NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
80 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Oct 27, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingTraction Control System
2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRAC UNIT REPAIR AND REIMBURSEMENT. * LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY DISCOVERED THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET WAS LEAKING, AND REPLACED IT. THE CONSUMER DROVE FIVE MILES, AFTER LEAVING THE D…
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2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRAC UNIT REPAIR AND REIMBURSEMENT. * LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY DISCOVERED THE LOWER INTAKE GASKET WAS LEAKING, AND REPLACED IT. THE CONSUMER DROVE FIVE MILES, AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER, AND THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALSO, THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10648090
118,000 miles · Oct 11, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineSteering
ACTED AS IF IT DOSEN'T HAVE POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT, VERY STIFF,AND JERKY. TOTAL CUT OUT ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. WHEN TRY TO PUT FUEL IN GAS TANK HAVE TO HOLD FUELING NOZZLE BARLEY OPEN OR IT WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. DROVE TO WORK, GOT OFF OF WORK WENT TO START IT, IT WOULD START WITH OUT A JUMP. …
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ACTED AS IF IT DOSEN'T HAVE POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT, VERY STIFF,AND JERKY. TOTAL CUT OUT ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. WHEN TRY TO PUT FUEL IN GAS TANK HAVE TO HOLD FUELING NOZZLE BARLEY OPEN OR IT WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. DROVE TO WORK, GOT OFF OF WORK WENT TO START IT, IT WOULD START WITH OUT A JUMP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547618
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
160,000 miles · Oct 12, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ADVISING THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE HEAD GASKETS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ADVISING THAT THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE HEAD GASKETS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #10429611
71,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
2003 CHEVY IMPALA SECURITY LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. LIGHT WILL TURN OFF SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING OR SOMETIMES AFTER CAR IS TURNED OFF. CAN GO AT THE LONGEST A WEEK BETWEEN LIGHT COMING BACK ON AGAIN. CAR WITHOUT WARNING DID NOT START. TURNED KEY LIGHTS WORKED RADIO WORKED AND AC BUT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. *…
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2003 CHEVY IMPALA SECURITY LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. LIGHT WILL TURN OFF SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING OR SOMETIMES AFTER CAR IS TURNED OFF. CAN GO AT THE LONGEST A WEEK BETWEEN LIGHT COMING BACK ON AGAIN. CAR WITHOUT WARNING DID NOT START. TURNED KEY LIGHTS WORKED RADIO WORKED AND AC BUT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413874
113,000 miles · Jul 13, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
INTAKE GASKET BLOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10412187
60,111 miles · Mar 23, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10393251
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA, TRAVELING WESTBOUND IN THE CENTER LANE WHEN UNIT UNIT 1 ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. DRIVER PULLED VEHICLE ONTO THE BERM AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0911-90) UPDATED 02/15/11 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10381828
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS UNRELIABLE, PERIODICALLY NOT RUNNING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TURNED ON THE IGNITION, IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY TYPE OF NOISE, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS AND SECURITY LIGHT WOULD TURN ON. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE SIT FOR AWHILE, IT WOULD THEN START. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10380255
143,000 miles · Jan 5, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE TRANS - WASN'T SHIFTING RIGHT, HARD SHIFT. TOOK IT TO ROTOLO CHEVY IN FONTANA, CA. DX: CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NEARLY $800 TO GET NEW ONE ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR COMPLETELY DIE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE TRANNY DISINTEGRATED. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD SHIFTING DIFFICULTIES - TOOK IT …
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PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE TRANS - WASN'T SHIFTING RIGHT, HARD SHIFT. TOOK IT TO ROTOLO CHEVY IN FONTANA, CA. DX: CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NEARLY $800 TO GET NEW ONE ONLY TO HAVE THE CAR COMPLETELY DIE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE TRANNY DISINTEGRATED. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD SHIFTING DIFFICULTIES - TOOK IT BACK A WEEK LATER TO BE TOLD IT HAS A "SMART ADAPT" IN TRANS AND NEEDED APPROX 1000 MILES TO SYNC ITSELF, NOW THE CAR SPUTTERS, HAS A MISFIRE CODE IN CYLINDER 2, TRANS CODE. HARD STARTS, RANDOMLY STALLS WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS SURGE WHEN AT AN IDLE, CAR CONSTANTLY FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL - IT CAN ACTUALLY MAKE YOU NAUSEAS WHEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT BECAUSE OF THE SURGING OF THE CAR. THIS MORNING THE CAR JUST STALLED WHEN I WAS AT A STOP SIGN. ALL PLUGS, PLUG WIRES AND COIL PACK FOR CYLINDER 2 HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH NO CORRECTION TO HOW THE CAR RUNS. SOUNDS AND FEELS WORSE WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, BUT SMOOTHES OUT SOME WHEN IN DRIVE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH BAR REGARDING CAT REPLACEMENT, RECOMMENDED REFUND TO DEALER FOR UNNECESSARY ITEM - DEALER REFUSES TO GIVE MONEY BACK. TOLD ME CAR WOULD NEVER RUN RIGHT AFTER THE TRANNY WAS REPLACED BECAUSE I REFUSED TO HAVE THEM CHANGE THE MOTOR MOUNTS. THE CAR HAS NOT RUN RIGHT SINCE, BUT A SECOND OPINION FOUND THAT THE MOUNTS WERE OK - RECOMMENDED THAT ONE OF THE BACK MOUNTS BE REPLACED AS IT WAS MORE WORN THAN THE OTHERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10374744
Official recalls
5Oct 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
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