NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
80 reportsClear category filter104,974 miles · Sep 26, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL AND SHUT OFF. THE PROBLEM STARTED AT 90,000 MILES. HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS NOT GENERATING ANY ERROR CODES. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT TWICE DUE TO SHUTTING OFF DURING ACCELERATION. I HAVE NO…
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WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WOULD STALL AND SHUT OFF. THE PROBLEM STARTED AT 90,000 MILES. HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS NOT GENERATING ANY ERROR CODES. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT TWICE DUE TO SHUTTING OFF DURING ACCELERATION. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE STALLING OR SHUTTING OFF STARTS AFTER THE TEMPERATURE REACHES APPROXIMATELY 125 DEGREES F AND HAPPENS RANDOMLY. WHEN I AM OPERATING THE AIR CONDITIONER, THE STALLING IS MORE NOTICEABLE DUE TO THE ENGINE LOAD. SO FAR, THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE CRANK SENSOR AND IGNITION MODULE WHICH HAS NOT CORRECTED THE STALLING AND SHUTTING DOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357739
125,900 miles · Sep 14, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING ON MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355428
40,041 miles · Aug 30, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS NEED REPLACED. I ONLY HAVE 40,000 MILES ON THE CAR THAT IS A 2003 IMPALA LS WITH 3.8 LITER ENGINE. ALSO, COOLANT HOSE SEAL IS LEAKING COOLANT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10352658
60,000 miles · Jun 16, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
DURING AN INSPECTION OF MY 2003 IMPALA, MECHANIC ADVISED OF A COOLANT LEAK IN UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD (A VERY COMMON DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL / YEAR) AND IT WOULD COST HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO REPAIR IT AND ALL CARS OF THIS MODEL / YEAR SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336598
157,000 miles · May 27, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY OVERHEAT AND LEAK ANTIFREEZE. WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR, THE CONTACT WOULD MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE UNTIL IT COOLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE INT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY OVERHEAT AND LEAK ANTIFREEZE. WHEN THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR, THE CONTACT WOULD MOVE THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE UNTIL IT COOLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE INTAKE AND MANIFOLD GASKETS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HER SPECIFIC VEHICLE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 157,000.
NHTSA ODI #10332514
72,000 miles · May 14, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I NOTICED A COUPLE OF TIMES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THAT MY TEMPERATURE INDICATOR STARTED TO INCH ITS WAY OVER TO HOT, NEVER REACHING THE MARK. I TOLD MY HUSBAND AND HE SAID I PROBABLY NEED A FLUSH AND NEW COOLANT. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND I HAD A LEAKING INTAKE GASKET AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. VERY EXPENSIVE! HAD OIL IN T…
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I NOTICED A COUPLE OF TIMES IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC THAT MY TEMPERATURE INDICATOR STARTED TO INCH ITS WAY OVER TO HOT, NEVER REACHING THE MARK. I TOLD MY HUSBAND AND HE SAID I PROBABLY NEED A FLUSH AND NEW COOLANT. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND I HAD A LEAKING INTAKE GASKET AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. VERY EXPENSIVE! HAD OIL IN THE RADIATOR WITH HARDLY ANY LIQUID LEFT. I STARTED TO READ ABOUT OTHER COMPLAINTS AND THERE WERE SEVERAL SO DECIDED TO REPORT THIS SO OTHERS WILL KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330482
111,439 miles · May 6, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I TOOK MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA, V6 2.4 L, TO A JIFFYLUBE FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE. THERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT I HAD A COOLANT LEAK, AND THEY TOPPED-OFF MY ANTIFREEZE FOR ONLY $4.00. SINCE REPAIRS AREN'T AFFORDABLE AT THE MOMENT, I CONTINUED TO DRIVE MY IMPALA TO SCHOOL AND WORK ONLY. I WAS ON MY WAY TO CLASS EARLY ONE AFTERNOON…
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I TOOK MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA, V6 2.4 L, TO A JIFFYLUBE FOR A STANDARD OIL CHANGE. THERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT I HAD A COOLANT LEAK, AND THEY TOPPED-OFF MY ANTIFREEZE FOR ONLY $4.00. SINCE REPAIRS AREN'T AFFORDABLE AT THE MOMENT, I CONTINUED TO DRIVE MY IMPALA TO SCHOOL AND WORK ONLY. I WAS ON MY WAY TO CLASS EARLY ONE AFTERNOON, ABOUT A WEEK AFTER MY OIL CHANGE AND MY ENGINE WAS OVER HEATING AND ENGINE COOLANT WAS COMPLETELY GONE. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY 2 MILES FROM MY HOME AND HAD A FRIEND RUN SOME ANTIFREEZE AND WATER TO MY BREAK-DOWN LOCATION. I PUT ENOUGH ANTIFREEZE AND WATER INTO THE RADIATOR TO GET ME HOME, WHERE MY CAR WILL SIT UNTIL REPAIRED. IT IS TO MY UNDERSTANDING THAT ALL 2003 V6 2.4 L IMPALAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IF THAT IS THE CASE, WHY HASN'T GM RECALLED THIS VEHICLE FOR PROPER REPAIRS? AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED FROM A STRUGGLING AMERICAN THAT LIVES IN A REGION OF THE COUNTRY WHERE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS OBSOLETE AND A MOTORIZED VEHICLE IS A NECESSITY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10329179
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
2003 CHEVY IMPALA. PASSLOCK STYSTEM THINKS THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN, DISABLING THE IGNITION FOR UP TO 30 MINUTES AT A TIME. SOMETIMES LEAVING YOU STRANDED. ALSO ABS AND TRAC CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE AT 100,00 MILES. NO MORE ABS OR TRAC CONTROL AS PARTS ARE OVER $3,000. OIL SPILL OUT OF FILLER NECK ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AND RE…
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2003 CHEVY IMPALA. PASSLOCK STYSTEM THINKS THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN, DISABLING THE IGNITION FOR UP TO 30 MINUTES AT A TIME. SOMETIMES LEAVING YOU STRANDED. ALSO ABS AND TRAC CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE AT 100,00 MILES. NO MORE ABS OR TRAC CONTROL AS PARTS ARE OVER $3,000. OIL SPILL OUT OF FILLER NECK ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AND RECALL ONLY MOVED SPARK PLUG WIRES, OIL PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS DIM TO COMPLETE DARKENESS, OR SUPER BIRGHT AT ALL DIFFERENT TIMES. ISSUE IS THE DIMMER SWITCH. PISS POOR DESIGN BY GM. THEY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SELLING VEHICLES UNTIL THEY PULL THEIR HEADS OUT OF THEIR [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326959
160,000 miles · Apr 15, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA MOTOR WENT ON FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325879
163,000 miles · Apr 13, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
MY CHEVY, IMPALA CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325491
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 ↗