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2002 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

571 reports with mileage · 224 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 305 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

37 crash reports32 fire reports27 injury reports

What owners actually said

795 reports
119,000 miles · Jan 29, 2009
Visibility

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 BEG…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10256894

60,000 miles · Jan 27, 2009
Electrical System

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 MECH…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10256517

70,000 miles · Jan 26, 2009
Electrical System

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

NHTSA ODI #10256382

120,125 miles · Jan 19, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

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 CON…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10255550

67,900 miles · Jan 15, 2009
Exterior Lighting

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

NHTSA ODI #10255253

89,900 miles · Dec 13, 2008
Exterior Lighting

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 INTERMITTENTL…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10251644

69,000 miles · Dec 10, 2008
Exterior Lighting

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 MANUFACTURE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10251304

128,000 miles · Dec 8, 2008
SeatsFireInjury

HEATED SEAT SHORTED OUT, CAUGHT FIRE, BURNED DRIVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251051

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2008
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS TURN COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING - MANIPULATING HI/LOW BEAM SWITCH TURNS THEM BACK ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251049

70,000 miles · Dec 6, 2008
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10250940

Official recalls

4

15V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 26, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 3, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Apr 8, 2009

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

PE06017 · Alleged Headlight Failure

Opened May 15, 2006 · Closed Oct 25, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Exterior Lighting

A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:headlights

A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

A TOTAL OF 646,038 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE SOLD DURING MY 2001-2003, AND THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA TABULATED ABOVE APPLY TO THE TOTAL VEHICLE POPULATION.COMPLAINT REPORTS ALLEGING HEADLIGHT OUTAGE REPRESENT SLIGHTLY MORE THAT ONE-HALF OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND THE BALANCE ARE ALLEGATIONS OF FLICKERING AND DIMMING.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION TO BE WEAR OF A CONTACT PLUNGER IN THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAY RESULT IN A TEMPORARY OPEN CIRCUIT, WITH THE PLUNGER IN A NEUTRAL POSITION BETWEEN HIGH- AND LOW-BEAM CONTACT POINTS.CONSUMERS CONSISTENTLY REPORTED THAT MANIPULATION OF THE SWITCH HANDLE ON THE STEERING COLUMN RESTORES EITHER HIGH OR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FUNCTION.NO OTHER POTENTIAL SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, E.G., FIRES OR WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, WERE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.THE MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZED THE SUBJECT HEADLIGHT ISSUES FROM FAILURE AND WARRANTY REPORTS, AND ISSUED A REDESIGNED PLUNGER IN 2003. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT IDENTIFY A DEFECT REQUIRING RECALL AND REMEDY.ODI HAS DETERMINED THAT THE RATES OF OCCURRENCE, THE FAILURE MODE AND THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS COMPARED TO OTHER SIMILAR INVESTIGATIONS FAIL TO IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY MAY TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

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.