Illustration2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA MOTOR WENT ON FIRE. *TR
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
What owners actually said
694 reportsMY CHEVY, IMPALA CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER FOLLOWING REPAIRS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER FOLLOWING REPAIRS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTOR WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE DEALER ALSO ADVISED REPLACING THE SENSOR BUT THE CONTACT HAD RECENTLY HAD THE SENSOR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SECOND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT STILL, DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER WHERE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,500.
UPON GOING FOR STATE INSPECTION I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE RUSTING AND FLAKING AND IF THIS WAS NOT CORRECTED, CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION NEXT YEAR. WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO NOT DRIVING THE CAR ENOUGH (UNDERUSAGE). MY CAR IS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA 4 DOOR SEDAN. THE COST WAS $344.50 TO REPAIR. …
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UPON GOING FOR STATE INSPECTION I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR ROTORS WERE RUSTING AND FLAKING AND IF THIS WAS NOT CORRECTED, CAR WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION NEXT YEAR. WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO NOT DRIVING THE CAR ENOUGH (UNDERUSAGE). MY CAR IS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA 4 DOOR SEDAN. THE COST WAS $344.50 TO REPAIR. ON TODAY'S NEWS I NOTICED THAT GENERAL MOTORS PICKUP TRUCKS AND SUV'S ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM MIGHT ALSO INVOLVE THE IMPALA. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER ADVISED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BEFORE REPAIRS COULD BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER ADVISED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BEFORE REPAIRS COULD BE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLIANT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND EVERYONE ELSE WITH THE IMPALA HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN CHARGING PEOPLE $600 TO CHANGE THE IGNITIAN THAT DOESN'T EVEN FIX THE PROBLEM. THAT IS WHAT THEY CHARGED ME 3 YEARS AGO. THE CAR WILL NOT START ONCE IN AWHILE A…
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MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND EVERYONE ELSE WITH THE IMPALA HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL? THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE BEEN CHARGING PEOPLE $600 TO CHANGE THE IGNITIAN THAT DOESN'T EVEN FIX THE PROBLEM. THAT IS WHAT THEY CHARGED ME 3 YEARS AGO. THE CAR WILL NOT START ONCE IN AWHILE AND YOU HAVE TO WAIT 15-20 MINUTES FOR IT TO FINALLY START. IT STARTED OUT EVERY OTHER MONTH THEN EVERY MONTH THEN TWICE A MONTH. NOW IN 2010 IT HAPPENS 2-3 TIMES A WEEK FOR ME. HERE IS ONE OF THE MANY FORUMS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM HTTP://64.13.204.178/CHEVROLET/IMPALA/2002/ELECTRICAL/PASSLOCK_PROBLEM_WONT_START_AND_SECURITY_LIGHT_IS_ON.SHTML
I OWN A 2003 CHEV. IMPALA, LS AND CANNOT DRIVE WITH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON AS THEY ONLY REMAIN ON 3-TO-5 MINUTES AND GO OUT COMPLETELY. THIS IS VERY NERVE WRACKING AND DANGEROUS. THUS, I NO LONGER USE HIGH BEAM AND WAS TOLD A NEW SWITCH FOR $500.00 PLUS INSTALLATION WAS NEEDED. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED WITH WARRANTY LEF…
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I OWN A 2003 CHEV. IMPALA, LS AND CANNOT DRIVE WITH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS ON AS THEY ONLY REMAIN ON 3-TO-5 MINUTES AND GO OUT COMPLETELY. THIS IS VERY NERVE WRACKING AND DANGEROUS. THUS, I NO LONGER USE HIGH BEAM AND WAS TOLD A NEW SWITCH FOR $500.00 PLUS INSTALLATION WAS NEEDED. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED WITH WARRANTY LEFT, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A ONCE OR TWICE OCCURRENCE. *TR
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAS STARTING PROBLEMS(NO START) . SINCE 2004, THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 4 BCM AND PCM MODULES INSTALLED ON THIS CAR FROM THE GM DEALERS IN WHICH I HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK FOR. FOR THE FIRST YEAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON THEN CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 10-15MINS. THEN THE SECOND YEAR CAR WOULDN'…
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I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAS STARTING PROBLEMS(NO START) . SINCE 2004, THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 4 BCM AND PCM MODULES INSTALLED ON THIS CAR FROM THE GM DEALERS IN WHICH I HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK FOR. FOR THE FIRST YEAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON THEN CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 10-15MINS. THEN THE SECOND YEAR CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 30-45MINS. TAKE TO DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. SO THE THIRD YEAR, AFTER MISSING ALOT OF TIME FROM WORK, IT STARTING DOING THE SAME THING AND I HAD IT TOWED TO GM. THEY HAD IT A WEEK AND STILL FOUND NO PROBLEMS. THEN THE FOLLOWING WEEK THE SAME THING HAPPENED AND TOWED AGAIN- THIS TIME THEY STARTED THROWING PARTS AT IT BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE( BILL HEARD IN PLANT CITY,FL). SO AFTER NEW PARTS, IT RAN FOR ABOUT 4-6 MONTHS AND STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. I AGAIN TOOK TO DEALER AND NO PROBLEM FOUND BUT THEY DECIDED TO PUT ANOTHER BCM ON IT. THEN IT WOULD WORK FOR A FEW WEEKS AND THEN THE SECURITY LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT,ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND NEXT TIME I TRY TO START IT THEN NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. SO THIS IS HAPPENING ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY NOW. THIS CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SO MANY TIMES THAT I AM SICK OF IT AND I KEEP PUTTING MONEY OUT FOR TOWING BILLS AND ALL THE GM DEALER CAN TELL ME IS TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AGAIN. I HAVE PUT OUT ALOT OF MONEY FOR BCMS EVERY YEAR NOW AND NO WARRANTY NOR MY MONEY BACK FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS. I THINK GM HAS DONE A POOR JOB AT EVALUATING THESE CONCERNS AND DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ON ALL OF THE VEHICLES WITH THE PASSLOCK II SYSTEM. *TR
I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAS STARTING PROBLEMS(NO START) . SINCE 2004, THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 4 BCM AND PCM MODULES INSTALLED ON THIS CAR FROM THE GM DEALERS IN WHICH I HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK FOR. FOR THE FIRST YEAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON THEN CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 10-15MINS. THEN THE SECOND YEAR CAR WOULDN'…
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I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAS STARTING PROBLEMS(NO START) . SINCE 2004, THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 4 BCM AND PCM MODULES INSTALLED ON THIS CAR FROM THE GM DEALERS IN WHICH I HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK FOR. FOR THE FIRST YEAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON THEN CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 10-15MINS. THEN THE SECOND YEAR CAR WOULDN'T START FOR 30-45MINS. TAKE TO DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. SO THE THIRD YEAR, AFTER MISSING ALOT OF TIME FROM WORK, IT STARTING DOING THE SAME THING AND I HAD IT TOWED TO GM. THEY HAD IT A WEEK AND STILL FOUND NO PROBLEMS. THEN THE FOLLOWING WEEK THE SAME THING HAPPENED AND TOWED AGAIN- THIS TIME THEY STARTED THROWING PARTS AT IT BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE( BILL HEARD IN PLANT CITY,FL). SO AFTER NEW PARTS, IT RAN FOR ABOUT 4-6 MONTHS AND STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. I AGAIN TOOK TO DEALER AND NO PROBLEM FOUND BUT THEY DECIDED TO PUT ANOTHER BCM ON IT. THEN IT WOULD WORK FOR A FEW WEEKS AND THEN THE SECURITY LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT,ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND NEXT TIME I TRY TO START IT THEN NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN. SO THIS IS HAPPENING ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY NOW. THIS CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED SO MANY TIMES THAT I AM SICK OF IT AND I KEEP PUTTING MONEY OUT FOR TOWING BILLS AND ALL THE GM DEALER CAN TELL ME IS TO BRING IT IN AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT AGAIN. I HAVE PUT OUT ALOT OF MONEY FOR BCMS EVERY YEAR NOW AND NO WARRANTY NOR MY MONEY BACK FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS. I THINK GM HAS DONE A POOR JOB AT EVALUATING THESE CONCERNS AND DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ON ALL OF THE VEHICLES WITH THE PASSLOCK II SYSTEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAITED TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES AND THE ENGINE STARTED AS NORMAL. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT WAITED TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES AND THE ENGINE STARTED AS NORMAL. IN ADDITION, THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH OR POSSIBLY AN ELECTRONIC CHIP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
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.