Page 6 of 14 · complaints 251–300 of 695

2003 Chevrolet Impala complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2003 record →

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Apr 9, 2014150,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ABS AND THE CHECK TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THERE WAS ALSO A GRINDING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 8, 2014120,000 milesIN

I HAVE HAD INCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS WHERE I WOULD HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND MY CAR WOULD COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I HAVE ALSO HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY CAR TURNED OFF ON ME. I HAD TO SHIFT MY CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART IT TO CONTINUE GOING. I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 8, 201465,500 milesMD

WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY DOING APPROX. 65 MPH WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL ON, ALL OF SUDDEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DROPPED OUT AND VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN DRAMATICALLY.. ALSO THE HEAT AND AC WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THESE CONDITIONS CONTINUED INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN WE WENT TO MY MECHANIC HE HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH WAITING, HE KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE WE ARRIVED. AS SOON AS HE TOUCHED THE IGNITION SWITCH THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. SINCE WE HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SIMILAR PROBLEM AS THE RECALL. THANK YOU *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 8, 2014PA

2003 CHEVY IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION KEY RELATED RECALL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE SAW PHOTOGRAPH OF THE KEY INVOLVED ON TELEVISION AND REALIZED IT WAS SIMILAR TO THE ONE ASSIGNED TO HIS VEHICLE. THE STATED THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO A WEAK SPRING IN THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY. *JB

Engine
Filed Apr 8, 2014102,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AS THE CONTACT APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER AS THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULE TO BE INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED FOR REPAIR BY A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 7, 2014141,460 milesSC

WITH ALL OF OUR MANY COMPLAINTS OF IGNITION PROBLEMS ON 2003 IMPALAS HOW CAN THEY NOT RECALL THESE TOO . MY COST TO FIX WAS $ 520.00 MY CAR WOULD NOT CRANK BECAUSE OF SAME IGNITION PROBLEMS AS ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS. STILL HAVE DEALER BILL SECURITY CODES WENT CRAZY HAD TO REPLACE PASSLOCK SENSOR ,AND THEFT DETERRENT MODULE. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 1, 2014152,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,970.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 201481,483 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF BUT WHEN HE REMOVED THE KEY, THE ENGINE REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,483. UPDATED 5/29/14*CN

Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 2014132,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2014OK

THE CAR WOULD ACCELERATE AND THEN STALL OUT. THE MOTOR WOULD VIBRATE LIKE IT WAS JUMPING. HARD TO START DIE AFTER PUTTING INTO DRIVE. HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND CONVERTER IN 2011, SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. THE CAR HAS BLOWN SENSORS A MONTH AFTER GETTING IT OUT OF THE SHOP. HAVE SPENT OVER 6000 DOLLARS TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING AND THE SAME THING KEEPS HAPPENING. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 13, 201488,000 milesSC

I WAS DRIVING ON THE BACK ROADS AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 55MPH WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON SO I LET OFF THE GAS AND HIT THE BRAKES A LITTLE. I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP SAFELY, BUT THE JERKING WAS DANGEROUS AS IT PROPELLED ME INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN I WAS ON A CURVE. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR NOW. THE CAR SHOWS NO CODES AND NO WARNING SIGNALS. I THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION, BUT I AM NOT SURE. I READ MANY OTHERS WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND I THINK THIS IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN PEOPLE THINK AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED IF ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 2014IN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 12, 201465,750 milesMD

CRUISE CONTROL GOES OFF AND ON INTERMITTINGLY. HEAT AND AC GOES ON AND OFF. HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED AND PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. SOUNDS LIKE SAME PROBLEM AS RECENT RECALL. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 12, 201479,000 milesFL

SECURITY LOCK OUT, WHEN SECURITY LIGHT IS FLASHING WILL NOT ALLOW TO START, HAVE TO WAIT 10 MIN. AND HOPE THAT IT WILL RESET, WHEN LIGHT STOPS FLASHING TURN KEY OFF AND THEN TRY TO START, IF NOT WAIT ANOTHER 10 MIN. SOMETIMES HAVE TO WAIT 60 MIN, THIS IS IN A DARK PARKING LOT AFTER GETTING OUT OF WORK AT 9:30 PM GM WILL NOT RECALL SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN NO DEATHS REPORTED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. *TR

SeatsFire
Filed Feb 16, 2014MI

DRIVER ACTIVATED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATING UNIT DURING A COMMUTE SOMETIME IN DECEMBER 2013. AT SOME POINT DURING TRIP, SEAT BACK HEATING UNIT BURNED LEATHER SEAT AND BURNED DRIVERS COAT. OVAL BURN MARK APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES WIDE AND 1/2 INCH TALL RESULTED. SEAT HEATING UNIT NO LONGER WORKS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 15, 2014204,511 milesMN

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT PULLED OVER ON SIDE OF ROAD, PULLED ON TIMER SWITCH HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT MANY ISSUES RELATED TO HEADLIGHT FAILURE. GM NEEDS TO RECALL MY 16 YR. OLD DAUGHTER 03 IMPALA, BEFORE SHE GETS HURT. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 9, 2014MN

2003 CHEVY IMPALA IS OVERHEATING AND WE HAVE DONE A LOT TO IT AND IT STILL OVERHEATS AND THE ANTIFREEZE RUNS OUT WHEN YOU PUT IT IN CAR AND THE HEAT BLOWS COLD AIR ALL THE TIME. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 7, 2014214,000 milesID

THE HEADLIGHTS JUST QUIT WORKING ON 2 5 2014. *TR

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 6, 2014126,560 milesMI

ON MON. NOV. 25, 2013 I WAS DRIVING SB I-75 ABOUT 10 P.M. THERE WAS A LIGHT DRIZZLE AND AS I APPROACHED THE BRIDGEPORT AREA I NOTICED SOMETHING ACROSS SEVERAL LANES OF THE HIGHWAY. I STARTED TO BRAKE AND HIT BLACK ICE AND SLAMMED HEAD ON INTO A BLACK JACKKNIFED SEMI WITH NO LIGHTS OR FLARES. I DID TRY TO GO BETWEEN THE MIDDEN AND THE TRUCK BUT THERE WAS NO ROOM CAUSING MOST OF THE FRONT END DAMAGE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THE FRONT END WAS SO SMASHED THAT THE BATTERY DISINTEGRATED. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL GETTING A CONTUSION ON MY FOREHEAD AS WELL AS TWO BLACK EYES. I ALSO HAD BRUISES ON MY HAND, KNEE, AND RIGHT BREAST. IN ADDITION TO THESE I ALSO HAD SOME LE FRANC FRACTURES TO MY LEFT FOOT WHICH I REQUIRED SURGERY FOR. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THANK GOODNESS, BUT I JUST DO NOT KNOW WHY MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 27, 2013100,000 milesMI

THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON THE DASH PANEL AND MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND PULL TO ONE SIDE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM QUICKLY GREW INTO THE CAT CONSTANTLY PULLS TO ONE SIDE AND THE STEERING FEELS SLOPPY AND LOOSE IF THAT MAKES SENSE. THE TRACTION CONTROL DOESN'T WORK BUT WILL RANDOMLY KICK IN WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR INSTANTLY FEELS AS IF THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED AND GRINDER BUT THE WORSE PART IS HOW THE PULLING TO ONE SIDE BECOMES A QUICK GRAB AND JERK TO ONE SIDE AND HAS NEARLY CAUSED ME SEVERAL ACCIDENTS AND I CANNOT RELAX AND DRIVE. I AM ALWAYS TENSE AND READY TO FIGHT TO KEEP MY CAR GOING STRAIGHT AND NOW WITH THE BAD MICHIGAN WINTER ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE ON SOME DAYS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED A NEW TRACTION CONTROL PUMP WHICH IS GOING TO COST AROUND $2500 AND UP DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY FIND BUT WILL AUTOMATICALLY START AT $2500. THAT COST IS RIDICULOUS AND I HAVE TALKED TO PROB APPROX A HUNDRED PEOPLE WHO EITHER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM OR KNEW OF SOMEONE WHO DOES, OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. MY CAR IS NOW PARKED AND I HAVE TO BEG FOR RIDES TO WORK BECAUSE ITS WINTER AND I CANNOT PUT MYSELF AND OTHERS IN DANGER WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE TO WORK AND TRANSPORT KIDS TO DIFFERENT EVENTS AND FEEL THAT THIS PART HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE FROM THE START IF THERE'S THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. AND ALL OF THE SAME EXACT COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE. PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU TO CHECK INTO THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF A RECALL IS NECESSARY. THANK YOU SO MUCH. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 16, 201398,740 milesOH

THE CAR WILL NOT START NO MATTER HOT OR COLD. ONCE STARTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THROWS MULTIPLE ERRORS, FROM SECURITY, BATTERY, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, ABS LIGHT, SEAT BELT LIGHT, AND BRAKES. THE COMPLETE DASH BOARD GOES DEAD INCLUDING ALL GAUGES, FROM THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE. THE WARNING BELL CONTINUES TO RING AS THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON - IT DOES THIS CONTINUALLY WHILE DRIVING. OFTEN TIMES IT WILL NOT START. I HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I AM CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE PUT A NEW BATTER, NEW STARTER AND NEW ALTERNATOR IN THIS CAR. GM KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEMS AND THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RE-CALL THESE CARS AND FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 7, 201392,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BELT BECAME COMPLETELY FRACTURED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER WAS INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 30, 2013102,500 milesNJ

DRIVING SAID VEHICLE THANKFULLY AT LOW SPEED WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR . PULLED OVER AT SAW BRAKE FLUID . LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE SAW ROTTED OUT BRAKE LINES WITH A BIG HOLE IN ONE OF THEM AND THE OTHER IS JUST AS RUSTED . I CONSIDER THIS A GREAT SAFETY ISSUE . DUE TO IT HAPPENS SUDDENLY. NOTE: I SAW ON ABC NEW AND ON THE INTERNET THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS AS WELL. IT NOW SEEMS ITS NOT JUST TRUCKS. I KEEP MY CAR IN GREAT SHAPE AND HAVE IT SERVICED AT THE DEALER AND NEVER WAS INFORMED OF A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKE LINES. THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

Steering
Filed Oct 11, 2013118,000 milesMN

ACTED AS IF IT DOSEN'T HAVE POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT, VERY STIFF,AND JERKY. TOTAL CUT OUT ON A FREEWAY ON RAMP FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS. WHEN TRY TO PUT FUEL IN GAS TANK HAVE TO HOLD FUELING NOZZLE BARLEY OPEN OR IT WILL NOT TAKE FUEL. DROVE TO WORK, GOT OFF OF WORK WENT TO START IT, IT WOULD START WITH OUT A JUMP. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 8, 2013124,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AND BECAME STUCK IN A VERTICAL POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND WOULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER HOWEVER, IT WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 12/24/13*CN

Wheels
Filed Sep 17, 2013TN

TRACTION ACTIVE MESSAGE COMES ON TURN TRACTION CONTROL TURNS AND ABS LIGHT COMES ON WHEN I PUT CAR IN REVERSE, PULL FORWARD TURN WHEELS TO RIGHT IT MAKES A NOISE NIT A GRINDING NOISE BUT CLOSE AND WHEN MESSAGE COMES UP AND I APPLY BRAKES IT MAKES THAT NOISE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 24, 2013150,400 milesOH

WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT, THE CAR WILL NOT START. ONCE STARTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THROWS MULTIPLE ERRORS, FROM SECURITY, BATTERY, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, ABS LIGHT, SEAT BELT LIGHT, AND BRAKES. THE RADIO IS LOCKED OUT AND THE AC FAN RUNS BUT WILL NOT ALLOW THE AC COMPRESSOR TO FUNCTION. ALSO THE HEAD LIGHTS FLASH AND THE COMPLETE DASH BOARD GOES DEAD INCLUDING ALL GAUGES, FROM THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE. THE WARNING BELL CONTINUES TO RING AS THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON. THIS IS A COULD CAUSE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH NO HEAD LIGHTS AND NO WORKING GAUGES ON THE DASH, AND SHOULD FOR SOME REASON THE SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTS THE CAR DOWN WHILE DRIVING, COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. GM SEEM TO BE NEGLECTING THIS ISSUE, AND EVEN GM AND THEIR DEALERSHIPS CLAIM TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS. YET IN MULTIPLE IMPALA FORUMS, THIS IS THE TOP ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED, AND IT IS NOT FAIR FOR THE CONSUMER TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO CHASE THIS ISSUE DOWN. I JUST WISH AMERICAN CAR COMPANIES WOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PUBLIC'S SAFETY IS IN QUESTION. *TR

Wheels
Filed Aug 23, 201382,000 milesOH

THE LUG NUTS ON MY VEHICLE SEEM TO SOMEHOW LOOSEN THEMSELVES. THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE WILL MAKE NOISE THEN I LOOK AT THE NUTS TO FIND THAT THEY ARE LOOSE. THEN WHEN I GRAB THE TIRE IRON TO TIGHTEN THEM, THEY EITHER A) CAME LOOSE AGAIN LATER, OR B) THE NUT COMPLETELY COMES OFF...WITH PART OF THE PART THE NUT GOES ON STILL INSIDE. I MEAN THE ENTIRE PART BREAKS AND CAN'T BE FIXED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE AXLE. AS OF RIGHT NOW THERE ARE ONLY 3 OF THE 5 NUTS HOLDING THE TIRE ON AND THE OTHERS BROKE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 201358,000 milesNE

AT ANY TIME WHETHER TURNING OR PROCEEDING FORWARD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS TRACTION ACTIVATES AND STAYS ON. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF THIS RECALL WEBSITE. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR SINCE 2006, 10,000MILES AND HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL INFORMATION. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET ALL RECALL INFO SO I CAN TAKE TO DEALERSHIP AND GET FIXED WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE FIXED? ALSO WHENEVER IT RAINS THE FLOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT FILLS WITH WATER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 2006. PLEASE EMAIL OR SEND LETTER FOR MY RECALLS. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2013100,180 milesIL

HEAD GASKET FAILURE COST OF REPAIR $1800.00. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 30, 201381,000 milesIL

FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM CANT FILL VEHICLE FUEL TANK PUMP SHUTS OFF AND GAS SPRAYS OUT OF FILL TUBE POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 30, 201395,000 milesIL

GAS GAUGE GIVING INCORRECT READING. JUMPS FROM FULL TO EMPTY AND CAN RESIDE ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN REGARDLESS OF AMOUNT OF GAS. CAUSES CAR TO RUN OUT OF GAS WITHOUT PROPER WARNING. *TR

Steering
Filed Jul 29, 20137,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHEN COMPLETING A TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08E063000 (STEERING) BUT HAD NOT CONFIRMED IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,330.

EngineFire
Filed Jun 5, 2013GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 1, 2013112,324 milesAL

ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL, AND VSA LIGHT COMES ON UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM ENGAGES AND PULSATES WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALSO THE VEHICLE DOESN'T' ACCELERATE IF DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THIS COULD OR WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF THE SYSTEM IS NOT FIXED IMMEDIATELY. SUSPECT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR WHICH IS BUILT INTO THE WHEEL HUB. I AM REQUESTING THIS ISSUE BE REPAIRED AND THE FACTORY EXPENSE SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A VERY WELL KNOW DOCUMENTED CASE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2013143,000 milesIN

CAR WOULD NOT START DESPLAYING SECURITY MESSAGE, HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM MULTIPLE TIMES HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND THEN WAS ABLE TO START CAR MOST OF THE TIME HAVE SEEN ALOT OF THIS PROBLEM ON SIMILAR VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE GM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLE THEY ARE HAVEING BECAUSE I DONT WANT THE CAR TO JUST STOP RUNNING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2013MT

WE OWN A 2003 CHEVY IMPALA I PURCHASED IT BECAUSE I THOUGHT THEY WERE SAFE VEHICLES. IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH TRACTION CONTROL AND OUR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING. WE HAVE LOST ALL FUNCTION TO OUR DASH LIGHTS OUR HEAD LIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN THEY DECIDE TOO AND MY TRACTION CONTROL FAILS TO WORK AND WHEN I DON'T NEED IT ENGAGES.....THIS IS NOT OK! WE HAVE HAD EVERYTHING CHECKED. ALL FUSES AND BULBS ARE GOOD. WE HAVE HAD DIAGNOSTICS DONE A COUPLE OF TIMES AND NOTHING EVER SHOWS UP. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME STUFF. PLEASE TELL ME NOBODY HAS TO DIE OR GET SERIOUSLY INJURED BEFORE YOU MAKE THEM FIX THESE ISSUES. WE ALL PAID A LOT FOR THESE CARS THEY NEED TO FIX THEM NOW!! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 201390,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND THE IGNITION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 20, 2013257 milesOH

CAR WILL SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND SECURITY LIGHT WILL FLASH. HAS DONE IT NUMEROUS TIMES, WORRIED IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THERE ARE MULTIPLE CASES OF THIS PROBLEM ON INTERNET. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 19, 2013175,123 milesMN

MARCH 2, 2013 MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THE SECURITY LIGHT HAD BEEN ON AND AFTER LOOKING IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM, AKA THE SECURITY SYSTEM, WAS ENGAGED AND NOT ALLOWING THE FUEL INJECTORS TO START MY CAR. UPON RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, A LOT OF TIPS WERE PROVIDED ON HOW TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. THEY RANGED FROM DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, TAKING APART THE IGNITION CYLINDER AND LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION FOR 10-30 MINUTES. FOR OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, SHOW THIS OFFICIAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM GM #04-08-47-003 TO YOUR DEALER OR REPAIR PERSON! (#04-08-47-003: SECURITY LIGHT ON, ENGINE WILL NOT CRANK, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES B2958 AND/OR B2960 (REPAIR POOR TERMINAL CONNECTIONS AT BODY CONTROL MODULE) - (AUG 31, 2004)). *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 201367,483 milesPA

BOUGHT THIS 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA ON JAN. 2 2012 AND ROCKER ARMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES SINCE THEN, JUST TODAY MARCH 11,2013 ( MILES ARE 67483) BACK IN FOR SAME THING, CAR WAS JUST IN ON FEB. 13,2013 FOR ROCKER ARMS ( MILES WERE 100396) AND THE DEALER PUT A NEW ENGINE IN AND IN LESS THEN A MONTH BACK IN SAME THING. HEAD LIGHTS DON'T WORK RIGHT.THIS CAR IS FAULTY AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND OFF THE ROAD BEFORE SOMEONE KILLS THEM SELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. WHEN THE ROCKER ARMS WENT DIDN'T HAVE POWER AND ALMOST CRASHED ONTO A WAS WHEN TURNING A BEND.VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE!!! *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2013108,000 milesCA

BLOWN HEAD GASKET. DOING SEARCHES ON INTERNET, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE TYPE! SPARE US ALL THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR COST AND ISSUE A RECALL ALREADY! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 201358,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED PREVENTING HER FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE, THE IGNITION CYLINDER AND THE PASS CODE KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,802.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 9, 201352,000 milesKY

ENGINE ACCELERATES TO 3,000 RPM DURING WARM UP (SOMETIMES). USUALLY OCCURS ABOUT FIVE MINUTES AFTER COLD START. HAS LASTED 10 TO 15 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING. HAS NOT REPEATED DURING SAME DAY AND NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR DAYS OR WEEKS DURING THE PAST FIVE MONTHS. REPLACED ECM (COMPUTER), IAC (IDLE AIR CONTROL), COOLANT TEMP. SENSOR AND CLEANED THROTTLE BODY. DEALER CANNOT SUGGEST SOLUTION. UNABLE TO GET CAR TO DEALER WHILE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING. SCANNED FOR DTCS MULTIPLE TIMES, NONE. CONTROLLING SPEED WITH BRAKE IS NOT A GOOD SOLUTION. SAFETY HAZARD! *TR THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FAILED, THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT WORK, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON AND THE HEAD LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY, IN ORDER TO TURN THE HEAD LIGHTS OFF. AFTER RECONNECTING THE BATTERY, EVERYTHING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE BCM WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 03/19/13

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 10, 201319,840 milesPA

BRAKE LINE FROM MASTER CYLINDER BLEW, BRAKE FLUID LEAKED AND BRAKES FAILED. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT COME ON UNTIL BRAKES WERE INOPERABLE. LINE WAS FOUND TO BE RUSTED THROUGH. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. BRAKE WARNING LIGHT SHOULD COME ON IMMEDIATELY WHEN A BRAKE LINE RUPTURES TO GIVE THE DRIVER TIME TO STOP BEFORE BRAKES FAIL COMPLETELY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 31, 2012120,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES BEFORE HE VEHICLE COULD BE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 133,000.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 30, 2012119,000 milesMO

WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES, RADIO LOCKS UP AND THE CAR STALLS. AFTER READING THE MANUAL AND CONTACTING A DEALER, I WAS ADVISED TO TURN THE KEY INTO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR THE SECURITY LIGHT TO STOP FLASHING, THEN START THE CAR. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED IT TOOK OVER AN HOUR FOR THE CAR TO START. THE SECOND TIME, IT TOOK OVER AN HOUR AS WELL. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME AND IM ON DAY 2 OF LEAVING THE KEY IN THE ON POSITION AND NOTHING IS HAPPENING. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN AND AT FIRST I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO BRING IT IN FOR A SECURITY SYSTEM RESET. THEN I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE BCM WITHOUT ANYONE ACTUALLY LOOKING AT MY CAR. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE ON MODEL 2000-2005. GM IS CLEARLY AWARE OF THIS DEFECT BUT REFUSE RECALL. THOSE THAT HAVE PAID OVER $500 TO FIX REPLACE THE BCM ARE STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. CAN GM BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE FLAW THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF YET CHARGING PEOPLE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX A PART THAT MAY NOT BE BROKEN? *TR

EngineFire
Filed Nov 5, 2012140,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS PUTTING OIL IN THE VEHICLE WHEN SHE BEGAN TO SMELL PLASTIC BURNING AND THEN SAW SPARKING COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SOON AS SHE SAW THE SPARKS, THE ENGINE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THERE WAS NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND FILED REPORTS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FIRE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NOT ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 2012194,511 milesOK

MY TURN SIGNALS WENT OUT. WILL NOT WORK AND IDK WHAT'S GOING ON BUT I HAVE READ MANY SAME COMPLAINTS THE NET. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 2012123,752 milesKY

THE CAR WILL NOT START AND I HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT 5 MINUTES OR SO UNTIL IT WILL START. I HAVE BEEN READING ONLINE THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND CHEVROLET HAS NOT DONE A RECALL TO FIX IT, IT IS VERY SAD. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala → · Every Impala year → · How the figures are calculated →