONE. THE REPLACEMENT OF HAZARD SWITCH SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM. *JB
AIR BAGSJune 15, 2006
DT:CALLER STATES THAT HIS SPOUSE WAS DRIVING AT 20 MPH WHILE CROSSING INTERSECTION A CAR CAME AN HIT THE VEHICLE THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR.VEHICLES AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CAR HEAD ON. NEITHER THE SIDE AIRBAGS AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.INSURANCE DETERMINED THAT THE CAR WAS TOTALED NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.NO LOSE OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT SIGNAL DURING OR AFTER ACCIDENT. NO INJURIES.DID NOT CONTACT MANUFACTURER.NO PRE-IMPACT BRAKING OCCURRED. DRIVER WAS WEARING THEIR SEATBELT.NO PICTURES WERE TAKEN MY OCCUPANT POSSIBLE PICTURES TAKEN BY INSURANCE COMPANY.
Crash reported
NHTSA #10159903ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 8, 2006
MY 2002 IMPALA HAS JUST 70K MILES. THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND OVER HEATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MECHANIC SAYS THAT IT IS A INTAKE GASKET THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT UNUSUAL WITH THE DEXTRON COOLANT THAT GM USES. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM FROM MANY MECHANICS AND IT SEEMS THAT GM IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO FIX THIS VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. MY FAILURE HAPPENED WHEN MY FAMILY WAS STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF NO COOLANT IN THE ENGINE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 2, 2006
IS THERE A WAY TO LOOK INTO THE CHEVROLET IMPALA 2002, 2001, AND 2000 MODELS FOR FAILURE OF THE SECURITY SYSTEM. THE LIGHT COMES ON AT TIMES AND WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE YOU ARE TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM CAN'T BE FOUND. AFTER THE LIGHT COMES ON, YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN OR IF THE CAR WILL START AND YOU HAVE IT TOWED AND NO PROBLEMS ARE FOUND. I THINK THIS CAN LEAD TO SOME TYPE OF SAFETY PROBLEM IF YOU NEED TO MOVE YOUR CAR IN A HURRY AND IT DON'T START. I'VE TALKED WITH MANY OWNERS OF THE TYPE OF CARS AND THEY ALL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 31, 2006
1-28-06, WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA WENT OUT. WE FLASHED THE DIMMER/BRIGHT SWITCH AND THEY CAME ON. THIS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES OVER THE NEXT 3 MONTHS. WE THOUGHT WE HAD A WIRING PROBLEM. THEN IN LATE APRIL, MY CAR JUST QUITE RUNNING, WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT STARTED BACK UP, BUT IT THEN WAS OUR CUE TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY TO WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK A SECOND TIME BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED, THE LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN. AT THIS POINT, MAY, 2006, SINCE IT IS DAYLIGHT FOR MORE HOURS OF THE DAY, WE DON'T DRIVE A LOT AT NIGHT SO I HAVEN'T NOTICED IT HAPPENING AGAIN. ON 5-30-06 I HEARD ON A NEWS REPORT THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED 15 COMPLAINTS OF HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT ON CHEVY IMPALAS, I WANTED TO ADD ANOTHER COMPLAINT TO THAT. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 6/16/2006 - WHEN THE HIGH BEAMS WERE USED THE DASH LIGHTS WENT DARK. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 30, 2006
ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, OR AT THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD TO LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A LOW ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL OR COOLANT POOLING ON MANIFOLD. SAME PROBLEM AS NOTED IN TSB#03034(NHTSA ID#10003430, JULY 01, 2003) THIS PROBLEM IS PRESENT IN MY IMPALA THAT HAS BEEN WELL SERVICED EVERY 5K MILES AND SUDDENLY PRESENTED AT 96K MILES. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 29, 2006
HEAD LIGHT POPPED OUT OF PLACE AS I WAS RIDING DOWN THE ROAD ONE EVENING. ONE WORKED BUT ONE DID NOT. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SERVICE STATION IN MY HOMETOWN. THE OWNER LOOKED AT IT AND SAID HE COULD SEE WHY IT MAY HAVE HAPPENED BECAUSE THE SEAL LOOKED AS IF IT HAD BEEN BROKEN FROM AROUND THE LIGHT. HE SAID THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE CAUSED FROM THE FACT THAT IT WAS NOT A PROPER SEAL AND SEEMED TO SHRINK BECAUSE OF EXPOSURE TO THE SUN. HE ALSO SAID THAT HE COULDN'T BELIEVE IT HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED. I CHOSE TO GET IT FIXED TO KEEP FROM GETTING A TICKET FOR A DAMAGED HEADLIGHT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 23, 2006
ONLY 78000 MILES ON MY 2002 IMPALA WHEN THE COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON. NEARLY $1000.00 LATER THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW WATER PUMP, INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, BELT, RADIATOR CAP, THERMOSTAT AND OF COURSE AN OIL CHANGE. ALL OF THIS BECAUSE THE COOLANT GM REQUIRES IS CORROSIVE AND CAUSES THE ABOVE ITEMS TO DETERIORATE. HOW LONG WILL THE REPLACEMENTS LAST? NOT SURE I WANT TO FIND OUT. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMay 1, 2006
I OWN A CHEVROLET, IMPALA - 2002. IN THE BEGINNING OF APRIL I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PULL OUT INTO A BUSY FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY AS I HIT THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE THE CAR FELT SLUGGISH AS THOUGH IT WERE NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS OR NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THAT EVENING I STOOPED TO FILL UP THE GAS TANK AND UPON LEAVING I WAS CLIMBING A HILL AND THE CAR ACTED UP AGAIN AND MADE A DIFFERENT SOUND AND AGAIN ACTED AS THOUGH IT WERE NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR OR NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL AND THE SECURITY LIGHT (NOT SERVICE ENGINE) CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I IMMEDIATELY PHONED MY HUSBAND AND HE MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP (JOHN SERRETTI). WE HAVE MAINTAINED THIS VEHICLE FAITHFULLY SINCE WE PURCHASED IT OIL CHANGES, TIRES ROTATED ETC. ALL PERFORMED AT JOHN SERETTI'S EVERY 3/4 MONTHS. AFTER REVIEWING ALL PAPERWORK RECEIVED AT HOME FOR THE IMPALA MY HUSBAND CAME ACROSS A LETTER FROM GENERAL MOTORS MAILED IN OCTOBER 2005 STATING THAT SOME VEHICLES WERE EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER DUE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND IF WE DID INDEED HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH THIS TO TAKE TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD REPLACE IT, BUT IF NOT, NOTHING NEEDED TO BE DONE AND THIS LETTER WAS NOT A RECALL. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ($90) AND FOUND THAT INDEED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTED WAS CLOGGED AND SUPPOSEDLY CAUSED THE SPARK PLUGS WIRE TO ARC AND MELT WHICH ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED AT OUR EXPENSE (ALMOST $600). MY HUSBAND HAS TALKED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS IN REFERENCE TO THIS AND THEY ALL AGREE THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION POSSIBLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. GM DID COVER PART OF THE REPAIRS BUT IN MY OPINION THEY SHOULD HAVE COVERED THEM ALL BECAUSE THE CONVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND IF CARBON HAD BUILT UP TO THAT EXTENT TO CAUSE ALL OF THIS DAMAGE AND LEADING ME AND OTHER MECHANICS TO BELIEVE IT COULD VERY WELL HAVE STARTED A FIRE, WHY WASN'T IT DISCOVERED AT THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION-OIL CHANGE? *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE PULSATES UNTIL STOPPED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PADS AND ROTORS TWICE BUT THIS HAS NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM.
CHILD SEAT,UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 3, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE MATERIAL PADDING HOOKS WERE BROKEN OFF OF THE SIDE OF THE SEAT AND PLACED IN THE MOUTH BY THE TODDLER. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RISK OF CHOKING, THE CHILD DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. AFTER THE INCIDENT, THE SEAT WAS INSPECTED BY A CHILD SAFETY SEAT TECHNICIAN WHO SUGGESTED DISCARDING THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMarch 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE READS FULL UNTIL THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GASOLINE. THE CONTACT VERBALLY SPOKE WITH THE DEALER WHICH STATED, THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 24, 2006
LOW ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT WENT ON. HAD IT CHECKED OUT. LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THAT OIL WAS GETTING INTO THE RADIATOR, POSSIBLE INTAKE MANIFOLD OR HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. WENT TO CHEVY DEALER EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND HE STATED IT WAS VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2002 IMPALA. HE DIAGNOSTIC THE PROBLEM AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, COST TO REPAIR $1000. I PHONE ANOTHER CHEVY DEALER COST $800, LOCAL MECHANIC $600. COST OF THE PARTS AT AUTOZONE LESS THAN $75 AMOUNT OF LABOR TIME SHOULD BE 3-5 HOURS. CHEVY DEALERS 8 + HOURS. ALL THIS BECAUSE GM USES BAD ANTIFREEZE. GM CAUSED THE PROBLEM THEY NEED TO STEP UP AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO IMPALA OWNERS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THIS WILL BE MY LAST GM PRODUCT. *JB
STRUCTUREMarch 22, 2006
WATER LEAKING INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH ROOF THROUGH TRIP COMPUTER. LEFT REAR DRAIN HOSE PINCHED CLOSED DURING ASSEMBLY. YEARS OF DIRT ACCUMULATION CLOGGED THE RESTRICTED HOSE CAUSING WATER OVERFLOW TO ENTER VEHICLE CABIN DURING HEAVY RAIN STORMS. *JB
STEERINGMarch 22, 2006
NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS AND "CLUNK" IN STEERING WHEN TURNING AND/OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR AT LOW SPEED. CAR HAD NEARLY 50,000 MILES. HOW MUCH LONGER BEFORE A LOSS OF STEERING COULD OCCUR? *NM
SEATSMarch 21, 2006
HEATED SEAT BURNED A SMALL HOLE IN SEAT AND BURNED THE BACK OF MY LEG A LITTLE. I HAVE CONTACTED MANUFACTURE AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS TRIED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURE AND HAS LEFT VOICE MAIL AND HAS NOT RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURE. THE SEAT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR REPLACED. *NM
STEERINGMarch 16, 2006
CLUNCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINMarch 9, 2006
2002 IMPALA BREAKING SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION ARE DEFECTIVE. THE BRAKING CALIPERS ON THE BACK DISC ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HOLDS LESS THAN ONE INCH OF THE DISC. *TS THE OTHER THREE CALIPERS GO ALL THE WAY NORMALLY. THIS HAS RESULTED IN LESS BRAKING CAPACITY ON ONE SIDE. THE TRANSMISSION ROLLS WHEN ON A HILL. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINMarch 2, 2006
2002 IMPALA BRAKING CALIPERS ON THE BACK DISC ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HOLDS LESS THAN ONE INCH OF THE DISC. TRANSMISSION ROLLS IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SLOPE OF THE ROAD. *TS THE CALIPERS ON THE REAR DISC ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HOLDS LESS THAN ONE INCH OF THE DISC. THE OTHER THREE CALIPERS GO ALL THE WAY NORMALLY. THIS HAS RESULTED IN LESS BRAKING CAPACITY ONE ONE SIDE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER. SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFebruary 15, 2006
MY VEHICLE HAS 62,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS ALREADY HAD BRAKES REPLACED AND A FUEL PUMP WHICH COSTED $789 DOLLARS. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 30, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP; THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE A LEAKING INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP NOR HAS THE MANUFACTURER BEEN ALERTED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 27, 2006
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 7:30 PM ON TUESDAY ON JANUARY 24, 2006, DARK OUTSIDE. I HAD MY LIGHTS ON BRIGHT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WERE NO LIGHTS. I DID HAVE FOG LIGHTS ON AND I COULD STILL SEE THEM, BUT THERE WEREN'T ANY HEADLIGHTS. I QUICK FLICKED THE DIMMER SWITCH AND THEY CAME BACK ON. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED THAT BEFORE. HOWEVER, WHEN I TALKED TO MY MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY HE SAID SOMEONE THE WEEK BEFORE EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING TWICE IN ONE DRIVE. THE PIECE TO REPLACE THIS IS QUITE EXPENSIVE. I HAVE NOT HAD IT FIXED YET, BUT I FELT IT SHOULD BE REPORTED. THIS HAPPENED ONCE. ANOTHER ITEM OF CONCERN IS THAT MY SECURITY LIGHT INSIDE MY CAR HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE MY CAR WON'T START ON THE FIRST TURN. ONLY ONCE DID I HAVE TO HAVE IT JUMPED. THERE IS PLENTY OF POWER AS THE LIGHTS AND RADIO STILL WORK. MY MECHANIC HAS TRIED REPLACING AN IGNITION SWITCH (I THINK), BUT THE FIRST TIME I STARTED IT DIDN'T TURN OVER AND THEN IT DID, BUT THE SECURITY LIGHT WAS STILL ON. IT'S BACK IN THE SHOP TODAY. THE OTHER PERSON MENTIONED ABOVE HAS EXPERIENCED THIS SAME DEFECT. THEY ALSO OWN AN IMPALA. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON MY CAR. MY MECHANIC CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG.*AK
VISIBILITYJanuary 23, 2006
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES KEEP FAILING IN THE WINTER MONTHS. DEALER KEEPS SAYING NEED TO CLEAN BETTER, BUT THAT HAS NOT WORKED, AND THEY HAVE FAILED WHILE IN USE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN MY MIND. KEEP PUTTING NEW PARTS INTO THE WIPER TRAIN. AT MY EXPENCE AND IT STILL IS A PROBLEM EVERY WINTER.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJanuary 15, 2006
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA, AND THE CAR HAS 89000 MILES ON IT. THE GAS LINE THAT GOES TO THE ENGINE HAS A HOLE IN IT AND GAS IS LEAKING ONTO THE ENGINE. THE LEAK IS FROM A STEEL LINE THAT WAS RUBBED THROUGH BY THE HOLDER. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 11, 2006
ON 01/09/06 WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA AT DARK WITH THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS ON, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD VERY CAREFULLY. AS I COULD NOT SEE AT ALL. I THEN HIT THE DIMMER, HIGH BEAM SWITCH A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THE HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON. I REPORTED IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP (MARQUARDT) WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW. THEY STATED THEY HAD ONE OTHER INCIDENT OF THE SAME NATURE. THEY HAD ME BRING THE CAR IN AND THEY REPLACED A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH. THEY STATED THEY WERE NOT SURE IF THIS WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM OR NOT BUT THAT IS WHAT THEY HAD DID IN THE OTHER CAR THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS STILL UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY STILL MADE ME PAY $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE ON IT. I FELT THAT WAS VERY UNFAIR, SINCE THIS WAS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO ISSUE A COMPLAINT WITH GM ABOUT IT. *JB
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTSJanuary 9, 2006
I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR-END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY (EXPECTED) AND THE SHOULDER RESTRAINT DID NOT PREVENT MY HEAD AND BODY FROM GOING FORWARD AND STRIKING THE STEERING WHEEL (UNEXPECTED.) I RECEIVED INJURIES AS A RESULT OF MY FOREHEAD STRIKING (I ASSUME) THE STEERING WHEEL. *NM
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10147283ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 23, 2005
LOW COOLANT LIGHT ON MY 2002 CHEVY MALIBU HAS BEEN COMING ON. THE CHEVY DEALER CHECKED THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMING ON, CHECKED FOR LOW COOLANT. FOUND INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING INTERNALLY. COOLANT MIXING WITH OIL. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 21, 2005
MIS-DIAGNOSIS AND WILLFUL NEGLIGENCE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR DIAGNOSIS OF ENGINE KNOCKING AND LOSS OF POWER UPON ACCELERATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED A CLOGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER, THE SYMPTOMS RETURNED WITHIN 15 DAYS. NOW THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE ENGINE IS DAMAGED AND MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $5,000. THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY PURCHASED 6 WEEKS AGO AT A COST OF $12,000. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS MADE UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, NOW THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND WARRANTY. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 19, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT IN NATURE. WHEN HE PRESSED THE HIGH BEAM/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A DEALER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 19, 2005
2002 IMPALA BRAKES PULSATE WHILE ON A HILL. *TS THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND RUSTY. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 15, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON THERE WAS A LOSS OF LIGHTING. THIS WAS INTERMITTENT IN NATURE. MANEUVERING THE HIGH BEAM/LOW BEAM SWITCH QUICKLY ACTIVATED THE HEADLIGHTS. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH WAS FAULTY. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE DUE TO EXCESSIVE COST. *AK UPDATED 01/19/06. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 5, 2005
BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) FAILED AFTER 57,000 MILES. THE OTHER COMPUTER THAT RESIDES IN THE SAME HOUSING IS COVERED BY A 80,000 MILE WARRANTY, WHERE AS THE BCM IS NOT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS TSB'S THAT ARE POSTED CONCERNING FAILURE OF THE BCM. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND MANY SOURCES ARE AVAILABLE BY RESEARCHING THE INTERNET. THE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP EVEN SAID THAT "IMPALAS ARE NOTORIOUS" FOR PROBLEM WITH THE BCM. GENERAL MOTORS SAYS THAT IT IS NOT COVERED AND THEREFORE WILL NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT COSTS OF THE BCM. IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS YEAR MODEL (2002 IMPALA LS) THEN WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE BY THEM. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY CAR DID NOT SHUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY AND DID SO IN MY PARKING LOT. *NM
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 26, 2005
1. LOW COOLANT LIGHT WAS CONTINUALLY ON, AND IT DID REQUIRE COOLANT AT THE TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO INDICATION WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO THE COOLANT - AFTER 2 WEEKS OF SMELLING ANTIFREEZE WITHIN THE VEHICLE, IT WAS THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING AROUND THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEAR THE BOLTS AND THEN THIS LED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE GASKET ITSELF..IT TOOK 8.5 HOURS OF LABOR AND THE COST OF THE NEW GASKET TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. 2. THERE IS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AT SLOW SPEEDS...APPARENTLY IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE CHEVROLET DEALER BUT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM FOR US...THEY SAY THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT ADMIT THAT THEY HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND THAT THEY HAVE TRIED TO GET CHEVROLET TO RECALL THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE COMPLAINTS FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS. BOTH PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE LISTED ARE A CONTINUAL PROBLEM FOR MANY IMPALA OWNERS AND I FEEL AS THOUGH SINCE THEY HAVE ISSUED NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS TO THEIR DEALERS ABOUT BOTH OF MY COMPLAINTS, THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS BUT STILL REFUSE TO CORRECT THEM FOR THE CONSUMER. AS A CONSUMER I FEEL AS THOUGH GM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND MADE TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS FOR ALL OF US 2002 IMPALA OWNERS. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 22, 2005
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, 72K MILES, POOR ACCELERATION, OVER-HEATING OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FIRE IS POSSIBLE. NO ANNOUNCED RECALL, HOWEVER A SERVICE RECALL WAS ISSUED AND WARRANTY EXTENDED DUE TO FAULTY CONVERTER. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ANNOUNCE RECALL, UNLESS A PROBLEM OCCURS. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 24, 2005
THE AC DELCO BATTERY POST CAME OFF OF THE BATTERY. THE CLAMP AND CABLE WERE TIGHT, THE POST WAS EATEN IN TWO FROM THE INSIDE. *NM
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 20, 2005
I PURCHASED MY '02 IMPALA THROUGH THE CORPORATE LEASING COMPANY OF MY FATHER'S EMPLOYER. HE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR OTHER THAN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TURNING BLACK BY 85,000 MILES. WHEN I GOT THE CAR IN JUNE OF '05, IT WAS AT 121,000 MILES, I DROVE THE CAR AROUND ALL DAY, PARKED THE CAR FOR 5 MINUTES, AND WHEN I WENT TO START IT, NOTHING HAPPENED. THE DASH LIT UP, THE RADIO CAME ON, BUT THE CAR DIDN'T TURN OVER, NOT EVEN A CLICKING SOUND, INDICATIVE OF A DEAD BATTERY. I WAITED 10 MINUTES, TRIED AGAIN AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. I WENT FOR ANOTHER MONTH WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS, HOWEVER IN LATE JULY, THE CAR FAILED TO START. AGAIN I WAITED 10-15 MINUTES, AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. THIS CONTINUED SPORADICALLY UNTIL OCTOBER 20, WHEN IT TOOK 30 MINUTES OF WAITING TO GET IT TO CRANK. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL GM DEALER, WHO PUT IT ON THE MACHINE AND ADVISED ME THAT THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULE) HAD FAILED AND WAS SENDING A SIGNAL TO THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM TELLING IT THAT MY KEYS WERE INCORRECT. THE SERVICE WRITER INFORMED ME THAT A NEW BCM INSTALLED WOULD RUN ABOUT $500.00, AND THE SERVICE TECH ADVISED THAT THIS HAS BECOME A COMMON FAILURE IN BOTH THE IMPALA AND THE MALIBU, WHICH GM HAS YET TO RECALL. THE TECHNICIAN DID SUGGEST THAT A MORE COST EFFECTIVE OPTION EXISTED WITH SEVERAL OF THE AFTER-MARKET SHOPS, IN WHICH A BYPASS-RELAY WAS INSTALLED UNDER THE DASH, TO BLOCK THE ERRONEOUS SIGNALS FROM THE BCM, WHICH WILL ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE COST FOR THIS BYPASS IS ABOUT $55.00 AND TAKES APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR TO INSTALL. THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS SOLUTION, IS IT BLOCKS THE KEY RECOGNITION FEATURE OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO STEAL, IF SOMEONE CAN START IT WITHOUT DAMAGING THE KEY IGNITION. I THINK IT IS NECESSARY FOR GM TO UNDERSTAND THAT A VEHICLE'S FAILURE TO START DUE TO FAULTY COMPONENT IN THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN WHICH NEEDS TO ADDRESSED. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 14, 2005
CONSUMER BRAKES BEGAN TO VIBRATE, BRAKES WERE CLEANED AND LATER REPLACED. *TS THE DEALER HAS RESURFACED THE REAR ROTORS, REPLACED THE FRONT DISC PADS, REPLACED BOTH REAR ROTORS TWICE, CLEANED RUST OFF THE REAR ROTORS, CLEANED THE BRAKING SURFACE AND CLEANED THE FRONT ROTOR SURFACES. THE TRUNK HANDLE CAME OFF IN THE TRUNK. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 9, 2005
TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO FUNCTION OCCASIONALLY AND THIS PROBLEM WAS INCREASING IN FREQUENCY. NO ACCIDENTS,BUT I HAD TO ROLL DOWN WINDOW TO GIVE TURN INDICATIONS. MY CHEVY DEALER REPLACED A PART OR PARTS AND I SEEM TO BE OK. AT A COST OF OVER 100 DOLLARS. *NM
POWER TRAINSeptember 28, 2005
RE 2002 CHEVY TAHOE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS: UP UNTIL THE 34,000 MILE RANGE THE VEHICLE DID JUST THAT, RUN FLAWLESSLY. HOWEVER, AT 34,000 MILES (NOVEMBER OF 2004) THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND NEEDED TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY AND INSTANTLY THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO WHINE AND STOPPED OPERATING WHICH PLACED HER INTO THE PATH OF A LARGE TRUCK BEARING DOWN ON HER RATHER QUICKLY. THANKFULLY SHE WAS ABLE TO GLIDE OUT OF THE PATH OF THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE HAD THE TAHOE TOWED BACK TO OUR DEALERSHIP AND WE DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION "SUN SHELL" HAD FAILED AND WOULD BE REPLACED. OUR DEALER ASSURED US THAT THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM, BECAUSE THE NEW PARTS WERE DESIGNED TO PREVENT THIS FROM OCCURRING IN THE FUTURE. OUR DEALER FURTHER STATED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN REPAIRING A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WITH THESE FAILURES. OUR TAHOE WENT OFF OF IT'S NEW CAR WARRANTY ON MILEAGE NOT NUMBER OF MONTHS SOMETIME IN APRIL OF 2005 (36 MONTHS WOULD HAVE ENDED THIS AUGUST). JUST THIS PAST MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19, 2005) MY WIFE WAS AGAIN ON HER WAY TO WORK WHEN AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED IN OUR 2002 TAHOE. THE MILEAGE WAS APPROX: 41,000 ( TOTAL PERIOD OF MILES AND THE LENGTH OF TIME FROM THE PREVIOUS FAILURE WAS APPROX: 7 MONTHS). THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE THE SAME, SHE WAS ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY AND AGAIN THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO WHINE AND SLIP. THIS TIME SHE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RELATIVE SAFETY. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO OUR DEALERSHIP AND AGAIN THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE "SUN SHELL" HAD FAILED. I WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2005 AND WHILE I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE DAMAGED PART AND A BENCH THAT CONTAINED SEVERAL DAMAGED "SUN SHELL". IT OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT TAKE MUCH EFFORT TO REALIZE THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION AND SPECIFICALLY THIS PART. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 26, 2005
REPEATED INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO THE FAILURE TO SIGNAL INTENT OF TURN OR LANE CHANGE. THE FAILURE CAN SOMETIMES BE OVER COME BY BRIEFLY ACTIVATING THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH. MY RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THIS FAILURE IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE 03V327000 RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE 2001 MALIBU. WHICH MAKES ME WONDER IF IT IS THE SAME PART. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 26, 2005
DT: 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. THE CONSUMER STATED CAR DEVELOPED A SPORADIC FAILURE OF TURN SIGNALS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. INVOLVED LEFT AND RIGHT TURN SIGNALS. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHEVROLET, THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER TO CONTACT THE DEALER, IMPERIAL CHEVROLET. HOWEVER, THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $46.00 JUST TO LOOK AT CAR. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT AN ARTICLE IN LOCAL NEWSPAPER STATED THERE HAS BEEN A TREND OF FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER CALLED IMPERIAL CHEVROLET THEY STATED THEY WERE WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 21, 2005
2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS CAR STALLS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, OFTEN AFTER HITTING LARGE BUMP, RESULTING LOSS OF POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING IS DANGEROUS. FULL TEXT OF CORRESPONDENCE WITH GM, POSTINGS ON LINE AND SEARCH OF TSB IS AVAILABLE. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 15, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA IS HAVING A PROBLEM ON THE SECURITY FEATURE ON THE BCM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS UP AND THE CAR WILL START, AND SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT. THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS FAULTY. THE CONSUMER DID NOT HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED BECAUSE SHE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR IT. THE CAR IS STILL STARTING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONSUMER CALLED GM, AND THEY REFERRED HER TO NHTSA. GM MADE A FILE OF HER COMPLAINT. THE CONSUMER STATED SPECIFICALLY THAT SHE HAD BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS AND SHE CONSIDERED THAT A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE SHE HAS FIVE KIDS. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT SHE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY FEATURE FOR THE PAST YEAR.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 9, 2005
DT: WITHIN 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE THE NEW VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO NOTICE AT STOP LIGHT. AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR SEVERAL HOURS IT WILL THEN START. SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT START EVEN AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW PRESSURE SENSOR SEVERAL TIMES.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 9, 2005
AROUND 58K MILES THE LOW COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A SLIGHT LEAK AROUND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO THE DEX-COOL ANTIFREEZE THAT IS USED. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME, AND THE COST WOULD BE AROUND $700 TO REPAIR. I'VE BEEN NURSING THIS ISSUE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AS THE LEAK WAS SLIGHT, HOWEVER NOW IT IS GREATER AND MUST BE DEALT WITH. I HAVE GOTTEN NOWHERE WITH THE DEALERS AND WILL HAVE TO REPAIR IT AND BEAR THE COST. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 24, 2005
2002 IMPALA DEVELOPED A PROBLEM DUE TO IMPROPER AND UNSAFE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS.****NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT EH DEALER TO HAVE THE ORIGINAL PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER HAD ANOTHER REPAIR FACILITY LOOK AT THE BRAKES AND THEY BELIEVED THAT THE PADS WERE TO SMALL AND THAT THE ROTORS WERE NOT HEAVY ENOUGH FOR THE WEIGHT AND SIZE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SECONDS SET OF PADS AND ROTORS ALSO FAILED AND AT THAT TIME THE DEALER ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SIZE AND WEIGHT OF THE ROTORS AND PADS. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE FIRST BRAKE JOB. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 12, 2005
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH STALLING AND MISFIRING.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. A HOLE BURNT THROUGH THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD, RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF AIR TO ENTER THE SYSTEM. THE CLOGGED CONVERTER WAS THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM WHICH ALLOWED EXCESSIVE BACK PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE SYSTEM AND GASES THAT WERE MUCH HOTTER THAN NORMAL ENTERED THE MANIFOLD. *SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 11, 2005
STARTING 2/05 I HAVE HAD THE "SECURITY" WARNING LIGHT AND MY ENGINE FAIL TO START ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BCM THE FIRST TIME BUT HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE AND THAT, PER GM, I NEED TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED PARTS TO PREVENT MY VEHICLE FROM SHUTTING DOWN ON THE ROAD. IF THAT IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS BUT WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT'S DEFECT UNTIL A MAJOR ACCIDENT HAPPENS. THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL AND HAVE THESE ALL REPAIRED BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT DOES TAKE PLACE. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BEFORE A LIFE IS LOST BECAUSE OF A WELL KNOWN DOCUMENTED FLAW. *NM
STEERINGJuly 13, 2005
ITERMEADIATE STERRING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, COST $400.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 13, 2005
HEADLITES GO DIM AND THEN GET BRIGHTER, THIS HAPPENS OFF AND ON, BY THEMSELVES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 13, 2005
PROBLEM WITH MESSAGE CENTER, SECURITY LITE COMES ON THEN BATTERY LITE, THEN SERVICE VEHICLE SOON, THEN AIR CONDITIONING WOULD NOT TURN ON, STARTED FUNNY, DID NOT START TURNING OVER WHEN I FIRST TURNED THE KEY IT STARTED TO TURN OVER ABOUT 1 SEC AFTER TURNING THE KEY AND STARTED OK THEN. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED A THE SAME TIME FOR THE FIRST TIME. PRIOR TO THIS I REPORTED A POPPING/SNAPPING NOISE WHEN YOU TURNED THE KEY. THE CHEV DEALER SAID THIS WAS NORMAL (3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 12, 2005
DT: THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ENGINE WAS NOT DESTROYED, BUT THE SEATS WERE DOWN TO THE WIRES. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST BEEN PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED A SPARK COME FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, BUT THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATES THEY ARE GOING TO INSPECT IT. THE BACK WINDSHIELD SHATTERED BEFORE THIS, APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS PRIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING ERRATICALLY BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTEED BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAVE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID RESPOND. THEY THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE BECAUSE OF ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE POLICE DID RESPOND, BUT DID NOT FILE A REPORT. THIS HAPPENED JULY 3, 2005. *NM
Fire reported
NHTSA #10128477AIR BAGSJune 24, 2005
DT: 2002, CHEVROLET, IMPALA LS, WHILE CONSUMER WAS BACKING THE VEHICLE UP THE AIR BAGS ON BOTH FRONT DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DEPLOYED, THIS WAS WITHOUT IMPACT , AND NOT WHILE MAKING A SUDDEN STOP. CONSUMER HAD ONLY BACKED UP ABOUT ONE FOOT WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER CONTACTED GM TWICE, UPON CALLING THE SECOND TIME, GM INSTRUCTED THE CONSUMER TO TAKE IT TO A LOCAL DEALER, WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, AND COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. GM WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER'S INSURANCE AGENCY SAID THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. CONSUMER REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO THE POLICE , AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD NOT FILE A REPORT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 22, 2005
DT: CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS HIMSELF. FIRST, THE BRAKES WERE GRABBING AND THEN THEY STARTED MAKING NOISE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND AFTER THEY HEARD THE NOISE, THEY TOLD HIM IT WAS THE BRAKES. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND CHANGED THE BRAKE PADS, HE KEPT THE OLD ONES AND THEY WERE UNBOUNDED. CONSUMER CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD COVER THE REPAIR, BUT THE DEALER REFUSED BECAUSE CONSUMER DIDN'T HAVE HIS SERVICE WORK DONE WITH THEM. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT BECAUSE OF WHERE HE LIVES THE BRAKE PADS MALFUNCTIONED FASTER. CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 36,000 MILES ON THE BRAKE PADS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 16, 2005
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, COOLANT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR 2 YEARS. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHEN IT FIRST CAME ON, ONLY TO BE INFORMED THAT IT WAS A "CORROSION PROBLEM" WHICH WAS NOT COVERED BY MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARANTEE. NOW I DISCOVERED THAT GM'S CHOICE OF DEX-COOL ANTIFREEZE IS VERY WELL KNOWN TO CAUSE CORROSION PROBLEMS, AND THERE ARE A MYRIAD OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT DEX-COOL DESTROYING HEAD AND INTAKE GASKETS AS WELL! I EXPECT GM TO MAKE GOOD ON A PROBLEM THAT THEY THEMSELVES CAUSED, INSTEAD OF THEIR TO-DATE SNIVELY POLICY OF PASSING THE BUCK BACK TO THE CONSUMER. (IN SHORT, IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT RESOLVED TO MY SATISFACTION IN A TIMELY MANNER, I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT EVER AGAIN!)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 16, 2005
2002 CHEVY IMPALA THE SECURITY LIGHT GOES ON WHEN DRIVING. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME WHEN DRIVING THIS WAY THE CAR WILL NOT START AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. A FRIEND WHO HAS A NEWER IMPALA HAS HAD SECUIRTY LIGHT GO ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE ENGINE TOTALLY SHUT DOWN . VERY SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS COULD ARRIVE IF ON HIGHWAY OR BRIDGE AND CAR DIES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 15, 2005
DT: ENGINE STARTED TO SPIT AND SPUTTER. IT GOT WORSE. CALLER CHANGED FUEL FILTER BECAUSE THE DEALER SAID IT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE CAR RAN FAST AND TRIED TO TAKE OFF, AND SHE HAD TO SLAM THE BRAKES HARD, AND HOLD THEM TO T STOP CAR. DEALER SAID A HOLE WAS BURNED INTO THE MANIFOLD, AND WHEN THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THEY SAID A MISFIRE CODE CAME UP. PROBLEM WAS WITH CATALYTIC CONVERTER BEING PLUGGED. DEALER FIXED THE BURNED INTAKE MANIFOLD BEFORE THEY FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THAT WAS THE ONLY THING WRONG WITH IT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 15, 2005
OUR 2002 CHEV IMPALA IS A VACATION AND LONG TRIP VEHICLE, VERY LITTLE CITY DRIVING. AT FIRST WE DROVE IT VERY LITTLE, THEN THE FIRST WINTER WE DROVE IT AND PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE TILL SPRING. THE VEHICLE THEN GAVE US PROBLEMS WITH SHIMMY AND SHAKING ALONG WITH NOISY GRINDING WHEN STOPPING. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY SAID IT HAD WARPED ROTORS AND THEN TURNED ALL 4 ROTORS DOWN AT 19755 MILES. THEN IN JUNE OF 2005 I TOOK IT BACK IN BECAUSE OF A CONSTANT GRINDING SOUND WHEN BACKING UP AND THE SHIMMY WHEN BRAKING WAS RETURNING MORE EVERYDAY. THE DEALER THEN TELLS ME THAT IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT IT NEEDS 4 NEW ROTORS BECAUSE THEY ARE WARPED AND PITTED. THIS IS A PEP CAR FROM THE COMPANY AND I MISTAKENLY THOUGHT THAT IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY TILL END OF JULY. I WAS INFORMED THIS IS NOT TRUE AND THAT THE REPAIR WILL BE $732. THIS VEHICLE HAS 30,335 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD BAD ROTORS AND STOPPING SINCE WE STARTED TO DRIVE IT IN 2002/03 WINTER AND THEN PARKED IT TILL SPRING OF 2004. THIS I BELIEVE IS A DEFINITE SAFTEY HAZARD AND ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE ADVISOR THEY SEE THIS PROBLEM ON THE IMPALAS AND THE MALIBUS ALOT. ACCORDING TO THE ADVISOR GM WILL NOT LET THEM REPLACE THE ROTORS ONLY TURN THEM TO SPECS. THIS I EQUATE TO GETTING OPEN HEART SURGERY AND ONLY USING BANDAIDS AND TAPE TO CLOSE THE ARTERIES AND INCISIONS. I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH THE QUALITY AND SERVICE WORK DONE BY GENERAL MOTORS. INFERIOR PARTS AND SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS SEEM TO BE THE WAY TO GO AT GM TO GET THEIR REQUIRED PROFITS AT CUSTOMER EXPENSE. THE ADVISOR SAYS THAT THE ROTORS THEY FOUND WERE THE CHEAPEST AND MANUFACTURED IN CHINA. I DON'T THINK THE CHINESE CARE MUCH ABOUT PROVIDING AMERICANS CONSUMERS WITH A QUALITY PRODUCT. GM IS SELLING US OUT FOR THEIR BOTTOM LINE AND WE SUFFER AS THE END USER WHO WILL BE THE INJURED PARTY IF THE PARTS FAIL ON THE ROADS OF AMERICA.
VISIBILITYJune 14, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES THE REAR DEFROSTER TERMINAL FELL OFF. THIS HAS BEEN THE 5TH TIME THIS OCCURRED. THE REAR WINDOW HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE, WAITING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 7, 2005
EXPERIENCED A PULSING IN THE BRAKING OF THE CAR. CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INSPECTED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS, SAID IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTEE. I RETURNED TO MY SHOP (WHERE I WORK) AND THEY TURNED THE ROTORS FOR ME. THIS WAS LAST YEAR. NOW THE PULSING IS BACK. I AM GOING TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP AND INFORM THEM OF THE RETURNING PULSATION. SEE WHAT THEY SAY, HAS ANYONE GOTTEN THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE PROBLEM???
STEERINGJune 6, 2005
A VERY UNNERVING CONDITION IS PRESENT IN OUR 2002 TAHOE. THERE IS A LOOSE/ UNSTABLE FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING. MY MECHANIC SAID WE HAVE A WARPED CENTER STEERING SHAFT AND HE CAN NOT REPAIR AS THE PART IS BACK ORDERED BY TENS OF THOUSANDS NATIONWIDE (INDICATING A UNIVERSAL PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE) I HAVE BEEN EXPECTING A RECALL BUT HAVE NOT SEEN ONE. GM HAS NOT REPLIED TO MY INQUIRY.
POWER TRAINMay 27, 2005
I HAVE A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. IT HAS AROUND 53,000 MILES ON IT. MY WIFE DRIVES THE CAR AND IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN SLOWLY. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO SHE TOLD ME THE CAR SHIFTED HARD AND I DROVE IT AND FOUND THAT PROBLEM ALSO. THAT WENT AWAY FOR 2 WEEKS AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WE WERE REFERRED TO A INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IN THE IMPALA HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS AND WE WERE TOLD IT NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY IS SOME PROBLEMS BUT JUST WOULDNT GET SPECIFIC WITH ME. I THEN WENT TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING AS THE FIRST SHOP TOLD ME AND THAT WAS I NEEDED THIS REBUILT. THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION IS A BAD DESIGN AND WANT $2400. TO $2600. TO FIX IT. THIS IS THE SAME PRICE AS THE FIRST PLACE GAVE ME. I THINK IF THIS IS SO COMMON OF A PROBLEM G.M. SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I AM GOING BACK TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND AM GOING TO ASK THEM JUST WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I'M NOT A HAPPY PERSON, THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN HARD AND INFACT IT'S BEEN TREATED NICELY. I CAN'T FIND A RECALL ON IT BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THERE SHOULD BE ONE IN EFFECT FOR IT. I ALSO THINK THIS PROBLEM COULD BE A SERIOUS ROAD HASSARD IF THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT WHILE BEING DRIVEN.
POWER TRAINMay 25, 2005
DT: ON 4/20/05 WHILE DRIVING,GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN UNINTENTIONALLY ,AND UPON PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL, CAR WOULD NOT SPEED UP. THIS OCCURRED ON DRY PAVEMENT ON HIGHWAY. CAR WAS REGULARLY SERVICED WITH RECORDS AVAILABLE. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS. *AK
POWER TRAINMay 24, 2005
DT: CONSUMER STATES: BODY CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. WHEN TRYING TO START IT'S LIKE A DEAD BATTERY, NO NOISE LIKE SOMEONE TOOK THE STARTER OFF. HAVE SOME LIGHTS COME ON BUT NOT ALL.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 23, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE ROAD AT 2000 RPMS AND ABOUT 65 MPH, USING CRUISE CONTROL FOR ABOUT 50 MILES, THE ROAD STARTED CHANGED TO ONE LANE AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM STOPPED ELECTRICALLY, BUT THE MECHANICAL PORTION CONTINUED TO ENGAGE. BRAKES HAD TO BE DEPRESSED HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND PUT INTO NEUTRAL TACHOMETER JUMPED TO 4000 RPMS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 17, 2005
DT: ABOUT 12,000 MILES WHEN THE CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE BRAKES WERE FIXED. AT 29,000 MILES THE PROBLEM STARTED AGAIN, THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE WHEN BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED. THE CONSUMER WASN'T SATISFIED WITH THE DEALER SO THE CONSUMER TOOK THE CAR TO HIS OWN MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ROTORS AND THE PADS. THE FRICTION MATERIAL ON THE PAD SEPARATED FROM THE METAL BACKING. THE MECHANIC HAD NEVER SEEN THIS IN A VEHICLE BEFORE. THE MILEAGE IS LOW AND THE CAR HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN OF. THERE IS ONLY AN ADULT DRIVER THAT USES THE VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 11/16/2005. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 16, 2005
AT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES I HAD BEEN TOLD THAT MY CAR HAD A MINOR ANTIFREEZE LEAK AT THE LOWER INTAKE. NOW AT 130,000 MILES IT HAS TURNED INTO A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT WILL REQUIRE AT LEAST 600 DOLLARS IN REPAIR COSTS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT ALOT OF IMPALAS DO THIS. HAVE NOT RESOLVED THE ISSUE YET, NOR RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 9, 2005
TWO MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR BOTH MY HEADLIGHTS FOGGED OVER. THEY COST $250 A PIECE TO REPLACE (HAVE NOT YET REPLACED). ABOUT A MONTH LATER A COMPUTER CHIP THAT CONTROLLED MY LIGHTS, LOCKS, WINDOWS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND STEREO WENT BAD AND THAT COST $353 TO REPLACE. SOON AFTER THAT I NOTICED THAT MY CAR FELT LIKE IT MOVED BACK AND FORTH WHEN I DROVE IT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE WHEN I TURNED. I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A VERY BIG DEAL BUT TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I TOOK IT IN AND FOUND OUT THAT I WAS MISSING 2 BEARINGS ON MY SUSPENSION WHICH PUT PRESSURE ON MY DRIVE SHAFT(NOT SURE ABOUT ACTUAL TERMINOLOGY HERE NOT SURE IF IT WAS DRIVE SHAFT OR STEERING COLUMN) CAUSING MY RACK AND PINION TO GO BAD. THAT COST $1100 TO FIX. SO NOW I AM $1453 INTO HAVING MY CAR REPAIRED FOR THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE GONE BAD IN THE FIRST PLACE. TODAY (MAY 9TH 2005) I FOUND OUT THAT MY INTAKE MANIFOLD HAS GONE BAD AND I CAN SMELL BURNING ANTIFREEZE WHEN I DRIVE, AND MY COOLANT SENSOR IS BAD. TO FIX THOSE TWO THINGS IS GOING TO COST ME $840. I SHOULD ALSO MENTION THAT I HAVE CHECKED THIS CAR OUT ON CARFAX.COM THERE WAS ONLY ONE PREVIOUS OWNER AND NOTHING SIGNIFIGANT AS HOW IT WAS TREATED. I PURCHASED THIS CAR AT 34,000 MILES AND IT NOW HAS 53,000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT ALMOST 2YRS AGO. I HAVE CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE 3 TIMES NOW, AND EACH TIME I AM GIVEN THE SAME ANSWER "I AM SORRY MS.... THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU AT THIS TIME...". GM NEEDS TO GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER AND START MAKING CARS THAT ARE WORTH WHAT THEY SELL THEM FOR. HAD I KNOWN HOW GM MADE VEHICLES WITH BAD PARTS AND REFUSE TO BACK THEM UP, I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THAT NOW SITS IN MY GARAGE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 6, 2005
DC: HIS BRAKES DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. WHEN YOU STOP THE ABS SYSTEM KICKS IN, THE PEDAL JERKS BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WANT TO STOP CORRECTLY. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,INTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 26, 2005
WE BOUGHT OUR ASTRO VAN IN 2001, IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP ABOUT 22 OR 23 TIMES. MOST OF THEM MAJOR THINGS NEEDING TO BE FIXED OR REPLACED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 15, 2005
2002 IMPALA LS HAS A DISC BRAKE PROBLEM . DISCS REQUIRED RESURFACING AFTER 15000 MILES. THE PROBLEM RETURNED AFTER 5000 MILES. THE FIRST RESURFACING WAS DONE UNDER NEW CAR WARRANTY. UPON RETURNING THE SECOND TIME I ASKED THAT THE DISCS BE REPLACED. DEALER REFUSED, AND SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOW MINE SINCE EVEN THOUGH HE FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEM THE WARRANTY PERIOD WAS OVER. SINCE THE PROBLEM OCCURRED UNDER WARRANTY, AND HE FAILED TO FIX IT, I REFUSED TO HAVE THE DISC RESURFACED AGAIN. THIS IS A PROBLEM UNDER NHTSA 10012633 CALLED BRAKE ROTOR ALLOWABLE THICKNESS AFTER RESURFACING. DEALER DOESN'T KNOW OR DOESN'T CARE. I COMPLAINED TO CHEVROLET, THEY SIDED WITH THE DEALER, AND GAVE ME A NUMBER 1-328237740, BUT NO SATISFACTION. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT WHICH CHEVROLET IS IGNORING.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 4, 2005
P102 MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILURE, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO REMAIN IN A STEADY ON CONDITION. VEHICLE WOULD FAIL EMISSIONS TEST WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, BUT DEALER SAYS THIS CONDITION NOT COVERED BY EMISSIONS WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THE OWNER'S MANUAL CLEARLY STATES THIS CONDITION IS A EMISSIONS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 2, 2005
TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHT CAME ON . ALSO THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON.I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. A SHORT WHILE LATER THE LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO MATTHEW HARGREAVES CHEVROLET. 2000 E. 12 MILE RD. P. O. 278, ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PHONE 248-398-8800 FAX 248-398-0867. THEY TOLD ME THE LEFT REAR ABS SPEED SENSOR HAD AN OPEN CIRCUIT. SO THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 39,020 MILES, AND WAS PURCHASED ON JANUARY 14, 2002.*AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 30, 2005
THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE, AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED, AND THE ISSUES WERE STILL THERE. WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNS ON THE HEAT OR AIR A SOUR ODOR CAME IN FROM THE VENT AREA. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER WAS PREGNANT AT THE TIME. THE ODOR MADE THE CONSUMER SICK. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT A SOLUTION HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK *SC *JB
STEERINGMarch 29, 2005
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DURING A SLOW MANEUVER, YOU CAN HEAR AND FEEL CLUNKING COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. IT FEELS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS BECOMING LOOSE. I HAVEN'T GONE TO THE DEALER YET BECAUSE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND SEEING SOO MANY COMPLAINS ABOUT IT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED.
STEERINGMarch 27, 2005
STEERING CLUNKS WHEN TURNING OR TOUCHING THE BRAKES OR LETTING OF THE BRAKES AND EXCELLERATING. I AM AFRAID OF A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 25, 2005
IGNITION SWITCH - MALFUNCTIONED. Y HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH SECURITY LIGHT. HAD TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER SERVICE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 24, 2005
I RECENTLY(3-7-05) PURCHASED A USED 2002 CHEVY IMPALA FROM MY UNCLE. HE TOLD ME THAT BASED ON INFO RECEIVED FROM A FORMER GM MECH.; THERE WAS A STARTER PROBLEM THAT HE HAD YET TO EXPERIENCE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR A LITTLE OVER 3 WEEKS NOW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 5 DAYS. I REPLACED THE STARTER YESTERDAY(3-23-05) BASED ON WHAT MY UNCLE HAD TOLD ME. 20 MINUTES AFTER INSTALLING THE NEW 1 THE CAR DID NOT START. CALLED A LOCAL DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING(3-24-05) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND THE IGNITION CYLINDER. THIS DEALER TOLD ME THAT HE HAS 1 MONTE CARLO/IMPALA COME IN EVERY MONTH WITH THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED HIM IF IT WAS RECALL ON THE PART(S). HE TOLD ME "NO" AND THE THE REPLACEMENT COST WAS BETWEEN $450-600. NOW I'M OUT $250 FOR A STARTER I DIDN'T NEED AND BEING TOLD I'M LOOKING @ ANOTHER BILL AROUND $500. IN MY OPINION 1 CAR A MONTH IS TOO MANY AND THAT WAS AT JUST 1 DEALER. I HAVE 14 CHEVROLET DEALERS WITHIN 15 MILES OF MY HOUSE. THAT IS 168 CARS JUST NEAR ME IN 1 YEAR. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO.
SEATSMarch 22, 2005
I OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMAPLA. IT CAME WITH HEATED LEATHER FRONT SEATS. LAST YEAR THE SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FAILED TO HEAT. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THIS HAD BURNED A HOLE IN THE LEATHER OF THE SEAT BEFORE IT QUIT WORKING. IT WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. IT WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND QUIT AGAIN. A SECOND HOLE WAS BURNED IN THE LEATHER SEAT IN THE SAME PLACE AND THREE HOLES WERE BURNED THROUGH THE MATERIAL OF TWO COATS. MY WIFE INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BECAME SO HOT THAT AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES SHE HAD TO TURN IT OFF. BOTH SEATS WERE CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE. THEY FOUND TO BE MALFUNCTIONING. I HAD BOTH SEATS DISCONNECTED TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER DAMAGE BY ACCIDENT. WE HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY LEARNED THAT TWO OF OUR FRIENDS HAVE GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES IN WHICH THE HEATED SEATS FAILED. THEY DID NOT HAVE THEM REPAIRED OR REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE COST. MY CONCERN IS ONE OF SAFETY. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF IT GOT HOT ENOUGH TO BURN THROUGH LEATHER, AND BURN HOLES IN MY COATS, IT COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AS WELL AS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. BOTH MY SECRETARY AND MY DAUGHTER HAD INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HEATED SEATS IN THEIR VEHICLES. I HAVE TOLD THEM OF MY EXPERIENCE. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF PERSONS WHO DO GO TO THE EXPENSE OF HAVING THESE KINDS OF SEATS INSTALLED IN THEIR CARS. *AK
STEERINGMarch 1, 2005
LOOSE/DAMAGED STEERING COLUMN PART CAUSES " CLUNKING SOUND" WHILE TURNING OR BRAKING. STARTED AROUND 2000 MILES-FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND I AM AFRAID SOME DAY SOMETHING IS GOING TO COME OFF THE CAR! VERY INSECURE FEELING. REPORTED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NO DIAGNOSIS ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 16, 2005
WHEN CHANGING THE LIGHTS FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM THE LIGHTS GO COMPLETELY OFF. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER, HOWEVER,THE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE HAS EXPIRED.*AK THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 16, 2005
THE CONSUMER STATES THE TURN SIGNALS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SIGNALS OPERATE THROUGH THE HAZARD WARNING SWITCH. *TC
VISIBILITYFebruary 12, 2005
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN TURNED ON OFF ARE IN AN UPRIGHT POSTION ON WINDSHIELD. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFebruary 10, 2005
THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 6, 2005
BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED AS LOOSE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP ADVISED THAT BOTH NEED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE AN ALIGNMENT COULD BE PERFORMED. JOHN WIGANT OF WALKER CHEVROLET TOLD ME, PRIOR TO A WRITTEN STATEMENT, THAT BOTH SIDES EXHIBIT A WORN OUT DIAGNOSIS, BUT THAT ONLY ONE SIDE SHOULD BE REPLACED NOW AND THAT THE OTHER MIGHT NEVER NEED TO BE REPLACED OR IT COULD GET WORSE. IN A WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM JOHN WIGANT OF WALKER CHEVROLET, I WAS INFORMED THAT ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE BEARING SHOULD BE REPLACED. I HAVE HAD OTHER PROBLEMS WITH ROTORS THAT LITERALLY SHOOK MY FRONT END AND STEERING COLUMN DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD OF 36,000 MILES. AND THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND REPLACED 3 TIMES. THE LAST TIME IT WAS REPORTED ON NOVEMBER 18, '04 AND NOT REPAIRED UNTIL DECEMBER 30, '04 AT 53,267 MILES. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT REPLACING THESE HUB BEARINGS WILL COST ME ABOUT $1,000.00 TO REPAIR. I HAVE READ ANOTHER COMPLAINT IN NHTSA FILES THAT A SAME YEAR IMPALA FRONT WHEEL OR AXLE FELL OFF AND CAUSED A DRIVER TO VEER OFF THE ROAD. I FEEL THAT THE PAST ROTOR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PROBLEMS HAVE EXASPERATED THIS WEAR AND CAUSED IT TO BE A BIGGER PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SPEEDOMETER CABLE, RADIO, AND REAR WINDOW. ALL HAVE BEEN SERVICED, BUT CONTINUE TO EXHIBIT THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT EXISTED BEFORE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. *JB
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 28, 2005
THE CONSUMER STATES THE HEAD LIGHT LENSES PRODUCED CONDENSATION. AS A RESULT, THE LIGHTS WERE DIM. *JB WATER WAS GETTING INTO THE HEADLIGHTS AND THERE WAS A FRONT AND REAR ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. AS A RESULT OF THESE TWO PROBLEMS, THERE WAS POOR NIGHT VISION AND THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *SC *JB
STEERINGJanuary 24, 2005
CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. *NM
STEERINGJanuary 16, 2005
CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL AND YOU COULD FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL DEALER SAID INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED REPLACING. THEY ALSO SAID THE TIE ROD ENDS WERE WORN SO BAD THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF. ALL OF THIS IS HAPPENING WITH ONLY 26,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *NM
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 13, 2005
WHEN THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED FROM A STOP HE HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. *NM THE TRANSMISSION HAD GONE OUT. THE BATTERY HAD GONE DEAD AND HAD A CRACK IN IT. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GOING 65 MPH IN CRUISE, THE MOTOR SUDDENLY SPED UP THEN SLOWED DOWN AND A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. *SC *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 6, 2005
GOING DOWN THE ROAD THE LIGHTS WENT OFF. CONSUMER TOUCHED THE TURN SIGNAL AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC AND THE DIMMER SWITCH WAS REPLACED.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 6, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL NOT RESPONDING. SUDDEN LUNGE/ACCELERATION CAUSED CAR TO SPEED OFF THE ROAD. DRIVER INJURED, CAR TOTALED. SUSPECT CRUISE CONTROL LATER KICKED IN, SOME 40 MILES DOWN THE ROAD, CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND SUBSEQUENT ACCIDENT.*AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10105879STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITYDecember 31, 2004
I NOTICED THAT MY TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD WHEN IT WARMS UP. I TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY CHANGED MY TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, AND DOG BONES. I PAID QUITE A FEW DOLLARS AND MY VEHICLE STILL HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS 85,000 MILES, BUT I,VE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE VERY WELL. I,VE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING PLAY.THE DEALER CHANGED SOME PARTS IN THE ASSEMBLY WHICH IS BETTER. I'M A MECHANIC AND I DON'T BELEIVE THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY DRIVETRAIN MOUNTS, BUT IT'S IN THE TRANSMISSION. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SINCE OWNING THE CAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS WINDOW. THE MOTOR WAS CHANGED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY NOW IT'S DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. THE PROBLEM IS IT WILL GO DOWN BUT WON'T GO UP SOMETIMES. *AK
POWER TRAINDecember 8, 2004
THE INTERMEDIATE DRIVE SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT STATED MAKING NOISES WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. TOOK FOR SERVICE THE PART WAS ORDERED ON NOV 3 2004. PART STILL HAS NOT CAME IN. CALLED THE CHEVY DEALER. SEEMS LIKE ITS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM. AND TAKES ABOUT 2 MONTHS TO GET THE PART. I WAS TOLD ONLY 6,000 ARE MADE A WEEK AND THEY STARTED IN THE HOLE 100,000 AND THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. IF THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, WHY ARE THEY NOT RECALLING THE PART. I ASKED THE MAN IF MY CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE HE SAID ISN'T IS UNDER WARRANTY. I SAID NO AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. IT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE AND I AM NOT AT ALL CONFIDENT ABOUT DRIVING AND I THINK CHEVY SHOULD ADMIT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 2, 2004
MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA SUFFERED A BREAKDOWN OF THE ANTIFREEZE THAT TURNED INTO A THICK BROWN SUBSTANCE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND GM DID HAVE THE COOLANT FLUSHED. TWO WEEKS LATER THE LIFTER BEGAN TO RATTLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST STARTED. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT A SEAL WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE OIL. I WAS ASSURRED THAT THIS WAS NOT RELATED TO THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM AND WAS NOT COVERED. THE REPAIRS WILL COST OVER 760.00. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AFTER WAITING ALL DAY, THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS NOT THERE, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE FIRST PROBLEM. THE COOLANT TURNED INTO A THICK BROWN GRITTY SUBSTANCE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE SANDPAPER GOING THROUGH THE ENGINE AND THEY CLAIM THAT IT COULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE SEAL TO FAIL. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT GENERAL MOTORS REFUSES TO STAND UP FOR OBVIOUS FAILURE AND DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT. THEY REFUSE TO STAND UP FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS COOLANT ACCORDING TO GM IS SUPPOSED TO LAST AT LEAST 100,000 MILES AND IT DOES HOLD UP AS THEY STATE. THEY SHOULD ADMIT THE PROBLEM AND MAKE THE PROPER REPAIRS TO CUSTOMERS VEHICLES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 1, 2004
AT JUST UNDER 60,000 MILES, LOW COOLANT LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER SAYS IT'S LEAKING COOLANT AT 2 PLACES: AT LOWER INTAKE AND AT WATER PUMP. COST TO REPAIR: $600 TO $850, DEPENDING ON REPAIR FACILITY. IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS, I DID NOT RECEIVE.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENovember 19, 2004
FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 3.8 LITER V6 AND THERE'S ALREADY A RECALL ON SEVERAL MODELS 04V090000.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT. THE CONSUMER HIT THE DIMMER SWITCH AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. THE OCCURRED AGAIN BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED A MODULE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THUS FAR, THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED. *AK *SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 10, 2004
ENGINE COOLANT HAS TURNED BROWN AND CLOGGED UP THE COOLING SYSTEM. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TYPE OF COOLANT BEING USED IN NEW VEHICLES. I HAVE BEEN REFERED TO HAVE MY ENGINE FLUSHED AND THAT GM WILL NOT STAND UP FOR THE REPAIRS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNovember 3, 2004
ENGINE STALLS, REMOTELESS KEY ENTRY DOESN'T WORK, COOLANT LEAKING. *AK
POWER TRAINOctober 25, 2004
JUST PURCHASED A 2002 IMPALA WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIION WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES. THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS AT AN INCLINE WHEN IN DRIVE. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THAT ALL AUTOMATIC DO THIS TODAY. DEALER REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. I CONSIDER THIS A HAZARD. HAVE BEEN DRIVING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS FOR YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINOctober 19, 2004
LOUD "THUMPING" NOISE COMING FROM LOWER ENGINE AREA. ECHANIC DIAGNOSED PROBLEM. FLY WHEEL DISINEGRATED. POORLY MANUFACTURED PART. *AK ONE MONTH LATER "LOW COOLANT" ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AS BAD INTAKE VALVE SEAL. POOR QUALITY GM PART. BOTH PARTS REPLACED AND REPAIRED AS RECOMMENDED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINEDTHAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKTE HAD FAILED. *AK *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 15, 2004
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT EVERY WEEK, HE HAD TO FILL THE COOLANT RESERVOIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND COOLANT SPILLED INSIDE THE ENGINE. *AK *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 12, 2004
CATALYTIC CONVERTER CLOGGED ON 2002 VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS CALIBRATED TO RUN TOO LEAN MAKING THE EXHAUST GASES TOO HOT, LEADING TO PREMATURE FAILURE. NOTICED GRADUAL POWER LOSS SINCE 50,000 MILES BUT THOUGHT IT WAS AIR FILTER. ENGINE LIGHT STILL DID TURN ON. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS OK FOR WARRANTY. *NM
SUSPENSIONOctober 1, 2004
REAR WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS ARE MAKING NOISE. INSIDE THE HUB THERE IS A BEARING WHICH HOLDS THE TIRE/WHEEL ON, AND BOLTS TO THE REAR AXLE WERE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THIS WHEEL ASSEMBLY WAS ALREADY REPLACED AT 60,000 MILES. THE ABS LIGHT AND SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. CONSUMER HAS HAD THE BEARINGS REPLACED 2 MONTHS AGO AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. CURRENTLY, THE BEARINGS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AFTER ON 6,000 OR 7, 000 MILES.*AK
STEERINGSeptember 7, 2004
AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB
POWER TRAINAugust 24, 2004
1. WITHIN THIS PAST MONTH, AM NOTICING TREMENDOUS POWER LOSS AND SHIFTING/TIMING ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSON WHEN ACCELERATING TO HIGHER GEAR.. POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCE WOULD BE INSUFFICIENT POWER TO ACCELERATE OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC.*AK 3. HAVE INVESTIGATED AND SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE CONCERNING A SHIFT SOLENOID THAT IS A VERY TROUBLESOME ISSUE WITH A LOT OF GM OWNERS. TYPICAL PARTS COST AND LABOR FOR THIS PROBLEM RUNS IN THE $400.00 BALLPARK.
STEERINGAugust 17, 2004
CLICKING OR CLUNKING SOUND IN THE FRONT END WHEN YOU TURN TO GO AROUND A CORNER. IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE VERY MUCH AWARE OF IT. THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FAULTY PARTS QUITE OFTEN. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM OVER MY WARRANTY IN MILES. THIS IS ALSO NOT JUST A PROBLEM ON THE 2002 MODELS. IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE. BECAUSE THIS HAS BEEN AND ON GOING PROBLEM I FEEL ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECALLED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJuly 16, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 13, 2004
VEHICLE FAILS TO START - MOTOR DOES NOT CRANK, STARTER DOES NOT ENGAGE. TESTS SHOW BATTERY, STARTER, ALTERNATOR CIRCUITS ARE GOOD - NO ERROR CODES GIVEN. VEHICLE ENGINE RUNS ROUGH AND THE GAS MILEAGE HAS DECREASED CONSIDERABLY. LOCAL MECHANIC STATES THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE COMPUTERS OVERWRITING ITS OWN CODE AND THEREFORE CAUSES PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THIS, WITH THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE STARTS OCCASIONALY AT BEST. VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLBE - CANNOT TRUST IT TO START WHEN NEEDED. GOING TO CALL DEALER TO CHECK IF THERE IS A "SILENT RECALL" TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. OTHERWISE, WILL ATTEMPT TO USE NHTSA SERVICE BULLETIN #00214A TO TRY TO GET PROGRAM RELOADED INTO VEHICLE'S COMPUTER WITHOUT CHARGE THOUGH I EXPECT VERY LITTLE HELP, IF ANY, FROM A DEALER.*AK
STEERINGJune 4, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS SLOWING FOR A STOP SIGN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO AVOID THE COLLISION, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SO DUE TO THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING UP. *AK *NM
Crash reported
NHTSA #10065395AIR BAGSMay 18, 2004
I WAS INVOLVED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION IN A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA POLICE PACKAGE. I WAS HIT IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR , THEN MY VEH RUN UP INTO A PARKING LOT WHERE I STRUCK A SIGN. I WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT.*AK
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10072806SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 6, 2004
AT AROUND 10000 MILES, AFTER BRAKING AT AN INTERSECTION, HEARD A LOUD SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM LEFT FRONT TIRE. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE CALIPER HAD SEIZED. THEY REPAIRED THE CALIPER, REPLACED THE BRAKE PAD AND TURNED BOTH FRONT ROTORS. NOW AT 47000 MILES, AGAIN AFTER PULLING AWAY FROM AN INTERSECTION, WITH NO PREVIOUS INDICATORS, I HEARD A HORRIBLE METAL ON METAL GRINDING SOUND AND VEHICLE WAS BARELY DRIVABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT THE LEFT INSIDE BRAKE PAD WAS PRACTICALLY GONE EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO NOISE FROM A WEAR INDICATOR, AND AS A MEASURE OF "GOOD FAITH" THEY WOULD REPLACE THE CALIPER, BUT BECAUSE THE LEFT ROTOR WAS DAMAGED, I WOULD NEED TO AGAIN HAVE BOTH FRONT ROTORS TURNED BEFORE NEW FRONT PADS COULD BE INSTALLED. DEALER DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR FAULT FOR NOT HAVING REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE LEFT FRONT ROTOR IN THE FIRST PLACE. I'M STUCK WITH A $200 BILL FOR NEW FRONT BRAKES WITHOUT ANY WARNING FROM A BRAKE WEAR INDICATOR, OR ANY OBVIOUS PULLING, SHIMMY OR OTHER NORMAL INDICATORS THAT NEW BRAKE PADS MIGHT BE REQUIRED. *LA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 2, 2004
WHEN USING MY CRUISE CONTROL, TURNING IT ON AND CANCELING, THERE IS A CLUNK. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY AND SAID BASED ON ANOTHER CHEVY IMPALA IT WAS NORMAL. *JB
AIR BAGSApril 1, 2004
AFTER A 45 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. TWO PEOPLE WERE INJURED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10063061POWER TRAINMarch 12, 2004
CODE P1811 CAME UP ON THE INFO SCREEN. THE PRESSURE CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT AND FRIED MY TRANSMISSION. *AK
TIRESMarch 7, 2004
PURCHASED 2, GOODYEAR EAGLE LS, P225/60R-16 TIRES TO REPLACE ORIGINAL GOODYEAR GT'S AT 27,000 MILES ON A 2002 IMPALA. AFTER DRIVING ON THE LS FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH THE THUMPING AND BOOM, BOOM, BOOM NOISES AND FEEL OF THE RIDE...., I TOOK THEM TO THE TIRE DEALER WHO SAID HE WOULD PUT THEM ON THE MACHINE THAT TESTS FOR DEFECTS. BOTH TIRES FAILED THE TEST. THE DEALER SAID IT WAS VERY UNUSUAL TO HAVE BOTH TIRES FAIL. THEY REPLACED THEM AT NO COST WITH IDENTICAL TIRES. THE REPLACEMENTS UNFORTUNATELY ACTED THE SAME WAY. I DID NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH THE TESTING AGAIN, SO I JUST PAID TO HAVE 2 NEW MICHELIN HYDROEDGE'S INSTALLED. OF COURSE I COULD NOT ADD 2 NEW TIRES TO THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER BRAND OF TIRE, SO I HAD TO PURCHASE ANOTHER 2 MICHELINS AT AN ADDITIONAL COST OF $251. WITH THE NEW MICHELINS INSTALLED, THE RIDE AND HANDLING WAS BEAUTIFUL. SOMETHING IS DREADFULLY WRONG WITH THE GOODYEAR EAGLE LS'S. *JB
STEERINGMarch 2, 2004
MY WIFE BOUGHT A 2002 IMPALA AND WE BOTH LOVE THE CAR. BUT RECENTLY IT HAS HAD A CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM A MECHANIC AND KNOW THAT IT COULD BE A FAULTY INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE RESEARCHED THESE ARCHIVES AND HAVE SEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. EVEN SOME FAILURES. WHY ARE DEALERS NOT WILLING TO DO ANY REPAIRS FOR THE CLUNKING NOISE?*AK
STEERINGFebruary 24, 2004
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB THE STEERING FELT LOOSE AS IF IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TIGHTER. *JB
POWER TRAINFebruary 3, 2004
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, IN THE WINTER BELOW 20 DEGREES CAR MUST WARM UP BEFORE IT CAN BE SHIFTED IN TO DRIVE. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE NEW.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 30, 2004
INTAKE MANAFOLD LEAK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 30, 2004
INTAKE MANAFOLD LEAK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 28, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET THE CAR CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE NEXT WEEK WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT 70 MPH THE CAR CUT OFF AGAIN WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS. ONCE I GOT IT STARTED IT CUT OFF ABOUT 4 MORE TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET HOME. THE DEALER REPLACE THE FUSE BOX. NOW ABOUT 7 MONTHS LATER THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN. I INFORMED GMAC AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER. I GUESS SO THEY CAN HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO HURT SOMEONE THIS TIME.*AK
VISIBILITYJanuary 27, 2004
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STAYED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION WHEN THEY WERE SHUT OFF. TOOK THE CAR TO THE BILL WINK DEALER AND PAID $ 78.00 TO REPOSITION THEM BUT ONLY 3 DAYS LATER, THE WIPERS WON'T EVEN MOVE. I HEAR THE MOTOR TRYING TO MOVE THEM BUT ITS LIKE THEY JUST DON'T CATCH THE WIPER TO MOVE THEM. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJanuary 16, 2004
DURING COLD WEATHER MONTHS THE CONSUMER COULD SMELL FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NM
VISIBILITYJanuary 15, 2004
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INOPERATIVE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE CONSUMER HAD TO RUN THE ENGINE FOR HALF AN HOUR TO DEFROST ARMS AND BRACKET. THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE WIPERS THREE TIMES. THE FLOOR MANAGER INDICATED THERE WAS LEAKING WATER UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *NM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 14, 2004
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD. CONSUMER MADE CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. *AK
VISIBILITYJanuary 14, 2004
MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA STARTED STAYING IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, THEY STILL MOVE WHEN TURNED ON BUT IF I TURN THEM OFF, THEY GO RIGHT UP TO UPRIGHT POSITION. THEY HAVE PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE AS NOW WHEN I TURN THEM ON, THEY GO SO FAR BACK THAT THEY ARE SCRATCHING MY PAINT. I READ IN THE NEWSPAPER THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL CHEVY(GM) CARS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEMS SO I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS THE CASE THEN WHO DO I NEED TO CONTACT OR WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.*AK
POWER TRAINDecember 28, 2003
CAR ROLLS BACKWARD ON AN INCLINE. I.E. AT A STOP LIGHT. MUST USE BOTH FEET (1 ON THE GAS AND 1 ON THE BRAKE) TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ROLLING INTO THE CAR BEHIND WHEN I AM ON A STEEP INCLINE. I HAVE DOCUMENTS FROM THE DEALER STATING THIS IS "NORMAL". THIS IS THE FIRST AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION I HAVE EVER OWNED THAT ROLLED BACKWARD WITHOUT STOPPING AFTER A FEW INCHES. THIS IS AN UNRESOLVED PROBLEM AND NOT JUST AN INCIDENT. FEBRUARY 1 2002 IS JUST A START DATE YOU CAN TRUTHFULLY SAY THAT I HAVE SEVERAL INCIDENTS EVERY DAY BECAUSE THIS TRANSMISION WILL DO THIS ON EVERY INCLINE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 22, 2003
CONSUMER SMELLED ANTI FREEZE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WEATHER BECAME COLD. THIS WAS DUE TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING ANTI FREEZE. *AK
AIR BAGSDecember 10, 2003
WHILE DRIVING ACROSS AN INTERSECTION, GOING 5 MPH THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE T-BONED AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. *AK *CB *JB
Crash reported
NHTSA #10046327EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 3, 2003
WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING THIS CAUSED DRIVER TO HAVE NO VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *AK OVER A PERIOD OF A WEEK, HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OUT FOR A FEW SECONDS AND COME BACK ON WITHOUT ANY ACTION OF THE CONSUMER. *PH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 2, 2003
WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD A NOISE WAS HEARD. DEALER FOUND THAT THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE CORRODED AND RUSTED. THE REAR ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AND THE REAR BRAKE SHOES WERE REPLACED. *AK *TT *JB
STEERINGNovember 20, 2003
THE STEERING ON MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2002 WITH 5,000 MILES ON IT. IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN THE FRONT END AND THE STEERING IS TERRIBLE. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR FOR THE PROBLEM AND IT HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT WHATEVER IS LOOSE OR DEFECTIVE IN THE FRONT END IS GOING TO CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY AT SOME POINT. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 29,000 MILES AND IT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. *LA
TIRESNovember 20, 2003
REQUEST FOR SAFETY ASSURANCE OF GOODYEAR OEM TIRES ON 2002 IMPALA.*MR (NAR) *CB
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNovember 18, 2003
2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS - HEADLIGHTS/DASH LIGHTS WILL INTERMITTENTLY BLINK ON AND OFF WHILE COASTING/DECELERATING. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIR AND THEY CLAIM THIS IS "NORMAL." THIS CONDITION IS DISTRACTING TO ME AND OTHER DRIVERS, AND I CONSIDER IT A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. *LA
STEERINGNovember 12, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING PRODUCED A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. *AK THE STEERING SHAFT FAILED. CONSUMER HAS OWNED GM VEHICLES ALL HIS LIFE AND NEVER EXPERIENCED STEERING FAILURE, EVEN AT 54,000 MILES. HE BELIEVED THE STEERING SHOULD BE RECALLED. *PH *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 10, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER. DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED. THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO BE REPLACED.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 1, 2003
I HAVE HAD BRAKE ROTOR PROBLEMS EARLY, STARTING AT ABOUT 8,000 MILES, WITH MY VEHICLE. WE LIVE OUT IN THE COUNTRY (VERY LITTLE CITY DRIVING) SO THIS IS A VERY PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE ROTORS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND TURNED THE ROTORS BUT HAVE DISCOVERED(TOO LATE) THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS ARE MADE OF AN INEXPENSIVE METAL THAT OVERHEATS AND WARPS EASILY. THE OVERHEATING THEN CAUSES THE BRAKE PADS TO GLAZE AND THUS REDUCES BRAKING ABILITY. THIS APPEARS TO BE COMMON AS TWO OTHER IMPALA OWNERS I'VE SPOKE WITH ALSO SUFFER WITH THIS PROBLEM. IT IS EVEN NOTED BY MANY OTHER OWNERS AT WWW.IMPALAHQ.COM. CURRENTLY MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I AM PLANNING ON REPLACING THE BRAKES (AGAIN). THIS TIME I WILL PURCHASE ROTORS ON MY OWN SINCE THE FACTORY AND DEALER ISSUED ROTORS ARE NO GOOD. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH GM PRODUCTS BECAUSE BRAKES ARE THE LAST PLACE A MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO CUT COSTS. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 16, 2003
CATALYTIC CONVERTER CLOGGED ON 2002 VEHICLE. THE ENGINE WAS CALIBRATED TO RUN TOO LEAN MAKING THE EXHAUST GASES TOO HOT, LEADING TO PREMATURE FAILURE. NOTICED GRADUAL POWER LOSS SINCE 60,000 MILES BUT THOUGHT IT WAS AIR FILTER. FINALLY, I COULD NOT GET UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS AT 85,000 MILES, BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL DID NOT TURN ON. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 23, 2003
MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA LS HAS HAD A PROBLEM, SINCE BUYING IT IN MAY 2002, WITH THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING TO THE POINT OF CUTOFF THEN COMING BACK TO FULL INTENSITY IN A RAPID FASHION. I HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, BELTS, CABLES/WIRES CHECKED BUT TO NO AVAIL. I DO NOTICE THAT IF I ACCELERATE SHARPLY, OVER 3000 RPM, THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY FOR A WHILE, SUGGESTING THERE IS A CHARGING PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, BUT IS INCREASING IN FRENQUENCY AS MY ODO REACHES 23,000 MILES.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 22, 2003
HEADLIGHT FILLING WITH WATER VAPOR DEGRADING QUALITY OF LIGHT. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 4, 2003
THE RECALL REMEDY FOR THE UPPER/LOWER INTAKE CO303-4 MANUFACTURER # IS A SHORT TERM FIX, AND IS NOT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. *AK IF A SEALANT WAS USED TO STOP THE LEAKAGE INTO THE COOLANT SYSTEM TO THE VEHICLES MOTOR IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. ALSO IT COULD MOVE AROUND AND FLOW TO OTHER PLACES AT ANYTIME THERE WAS A TEMPERATURE CHANGE. *SCC *JB
AIR BAGSAugust 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT/CENTER COLLISION AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT.*AK THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED UPON IMPACT INJURING THE CONSUMER. SAFETY DEVICES DIDN'T PERFORM AS ADVERTISED. *PH *JB
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10031416SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 13, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES EXCESSIVELY, AND HEARS A GRINDING NOISE. DEALER ADVISED CONSUMER THAT NEW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE NEEDED. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 26000 MILES.*AK
TIRESAugust 13, 2003
YEAR 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA UNEVEN REAR TIRE TREAD WEAR. TOOK VEHICLE TO A WALMART SERVICE CENTER FOR TIRE ROTATION AND WAS REFUSED SERVICE, AND TOLD TO TRY TO CONTACT DEALERSHIP IN REGARD TO A POSSIBLE PROBLEM W/ VEHICLE CAUSING THIS. VEHICLE IS 14,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. I WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE 2 NEW REAR TIRES & HAVE CAR INSPECTED & PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. THIS IS A DANGER TO DRIVE WHILE TREAD IS BAD AND MAY POSSIBLY BE A MAJOR DEFECT OF THIS VEHICLE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 12, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING ABS FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 6, 2003
HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF IN PULSATING FASHION WHILE COASTING, BRAKING OR STOPPED. THE FLICKERING DOES NOT OCCUR WHILE ACCELERATING. 2002 IMPALA LS, SPORT EDITION, 3.8L V-6. THIS CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP JUST AFTER PURCHASE, RICHARD LUCAS, IN AVENEL, NJ. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP IN RACINE, WI - FRANK BOUCHER. THE FIRST TIME, THEY WERE UNABLE TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND GAVE ME A "BULLETIN" ADVISING DIMMING OF LIGHTS WAS NORMAL. THIS ISN'T DIMMING, IT'S FLICKERING. PLUS - I WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO THOUGHT I WAS PLAYING WITH MY HEADLIGHTS. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, FRANK BOUCHER, AND THEY CONTACTED GM TECH SERVICES. THEY CHECKED A FEW THINGS INCLUDING THE AIR PUMP. THEN - BY USING THE TECH II TOOL, THEY WERE ABLE TO RECREATE THE FLCIKERING BY SWITCHING THE AIR PUMP ON. HOWEVER, THE RESPONSE FROM GM TECH SERVICES IS, THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THE PROBLEM, HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A COMPLAINT ABOUT IT AND THERE IS NO "FIX". THEY HAVE ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS NO PROPOSED FIX. NOW I READ HERE THERE ARE THREE OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM. WHAT CAN BE DONE? GM WON'T DO ANYTHING STATING IT IS NORMAL - BUT IT IS NOT NORMAL. IF I AM PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER, THIS IS NOT NORMAL.
AIR BAGSJuly 30, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED CONSUMER LOST CONTROL, AND HAD A FRONT AND CENTER COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #10031589SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 15, 2003
VEHICLE REAR BRAKE ROTOR WAS PULSATING. NAR 07/15/2003.*MR *CB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 14, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING THE BRAKE ROTORS WEA ROUT, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 7, 2003
THE BRAKES ON A 2002 GM IMPALA CAUSED ROTOR FAILURE DUE TO THE INBOARD PAD WEARING TO THE ROTOR WHILE THE OUTBOARD WEAR INDICATORS STILL HAD A DIME'S WIDTH BEFORE IT WOULD TOUCH THE ROTOR. THE CAR HAD JUST 33,000 MILES ON THOSE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP REPORTED THAT 18,000 TO 30,000 IS NORMAL. THAT IS TOO SOON FOR HIGHWAY MILES. THE OTHER ISSUE IS A GM TECH REPORTED THAT THE INBOARD PADS ARE THINNER THAN THE OUTBOARD PADS ON THE PERFORMANCE MODELS. I HAVE SENT A COMPLAINT TO GM AND HAVE NOT GOTTEN A RESPONSE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATSJuly 2, 2003
DRIVER'S SIDE (LEFT) FRONT BRAKE CALIPER LOCKING UP & CAUSING TREMENDOUS PAD & ROTOR WEAR, CURRENTLY IN SHOP TO BE FIXED FOR 3RD TIME. OTHER PREVIOUS PROBLEMS INCLUDE FAULTY SENSOR REPORTING "LOW COOLANT" DESPITE FULL, & FRONT DRIVER'S POWER SEAT STUCK IN BACK POSITION.*AK
STEERING,AIR BAGSJune 18, 2003
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A SECOND HAND 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH 45,955 MILES AS PART OF THE DEAL THE DEALER WAS TO FIX THE AIR BAG LIGHT -IT WOULD NOT GO OUT- A MONTH AFTER THE SALE OF THIS CAR I HAD TO HAVE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT A COST OF $331 BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS KNOCKING ALL THE TIME, NO MATTER THE ROAD CONDITION. I BELIEVE THAT FOR A CAR THAT HAS HAD NO ACCIDENT DAMAGE AND HAS THIS AMOUNT OF MILEAGE ON IT, THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN EXPECT MORE OF THE SAME AND IF THIS WAS/IS A SAFETY ISSUE? I DRIVE ABOUT 5000 MILES A YEAR MYSELF. I AM NOT TO PLEASE WITH THIS CAR AT THE PRESENT TIME BECAUSE OF THE ABOVE AM I AM WONDERING IF, I SHOULD CUT MY LOSSES AND SELL IT. *NLM
AIR BAGSJune 17, 2003
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT AND STAYS ON. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG, AND RELATED WIRING AND COMPUTER COMPONENTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *JB
AIR BAGSMay 31, 2003
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. *TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMay 15, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED, HEADLIGHTS WILL PULSATE AND DIM TO HALF THE BRIGHTNESS. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING, ANNOYING, AND UN-NERVING BECAUSE IT CAUSES THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU TO BELIEVE YOU ARE FLASHING YOUR LIGHTS AT THEM. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM 3 TIMES SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT IT IN APRIL 2002. DEALER STATES THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM, WON'T TRY AND IT'S NORMAL. THIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED TO ME WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE OTHERWISE HAD I KNOWN, I WOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT IT. *JB
CHILD SEATMay 15, 2003
THE CHILD SEAT LATCH WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED THE PUT THE CHILD IN THE CAR SEAT. *NLM
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESMay 12, 2003
I WANTED HIM TO CHECK MY DRIVER SIDE BACK DOOR BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T OPEN VERY EASILY AT TIMES, AND THE WINDOW TO THAT SAME DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT TIMES. ALSO, MY TRUNK WOULDN'T OPEN WHEN ONE WOULD USE THE TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON AT TIMES. I ALSO HAD HIM CHECK MY DIMMING HEADLIGHTS, MY STEERING WHICH HAD A JERK IN IT WHEN I WENT AROUND CURVES, CLICKING SOUND IN ENGINE AND AN OVER ALL CHECK SINCE MY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT IN 1,000 MILES. TURN OUT-AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER MY AIR CONDITIONER WAS HUMMING LIKE A HELICOPTER, MY BRAKES WERE HORRIBLE AND GRINDING AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT HAS NO GET UP AND GO POWER. I TOOK MY CAR TO BRAKE CHECK AFTER LEAVING BECAUSE WHEN THE DEALER DID THE OVERALL CHECK OF MY CAR THEY SAID I NEEDED A FRONT BRAKE JOB. AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER 200.00 DOLLARS. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. WELL BRAKE CHECK TOOK OFF ALL FOUR TIRES AND FOUND THAT MY PROBLEM WAS DUE TO LEFT AND RIGHT CALIPER PROBLEMS ON THE INBOARD SIDE AND LEFT REAR HARD WEAR PROBLEMS AND WEAR ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE. THE CALIPER IS ENGAGING BUT NOT DISENGAGING AND CAUSED MY PADS TO WEAR OUT AND MY ROTORS ARE ATE UP. THE PADS ARE NOT WORN EVENLY WHICH IS DEFINITELY A SIGN OF CALIPER PROBLEMS. ALSO, THE DEALER UPON THE OVERALL INSPECTION OF MY CAR SAID THAT MY INTAKE GASKETS WERE RUINED AND LEAKING COOLANT. THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THEM, HOWEVER I AM AFRAID THAT THERE IS FURTHER DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE THAT THEY ARE NOT TELLING ME, JUST LIKE MY BRAKES. DUE TO THE FACT THAT STEVE AT LONE STAR TOLD ME THAT IT WAS CAUSED DUE TO LACK OF OILS CHANGES AND GIL SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GASKETS BEING IMPROPERLY SEATED FROM THE FACTORY OR JUST A DEFECT IN THE GASKET. WELL IS THIS WHY MY CAR HAS NO GET UP ANYMORE? MY CAR ALSO MADE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN HITTING BUMPS UNDER THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER AREA THAT NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT AND MY HEADLIGHT PROBLEM THEY SAID WAS DUE TO A FAULTY BATTERY CABLE. *NLM
STEERINGMay 2, 2003
THE VEHICLES STEERING COLUMN WAS VERY LOOSE AND PRODUCED A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. *NLM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESApril 10, 2003
POWER DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2002 IMPALA STILL ARE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND HAVEN'T BEEN SINCE SHORTLY AFTER CAR WAS PURCHASED. SUPPOSED TO LOCK WHEN TAKING CAR OUT OF PARK. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE , AND IT HAS BEEN A TEMPORARY FIX AS THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO RESURFACE INTERMITTENTLY. THIS SAFETY FEATURE IS NOT RELIABLE. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRESApril 7, 2003
THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK WOULD NOT FILL BECAUSE AIR HAD GOTTEN IN THE TANK. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM ONE MUST HOLD THE GAS NOZZLE AWAY FROM THE FILLER TUBE AND RESTRICT THE FLOW. THE TIRE AND FUEL SYSTEM/TANK/INJECTORS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RATTLE SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO THE INJECTORS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. AFTER THE ENGINE IS HOT, THE NEXT TIME THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OVER BUT NO START AND RUN ROUGH. THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATED(NOT GIVING ACTUAL AMOUNT). THE SOLENOID WAS REPLACED DUE TO HANGING BY THE HOSE RETAINER. SCC
VISIBILITYMarch 26, 2003
GLARE INSIDE WINDSHIELD.
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 25, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXTREMELY HARD. *JB
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 25, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXTREMELY HARD. *JB
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 25, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXTREMELY HARD. *JB
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 25, 2003
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXTREMELY HARD. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 19, 2003
02' CHEVROLET IMPALA. USING THREE DIFFERENT CONFINED SPACE MONITORS I HAVE FOUND CONTINUING PRESENCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE AND METHANE EMISSIONS IN THE INTERIOR/CAB OF MY VEHICLE. GM HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND HAS ALSO FOUND THE PRESENCE OF VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSIDE THE VEHICLE BUT, THEY CONTEND THE AMOUNTS ARE WITHIN EPA STANDARDS. THE PROBLEM IS ON GOING AND CONTINUES TO BE A HEALTH RISK FOR MY FAMILY. FREQUENT HEADACHES AND FATIGUE ARE OFTEN AFFECTS AFTER OPERATING THE VEHICLE. NAUSEA HAS OCCURRED AFTER LENGTHY TRIPS IN THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE RESULTED TO DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN TO HELP ALEVE THE EFFECTS ON THE CARBON MONOXIDE, BUT THIS ISN'T THE SOLUTION. THE EMISSIONS ALSO CREATES AN ODOR THAT CLINGS TO YOUR BODY. WHAT CAN I DO? *NLM
SUSPENSIONMarch 18, 2003
WE PURCHASED THIS IMPALA LS WITH 90 MILES ON IT (AS IT WAS DRIVEN UP FROM A DEALER IN NEW JERSEY). SINCE THE FIRST DAY WE HAD THE VEHICLE THERE HAS BEEN A CLEARANCE PROBLEM - WHEN GOING UP OR DOWN A NORMAL GARAGE OR DRIVEWAY INCLINE AT THE SLOWEST SPEED (EVEN BELOW 5 MPH), THE CAR BOTTOMS OUT. WE HAVE ADVISED BOTH PAUL CONTE AND THE GM CHEVY DIVISION OF THIS IMMEDIATELY AND REPEATEDLY. THEIR RESPONSE WAS, THE VEHICLE HAD A DESIGN FLAW. WE DO NOT FEEL CHEVROLET'S DESIGN FLAW SHOULD BE THE CONSUMER'S ISSUE. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 16, 2003
THE CAR STALLS ON THE FREEWAYS OR SIDE STREETS WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS, AND I LOSE CONTROL THE POWER OF THE CAR AND THE BRAKES. IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DEALERS ARE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR IT. *NLM
AIR BAGSFebruary 20, 2003
OWNER OF THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT. IT CONSISTED OF THE DRIVER HITTING AN 8 FOOT GATE AND KNOCKING IT DOWN. HITTING THE TRUCK PARKED IN THAT GATE WITH THE FORCE OF PUSHING IT INTO THE BUILDING, WHERE THE BUILDING WAS CRACKED ON THE INSIDE. ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL ITS NO REASON WHY THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED AT THIS TIME. I DAMAGED THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE DRIVER SIDE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE. WHICH AS STATED THE OWNERS MANUAL ARE REASONS THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION . I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAS HAPPENED TO WITH AN CHEVROLET IMPALA 2002. I HAVE MADE CONTACT WITH OTHER OWNERS. WHO HAVE ALSO FILED CLAIMS WITH YOU. I KNOW EACH ACCIDENT/SITUATION IS DIFFERENT BUT PLEASE SEND ME A RESPONSE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10007836POWER TRAINFebruary 12, 2003
AFTER SLOWING TO ENTER A DRIVEWAY THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO GAS PEDDLE. IT WOULD GO VERY SLOWLY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PUSHED. IT WOULD NOT CORRECT ITSELF AFTER BEING STOPED AND TURNED OFF. HOWEVER AFTER BEING OFF SOMETIME IT WENT AWAY AND RESPONDED AS USUAL. WHEN IT WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEPT. IT DID IT AGAIN BUT LATER THE SERVICE MAN SAID HE COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT, ALTHOUGH HE KNEW THAT IT DID IT ORIGINALLY.
AIR BAGSFebruary 7, 2003
VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, BUT NONE OF THE AIR DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. DRIVER SUSTAIN SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. PLEASE PUT THE CORRECT MODEL. PH
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10006774AIR BAGSJanuary 16, 2003
THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER FRONT AIR BAG(S) ARE DEFECTIVE. RECALL #C020325. NHTSA#02V222000 SCC PH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 14, 2003
WHEN TRYING TO APPLY ANTI LOCK BRAKES BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID, RESULTING IN A COLLISION/INJURIES. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS...*AK
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10003705FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJanuary 9, 2003
MY 2002 CHEVEROLET IMPALA (8000 MILES) HAS DEVELOPED A THUDING LIKE TYPE NOISE IN THE GAS TANK OF THIS CAR... THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THIS IS A NORMAL SOUND... HAVE YOU HEARD OF ANY OTHER PROBLEMS REPORTED BY OHTER OWNERS OF 2002 IMPALAS??
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 27, 2002
CONSUMER STATED A MALFUNCTION IN THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CAUSED HIM TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.*JB
Crash reported
NHTSA #568353ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 20, 2002
AN UNCONNECTED WIRE RENDERED THE VEHICLE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INOPERABLE WHICH IN TURN RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *NM
Crash reported
NHTSA #10001276VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDecember 4, 2002
CONSUMER STATES WHILE AT STOP THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SURGED FORWARD. TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 29, 2002
I WAS IN A WRECK LAST MONDAY NIGHT WHILE DRIVING A COMPANY VAN. THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN YOU SET IT AT A SPEED THEN GO DOWN A HILL IT WOULD GET 15-20 MILES FASTER. ANY HOW THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WENT DOWN AND I HIT A GUARD RAIL WITH THE FRONT OF THE VAN A FIRE STARTED IMMEDIATELY BY MY LEFT FOOT AND NONE OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNTIL THE FIRE GOT TO THEM. THE VAN ROLLED OVER ONCE AND LANDED ON ITS WHEELS THE DOORS WOULDN'T OPEN I ROLLED DOWN THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND GOT OUT THAT WAY AND THE ABS BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP WHEN YOU HAVE TO GET ON THEM REAL HARD. DT
Crash reported
NHTSA #770245VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNovember 26, 2002
WHILE DRIVING 50MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE OWNER IMMEDIATELY MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO APPLY THE BRAKES BEFORE BEING ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TS
VISIBILITYNovember 25, 2002
THE WINDSHIELD WAS GLASSY, WHICH CAUSED EYE STRAIN AND FATIGUE, WHEN DRIVING IN SUNNY CONDITIONS. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER COULD NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TS *TT *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 21, 2002
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES' SOMETIMES VEHICLE WON'T START. CONSUMER HAS TO TRY ABOUT THREE TIMES BEFORE VEHICLE WILL START. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
STEERINGNovember 18, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THEY WILL HAVE ERRATIC STEERING CONTROL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHERNovember 6, 2002
CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING WITH AIR VENT ON WHILE CAR IS IDLING CONSUMER NOTICE FUEL SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE IN RESULT OF MAKING PASSENGER AND CONSUMER SICK. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 30, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING THE HEADLIGHTS WILL FLICKER CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER VIEW DURING NIGHTTIME. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 23, 2002
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ABS BRAKES LOCKED UP AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO SKID UNCONTROLLABLY, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. *YH. *AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #567946AIR BAGSOctober 23, 2002
THE AIR BAGS FAILIED TO DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 10, 2002
CONSUMER STATE THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHEN APPLIED THE BRAKES. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPLACES THE FRONT ROTORS AND THE PADS ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. MR
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGOctober 7, 2002
LIGHTS WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN KEEP GOING FROM SHARP TO DIM -MCGUIRE CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT TELL ME THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO CORRECT IT. SEEMS TO BE A FOOLISH ANSWER TO ME SINCE THE CAR HAS BEEN OUT FOR A FULL YEAR AND BY NOW GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE CAR AND FIXED THE PROBLEM. MR
VISIBILITYOctober 3, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT WINDSHIELD HAS A DENSE GLARE WHICH CAUSES EYE SRAIN AND FATIGUE, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *YH
VISIBILITY,STRUCTUREOctober 3, 2002
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAS A DENSE GLARE WHICH CAUSES EYE STRAIN AND FATIGUE HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *YH
VISIBILITYOctober 3, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAS A GLARE THAT YOU CAN BARELY SEE THROUGH. CONSUMER STATES IF YOU TURN TO THE LEFT YOU CANT SEE AT ALL. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 27, 2002
THE BRAKE ROTORS CONTINUE TO WARP ONLY AFTER 4 TO 6,000 MILES (ALL FOUR BRAKES). NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSeptember 26, 2002
WHEN USING THE LANE CHANGE FEATURE ON THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER, INSTEAD OF FLASHIMG AT SAME SPEED AS WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNALS, THE FLASHER (AT TIMES) WOULD FLASH AT A RAPID SPEED SIMILAR TO WHEN A BULB WOULD BE BURNED OUT IN THE TAIL LIGHTS. CONSUMER HAD A NEW SWITCH PUT IN, BUT THAT DIDN'T REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER ALONG WITH A DEALER REP, HAD TESTED OTHER OF THE SAME VEHICLE MAKE, AND NOTICED THAT ONE HAD ACTED THE SAME AS THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCHES ON THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER. THE ONE THAT ACTED PROPERLY DID NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER. *SCC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLSeptember 17, 2002
WHEN ON A DOWNWARD INCLINE OR IN REVERSE AND APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE WILL STILL ACCELERATE, AND IT IS HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE IS ALSO EXPERIENCING A THUMPING NOISE IN THE RER OF THE VEHICLE WHILE BRAKING. *AK *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 4, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 3052 MILES ON IT AND HAS STALLED ON TWO OCCASIONS, BOTH WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, CONSUMER HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. *SLC
AIR BAGSAugust 26, 2002
DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG. *AK
VISIBILITYAugust 21, 2002
REFLECTION FROM SUN ON DASHBOARD CAUSES A DISTRACTION TO DUE TO A TERRIBLE GLARE ON FRONT WINDSHIELD COMING OFF DASHBOARD FROM THE SUN. CONSUMER HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET THE PROBLEM SOLVED AFTER GOING TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS. CHEVROLET WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 19, 2002
WHILE CHECKING COOLING SYSTEM NOTICED A BUILD UP OF BROWN STUFF ON RADIATOR CAP, AND BROWN WATER AT RADIATOR TOP. COOLING LIQUID BREAKS DOWN AND CLOGS UP RADIATOR/ HEATER CORE AND ENGINE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 19, 2002
WHEN BRAKING AND (ROTORS)WHEELS ARE HOT, CAUSES THE ROTORS TO BECOME OUT OF ROUND. WHEN BRAKING WHEELS PULSATE, AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHILE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 19, 2002
THE HORN ON 2002 MODEL WAS HARDER TO PUSH THAN ON THE OLDER MODELS DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE HORN DESIGN SAFETY PROBLEM COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLAugust 15, 2002
CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. CONSUMER THEN PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE, AND IT LURCHED FORWARD AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE ANY PROBLEM.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #8016468TIRESAugust 10, 2002
TIRE SIDEWALL BLOWOUT/SEPARATION AT 45 MPH, TIRE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, SEPARATION. *AK
VISIBILITYJuly 29, 2002
COLOR SANDRIFF 49U OF CAR. CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A GLARE ON WINDSHIELD. *AK
VISIBILITYJuly 29, 2002
GLARE ON WINDSHIELD AFFECTS DRIVER'S VISIBILITY. *AK
AIR BAGSJuly 23, 2002
IT TAKES EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO MAKE HORN WORK. VEHICLE WAS CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO ADVISED CONSUMER THAT POSITION OF AIRBAG IS MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR HORN TO WORK.*AK *YH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESJuly 13, 2002
WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 25 - 30 MPH ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL ROADWAY WHEN HOOD POPPED UP, CAUSING HOOD TO BEND.*AK
STEERINGJuly 13, 2002
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL FELL OFF. ALTHOUGH MINIMAL IMPACT (IF ANY) WAS SUSTAINED, THE TIE ROD AND KNUCKLE WAS BROKEN.*AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #764189ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 10, 2002
PRESSING HORN BUTTON TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT. DEALER SAID IT WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 25, 2002
VEHICLE WOULD SHIMMY AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND THE REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED. *AK *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 20, 2002
AT 45MPH THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITH NO WARNING AND WILL NOT START BACK UP. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
POWER TRAINJune 14, 2002
WHEN IN DRIVE AND STOPPED AT AN INCLINE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACK IF BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED.*AK
STRUCTUREJune 3, 2002
THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ROOF TOP OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS SET IN PARKING WHEN THE TEMPERATURES ARE HIGH AND/OR HOT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK *SCC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 2, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THE WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A STRONG SMELL THAT GOES INSIDE THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE AND AT TIMES THE CONSUMER HAS TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE CONSUMER CANNOT STAND THE SMELL. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 26, 2002
CONSUMER RETURNED TO HER CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT TO FIND IT ON FIRE, CONSUMER STATES THE PROBLEM OCCURRED DUE TO FAULTY WIRING. *SLC
Fire reported
NHTSA #565436UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 24, 2002
THE TOP OF THE DASH BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS LIFTING AWAY FROM THE FRONT OF THE DASH BOARD (YOU CAN SEE THE GLUE). INTERESTING POINT TO MENTION - THE RENTAL CAR WE RECEIVED WAS ALSO AN IMPALA AND WE NOTED THE SAME THING WAS HAPPENING TO THE DASH BOARD ON THE RENTAL VEHICLE. (CAN THIS AFFECT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT?)*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 21, 2002
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, CONSUMER FEELS VEHICLE JERKING. FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE SHAFED DOWN BY DEALER.*AK *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 28, 2002
HORN IS VERY HARD TO LOCATE AND ACTIVATE WHEN NEEDED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK THE SEVRICE MANAGER SAYS THAT AIR BAGS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO BLOW THE HORN DURING AN EMERGENCY CONDITION. ALL IMPALAS AND MALIBUS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *YH
VISIBILITYJanuary 28, 2002
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR EXPLODED - SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. I WAS TOLD SOMETHING HIT THE MIRROR CAUSING IT TO EXPLODE. THIS WAS BASED ON THE MIRROR CASING HAVING SCRATCHES ON THE TOP. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A MIRROR EXPLODING - FOR ANY REASON - AND NEITHER HAS ANYONE ELSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO, INCLUDING THE DEALERSHIP THAT IS FIXING MY VEHICLE. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO CHEVROLET BUT THEY DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE. MY NIECE WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT AT THE TIME AND, FORTUNATELY, DID NOT HAVE THE WINDOW DOWN - OTHERWISE SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. *AK
POWER TRAINJanuary 3, 2002
WHEN ON AN INCLINE, VEHICLE WILL START TO ROLL BACKWARDS. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK DEALER STATED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS NORMAL. *JB
POWER TRAINNovember 2, 2001
CONSUMER BACKING UP AT ABOUT 3 MPH WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER CAME OFF. DEALERSHIP REPLACED GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY.*AK *SLC
SEAT BELTSOctober 2, 2001
WHILE CHILD SEAT WAS LOCKED IN PLACE IN REAR WITH SEAT BELT( CHILD IN SEAT), THE SEAT BELT UNLOCKED WITHOUT ANY INTENTIONS, CAUSING CHILD AND SEAT TO FLIP OVER,ACCELERATING TO TURN LEFT THE BELT RELEASED AFTER MAKING TURN, THE BELT RELEASED TUMBLING CHILD TOWARD REAR PASSENGER DOOR. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE CHILD AND SEAT FLIP UPSIDE DOWN*JG