NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
694 reports8 miles · Mar 7, 2008
Structure
I DISCOVERED ACCIDENTALLY THAT MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA HAS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT MAY CAUSE SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE LEAD TO DEATH. IN THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF THE CAR IS A DEVICE THAT IS CALLED A BODY PRESSURE VALVE THAT VENTS CABIN PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS IT LETS SNOW AND RAIN IN THE STAGNANT WATER SITS…
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I DISCOVERED ACCIDENTALLY THAT MY 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA HAS A DESIGN DEFECT THAT MAY CAUSE SOME HEALTH PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE LEAD TO DEATH. IN THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL OF THE CAR IS A DEVICE THAT IS CALLED A BODY PRESSURE VALVE THAT VENTS CABIN PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS IT LETS SNOW AND RAIN IN THE STAGNANT WATER SITS IN YOUR FENDER AND IS A BREEDING GROWN FOR GERMS. THE DEALER WAS SHOCKED WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN AND ASKED ME WHAT MADE ME THINK TO REMOVE THE CARPET AND LOOK IN THE FENDER. ALL THEY COULD DO WAS TAKE THE WATER OUT. STANDING WATER IN A FENDER WILL CAUSE A RUST PROBLEM. I ASKED THEM WHAT COULD BE DONE AND THEY TOLD ME TO PUT A NEW VALVE IN. THAT WILL NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE FLAP IS NOT AIR TIGHT AND IS VENTED WATER AND FUMES SUCH AS CARBON MONOXIDE CAN ENTER THE CAR THROUGH IT . THE EXHAUST IS ONLY 12 INCHES OR LESS FROM IT. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES DO NOT RUN THE CAR WHEN SITTING STILL LETS ME KNOW THAT GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM . WE ALL HAVE BEEN TOLD NOT TO RUN CARS IN ENCLOSED BUILDINGS BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH. IF IDLING IN TRAFFIC ONE MUST BE ASTUTE ENOUGH TO KEEP THEIR VEHICLE FAN ON AND OUTSIDE AIR COMING INTO THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES SO NOT TO ALLOW THE CAR TO FILL UP WITH FUMES FROM THE TAIL PIPE THAT SITS BENEATH THE PRESSURE VALVE. WHAT A DUMB DESIGN. CAR WAS SERVICED ON 03/04/08 I WAS ALWAYS SPRAYING DEODORIZER IN THE TRUNK AND IT SMELLED LIKE A CESSPOOL AS FAR AS THE REST OF THIS REPORT GOES THE NUMBER OF FAILURES IS TOTAL FAILURE IT HAS NEVER WORKED AND COULD BE CONSTRUED TO BE CRIMINAL NEGLECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10220387
45,000 miles · Mar 5, 2008
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED SPORADICALLY AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THEM BACK ON. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED SPORADICALLY AND THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THEM BACK ON. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10220168
70,407 miles · Feb 25, 2008
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON AUGUST 3, 2007. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND THE LIGHTS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY FOR THREE MONTHS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE MANUFACTU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON AUGUST 3, 2007. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND THE LIGHTS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY FOR THREE MONTHS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,868 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,407. UPDATED 04/03/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGANON ON MARCH 15,2008.
NHTSA ODI #10219083
66,000 miles · Feb 25, 2008
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT PLAYED WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UNTIL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE LIGHTS DIMMED AGAIN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIMMER SWITCH MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN THE SNOW, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT PLAYED WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH UNTIL THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE LIGHTS DIMMED AGAIN SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DIMMER SWITCH MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66,000. UPDATED 3/25/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE 2ND INCIDENT AND VERY DANGEROUS. UPDATED 03/25/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219076
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2008
Parking Brake
THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON MY CAR FAILED TO RELEASE, RENDERING THE CAR INOPERABLE. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF NOT USING THE BRAKE FREQUENTLY, AND IT'S DESIGN CAUSES IT TO RUST OVER TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219053
66,000 miles · Feb 17, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
MY CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF WITHOUT ME PUSHING THE BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WON'T WORK FOR THAT DAY OR LONGER, THEN IT WORKS AGAIN. JUST WONDERING IF IT IS THE FUSE OR THE MODULE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10218246
94,000 miles · Feb 11, 2008
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE SECURITY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED. THE FAILURE OCCURS APPROXIMATELY DURING EVERY TENTH START ATTEMPT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS A…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE SECURITY LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED. THE FAILURE OCCURS APPROXIMATELY DURING EVERY TENTH START ATTEMPT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #10217666
75,551 miles · Feb 8, 2008
Electrical System
WENT TO WORK EARLY ONE MORNING, WHEN I GOT OFF WORK GOT IN CAR, PUT KEY IN IGNITION AND IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN. HAD NOT HAD ANY PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH IGNITION AT ALL. I TRIED OTHER SPARE KEYS AND THEY ALSO WOULD NOT TURN IGNITION. A MECHANIC SAY THAT IT IS THE IGNITION CYLINDER IS FROZE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10217428
29,250 miles · Feb 4, 2008
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DECELERATING TO 10 MPH AND ACTIVATING THE TURN SIGNAL, THE HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY DIMMED. TWO OR THREE SECONDS LATER, THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT CONDUCTED HIS OWN TEST; EACH TIME HE ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL, THE HEADLIGHTS DIMM…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DECELERATING TO 10 MPH AND ACTIVATING THE TURN SIGNAL, THE HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY DIMMED. TWO OR THREE SECONDS LATER, THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT CONDUCTED HIS OWN TEST; EACH TIME HE ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL, THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED AND THEN ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER, BUT HE HAS NOT TAKEN HIS VEHICLE THERE AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,299 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,250. UPDATED 4/8/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT COMPLETELY WITH NO WARNING UNTIL REPAIRED ON 02/19/08. UPDATED 04/08/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10216840
74,000 miles · Jan 26, 2008
Exterior Lighting
MY HEAD LIGHTS FAILED ON MY 03 IMPALA. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT IT HAS HAPPENED. ITS SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERYDAY. BUT THIS LAST TIME REALLY MADE ME FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I WAS COMING HOME AT NIGHT ABOUT TO SOME TO A CURVE GOING 40 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I ALMOST WENT INTO THE DITCH AND THE…
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MY HEAD LIGHTS FAILED ON MY 03 IMPALA. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT IT HAS HAPPENED. ITS SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERYDAY. BUT THIS LAST TIME REALLY MADE ME FEAR FOR MY LIFE. I WAS COMING HOME AT NIGHT ABOUT TO SOME TO A CURVE GOING 40 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I ALMOST WENT INTO THE DITCH AND THERE WAS A POLE RIGHT THERE I COULD OF HIT. I CAME ONLINE TO TRY TO FIND OUT IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND THAT LEAD ME TO THIS WEBSITE. IM REALLY AFRAID IF I DIDN'T GO AHEAD AND DO THIS THAT I WOULD REGRET IT. YOU PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THAT ITS NOT A SAFE. I'D FEEL REALLY GUILTY IF THIS MIGHT HAVE KILLED SOMEONE IF IT ALREADY HASN'T. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10216179
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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