Owners filed 795 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 7 times.
When it fails
07800078,000 milesMedian miles at failure
570 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System
215
7
3
6
Engine
55
0
17
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
35
0
4
0
Exterior Lighting
33
1
0
0
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
30
0
0
0
Steering
24
0
0
0
Air Bags
23
9
0
12
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
19
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
17
0
0
0
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
17
0
0
0
7 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe15V701000
Filed Oct 26, 20151,003,556 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Steering09E005000
Filed Feb 17, 2009979 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.
Defect. DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
Steering08E063000
Filed Oct 17, 20083,855 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.
Defect. DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Risk. IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi
Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 6, 2026CA
The contact’s son owned a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the contact was unaware of how the failure occurred; however, the contact’s son was involved in a crash in which the vehicle collided with a wall. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed during the crash. The contact stated that the contact’s son sustained multiple injuries, and medical attention was provided. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the injuries included a fractured nose, lacerations to the nose and cheek, a broken right femur, a shattered right knee, collapsed lung, broken ribs, and paralysis on the right side. The contact also stated that the right foot required amputation. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed by an independent mechanic. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jan 3, 2026NM
Fuel system or backfire is what I believe happened to it. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety was severely put at risk because the car exploded and caught fire while I was inside the car and fire came through the dash and air conditioner slots, anything could of happened whether shrapnel or burn. this also put others at risk if my spouse was in the car with me or the apartment complex I live in could have caught fire and endangered multiple people. No the issue has not been seen or confirmed by a dealer or service center. Yes the vehicle has been inspected by state fire marshal. No there was no warning lights or problems at all. We drove the car the night before, everything was normal and nothing was showing on the dash and the next day I jumped in, put my seat belt on and started the car to make sure it was running good and it exploded and caught flames.
Tires › ValveCrash
Filed May 24, 2025CA
225/60 R16 tire size valve leak and pushed in slow tire leak
Electrical System
Filed May 23, 2025WA
Power windows fail at times Blinkers fail at times Front hub assembly damage Front calipers are damaged and affect steering These are available for inspection. There are huge safety risks with all of these compromised issues. Last inspection is unknown. No known warning lamps present.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 25, 2024KY
Transmission hesitates to pull out in drive from a stop
Air Bags
Filed Feb 25, 2024NM
I was driving out of supermarket I was alone and the airbags deployed. I was hit hard and had a panic attack. I was able to drive home 14 miles. Windshield busted and dash board totaled Everyone I try to download a picture I'm sent to the begining. I'm going to have pictures on file incase needed. .
Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 2022MN
I was driving along when out of no where my trunk opened. I got off the highway and closed it. At that time I was puzzled wondering who had been in my truck to have not closed it correctly. I knew I hadn't been in it in awhile. It wasn't until a few weeks later when the "Service Vehicle Soon" light on my dash came on. I went and had my vehicle scanned and was told about the TrapAlert system in the trunk and that is why my trunk popped open. I realize there was a post about this like a decade ago. But this is happening to me now and I can't find help for this issue anywhere. I've contacted both Chevrolet and GM support online as well as repair shops and no one seems to know what I'm talking about. GM told me they don't keep info on Vehicles older than 10 years. All the information online would suggest there is an actual sensor somewhere in the trunk although extremely vague on where it actually is and that it has a disable switch. Well, we've tore this thing apart only to find out it's some looped wiring that goes into the stereo amp in the trunk. I've yet to see a sensor yet for some reason my vehicle is still giving a single that someone is trapped in the trunk thus, popping the trunk whenever it wants. I've been searching high and low for information and already spent $1100 to repair issues to clear the dash light and nothing seems to work. Just a waste of time and money and considering this happened while I was driving 55mph I would think it obvious that its dangerous. Cou
EngineFire
Filed May 25, 2021AL
My vehicle caught on fire after I returned from it getting serviced by Pepboys in Phenix City Alabama. My car was only getting serviced for the A/C and once I returned home, my car caught on fire in our drive port.
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2020AZ
I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2002 CHEVY IMPALA WHICH CAME WITH THE IMPORTANT VEHICLE SAFETY RECALL AND I WOULD NEED THE PROBLEM FIXED. NHTSA 15V-701 IM ACTUALLY NOW SCARED TO DRIVE IT/
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 2, 202075,000 milesNY
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE GAS GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING UP AND DOWN. I SUBSEQUENTLY RAN OUT OF GAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I DID NOT KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAD. I WAS STUCK ON THE ROAD. I HAD TO GET THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. I CHECKED ONLINE AND THERE APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP ON OTHER CHEVY IMPALAS.
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 6, 2020279,303 milesMT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DENNY MENHOLT CHEVROLET (3000 KING AVE W, BILLINGS, MT 59102) ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 279,303.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 18, 2020NV
HIGH BEAM SWITCH HAS BEEN BROKEN, VERY COMMON PROBLEM WHEN GOOGLE SEARCHING. NO ONE FIXES IT AS IT IS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE. CANNOT USE HIGH BEAMS AND MANY PEOPLE ADJUST THE LOW BEAMS HIGHER AS A SOLUTION, WHICH IS BAD FOR EVERYONE. SHOULD BE A RECALL?
Engine
Filed Mar 31, 2020135,000 milesIA
SUPPOSEDLY THE COOLING SYSTEM WAS FIXED IN 2003 BUT IT STILL TELLS ME THAT MY COOLANT IS LOW AND IT LEAKS. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS CAR AND HAVE ONLY HAD IT SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2019. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION HAS A DELAYED SHIFT FROM 1ST TO SECOND.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 16, 2019GA
I BOUGHT A 2002 CHEVY IMPALA AND GOT IT LOOKED AT BEFORE PURCHASE THE ONLY THING THAT POPPED UP ON THE CODE READER WAS THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, SOMETIMES MY SIGNAL LIGHTS WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T, MY SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T LIGHT UP OR ANYTHING. I THEN START TO SMELL GAS WHEN I TURN ON THE HEAT OR AIR IT'S UNBEARABLE. I THEN PROCEEDED TO CHECK FOR ANY RECALLS AND THERE ARE A FEW DEALING WITH THE ENGINE COOLING AND EXHAUST/GAS LEAK ALONG WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THEY SAID THE CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE AT ANY TIME. I HAVE TWO TODDLERS SO THERE IS NO WAY THAT THIS IS A SAFE CAR.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 3, 201919,500 milesCO
TAKARA RECALL
EngineFire
Filed Jul 29, 2019186,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF BURNING OIL EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS OIL ON THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MODERN CHEVROLET (5955 UNIVERSITY PKWY, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27105 (336) 793-5943) BUT, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2019MO
ON APRIL 9TH OF 2017, OUR 2002 IMPALA LS WAS BROUGHT IN TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED DUE TO THIS RECALL: THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING, WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE. THIS WORK WAS DONE IN APRIL 2017: 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. SUMMER OF 2017 WE HAD THE OIL AND FILTER REPLACED, AND AFTERWARDS LOTS OF SMOKE CAME FROM ENGINE. WE THOUGHT THE MECHANIC HAD SIMPLY SPILLED SOME OIL ON THE ENGINE. SUMMER OF 2018 OIL AND FILTER WAS CHANGED AND SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WE AGAIN THOUGHT THE MECHANIC HAD SPILLED SOME OIL ON THE ENGINE. IN MARCH OF 2019 THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FACING DOWNHILL AT AN ABOVE AVERAGE ANGLE, AND OIL BEGAN TO SEEP OUT OF THE ENGINE AND BURN OF ON THE HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD LOTS OF SMOKE AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO BOB MCCOSH, WHO HAD PERFORMED THE ORIGINAL GASKET REPLACEMENT IN 2017, TO HAVE THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORK INSPECTED. UPON INSPECTION A PIECE OF GASKET, ABOUT 2 TO 3 INCHES LONG, WAS FOUND TO BE PROTRUDING FROM BETWEEN THE VALVE COVER AND THE ENGINE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THIS GASKET, THE EDGE OF THE GASKET VISUALLY APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN CAUGHT BY THE BOLT AS IT WAS TIGHTENED AND THIS EITHER TORE THE GASKET OR WEAKENED IT SUFFICIENTLY SO THAT THE GASKET F
Engine
Filed Apr 5, 2019196,000 milesNC
LAST YEAR I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A PRIVATE DEALER. SINCE PURCHASING IT, MY CAR ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE RUNNING HOT. MY "CHECK ENGINE COOLANT" LIGHT USE TO COME ON SO OFTEN, I WENT OUT AND PURCHASED ANOTHER RADIATOR HOSE AND CLAMPS AND GOT THE LIGHT TO TURN OFF. HOWEVER THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR RUNNING HOT HAS NOT GONE AWAY. I'M SCARED THAT THIS IS A BIGGER ISSUE THAN COOLANT AND IT COULD CREATE A FIRE AND AFTER READING THE RECALL, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS FIXED.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 2019118,000 milesMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL, FUEL, AND POWER STEERING FLUID. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 12, 201889,000 milesIL
THE SPRING ON THE DRIVER SEAT BROKE NOT VERY HEAVE PEAPLE DRIVING THE CAR. BODY OF THE CAR I HAVE 2 IMPALAS 2002 AND 2004 BOTH ARE RUSTING UNDER THE DOORS AND AT THE QUARTER PANELS I LOOK AT ALL IMPALAS AROUND THE AGE OF BOTH OF MINE AND 90% OF THE ARE RUSTING IN THE SAME SPOTS. MY CARS WERE RUSTPROOFED AND UNDERNEITH IT IS A MESS YOU CANT HARDLY GET A JACK UNDER BOTH OF THEM. I KEEP THEM GARAGE KEPT SINCE WE GOT BOTH OF THE I WILL NEVER OWN A IMPALA AGAIN.
A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 26, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.