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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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85,000 miles · Jul 13, 2012
Electrical System

2003 CHEVY IMPALA 87,000 MILES ON IT- SECURITY PASS LOCK SYSTEM BEGINS FLASHING PERIODICALLY WHILE I AM DRIVING AND THEN RANDOMLY WILL NOT START. THE ENTIRE DASH LIGHTS UP AND I HAVE POWER TO THE WINDOWS, BUT THE KEY WILL NOT START THE IGNITION. IF I WAIT 10 MINUTES, IT WILL START. I TOOK MY CARE TO GM SERVICE AND THEY SAID …

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2003 CHEVY IMPALA 87,000 MILES ON IT- SECURITY PASS LOCK SYSTEM BEGINS FLASHING PERIODICALLY WHILE I AM DRIVING AND THEN RANDOMLY WILL NOT START. THE ENTIRE DASH LIGHTS UP AND I HAVE POWER TO THE WINDOWS, BUT THE KEY WILL NOT START THE IGNITION. IF I WAIT 10 MINUTES, IT WILL START. I TOOK MY CARE TO GM SERVICE AND THEY SAID IT CAR NEED TO CHANGE SOME ELECTRICAL PARTS LIKE BCM COMPUTER, IGNITION KEY SET, ETC ETC WILL COST ME AROUND $850 AFTER MY RESEARCH ONLINE DISCOVERED THAT GM KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE IN THEIR SYSTEM, BUT DOES NOT CARE TO FIX IT. IN THIS ECONOMY, NO ONE CAN AFFORD TO REPLACE A 850 DOLLAR ERROR. IT IS DISHEARTENING. THE REASON WE WENT WITH A CHEVY IMPALA IS THE DEPENDABILITY. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS ISSUE AND IT IS SIMPLY CARELESS ON GM'S PART. I'M A VERY DISAPPOINTED CUSTOMER AND I WILL SPREAD THE WORD AROUND TO NOT PURCHASE GM VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10465594

100,000 miles · May 23, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10459347

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2012
Electrical System

MY 2003 IMPALA LS 3800 CAR CUTS OUT WHEN I START IT AFTER ITS BEEN SITTING A WHILE. I HEAR THIS IS MOST COMMON FOR THESE GM MODELS BUT I CANNOT FIND OUT THE ISSUE TO STOP IT. SHOP WORKERS COULD NOT TELL AT THE SHOP BY DOING A DIAGNOSTIC SCAN. I REALLY WANT TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10454466

73,400 miles · Mar 4, 2012
Electrical System

I HAVE BEEN HAVING RECENT TROUBLE WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING. I TRY TO START IT AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I GET A SECURITY LIGHT THAT FLASHES. I AM USING THE ORIGINAL KEY. I WILL SOMETIMES BE ABLE TO START WITH WITHIN 15 MINUTES LATER, BUT SOMETIMES I AM STUCK SOMEWHERE FOR HOURS BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUS…

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I HAVE BEEN HAVING RECENT TROUBLE WITH MY CAR NOT STARTING. I TRY TO START IT AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I GET A SECURITY LIGHT THAT FLASHES. I AM USING THE ORIGINAL KEY. I WILL SOMETIMES BE ABLE TO START WITH WITHIN 15 MINUTES LATER, BUT SOMETIMES I AM STUCK SOMEWHERE FOR HOURS BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY BECAUSE I JUST RECENTLY GOT A NEW ONE THINKING THAT COULD BE THE PROBLEM. I READ ONLINE THAT IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A FAULTY PASS SECURITLY LOCK ISSUE WITH FLAWED GM SYSTEM. I ALSO READ THAT PAYING TO TRY THE FIX THE PROBLEM IS WORTHLESS BECAUSE IT WILL USUALLY JUST REOCCUR SO THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY TO FIX THIS WITHOUT CONTINIUING TO WASTE MY HARD EARNED MONEY. THIS IS BOTH A NUISACE AND HAS CAUSED ME MANY TROUBLES BEING LATE TO IMPORTATNT MEETINGS ETC. I ONCE HAD TO TAKE MY GRANNY TO THE HOSPITAL AND WAS NOT ABOUT TO BECAUSE MY CAR WOULDNT START. PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN TO GET THIS THING RECALLED AS I THINK IT IS UNFAIR TO ALL THESE PEOPLE. I LOVE TO BUY AMERICAN BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND MAKES ME NOT WANT TO BUT ANOTHER AMERICAN MADE CAR. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10450240

140,000 miles · Feb 22, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

WHEN TO START CAR AND WOULD NOT START. LIGHTS AND RADIO WOULD COME ON. HAD A NEW BATTERY PUT IN AND THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED. 2 WEEKS LATER WHEN TO PICK UP NIECE FROM THE BABY SITTER, WAS INSIDE FOR 3 MINUTES CAME BACK OUT CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER 45 MINUTES OF TRYING TO START IT FINALLY STARTED. YESTERDAY, WENT OUT TO MY…

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WHEN TO START CAR AND WOULD NOT START. LIGHTS AND RADIO WOULD COME ON. HAD A NEW BATTERY PUT IN AND THE ALTERNATOR CHECKED. 2 WEEKS LATER WHEN TO PICK UP NIECE FROM THE BABY SITTER, WAS INSIDE FOR 3 MINUTES CAME BACK OUT CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER 45 MINUTES OF TRYING TO START IT FINALLY STARTED. YESTERDAY, WENT OUT TO MY CAR TO DRIVE TO A MEETING AND ONCE AGAIN IT WOULD NOT START. ABOUT 40 MINUTES LATER I WENT BACK OUT TO TRY IT AGAIN AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS. APPARENTLY THIS IS A PASS CODE ISSUE. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO GO AND GET ALL THIS WORK DONE WHEN THERE IS NO REAL SOLUTION. THE CODE WILL NOT ALWAYS COME UP SO NOBODY KNOWS WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IN SUMMARY, THE SECURITY SYSTEM THINKS THAT I AM TRYING TO STEEL MY OWN CAR. THIS HAS LEFT ME STRANDED IN THE COLD 3 DIFFERENT TIMES. I AM A 25 YEAR OLD LADY. THAT IS TOTALLY UNSAFE AND AS THERE IS NO REAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM THAT ANYONE CAN FIND HOW AND I SUPPOSED TO GET IT FIXED. I HAVE A CHILD ON THE WAY. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY YEAR THAT DOES IT EITHER. ALL IMPALAS HAVE THIS ISSUE FROM THE YEARS 2003-2005. HOW CAN A RECALL NOT BE ISSUED. I CALLED CHEVY AND THEY BASICALLY SAID TO GO TO A DEALER BUT THAT IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER WHEN I READ THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AT THEIR DEALER ON THE SAME ISSUE AND ARE STILL HAVING ISSUES. PLEASE HELP!! HERE ARE SEVERAL ARTICLES ON THE ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.JUSTAUTOREPAIR.COM/CHEVROLET/IMPALA/589-SECURITY-LIGHT-NOT-STARTING-IGNITION-2003.HTML HTTP://WWW.CHEVYHHR.NET/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=30631. HTTP://ANSWERS.YAHOO.COM/QUESTION/INDEX?QID=20081001165133AACVYJCHTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/CHEVY_IMPALA.HTML. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10448903

54,000 miles · Jan 1, 2012
Electrical System

THIS CAR FIRST FAILED TO START IN MAY OF 2010. SINCE THEN, IT HAS REPEATEDLY LEFT US DOWN, AND WE AND MECHANICS HAVE TRIED VARIES FIXES. USUALLY THE CAR WILL START AFTER A TEN MINUTE SESSION OF HAVING THE KEY TURNED ON, THEN OFF FOR FIVE SECONDS. MOST TIMES AFTER THAT, IT DOES START. HOWEVER, THIS IS BECOMING UNTENABLE. …

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THIS CAR FIRST FAILED TO START IN MAY OF 2010. SINCE THEN, IT HAS REPEATEDLY LEFT US DOWN, AND WE AND MECHANICS HAVE TRIED VARIES FIXES. USUALLY THE CAR WILL START AFTER A TEN MINUTE SESSION OF HAVING THE KEY TURNED ON, THEN OFF FOR FIVE SECONDS. MOST TIMES AFTER THAT, IT DOES START. HOWEVER, THIS IS BECOMING UNTENABLE. AFTER CHECKING ONLINE, I FIND THAT I AM ONE OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442010

126,000 miles · Nov 29, 2011
Electrical System

IGNITION SWITCH WILL NOT TURN. I'VE HAD IT REPLACED AND THE COMPUTER WILL NOT RECOGNIZE THE NEW KEY. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10437712

150,000 miles · Nov 21, 2011
Electrical System

AS WITH MANY OTHER OWNERS OF A 2003 IMPALA THE SECURITY SYSTEM CONSTANTLY MIS FUNCTIONS AND LEAVES ME STRANDED WITH THE CAR UNABLE TO BE STARTED. THE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET EXPOSES THE FACT THAT THIS IS COMMON WITH MANY MAKES AND MODELS OF CHEVY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10436532

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic

GOT THIS CAR NEW 2003,AT 376 MILES HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS,HAD IT BACK TO DEALER 10 OR 11 TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM,SO ABOUT EVERY 3-4 MONTHS I HAVE TO TURN ROTORS OR GET NEW ONE;S+BRAKE PADS,ALSO DASH LIGHTS ARE OUT,AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW,THIS IS THE WORST CAR I EVER OWNED ,AS I AM A RETIRED OTR TRUCK DRIVER ,SO I DONT MISUS…

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GOT THIS CAR NEW 2003,AT 376 MILES HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS,HAD IT BACK TO DEALER 10 OR 11 TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM,SO ABOUT EVERY 3-4 MONTHS I HAVE TO TURN ROTORS OR GET NEW ONE;S+BRAKE PADS,ALSO DASH LIGHTS ARE OUT,AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY NOW,THIS IS THE WORST CAR I EVER OWNED ,AS I AM A RETIRED OTR TRUCK DRIVER ,SO I DONT MISUSE BRAKES. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10432835

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2011
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA. MY CAR CRANKS FINE IN THE MORNING. AFTER BEING DRIVEN AFTER A WHILE; I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL OFF BEFORE IT WILL CRANK. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT UP TO 2 HOURS FOR MY CAR TO START. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO SEVERAL MACHINES AND THEY ARE LOST REGARDING THE ISSUE. I CALLED THE CHEVY PLACE AND THEY GAVE…

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I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA. MY CAR CRANKS FINE IN THE MORNING. AFTER BEING DRIVEN AFTER A WHILE; I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL OFF BEFORE IT WILL CRANK. I HAVE HAD TO WAIT UP TO 2 HOURS FOR MY CAR TO START. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO SEVERAL MACHINES AND THEY ARE LOST REGARDING THE ISSUE. I CALLED THE CHEVY PLACE AND THEY GAVE ME A LIST OF POSSIBLE PROBLEMS AND WANT ME TO SPEND 99.99 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I TOLD THEM I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THE BCM (BODY CONTROL MODULAR). I HAVE BEEN LOOKING OUT ON CONSUMER PAGES AND THERE HAVE BEEN RESPONSE ABOUT THE BCM BEING FIXED AND IT ONLY RESOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR A SHORT TIME. SPENDING 99.99 PLUS A CHARGE OF 450.00 TO 500.00 TO GET A TEMPORARY FIX IS WAY OUT OF THE QUESTION. I FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED ASAP BECAUSE THIS IS ELECTRICAL AND CAN BE DANGEROUS TO THE CONSUMER. I ALSO IT SHOULD BE AT A COST TO THE COMPANY DUE TO THE FACT NO ONE CAN DETECT THE PROBLEM OUTSIDE THE COMPANY AND IT SEEMS THAT THE REPAIR IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX AND IT TO EXPENSIVE FOR THAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10425108

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.