NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
795 reports98,000 miles · Aug 29, 2011
Seat BeltsUnknown Or Other
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 REPL…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10422449
70,000 miles · Aug 26, 2011
Traction Control System
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 VEHIC…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10421557
111,440 miles · Aug 24, 2011
Electrical System
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10421285
133,000 miles · Aug 23, 2011
Air BagsElectrical SystemEquipment
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
NHTSA ODI #10421174
77,000 miles · Aug 19, 2011
Exterior Lighting
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 SWIT…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10420113
59,000 miles · Aug 15, 2011
Electrical SystemEquipment
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10419576
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2011
Electrical System
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
NHTSA ODI #10418421
60,544 miles · Aug 8, 2011
Visibility
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 RECURR…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10417923
170,000 miles · Aug 5, 2011
Unknown Or Other
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10417724
85,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Electrical SystemInterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic
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 HITTI…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10417124
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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