NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
694 reports74,000 miles · May 16, 2008
Exterior Lighting
DRIVING AT NIGHT USING THE AUTO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION, THE HEADLIGHT FAIL (QUIT) ON HIGHBEAM. AT 75 MPH THIS CAN BE A LIFE THREATENING EXPERIENCE, I WAS LUCKILY ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AT THE TIME. WHEN IT HAPPENED I TRIED TURNING THE LIGHTS ON WITH THE SWITCH, PUSHED AND PULLED IT AND THAT DID NOT WORK. I CAME TO A STOP AND WAS GOING T…
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DRIVING AT NIGHT USING THE AUTO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION, THE HEADLIGHT FAIL (QUIT) ON HIGHBEAM. AT 75 MPH THIS CAN BE A LIFE THREATENING EXPERIENCE, I WAS LUCKILY ON A STRAIGHT ROAD AT THE TIME. WHEN IT HAPPENED I TRIED TURNING THE LIGHTS ON WITH THE SWITCH, PUSHED AND PULLED IT AND THAT DID NOT WORK. I CAME TO A STOP AND WAS GOING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 9 TIMES. IT ONLY DOES IT ON HIGH BEAM SETTING, IT HAS NOT DONE IT WHEN THE SWITCH IS PULLED TO THE "ON" POSITION AS OF YET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227977
129,000 miles · May 15, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury
2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA INVOLVED IN FRONT END COLLISION INTO THE SIDE OF A 2000 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. IMPALA AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH THE FRONT AIRBAGS ON THE CORVETTE DID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227910
65,739 miles · May 10, 2008
Electrical System
PASSLOCK SYSTEM ON 2003 IMPALA KEEPS LOCKING OUT THE FUEL SYSTEM KEEPING THE CAR FROM STARTING. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED FOR THIS REASON, NOW IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227211
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2008
Electrical System
MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA THE SPEEDOMETER READS 140 MILES AT ALL TIME OR SHOWS NOTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226965
100,000 miles · Apr 30, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY IMPALA BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE THERMOSTAT READING GOING FROM COOL TO HOT EXTREMELY QUICK AND THE RED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD ISSUES AND THAT THIS IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT CHEVROL…
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MY IMPALA BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE THERMOSTAT READING GOING FROM COOL TO HOT EXTREMELY QUICK AND THE RED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE NOTORIOUS FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD ISSUES AND THAT THIS IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND STILL REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL. IT WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $1,500.00 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND IF REPAIRS ARE NOT MADE, THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A SLOW LEAK OR EVENTUALLY, THE ENGINE WILL GO COMPLETELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226290
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
I RECENTLY FOUND THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILS ON THE CHEVROLET 3.8 V6 AND THAT CHEVROLET HAS KNOWN OF THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I TRAVEL CROSS COUNTRY REGULARLY IN MY 2003 IMPALA WITH THE 3.8 ENGINE AND AM CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE WILL FAIL ON THE HIGHWAY AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT.…
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I RECENTLY FOUND THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILS ON THE CHEVROLET 3.8 V6 AND THAT CHEVROLET HAS KNOWN OF THE PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I TRAVEL CROSS COUNTRY REGULARLY IN MY 2003 IMPALA WITH THE 3.8 ENGINE AND AM CONCERNED THAT THE ENGINE WILL FAIL ON THE HIGHWAY AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT. BEFORE I KNEW THAT GM WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM I OWNED A 2000 S-10 PICK UP AND HAD THE GASKET REPLACED FOR OVER $700 DOLLARS. I NOW FACE THE SAME EXPENSE OR MORE TO FIX THE IMPALA. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD HAVE RECALLED AND FIXED HIS PROBLEM BECAUSE HEY WERE AWARE OF THE DEFECT IN THE GASKET AND PLASTIC COOLANT PART GOING THROUGH THE VALVE COVER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10225329
53,500 miles · Apr 9, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE FIRST FAILURE, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE SECOND TIME, THE CONTACT COULD ONLY USE THE HIGH BEAMS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE FIRST FAILURE, THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND THE SECOND TIME, THE CONTACT COULD ONLY USE THE HIGH BEAMS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,500.
NHTSA ODI #10223779
43,716 miles · Mar 31, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
2003 CHEVY IMPALA -- INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET -- TOLD FACTORY PUTS ON PLASTIC ONES THAT DO NOT LAST, CAUSING OIL LEAKAGE AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR IF NOT CORRECTED IN TIME - DID NOT SEE ANY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE -- WHY??? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222935
75,047 miles · Mar 25, 2008
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURENCES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MODULE AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURENCES. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,100 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,047. UPDATED 05/21/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP REAPIRED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 05/20/08. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10222287
135,000 miles · Mar 22, 2008
Electrical System
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME DURING EVENING HOURS ON A NARROW 2 LANE COUNTY ROAD WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TOTALLY TURNED OFF. SHE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ON THE ROADWAY AS THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO MOVE ONTO. SHE TRIED TO OPERATE THE HEADLIGHTS MANUALLY WITH NO EFFECT. THE ENGINE WAS NOT AFFECTED. SHE C…
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME DURING EVENING HOURS ON A NARROW 2 LANE COUNTY ROAD WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS TOTALLY TURNED OFF. SHE IMMEDIATELY STOPPED ON THE ROADWAY AS THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO MOVE ONTO. SHE TRIED TO OPERATE THE HEADLIGHTS MANUALLY WITH NO EFFECT. THE ENGINE WAS NOT AFFECTED. SHE CALLED ME VIA CELL PHONE AND BEGAN TO EXPLAIN WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. SHE PROCEEDED TOWARD OUR HOME AND ABOUT 500 FEET FROM OUR DRIVEWAY THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AGAIN. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER IDENTICAL INSTANCES WITH NO RESOLUTION AS THE PROBLEM APPEARS INTERMITTENTLY. AN INTERNET TECH SAID THE FIX IS TO REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM). I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE FOR A NON-RELATED PROBLEM ON 08/04/2006. I HAVE NOT YET CALLED THE DEALER THIS TIME BECAUSE OF THEIR DENIAL OF THE PREVIOUS BCM PROBLEM - THAT ONCE REPLACED AT MY INSISTENCE FIXED THAT PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY SITUATION WITH HUGE POTENTIAL FOR HARM. MY WIFE WILL NOW NOT DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT AND MUCH OF HER WORK (AND MINE) INVOLVES EVENING MEETINGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222013
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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