NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
694 reports32,000 miles · Aug 9, 2010
Exterior Lighting
MY HIGH BEAM SWITCH DOESN'T WORK IN MY IMPALA. MY CAR IS EITHER AN 02 OR 03 AND, AFTER LOOKING THIS UP ONLINE, IM SEEING THAT THERE ARE A TON OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. THIS IS VERY OBVIOUSLY AN ENGINEERING OR NEGLIGENCE ISSUE WITH THE COMPANY. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, ON OCCASION, IF I SWITCH MY LOW/HIGH BEAMS, THE LIGHTS MAY OR MAY NO…
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MY HIGH BEAM SWITCH DOESN'T WORK IN MY IMPALA. MY CAR IS EITHER AN 02 OR 03 AND, AFTER LOOKING THIS UP ONLINE, IM SEEING THAT THERE ARE A TON OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. THIS IS VERY OBVIOUSLY AN ENGINEERING OR NEGLIGENCE ISSUE WITH THE COMPANY. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, ON OCCASION, IF I SWITCH MY LOW/HIGH BEAMS, THE LIGHTS MAY OR MAY NOT GO COMPLETELY OUT. I HAVE TO SWITCH THEM ON AND OFF AGAIN, MAYBE A FEW TIMES, TO GET THEM TO COME BACK ON. THIS POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD SINCE IT COULD TAKE A FEW SECONDS TO GET THEM TO COME BACK ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10348148
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicTraction Control System
COMPUTER PROBLEM 2003 CHEVY IMPALA 6 CYL FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATIC 74000 MILES ---------------------------------------------------------------- THIS RECENTLY STARTED, THE TRACTION ON LIGHT AND THE ABS YELLOW LIGHTS ON DASH STAY ON. RARELY DO THEY GO OFF, ONLY A FEW TIMES. THE SQUARE INDICATOR LIGHT SAYS "SERVICE TRACTION…
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COMPUTER PROBLEM 2003 CHEVY IMPALA 6 CYL FRONT WHEEL DRIVE AUTOMATIC 74000 MILES ---------------------------------------------------------------- THIS RECENTLY STARTED, THE TRACTION ON LIGHT AND THE ABS YELLOW LIGHTS ON DASH STAY ON. RARELY DO THEY GO OFF, ONLY A FEW TIMES. THE SQUARE INDICATOR LIGHT SAYS "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I START THE VEHICLE, STAYS ON FOR 1-2 MINUTES THEN GOES OFF. BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT REMAINS ON. HOW CAN I RESET THIS OR WHAT TO NOT HAVE A TRIP TO THE EXPENSIVE AUTO REPAIR SHOP. I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKES TO OPERATE CORRECTLY, NO DELAYS OR BRAKE HESITATION WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IN USE. HELP ME OUT WITH A GOOD SOLUTION. I WILL GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344203
80,736 miles · Jul 17, 2010
Electrical System
03 IMPALA THAT HAS HAD THE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT COME ON. WAS JUST IN FOR OIL CHANGE, LIGHT IS NOT ALWAYS ON. DRIVE INTO WORK, CAR IS FLAWLESS. DRIVE HOME FROM WORK, NOW THE LIGHT IS ON AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER AND THERE IS A NOISE IN THE GLOVE BOX OF A TICK TICK TICK. STOP AT GARAGE AND THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROB…
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03 IMPALA THAT HAS HAD THE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT COME ON. WAS JUST IN FOR OIL CHANGE, LIGHT IS NOT ALWAYS ON. DRIVE INTO WORK, CAR IS FLAWLESS. DRIVE HOME FROM WORK, NOW THE LIGHT IS ON AND ALL INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER AND THERE IS A NOISE IN THE GLOVE BOX OF A TICK TICK TICK. STOP AT GARAGE AND THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AS NO CODES APPEAR. HAVE TO TAKE OUT THE INTERIOR FUSE WHEN I PARK SO THAT BATTERY IS NOT DRAINED, SHOP SAYS I WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE BCM. CAR HANDLES WELL, BUT WHY AM I READING ABOUT ALL OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER GM CUSTOMERS OF IMPALA'S BETWEEN 2000-2005? RECALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343741
105,000 miles · Jul 11, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipment
2003 CHEVY IMPALA WILL NOT START. THE DEALERSHIP STATES IT IS A BCM PROBLEM. THE REMOTE INSTALLED ON THE CAR FOB DOES NOT WORK AND HAS NEVER WORKED. DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AND THE TRUNK WILL SPRING OPEN WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. SINCE THE DOORS AND TRUNK DO NOT LOCK, THERE IS NO SECURITY ON THIS VEHICLE. AND AGAIN THE CAR WILL …
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2003 CHEVY IMPALA WILL NOT START. THE DEALERSHIP STATES IT IS A BCM PROBLEM. THE REMOTE INSTALLED ON THE CAR FOB DOES NOT WORK AND HAS NEVER WORKED. DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AND THE TRUNK WILL SPRING OPEN WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. SINCE THE DOORS AND TRUNK DO NOT LOCK, THERE IS NO SECURITY ON THIS VEHICLE. AND AGAIN THE CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AND THE CAR STILL DOES NOT START. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10342548
150,000 miles · Jul 2, 2010
Electrical System
CAR WILL NOT START. AT FIRST IT DID NOT HAPPEN VERY OFTEN BUT NOW IT IS HAPPENING FREQUENTLY, IF I WAIT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME IT WILL EVENTUALLY START. I AM TOLD IT HAS TO DO WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10341125
103,251 miles · Jun 23, 2010
Electrical System
2003 CHEVORLET IMPALA WILL NOT START DUE TO PROBLEM WITH PASSLOCK SENSOR. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN OVER AND OVER. THE MANUFACTURER SEEMS TO BE AWARE OF THIS AND REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. THERE SEEMS TO A LIABILITY ISSUE IF SOMEONE IS STRANDED BECAUSE OF THIS ITEM AND GETS KILLED OR RAPED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10339687
140 miles · Jun 17, 2010
Electrical System
BOUGHT A 2003 IMPALA IN 2004 AND IT RAN OK FOR A WHILE. THE CAR NOW FAILS TO START INTERMITTENTLY AND I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES OR MORE FOR THE CAR TO START. THE DEALER STATES THAT IS A SECURITY ALARM PROBLEM, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE…
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BOUGHT A 2003 IMPALA IN 2004 AND IT RAN OK FOR A WHILE. THE CAR NOW FAILS TO START INTERMITTENTLY AND I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES OR MORE FOR THE CAR TO START. THE DEALER STATES THAT IS A SECURITY ALARM PROBLEM, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT. I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF GM CARS WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336768
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
772,000 miles · Jun 15, 2010
Electrical System
MY 2003 IMPALA WILL OCCASIONALLY NOT START. HAD BATTER, ALT AND GENERATOR CHECKED ALL OK. AFTER SITTING ABOUT 10 MINUTES CAR STARTS FINE. SEEMS IT'S THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM AND IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO GM. A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336499
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2010
Electrical System
2003 IMPALA NOT STARTING. LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR HOURS TILL IT DECIDES TO START. AFTER SEARCHING ON LINE FOR ENDLESS HOURS. TO SEE ITS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE. TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP PAY 180.00 TO BE TOLD ITS WAS IN THE THEFT DETERRENT SETTING. TO GET HOME AND A HOUR LATER IT WONT START.. CHEVY NEEDS TO FIND OUT THE PR…
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2003 IMPALA NOT STARTING. LEAVING ME STRANDED FOR HOURS TILL IT DECIDES TO START. AFTER SEARCHING ON LINE FOR ENDLESS HOURS. TO SEE ITS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE. TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP PAY 180.00 TO BE TOLD ITS WAS IN THE THEFT DETERRENT SETTING. TO GET HOME AND A HOUR LATER IT WONT START.. CHEVY NEEDS TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM AND RECALL THIS ISSUE TOO MANY COMPLAINTS THAT I CAN READ ON LINE DAILY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335153
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 ↗