NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
305 reportsClear category filter45,000 miles · Jun 3, 2010
Electrical System
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10334519
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2010
Electrical System
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
NHTSA ODI #10332485
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2010
Electrical System
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10331198
129,000 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Electrical System
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 M…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10327635
87,000 miles · Apr 23, 2010
Electrical System
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10327236
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingTraction Control System
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, HI…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10322574
112,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Electrical System
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10315054
68,000 miles · Feb 26, 2010
Electrical System
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10314737
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2010
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
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.…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10313152
70,000 miles · Feb 25, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingVisibility
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 REPLAC…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10314387
Official recalls
4Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Apr 8, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Aug 9, 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE06017 · Alleged Headlight Failure
Opened May 15, 2006 · Closed Oct 25, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Exterior Lighting
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch
A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
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