NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Traction Control System complaints
15 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
80,300 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Power TrainService BrakesTraction Control System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED DURING ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A DAILY BASIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HUB SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE TRACTION AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JERKED DURING ACCELERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON A DAILY BASIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HUB SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE DAYS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,300.
NHTSA ODI #10631958
100,000 miles · Dec 27, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering
THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON THE DASH PANEL AND MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND PULL TO ONE SIDE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM QUICKLY GREW INTO THE CAT CONSTANTLY PULLS TO ONE SIDE AND THE STEERING FEELS SLOPPY AND LOOSE IF THAT MAKES SENSE. THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T WORK BUT WILL RANDOMLY KICK IN WHILE D…
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THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON THE DASH PANEL AND MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND PULL TO ONE SIDE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM QUICKLY GREW INTO THE CAT CONSTANTLY PULLS TO ONE SIDE AND THE STEERING FEELS SLOPPY AND LOOSE IF THAT MAKES SENSE. THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T WORK BUT WILL RANDOMLY KICK IN WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR INSTANTLY FEELS AS IF THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED AND GRINDER BUT THE WORSE PART IS HOW THE PULLING TO ONE SIDE BECOMES A QUICK GRAB AND JERK TO ONE SIDE AND HAS NEARLY CAUSED ME SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AND I CANNOT RELAX AND DRIVE. I AM ALWAYS TENSE AND READY TO FIGHT TO KEEP MY CAR GOING STRAIGHT AND NOW WITH THE BAD MICHIGAN WINTER ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE ON SOME DAYS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRACTION CONTROL PUMP WHICH IS GOING TO COST AROUND $2500 AND UP DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY FIND BUT WILL AUTOMATICALLY START AT $2500. THAT COST IS RIDICULOUS AND I HAVE TALKED TO PROB APPROX A HUNDRED PEOPLE WHO EITHER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OR KNEW OF SOMEONE WHO DOES, OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. MY CAR IS NOW PARKED AND I HAVE TO BEG FOR RIDES TO WORK BECAUSE ITS WINTER AND I CANNOT PUT MYSELF AND OTHERS IN DANGER WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE TO WORK AND TRANSPORT KIDS TO DIFFERENT EVENTS AND FEEL THAT THIS PART HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE FROM THE START IF THERE'S THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. AND ALL OF THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE. PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU TO CHECK INTO THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF A RECALL IS NECESSARY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557383
Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2013
Traction Control SystemWheels
TRACTION ACTIVE MESSAGE COMES ON TURN TRACTION CONTROL TURNS AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I PUT CAR IN REVERSE, PULL FORWARD TURN WHEELS TO RIGHT IT MAKES A NOISE NIT A GRINDING NOISE BUT CLOSE AND WHEN MESSAGE COMES UP AND I APPLY BRAKES IT MAKES THAT NOISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10544160
79,000 miles · Sep 15, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicTraction Control System
THE TRACTION ACTIVE LIGHT LIGHTS UP AFTER BACKING UP AND BRAKING. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH IMPALAS. THE CAR MAKES A GRINDING NOISE FOR A SECOND OR TWO. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10425684
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2011
Traction Control System
THE TRACTION CONTROL IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGING EVEN UNDER IDEAL DRIVING SITUATIONS. IT ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONCE ENGAGED DURING PULLING ONTO A ROAD AND DUE TO HOLDING CAR BACK (NO TRACTION) ALMOST HAD A COLLISION. ALSO WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED A NOISE IS HEARD AND A SLIGHT PUSH BACK OF THE BRAKE PEDA…
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THE TRACTION CONTROL IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGING EVEN UNDER IDEAL DRIVING SITUATIONS. IT ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONCE ENGAGED DURING PULLING ONTO A ROAD AND DUE TO HOLDING CAR BACK (NO TRACTION) ALMOST HAD A COLLISION. ALSO WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED A NOISE IS HEARD AND A SLIGHT PUSH BACK OF THE BRAKE PEDAL OCCURS. NOISE IS POSSIBLY FROM THE ABS. SINCE THE TWO (TC AND ABS) ARE LINKED IT COULD BE DISRUPTING ONE OR THE OTHER. I HAVE SEARCHED SEVERAL FORUMS AND MANY CONSUMERS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY HAVE TRIED SEVERAL SOLUTIONS, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. WROTE A LETTER TO GM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. ALSO NO KNOWN ROOT CAUSE OR EASY FIX AND CUST HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS TO FIX ISSUE AT DEALER YET ISSUE REMAINS. THIS SHOULD BE RESEARCHED AND RECALLED BEFORE ANYONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10414629
Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringTraction Control System
2003 CHEVY IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALLS FOR VEHICLE AND REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE, THE TRACTION OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE TRAC AND ABS LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THERE SEEMED TO BE SOME PLAY IN THE STEERING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10380683
88,000 miles · Jan 10, 2011
Traction Control System
THE TRACTION CONTROL IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGING EVEN UNDER IDEAL DRIVING SITUATIONS. IT ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONCE ENGAGED DURING PULLING ONTO A ROAD AND DUE TO HOLDING CAR BACK (NO TRACTION) ALMOST HAD A COLLISION. ALSO WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED A NOISE IS HEARD AND A SLIGHT PUSH BACK OF THE BRAKE PED…
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THE TRACTION CONTROL IS CONSTANTLY ENGAGING EVEN UNDER IDEAL DRIVING SITUATIONS. IT ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING AT SLOW SPEEDS. ONCE ENGAGED DURING PULLING ONTO A ROAD AND DUE TO HOLDING CAR BACK (NO TRACTION) ALMOST HAD A COLLISION. ALSO WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED A NOISE IS HEARD AND A SLIGHT PUSH BACK OF THE BRAKE PEDAL OCCURS. NOISE IS POSSIBLY FROM THE ABS. SINCE THE TWO (TC AND ABS) ARE LINKED IT COULD BE DISRUPTING ONE OR THE OTHER. I HAVE SEARCHED SEVERAL FORUMS AND MANY CONSUMERS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY HAVE TRIED SEVERAL SOLUTIONS, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. WROTE A LETTER TO GM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE A DEATH OCCURS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. ALSO NO KNOWN ROOT CAUSE OR EASY FIX AND CUST HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS TO FIX ISSUE AT DEALER YET ISSUE REMAINS. THIS SHOULD BE RESEARCHED AND RECALLED BEFORE ANYONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10375517
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2010
Traction Control System
2003 CHEVY IMPALA 3.8 ENGINE. I HAVE HAD RECURRING, INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKING IN WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP IN DRY WEATHER AND DRY ROAD CONDITIONS. NOT AN APPROPRIATE TIME FOR IT TO KICK IN. THEN IT RELEASES. I HAVE HAD THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING BECAUSE T…
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2003 CHEVY IMPALA 3.8 ENGINE. I HAVE HAD RECURRING, INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKING IN WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP IN DRY WEATHER AND DRY ROAD CONDITIONS. NOT AN APPROPRIATE TIME FOR IT TO KICK IN. THEN IT RELEASES. I HAVE HAD THE MECHANIC LOOK AT IT SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING BECAUSE THE COMPUTER DOESN'T FLASH A CODE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CAR WILL BE UNSAFE IF THE TRACTION CONTROL OPERATES AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10356242
160,000 miles · Aug 24, 2010
Traction Control System
2000-2004 CHEVY IMPALA ABS/TRAC CONTROL ISSUES AFFECTING BRAKING UNDER WET CONDITIONS AND LOW SPEED. COMPLAINTS AT TOPIX .NET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10351560
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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