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2003 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

513 reports with mileage · 181 unknown

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

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 264 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports32 fire reports23 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

264 reports
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119,000 miles · Nov 30, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine

WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES, RADIO LOCKS UP AND THE CAR STALLS. AFTER READING THE MANUAL AND CONTACTING A DEALER, I WAS ADVISED TO TURN THE KEY INTO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR THE SECURITY LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING, THEN START THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED IT TOOK OVER AN HOUR FOR THE C…

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WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES, RADIO LOCKS UP AND THE CAR STALLS. AFTER READING THE MANUAL AND CONTACTING A DEALER, I WAS ADVISED TO TURN THE KEY INTO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR THE SECURITY LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING, THEN START THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED IT TOOK OVER AN HOUR FOR THE CAR TO START. THE SECOND TIME, IT TOOK OVER AN HOUR AS WELL. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME AND IM ON DAY 2 OF LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION AND NOTHING IS HAPPENING. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN AND AT FIRST I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO BRING IT IN FOR A SECURITY SYSTEM RESET. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE BCM WITHOUT ANYONE ACTUALLY LOOKING AT MY CAR. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE ON MODEL 2000-2005. GM IS CLEARLY AWARE OF THIS DEFECT BUT REFUSE RECALL. THOSE THAT HAVE PAID OVER $500 TO FIX REPLACE THE BCM ARE STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. CAN GM BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FLAW THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF YET CHARGING PEOPLE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX A PART THAT MAY NOT BE BROKEN? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10486544

194,511 miles · Oct 19, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

MY TURN SIGNALS WENT OUT. WILL NOT WORK AND IDK WHAT'S GOING ON BUT I HAVE READ MANY SAME COMPLAINTS THE NET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10481064

123,752 miles · Oct 16, 2012
Electrical System

THE CAR WILL NOT START AND I HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT 5 MINUTES OR SO UNTIL IT WILL START. I HAVE BEEN READING ONLINE THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND CHEVROLET HAS NOT DONE A RECALL TO FIX IT, IT IS VERY SAD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10480770

158,000 miles · Oct 2, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE KEY HAD TO REMAIN IN ACC MODE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD START. THE FAILURE OCCUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE KEY HAD TO REMAIN IN ACC MODE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE IT WOULD START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE PASS LOCK KEY SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR WITH BOTH KEYS USED TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

NHTSA ODI #10478275

97,658 miles · Oct 1, 2012
Electrical System

MULTIPLE TIMES THE KEY HAS BEEN UNABLE TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. USUALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE KEY WILL TURN AND I AM ABLE TO START THE CAR. HOWEVER, ON SEPTEMBER 30, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR HAS NOT STARTED SINCE. I CAN NOT TURN THE CAR ON TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AT ALL AND I…

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MULTIPLE TIMES THE KEY HAS BEEN UNABLE TO TURN IN THE IGNITION. USUALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE KEY WILL TURN AND I AM ABLE TO START THE CAR. HOWEVER, ON SEPTEMBER 30, I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE CAR HAS NOT STARTED SINCE. I CAN NOT TURN THE CAR ON TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN AT ALL AND I READ THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10478231

98,200 miles · Sep 12, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT, HAVE INSTALLED 2 PARTS WILL LAST A COUPLE MONTHS THAN WILL GO OUT AGAIN. WILL GO DIM THAN GO OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475235

146,064 miles · Sep 10, 2012
Electrical System

RECENTLY, WHEN I ARRIVED AT A LOCAL BUSINESS CENTER, I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO OFF AND I COULD NOT. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ACC POSITION, AND THUS COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IN ADDITION, ALL THE ACCESSORIES WERE ON. RELUCTANTLY, I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT WITH THE POWER ON AND MY KEYS DANGLING IN T…

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RECENTLY, WHEN I ARRIVED AT A LOCAL BUSINESS CENTER, I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO OFF AND I COULD NOT. THE KEY WAS STUCK IN THE ACC POSITION, AND THUS COULD NOT BE REMOVED. IN ADDITION, ALL THE ACCESSORIES WERE ON. RELUCTANTLY, I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT WITH THE POWER ON AND MY KEYS DANGLING IN THE IGNITION. WHEN I DROVE HOME, ONCE AGAIN THE KEY WOULD NOT ROTATE TO THE OFF POSITION -- IT REMAINED AT ACC. I ATTEMPTED MANY FIXES FOR THE PROBLEM -- REPEATEDLY SHIFTING INTO PARK, TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, ETC. I WAS FORCED TO LEAVE THE CAR ON, AND WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. MY BATTERY IN TIME WOULD BE DEAD. PERHAPS WORSE, MY CAR WAS JUST SITTING THERE WAITING FOR AN OPPORTUNISTIC THIEF. I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR HELP AND FOUND SCORES OF REPORTS OF IMPALA OWNERS WHO HAD THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. THE IGNITION KEY GETS STUCK IN ACC AND CAN'T BE REMOVED. IT'S AN INTOLERABLE SITUATION BECAUSE YOU CAN'T SECURE YOUR CAR. NOT TO MENTION THAT YOU CAN'T TURN THE ACCESSORIES OFF, SO YOU HAVE A GUARANTEED DRAINED BATTERY. HERE IS JUST ONE FORUM WHERE THIS SPECIFIC IMPALA PROBLEM WAS DISCUSSED: HTTP://REPAIRPAL.COM/IGNITION-KEY-STUCK-DUE-TO-FAILED-SHIFTER-020. CHEVROLET SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX THIS PROBLEM. THERE'S NO WAY ONE CAN FORCE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, AND THE ONLY MEANS OF AVOIDING THE DRAINED-BATTERY PROBLEM IS TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLES. THAT'S NOT TECHNOLOGY, THAT'S A NIGHTMARE. MY CAR IS CONSTANTLY AT RISK OF BEING STOLEN, AND I'M HOOKING AND UNHOOKING THE BATTERY CABLES ALL THE TIME. THIS IS A VERY PERVASIVE AND PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH IMPALA OWNERS. JUST THIS ONE WEB SITE ALONE (ABOVE) CONTAINS DETAILED ACCOUNTS BY SCORES OF COMPLAINANTS, AND IT'S BUT ONE OF MANY. WE PAID TOO MUCH FOR THESE CARS TO BE RIPPED OFF AND JERKED AROUND. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10474438

148,086 miles · Aug 17, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED TO COME ON AND WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION. HIGH-BEAMS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STILL FUNCTION, BUT AT DUSK THE LOW-BEAMS WILL FAIL TO LIGHT; HOWEVER HIGH-BEAMS CAN BE USED INSTEAD CREATING A TRAFFIC HAZARD. I REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A NEW SWITCH, AND REPLACED THE RELAY WITH A KNOWN …

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LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED TO COME ON AND WILL NO LONGER FUNCTION. HIGH-BEAMS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STILL FUNCTION, BUT AT DUSK THE LOW-BEAMS WILL FAIL TO LIGHT; HOWEVER HIGH-BEAMS CAN BE USED INSTEAD CREATING A TRAFFIC HAZARD. I REPLACED THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A NEW SWITCH, AND REPLACED THE RELAY WITH A KNOWN GOOD WORKING RELAY. THE RELAY WILL STILL WORK AND ACTUATE INDICATING THAT THE RELAY IS NOT THE PROBLEM. I CHECKED THE BULBS AND THEY ARE STILL GOOD, FUSES ARE FINE, 12V POSITIVE POWER IS PRESENT AT THE BULB, BUT THE GROUND IS NOT ACTIVATED ON EITHER SIDE AT ANY TIME. ALL PROBLEMS POINT TO A BAD BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM). I HAVE CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE ARE MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IF THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAIL ON SOMEBODY WHILE THEY ARE DRIVING, IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH AND WITH THAT COMES THE POSSIBILITY OF THE FATALITY OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. THE BCM COMPUTER IS KNOWN TO CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS WITH STARTING THE VEHICLE, FLASHING THE LIGHTS BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR AND THESE WILL CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471288

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2012
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 2 DAYS IN MEXICO AND I ATTEMPTED TO START IT EARLY AFTERNOON AND IT AFTER 1 HOUR OF WAITING TO START IT AGAIN, IT WOULD NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME A IN THE PAST AND THE LAST TIME IT DID WAS ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. MY CAR WOULD NOT START AT FIRST AND THEN AFTER 10-15 MINUTES OF WAITING IT WOULD THEN…

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THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 2 DAYS IN MEXICO AND I ATTEMPTED TO START IT EARLY AFTERNOON AND IT AFTER 1 HOUR OF WAITING TO START IT AGAIN, IT WOULD NOT START. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME A IN THE PAST AND THE LAST TIME IT DID WAS ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. MY CAR WOULD NOT START AT FIRST AND THEN AFTER 10-15 MINUTES OF WAITING IT WOULD THEN TURN ON BUT NOW ITS TAKEN LONGER TO FUNCTION. I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT REASON WHY THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING BUT WOULD LIKE IT TO GET FIXED ASAP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469570

70,000 miles · Aug 2, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE BOARD MODULE CONTROL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE MALFUNCTION PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE BOARD MODULE CONTROL WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE MALFUNCTION PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10468936

Official recalls

5

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.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

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

NHTSA investigations

1

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.