2003 Chevrolet Impala

High concern

Owners filed 695 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 8 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Impala years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Impala years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
82,000 milesMedian miles at failure

511 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Chevrolet Impala problems

235 of the 695 complaints (34%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System201
341
Engine67
1161
Exterior Lighting · headlights37
010
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine29
050
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights24
000
Air Bags · airbags22
1006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor · brakes16
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes16
000
Steering15
101
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission14
000

2003 Chevrolet Impala electrical system problems

34% of all complaints

235 of the 695 complaints are about the electrical system. This is what owners describe:

  • will not start26% · 61
  • stalls11% · 27
  • sets off warning lights on the dash11% · 25

Share of the 235 electrical system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
98,740 mi
median of 173 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
53 electrical system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
3 · 5 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the electrical system
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. On several occasions, the vehicle failed to start and the security warning indicator illuminated. The contact called palm chevrolet at (352) 484-0733 (located at 2300 sw college rd, ocala, fl 34471) and determined that it sounded like the passlock sensor and ignition lock cylinder may need to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 17, 2017 at 165,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start when the key was inserted in the ignition switch. After repeated attempts, the vehicle started. The contact stated that the failure occurred approximately 20 times. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown ignition switch recall back in 2014. The name of the dealer was not available.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 13, 2017 at 124,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2002: 4 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'022003: 20 complaints, 4 about the electrical system2004: 36 complaints, 4 about the electrical system2005: 43 complaints, 3 about the electrical system2006: 41 complaints, 4 about the electrical system'062007: 36 complaints, 3 about the electrical system2008: 58 complaints, 26 about the electrical system2009: 39 complaints, 16 about the electrical system2010: 60 complaints, 26 about the electrical system'102011: 38 complaints, 12 about the electrical system2012: 25 complaints, 17 about the electrical system2013: 26 complaints, 9 about the electrical system2014: 92 complaints, 53 about the electrical system'142015: 47 complaints, 26 about the electrical system2016: 72 complaints, 19 about the electrical system2017: 22 complaints, 6 about the electrical system2018: 9 complaints, 3 about the electrical system'182019: 10 complaints, 2 about the electrical system2020: 5 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2021: 3 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2022: 2 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'222023: 3 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2024: 3 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'26Recall 02V222000 (airbags)Recall 03V051000 (airbags)Recall 07E021000 (fuel system)Recall 08E063000 (steering)Recall 09E005000 (steering)Recall 09V116000 (engine)Recall 14V400000 (electrical system)Recall 15V701000 (engine)NHTSA investigation PE06017
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2003 Impala peaked in 2014, with 92 filed that year. Owners had filed 144 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 14V400000 in July 2014; 91 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

8 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 engine’s 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.

Electrical System › Ignition14V400000
Filed Jul 3, 20145,877,718 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling09V116000
Filed Apr 8, 20091,497,516 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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 ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S 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 › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module03V051000
Filed Feb 14, 2003130 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

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.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2003 Impala.

ALLEGED HEADLIGHT FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE06017Closed
Opened May 15, 2006Closed Oct 25, 2006headlights

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 …

Technical service bulletins

477 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Impala. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 169engine 84electrical system 73transmission 26equipment adaptive/mobility 21body and frame 18brakes 10wheels 9
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

04062Service campaignOct 5, 2004engine

ENGINE OIL COOLER ADAPTOR FITTINGS. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04062 PRODUCT FIELD ACTION ANNOUNCEMENT. *TT

04062Service campaignAug 1, 2004engine

ENGINE OIL COOLER ADAPTOR FITTINGS. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM BULLETIN. *TT

03019Service campaignJul 18, 2003engine

ENGINE COOLANT MAY LEAK AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD THROTTLE BODY GASKET, OR AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD TO LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD TO LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN A LOW ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL AND HIGHER ENGINE OPERATING TEMPERATURES. *TT THIS IS A PARTS BULLETIN AND REFERS TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM BULLETIN #03034. *TT

PIP4723JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 25, 2024electrical system

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

24-NA-098Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 6, 2024electrical system

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

10-08-45-001HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 28, 2024electrical system

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

07-08-49-020RService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 21, 2023electrical system

This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.

22-NA-205Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 19, 2022electrical system

This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.

Showing the newest 6 of 73 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 7, 2026VA

My understanding is that a rain leakage into the front passenger floor is a very common problem with 2003 and 2004 Chevy Impala's. This is a safety issue due to mold. My complaint is about the fact that this is not a safety recall under NHTSA that Chevy Dealers must repair at no cost. I have this issue and it is a big problem for health and safety, so the fact that it is not a recall is infuriating. This is NOT a simple wear and tear problem. It is a manufacturing or design defect in 2003 and 2004 Chevy Impalas.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 12, 2024DC

My car sometimes cuts off while driving. Was on highway 301 running about 60 mph in the middle lane and just lost power no warning. No code no nothing. Sacred me, I truly feel that's a safety issue, for me and the cars behind me. It's bad not knowing when or where this will happen again.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 10, 2024MN

After I go back and forth between my bright headlights and regular All of a sudden my headlights shut off it happens after so many times going between them

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 3, 2024TX

Ignition lock issue. I’m guessing security light came on hard to start vehicle when switch doesn’t work. Almost left me stranded. Apparently this is common. I have kids and if I get stranded with them what am I supposed to do? Something needs to be done

Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 2023MI

I have a 2003 Chevrolet Impala! Look it up on the internet, and you will see that the failure rate of the GM passlock system is huge, and massively expensive to repair! In fact from a inside relative, says GM makes more money in parts, and repairs than on selling a new vehicle! This is without doubt a premeditated flow to rip off the public! This is in fact insensitive for GM to engineer a constant, and ongoing failure of the of its vehicles! This passlock defect can not be fixed by accessing the cars computer! It should be that easy but it is not a option. Being stranded by this defect is life threatening. The problem is the Passlock system that has failed for me, and hundreds of thousands owners of GM vehicles, and tens of millions of dollars in repairs that GM should be forced to repair, at no costs, past, and present to the owners, and including towing, and a rental car! The passlock defect, and failure completely locks up the cars entire electrical system, so the owner can not start, or even open the trunk of their car in a emergency! After it happens you can’t even access the car radio to reset back to the original factory functions! Even if you disconnect the battery, to get this accomplished, it will be a short while before it happens again! It is crazy expensive just to diagnose this problem! Please note that this is not just a Impala problem! This passlock defect falling involves dozens of Models of all types, old, and new. These vehicles number in the many hundreds

Tires › Bead
Filed May 25, 2023MA

225/60/r16 Tire bead is warped/slanted (defective) with inability to install the tires

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 19, 2023LA

Accelator keeps getting stuck at traffic lights and while driving

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 21, 2022CA

Fuel line leaking gas under engine.

SuspensionFire
Filed Jun 26, 2022PA

Hey my name is [XXX] I recently took my Chevy impala for repairs they told me I need more repairs done I’m like cool my bottom of my car is rusted n my struts are bad n my oil pump n other stuff is not working as well I’m when I gave Chevy a call ball they took my they manager not to bring the car back I’m kinda upset bout this whole thing idk cause they had to fix my head gasket for free but I need help getting these thing fixes. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Oct 13, 2021CA

Traveling at 58 mph in Cruise Control for 10 minutes I increased speed with 4-6 rapid pushes of the Accelerate button in less than 1.5 seconds, Each push is 1 mph. I have never pushed it that rapidly.The engine acted as if I floored the accelerator & the transmission went from 4th to 3rd gear, speed went to 70+ and rapidly increasing. I stepped on the break pedal several times to disable CC but no help, I switched the CC button to the off position several times, no help. Now at 85+ and accelerating hard in wide open throttle (WOT). I shift to Neutral and turned the ignition to the ACC position to retain steering ability as the engine was RPM'ing out to destruction. I coasted off the highway and set ignition to off. After a few minutes I turned engine on and it rev'd out of control, still WOT. Ignition off did not reset the problem. I opened the hood to disconnected the battery & I observe that neither the CC or accelerator cables are not holding the throttle body (TB) in "WOT", it was closed in an idle position. It is not mechanical. I disconnected the battery for several minutes and then the system operated normally. I have used CC a million times but never have pushed that accel button that fast. I served 7 years as a Reactor Operation onboard US navy Fast attack Submarines, have torn apart and assemble mechanical and electrical reactor systems. I have been a Hardware Engineer for 40+ yrs and have 10 US patents in fault tolerant server design. I've been a car guy since 5 yr

Steering
Filed Mar 28, 2021172,000 milesWA

ON 3/21/2021 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY FOR ABOUT 25 MILES, WHEN MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA STARTED MAKING A WHINING NOISE AND IT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE WITH EACH TURN. MY HUSBAND SOON REALIZED IT HAD TO BE THE POWER STEERING FLUID. SO HE PUT A BOTTLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN AND AFTER STARTING AND DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES THE CAR WAS BACK TO NORMAL! SO I PROCEEDED TO GET BACK ON THE FREEWAY TO HEAD HOME. AS SOON AS WE GOT TO OUR EXIT ABOUT 23 MILES FROM WHERE WE HAD JUST PUT THE FLUID IN. IT STARTED MAKING THE SAME WHINING NOISE. SO BACK TO THE STORE FOR MORE POWER STEERING FLUID. HE FILLS IT UP. THE NEXT MORNING SAME PROBLEMS. WE KNOW NOW THERE IS A LEAK IN OUR POWER STEERING BUT NOT SURE WHERE EXACTLY. MY CAR NOW SITS AS WE CAN'T AFFORD TO BE ADDING BOTTLE AFTER BOTTLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID TO MY CAR EVERYTIME WE NEED TO GO SOMEWHERE. MY HUSBAND BELIEVES WE HAVE RUN INTO THE SAME ISSUES THAT HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REPORTED BY NHTSA ID# 11316116 BEING POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE RUBS AGAINST SOME PART OF THE MOTOR AND RUBBER HOLE IN POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 26, 2021119,022 milesAL

VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHEN MOVING,TURNING OR STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. BY SWITCHING TO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE MAY START AFTER 1 OR MORE TRIES. SO FAR THE FAILURES HAVE BEEN ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. BUT NOT INTERSTATES. THE FAILURES ARE MANY BUT UNPREDICTABLE.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Aug 28, 2020185,000 milesMI

VEHICLE FIRE. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. VERY DANGEROUS. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.

EngineFire
Filed Aug 17, 2020200,200 milesIL

I JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE 03/11/20 AND IT RAN GREAT TILL YESTERDAY WHEN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD EXPLODED AND CAUGHT FIRE TO THE ENGINE FROM THE FUEL LINES MELTED THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS GETTING A JUMP. IT SAYS THERE ARE NO RECALLS PENDING IT IS THE 3.8L AND IT LOOKED ORIGINAL ALL THE PARTS DID CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME OUT

EngineFire
Filed Apr 23, 2020144,150 milesVA

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED THIS MORNING AS I WAS LEAVING FOR WORK. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN 2 DAYS. I GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND AS SOON AS I TURNED IT TO START THERE WAS A LOUD BANG THAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT WHICH I THOUGHT WAS A BACKFIRE. THE ENTIRE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET HAD EXPLODED INTO PIECES AND WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO RISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE SMOKE CLEARED I BEGAN TO ASSESS THE ISSUE, I NOTICED THE MANIFOLD GASKET COVER HAD BEEN BLOWN COMPLETELY OFF AND THE MANIFOLD ITSELF WAS IN PIECES. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON BUT UNCOMMON THING AMONG EARLY 2000'S GM VEHICLES.

Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2020196,897 milesSC

THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE RUBS AGAINST SOME PART OF THE MOTOR AND RUB A HOLE IN POWER STEERING RETURN HOUSE

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 27, 2020PA

THE SECURITY SYSTEM LOCKS AND WILL NOT LET ME START THE VEHICLE EVERY COUPLE TIMES THE VEHICLE IS STARTED.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2019120,000 milesTN

ABS/TRACTION CONTROL.WHEN ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON MAKES GRINDING NOISE /BRAKES GRAB HAS BECOME DANGEROUS TO HAVE ON THE ROAD. ONLY HAVE 125,950 MILES HAS BEEN CAUSING PROBLEMS FOR LAST 5,000 MILES. TOOK TO SHOP MECHANIC.COULD NOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM. CAN NOT TURN TRACTION CONTROL OFF/ ON MANUALLY DOES IT ON ITS OWN. .HAS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. AS MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME DANGEROUS PROBLEM THERE SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR WORSE.THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION TURNING AND WHILE APPLYING BRAKE. CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 25, 2019195,000 milesTX

TURN SIGNALS WORK INTERMITTENTLY FOR 6 YEARS. TRANSMISSION MAKES SQUEAK UPON STARTING FROM DEAD STOP AFTER CHANGING FLUID AND FILTER FOR 2ND TIME. ABS WENT OUT 6 YEARS AGO.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 25, 2019160,000 milesTX

HAD FRONT END ACCIDENT TWICE AND AIR BAGS NEVER INFLATED.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 25, 2019CA

VEHICLE DIDN'T START, SECURITY LIGHT WAS FLASHING, WAS TOLD TO TURN THE KEY INTO THE 'ON' POSITION AND WAIT EXACTLY 10 MINUTES BEFORE TRYING TO START IT. IT WORKED, BUT THE ISSUE BECAME WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL IT NO LONGER STARTED. WAS THEN TOLD TO REPLACE KEYS, DID THAT, SAME ISSUE. WHEN BLINKERS WERE USED, A LOUD BUZZING NOISE OCCURRED AND EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH LIT UP, THE GEAR SHIFT LABELS BEGAN FLICKERING AND THE STEREO DID AS WELL. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE BCM AND THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND IT HAD FINALLY STARTED, UNTIL I WENT TO TRY TO GO SOMEWHERE. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS GOING ON AND MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE SAID THAT THIS ISSUE IS VERY COMMON IN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 201947,000 milesTX

2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA 3.4L IS DIFFICULT TO START, REPLACED MANY PARTS TO TRY AND FIX: FUEL FILTER, FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES, OXYGEN SENSORS, FUEL EVAP VALVE, AND THROTTLE CONTROL. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 52,XXX MILES. SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES, WAS ABLE TO PULL ERROR CODE P1626: THEFT DETERRENT FUEL ENABLE SIGNAL NOT RECEIVED. KEYS ARE ORIGINAL TO CAR, I HAVE TRIED TO RE-LEARN KEYS TO VEHICLE WITH NO SUCCESS. NUMEROUS REPAIRS ARE LISTED UNDER THIS ERROR CODE, INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BCM, AND THIS DOESN'T ALWAYS FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED FURTHER.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 27, 2019140,000 milesIN

ON A COLD START MY CAR WILL NOT START FOR AT LEAST ONE TIME, AND ONCE YOU GET IT ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR WILL SURGE AND JUMP RPMS AND OCCASIONALLY WILL JUST DIE AND LEAVE ME STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE REPLACED JUST ABOUT EVERY SENSOR RELATING TO THE ISSUE AND THE FUEL PUMP AND STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG. I STILL OWE MONEY ON THE CAR AND I'D RATHER JUST FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING BACK FROM YOU.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 7, 2019200,000 milesMO

RECALL ID 240424 RECEIVED THIS FROM CREDIT KARMA. CURRENTLY OUR CAR IS HAVING OVERHEATING ISSUES. ENGINE COOLING ISSUES,EXHAUST MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAILPIPE, OIL LEAKING ON TO MY EXHAUST I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT, AFRAID IT MAY CATCH FIRE.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 2019135,000 milesOH

REAR RIGHT BRAKE LINE LEAKING FLUID. THIS COULD BE A FATAL ACCIDENT IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA REAR RIGHT BRAKE LINE IS RUSTED BADLY. THE BRAKE LINE ACTUALLY RUBBING AGAINST AN ACROSS LINE THAT HAS A BUNCH OF ELECTRIC LINES BUNDLED TOGETHER WHICH IS GOING OVER THE RUSTED BRAKE LINE AND ENDS UP CAUSING THE BRAKE LINE WORN OUT AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IS IT POSSIBLE THE ADMINISTRATION COULD CONDUCT A RESEARCH ON THE MODEL OF THIS CAR FOR THIS ISSUE?

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2019100,000 milesSC

COOLANT SYSTEM HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. AFTER REFILLING COOLANT AND OIL, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT OIL AND COOLANT WERE DRIPPING UNDERNEATH THE CAR. ACCORDING TO A GM REPRESENTATIVE, THERE ARE SERVICE BULLETINS OUT FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL, BUT I'VE BEEN TOLD MY VIN IS NOT ONE OF THEM. IT HAS ALL THE SAME SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED IN OTHER BULLETINS. I'M NOT SURE HOW/WHY THIS VIN ISN'T INCLUDED WHEN THE SAME SYMPTOMS EXIST.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 11, 2019100,000 milesNY

MY AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME, I HAVE TO CHANGE MY BRAKES EVER 2 MONTHS BC THEY START TO LOCK UP AND GO THROUGH BRAKE PADS LIKE NOTHING. I ALSO HAVE ELECTRONICAL PROBLEMS MY BLINKERS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO AN WHEN IT STARTS TO NOT WORK MY LIGHTS DIM IF THE RADIO IS ON IT TURNS DOWN IT'S HAPPENING MORE AN MORE

Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 2018MO

VEHICLE WILL NOT START SOMETIMES AFTER DRIVING WILL USUALLY HAVE TO GIGGLE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP..NHTSA RECALL #14V400

Electrical System
Filed Aug 8, 2018FL

I RECENTLY RECEIVED A ALERT FROM MY CREDIT KARMA STATING THAT I HAD A RECALL ON MY 2003 CHEVY IMPALA FOR A ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION RECALL #213545. I PAID OUT OF POCKET TO GET THIS RECALL FIXED BACK IN FEB OF THIS YEAR AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW CAN I GET A REINBURSMENT FOR THAT RECALL.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 9, 201897,000 milesNJ

MY 2003 CHE IMP DEVELOPED A WATER LEAK FROM LOWER RIGHT HAND SIDE OF WINDSHIELD, COWLING AREA. WATER LEAKS ONTO RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR. APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM CABIN FILOTER AREA, NOT SUSRE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 12, 2018120,000 milesOR

UNDER THE HOOD FIRE AND UNINTENDED KEY ROTATION. MAYBE 5 DAYS AFTER I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO TC CHEVY (IN ASHLAND OREGON) TO HAVE THE 2 RECALLS REPAIRED ON IT. I TRIED TO START MY CAR AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE DOWN BY THE FRONT BUMPER AND THE FLAMES MADE IT TO THE BACK SIDE OF THE MOTOR AND IGNITED THE FUEL LINES CAUSING A MINI EXPLOSION UNDER THE HOOD, MEAN WHILE I'M SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR NEARLY HAVING THE LIFE SCARED OUT OF ME, I POPPED THE HOOD AND GRABBED MY HOUSE GARDEN HOUSE AND STARTED TO TRY AND PUT THE FIRE OUT AND MINIMIZE THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAITED FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO REACH MY HOUSE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE FIRE PUT OUT ALMOST TORCHING ONE OF THE FIREFIGHTERS HEAD WHEN THE FUEL PUMP KICKED ON WITHOUT THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND STARTED SHOOTING GASOLINE REIGNITING THE FIRE. I'M LUCKY THE FIRE DIDN'T BURN DOWN MY HOUSE AND MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE THAT DAY SEEING HOW THE FIRE CAUGHT THE BUSH NEXT DOOR ON FIRE AND THERE WAS FLAMES 14 FT IN THE AIR. SEE CHEVY AND GM HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ACT LIKE THE FIRE AND THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IS MY OWN FAULT AND NONE OF THEIR OWN EVEN THOUGH THE TECHNICIAN SAYS NONE OF THE REPAIRS WERE ACTUALLY DONE. I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET AN INVESTIGATION DONE AND THEY'RE TRYING TO PUSH MY CLAIM ASIDE AND SWEEP IT UNDER THE RUG. MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT MY HOME RIGHT NEXT TO A BUSH NOT MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE IS RIGHT UP AGAINST. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SO THAT I

Power Train
Filed Apr 30, 201898,000 milesNJ

WHEN STEPPING ON GAS CAR HESITATES BEFORE ENGAGING INTO GEAR. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN PERIODICALLY ESPECIALLY AFTER CAR WARMS UP. IT JERKS INTO GEAR FROM A DEAD STOP. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID SWITCH BUT WAS NOT COVERED. IT WOULD COST OVER $1000 TO HAVE IT FIXED. IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR AND A HALF.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 27, 2018200,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COAD CHEVROLET IN CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI, 573-335-5581 TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) IN APPROXIMATELY APRIL OF 2017. THE DEALER PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A TWO KEY RING HOLDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS ON THE LETTER ORIGINALLY RECEIVED, WHICH SPECIFIED THAT AN INSERT IN THE KEY SLOT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TT UPDATED 8/28/18*JB *TT *JB

Engine
Filed Apr 16, 201889,724 milesSC

SECOND CAR AFFECTED. FIRST CAR BURNED AND TOTALED . SECOND CAR FOUND LOSS OF POWER STILL DRIVING PULED OVER FOUND EGR MOTOR STUCK IN FULL OPEN SENDING HOT EXHAUST INTO INTAKE. MELTING PLASTIC INTAKE WIRING AND FUEL LINE. FUEL LINE MELTED BUT DID NOT BURST. TOWED HOME. THIS SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE A FIRE LINE AT TOP OF INTAKE. THIS IS A PLASTIC LINE .

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Mar 14, 2018GA

2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE REQUIRED THE MANIFOLD TO BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL WHICH COULD NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL ANOTHER FAILURE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR WAS A FAILURE CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF THE MANIFOLD.*JS

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Mar 6, 2018IA

'TAKATA RECALL' NO ACCELERATION AFTER 2RPM

Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2017IL

I BOUGHT MY CAR USED 2/24/17 SINCE THEN I HAVE OUT 3 ENGINES AND 2 RADIATORS AND MY CAR IS BACK DOWN AGAIN.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 29, 2017150,000 milesIL

THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS. IN SWITCHING FROM LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SWITCH AND EVENTUALLY GO OUT COMPLETELY. BY HOLDING THE HANDLE MANUALLY FOR HIGH BEAMS IT CANCELS CRUISE CONTROL WHEN ACTIVATED.

Suspension
Filed Nov 23, 2017250,000 milesMI

2003 IMPALA SUSPENSION CROSS-MEMBER - GM (15896260 COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT AND OTHER CARS COULD LOOSE CONTROL AROUND FAST CURVES ON ROAD

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 13, 201773,000 milesCA

VEHICLE IS IN PARKED AND IM ABOUT TO START THE VEHICLE IT SEEMS TO SLOWLY FAIL OR BACKFIRES DURING MULTIPLE TIMES OF TRYING. WHILE IN MOTION ON THE STREETS DRIVING AT 10-35 MPH OR IN MOTION ON HWY 40-65 MPH THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF OR SOMETIMES IT WOULD LOSS POWER EVEN IF MY FOOT IS ON THE GAS PETAL. ON HWY THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIES ACCIDENT

Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2017TN

I'VE HAD ALLOT OF THINGS REPLACED UNDER THE HOOD, I SMELL THINGS BURNING, EVERY MECHANIC TELL ME U HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS BEEN DOWN ALL CAUSE ELECTRICAL ISSUES

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Aug 17, 2017165,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE SECURITY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED PALM CHEVROLET AT (352) 484-0733 (LOCATED AT 2300 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34471) AND DETERMINED THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE PASSLOCK SENSOR AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 11, 201781,482 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEYS COULD BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE ON POSITION AND RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT SUFFICIENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EAST HILLS CHEVROLET OF DOUGLASTON (LOCATED AT 240-02 NORTHERN BLVD, DOUGLASTON, NY 11362, TEL: (888)806-9064) WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IGNITION MODULE WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,482. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ *JS

Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2017IN

MY CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING CAUSING AT TIMES VIOLENT JOLTS FOR ALL 3 GEARS. I ALSO HAVE A SEAL THAT WAS NOT PUT IN CORRECTLY CAUSING WATER TO FILL UP UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR AND CAUSING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM'S AS WELL AS TAKING OUT THE SOUND OF MY RADIO.

EngineFire
Filed Jul 5, 2017291,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES INSIDE THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE ORIGINAL OWNER PROVIDED A LETTER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 291,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 13, 2017124,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT START WHEN THE KEY WAS INSERTED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL BACK IN 2014. THE NAME OF THE DEALER WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 30, 2017189,000 milesNY

CHEVY IMPALA LIGHTS DON'T WORK AT NIGHT DAYTIME LIGHTS WORK OFF AND ON HIGH BEAMS AT NIGHT ONLY.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 2017155,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND IT DID NOT START WHEN THE SWITCH WAS TURNED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WENT TO THE RESIDENCE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 9, 201790,000 milesPA

THIS PROBLEM A STARTED HAPPENING AROUND 90000 MILES. WHILE I WAS GOING AROUND A RIGHT TURN THE TRACTION ACTION WOULD COME ON. NOW IT SEEMS SOMETIMES WHEN I AM JUST DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD. I CAN ALSO FEEL MY ABS COME ON WHEN TRYING TO STOP.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 14, 2017309,126 milesTX

THE CAR WILL NOT START RANDOMLY FOR 10MINS SOMETIMES. OR SOMETIMES IT WON'T START FOR HOURS. THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES AND LOCKS UP. GM NEEDS TOO RECALL THIS, IT LEAVES US STRANDED SOMEWHERE RANDOM WHEN EVER IT LOCKS UP. UNABLE TO START THE CAR FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 MINUTES. WHEN YOU ARE PARKED AND TRY TO START THE CAR IT WILL FLASH THE SECURITY LIGHT. IT DOES NOTHING BUT PREVENT THE OWNER FROM USING HIS VEHICLE, MAKE GM PERMANENTLY FIX THIS ON THEIR DIME. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I'VE OWNED THE CAR.

Complaints 1-50 of 695, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202015000Routine
201928110Routine
201859100Routine
2017117000Routine
2016111040Routine
20153003110Above average
20146381280Above average
2013272100Above average
2012258350Above average
2011505250Above average
2010442430Above average
2009824591Fatalities reported
20088102101Fatalities reported
20076273101Fatalities reported
20065242221Fatalities reported
20056094130Above average
20041,0747210High concern
2003 — this page6958320High concern
20027957320High concern
200174210672Fatalities reported
200081810732Fatalities reported
19994000Routine
19982010Routine
19971000Routine
199688120Routine
199544110Routine
199415100Routine
19932110Routine
19920100Routine
19910100Routine

Compare every Impala year →

2003 Chevrolet Impala: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Impala a good car?

It is not among the Impala years to avoid. Owners filed 695 complaints, against about 515 for a typical Impala year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (34%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Impala?

The electrical system: 235 of the 695 complaints (34%) are about it. Owners most often say it will not start (26%), stalls (11%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (11%). The typical report comes at 98,740 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Impala have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 26, 2015. The largest, 14V400000, covered 5,877,718 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Impala problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 82,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 98,740 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Chevrolet Impala?

Yes, once. PE06017 ("ALLEGED HEADLIGHT FAILURE") was opened May 15, 2006 and closed Oct 25, 2006.

Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala?

The manufacturer filed 477 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (84), the electrical system (73) and the transmission (26). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

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.