Illustration2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CUSTOMER REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT. *MW
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 reportsKEY IN IGNITION CYLINDER IS ABLE TO BE PULLED OUT WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STAYS RUNNING WITHOUT A KEY IN THE CYLINDER. VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR PLASTIC INSERTS ON KEYS BUT NOT FOR KEY CYLINDER. *TR
I TOOK MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA TO HAVE THE REPAIR PREFORMED FOR THE IGNITION RECALL. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF THE NIGHT BEFORE (TUESDAY) AND GOT A PHONE CALL WEDNESDAY TO PICK IT UP. WHEN I PICKED IT UP THE CAR WAS DRIVEN AROUND THE LOT TO ME AND LEFT RUNNING. I WENT STRAIGHT HOME AND TURNED OFF THE CAR UNTIL MORNING. WHEN I WENT TO GE…
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I TOOK MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA TO HAVE THE REPAIR PREFORMED FOR THE IGNITION RECALL. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF THE NIGHT BEFORE (TUESDAY) AND GOT A PHONE CALL WEDNESDAY TO PICK IT UP. WHEN I PICKED IT UP THE CAR WAS DRIVEN AROUND THE LOT TO ME AND LEFT RUNNING. I WENT STRAIGHT HOME AND TURNED OFF THE CAR UNTIL MORNING. WHEN I WENT TO GET INTO THE CAR IN THE MORNING I COULD NOT TURN THE KEY. AT 8 AM I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND HE STATED THAT I SHOULD BRING IT BACK AND THEY WOULD TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WENT WRONG. I BROUGHT IT IN WEDNESDAY EVENING AFTER WORK, THURSDAY MORNING I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER TELLING ME THAT THE RECALL HAD NO EFFECT ON MY CAR THAT I NEEDED A NEW TUMBLER NOW. I PICKED THE CAR UP THURSDAY NIGHT AND THE SALES LADY THAT DROVE IT AROUND SAID THAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO START THAT SHE HAD TO GET A MECHNIC TO START IT. I FOUND THE GENERAL MANAGER AND ASKED HIM TO REVERSE THE RECALL BY POPPING THE COVER OFF THE KEY. HE DID AND THE CAR STARTED WITH ONLY A SMALL GRIB TROUBLE FROM THE TUMBLER WHICH IS THOUGHT TO BE CAUSED BY THE NUMBER OF FORCED STARTS AFTER THE KEY COVER WAS PLACED ON THE KEY. AFTER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE COVER FROM THE RECALL WAS PREVENTING MY KEY FROM GOING IN ALL THAT WAY TO THE TUMBLER TO START THE CAR. I AM ASKING THAT THE TUMBLER BE REPLACED AND A NEW SET OF KEYS BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGE DONE TO MY KEY AND THE RECALL NOT BEING EFFECTIVE WITHOUT DAMAGE TO MY TUMBLER. I AM AWARE THAT MY TUMBLER IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO MY SECURITY TRIGGER FOR THE CAR AND NOW LIVE IN FEAR THAT I WILL HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN OR THE KEY NO LONGER BEING EFFECT TO START THE CAR AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. IT SITS VERY LOOSE IN THE TUMBLER NOW. *TR
THE CAR RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF AT TIMES WHEN U PUSH THE GAS TO HARD WHILE THE CAR TRYING PICK UP SPEED .THEN I HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP PUT THE CAR IN PARK (ALL THIS WHILE IM IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC) AN THEN START IT BACK UP . IM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM MY COUSIN HAVING THE SAME EXACTLY PROBLEM BUT HERS START RIGHT …
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THE CAR RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF AT TIMES WHEN U PUSH THE GAS TO HARD WHILE THE CAR TRYING PICK UP SPEED .THEN I HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP PUT THE CAR IN PARK (ALL THIS WHILE IM IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC) AN THEN START IT BACK UP . IM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM MY COUSIN HAVING THE SAME EXACTLY PROBLEM BUT HERS START RIGHT BACK UP LIKE MINE OR SOME TIMES TAKE A LITTLE WHILE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN . SHE ALSO SAID SHE SEEN SOMETHING COME ON TV SAYING SOME ABOUT IF YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM CONTACT SOMEBODY BUT SHE DIDN'T GET THE NUMBER AN NEVER SAW THE AD ON TV AGAIN. *TR
THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE SAFETY RECALL LETTER I RECEIVED IN SEPT. 2014 REGARDING THE IGNITION IN MY CAR. I CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED ON 9/29/14. THEY CALLED ME BACK ON 11/10/14 AND SAID THEY'D RECEIVED THE PARTS FOR MY CAR. I TOOK IT IN ON 11/17/14 AND LEFT IT ALL DAY…
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THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE SAFETY RECALL LETTER I RECEIVED IN SEPT. 2014 REGARDING THE IGNITION IN MY CAR. I CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED ON 9/29/14. THEY CALLED ME BACK ON 11/10/14 AND SAID THEY'D RECEIVED THE PARTS FOR MY CAR. I TOOK IT IN ON 11/17/14 AND LEFT IT ALL DAY. BACK ON 9/29 I WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO PUT A LOCKING GUARD ON THE IGNITION AND A LOCK ON EACH KEY SO THAT THE KEY WOULDN'T SLIP OUT. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY DID? THEY PUT A SMALL ROUND METAL KEY CHAIN ON EACH OF MY KEYS AND GLUED IT SO THAT NOTHING ELSE COULD BE HUNG ON IT. THAT'S HOW THEY FIXED THE IGNITION PROBLEM. WHAT A JOKE! I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR, LUCKILY. HOWEVER, I DOUBT THAT THIS SO CALLED FIX WOULD DO ANY GOOD IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THIS IS THE LAST TIME I HAVE ANY DEALINGS WITH SUNFAIR CHEVROLET IN YAKIMA. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000. UPDATED 12/19/14*CN UPDATED 05/26/2015 *JS
I CALLED GM CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD NOT ONE DEATH HAS BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED IF I DID NOT COME IN WOULD I HAVE TO WORRY? THE AGENT SAID "I WOULD BE ACCEPTING THAT RISK". YET, I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT THE RISK IS IF HE SAID NOT ONE DEATH WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED TO SCHEDULE A MAINTENA…
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I CALLED GM CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD NOT ONE DEATH HAS BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED IF I DID NOT COME IN WOULD I HAVE TO WORRY? THE AGENT SAID "I WOULD BE ACCEPTING THAT RISK". YET, I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT THE RISK IS IF HE SAID NOT ONE DEATH WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THIS PROBLEM. I ASKED TO SCHEDULE A MAINTENANCE FOR THIS PROBLEM. HE SAID I WOULD HAVE TO CALL BACK TOMORROW AND SEE IF THEY HAD THE PART IN. I ASKED HIM TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND HE REFUSED. HE SAID TO CALL BACK AND SEE IF THEY HAD THE PART...I DON'T UNDERSTAND, IF THERE IS A RECALL WHY CAN'T I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT? I ASSUME IF I CALL BACK TOMORROW I WILL CONTINUE GETTING THE "RUN AROUND". THIS APPEARS TO BE DISCOURAGING THE RECALL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE.
SECURITY LIGHT WILL STAY ON FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. WITHIN A FEW DAYS CAR WILL NOT START. WHEN TURNING THE KEY IT WILL NOT TURN OVER, BUT THE SECURITY LIGHT IS BLINKING. IN 10 MINUTES, ONCE THE LIGHT STOPS BLINKING, THE CAR WILL START. THIS POSES A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE OCCUPANTS OF THE CAR. *TR
MY CAR WILL NOT START PROPERLY. THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL FLASH SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT TURN OVER. SOMETIMES THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL JUST STAY ON AND IT WILL TURN OVER. THIS HAS CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS FOR ME. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND WE END UP STUCK PLACES FOR 10, 20, OR 30 MINUTES, UP TO AN HOUR. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO…
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
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.