IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2003 Chevrolet Impala
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Impala years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
670–25K
6625–50K
9150–75K
8175–100K
121100–150K
87150K+
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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE IGNITION KEY FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. UPDATED 4/27/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REMOVED THE BLACK RING HOLDER AND REPLACED IT WITH ANOTHER ON RETURNING THE KEY. THE KEY WAS QUITE FREE WHEN INSERTED. THE CONSUMER STATED IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. LATER, WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE HE WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST A $1,000. UPDATED 05/07/15*JB
I WAS TRAVELING ON A 2 LANE ROAD. A TRUCK PULLING AN ENCLOSED TRAILER WAS IN FRONT OF ME TURNED ON HIS RIGHT BLINKER AND BEGAN TO BRAKE TO MAKE THE TURN. I WAS TRAVELING 77 MPH, SO I MOVED TO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE (THE LEFT LANE) IN ORDER TO PASS THE TRUCK. AT THE LAST SECOND THE TRUCK SWERVED INTO THE LEFT LANE IN ORDE…
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I WAS TRAVELING ON A 2 LANE ROAD. A TRUCK PULLING AN ENCLOSED TRAILER WAS IN FRONT OF ME TURNED ON HIS RIGHT BLINKER AND BEGAN TO BRAKE TO MAKE THE TURN. I WAS TRAVELING 77 MPH, SO I MOVED TO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE (THE LEFT LANE) IN ORDER TO PASS THE TRUCK. AT THE LAST SECOND THE TRUCK SWERVED INTO THE LEFT LANE IN ORDER TO MAKE A WIDE TURN. I ABRUPTLY JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT TO AVOID COLLISION WITH THE TRUCK, BUT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO LOSE POWER STEERING AS WELL AS POWER BRAKES. I WAS UNABLE TO STRAIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AFTER JERKING IT TO THE RIGHT TO GO BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE; MY VEHICLE HIT THE BACK OF THE ENCLOSED TRAILER AND THEN HIT STEEP DITCH WHERE MY BACK PASSENGER TIRE POPPED AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED ONTO ITS ROOF. THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT , TOP AND SIDES OF IT. I REGAINED CONSCIENTIOUSNESS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION. BUT I REALIZED THAT THE KEYS WERE NOT I N THE IGNITION.I CRAWLED OUT OF THE PASSENGER WINDOW TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE KEYS WERE LATER FOUND BY MY HUSBAND LOOSE IN THE VEHICLE. I HIT MY HEAD HARD WHEN THE VEHICLE FLIPPED, GOOD DEAL OF BLOOD ON ME FROM WHAT ENDED UP BEING MULTIPLE SUPERFICIAL LACERATIONS AS WELL AS A DEEP WOUND IN MY LEFT KNEE, WHICH REQUIRED 12 STITCHES TO CLOSE UP. I WILL HAVE A SCAR FROM IT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. I WAS RUSHED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL AND WAS RELEASED AROUND 9 PM. 2 DAYS LATER WE RECEIVED THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL GM REFUSES TO ANSWER ANY OF OUR QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS WRECK. GM DID RETRIEVE THE BLACK BOX INFO FROM THE VEHICLE., THEY REFUSE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY EXPLANATION TO WHY THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY OR WHY THERE SEEMED TO BE A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE CAR WHICH LED TO THE ACCIDENT. *TR
2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED OF AN IGNITION RECALL FIX. *TA THE DEALER MADE THE HOLE IN THE KEY FOB SMALLER, SO NO KEYS COULD BE PLACED ON THE RING. *JB
THIS VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE GM IGNITION RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE "FIX" AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS SIMPLY ADDING TWO SMALL KEY RINGS TO MY IGNITION KEY AND PUTTING AN INSERT BLANK INTO KEY TO MAKE THE HOLE SMALLER. I WAS TOLD NOT TO ADD ANY OTHER KEYS TO THIS RING. IS THIS THE FIX THAT IS SUPPOSED TO SAVE MY LIFE? WHY AREN'T THE FAU…
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THIS VEHICLE WAS PART OF THE GM IGNITION RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE "FIX" AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS SIMPLY ADDING TWO SMALL KEY RINGS TO MY IGNITION KEY AND PUTTING AN INSERT BLANK INTO KEY TO MAKE THE HOLE SMALLER. I WAS TOLD NOT TO ADD ANY OTHER KEYS TO THIS RING. IS THIS THE FIX THAT IS SUPPOSED TO SAVE MY LIFE? WHY AREN'T THE FAULTY IGNITIONS BEING REPLACED? IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO ALLOW THIS TO BE THE SOLUTION TO THE IGNITION PROBLEM? IT SEEMS LIKE WE VEHICLE OWNERS ARE THE LOSERS IN THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. *TR
MY 2003 IMPALA HAS A SECURITY PASSLOCK FEATURE WHICH EITHER DOES NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO START OR SHUT VEHICLE OFF WHEN IT THINKS IT'S BEING STOLEN. MY VEHICLE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING WHEN THIS SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, AT THIS POINT I LOSE ALL CONTROL OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS. THIS IS AN APPARENT PROBLEM WITH THOUSANDS OS GM V…
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MY 2003 IMPALA HAS A SECURITY PASSLOCK FEATURE WHICH EITHER DOES NOT ALLOW VEHICLE TO START OR SHUT VEHICLE OFF WHEN IT THINKS IT'S BEING STOLEN. MY VEHICLE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING WHEN THIS SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON, AT THIS POINT I LOSE ALL CONTROL OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS. THIS IS AN APPARENT PROBLEM WITH THOUSANDS OS GM VEHICLES THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT BUT GIVE NO SOLUTION OR RECALL TO. INSTEAD, CONSUMERS ARE BEING STUCK FOOTING THE BILL TO TRY AND FIND A SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO SOLVE. PLEASE HELP HOLD GM RESPONSIBLE AND REPAIR OUR VEHICLES BEFORE FATALITIES OCCUR. THERE ARE PAGES OF POSTS IN SEVERAL FORUMS ONLINE WITH PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH NO HELP. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT MULTIPLE UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VIN WAS INCLUDED BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.
2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS. *MW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT WOULD TAKE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED, THEN AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP RUNNING SUDDENLY. THE ONLY EXPLANATION SEEMED TO BE THE KEY WAS HIT INADVERTENTLY GOING OVER…
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2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA RECURRING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS. *MW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. IT WOULD TAKE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED, THEN AT TIMES, THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP RUNNING SUDDENLY. THE ONLY EXPLANATION SEEMED TO BE THE KEY WAS HIT INADVERTENTLY GOING OVER A BUMP, KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE DRIVE POSITION. IN JANUARY 2009, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE IGNITION TUMBLER WAS BAD. A NEW IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS INSTALLED. FEBRUARY 2009, THE ENGINE RACED UNCONTROLLABLY, WHICH REQUIRED CONSTANT BRAKING AND PLACING THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO STOP. IN OCTOBER 2011, THE IGNITION CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AGAIN. MARCH 2012, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A MAJOR ELECTRICAL LIGHTING SYSTEM FAILURE. ALL OF THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. JULY 2013, THE VEHICLE WOULD START AND THEN STALL. SEPTEMBER 2014, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, REGARDING THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA.THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE RECALL REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE SPECIFICS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Official recalls
515V701000 · 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 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.
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 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.
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
1PE06017 · 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.