2002 Chevrolet Impala
Recalls, consumer complaints and crash ratings from NHTSA
Recalls7
Engine and engine coolingEngineOct 26, 2015, Campaign 15V701000
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.
Electrical systemIgnitionJul 3, 2014, Campaign 14V400000
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 coolingApr 8, 2009, Campaign 09V116000
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.
SteeringFeb 17, 2009, Campaign 09E005000
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.
SteeringOct 17, 2008, Campaign 08E063000
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, otherStorage, tank assembly, pressure relief devicesMar 12, 2007, Campaign 07E021000
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 bagsFrontalAug 9, 2002, Campaign 02V222000
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 recalls issued for this model year. To see whether any are still unrepaired on a specific vehicle, check its VIN at NHTSA.
Recent complaints809 total
Most reported, across all 809 complaints
- Electrical system38%
- Exterior lighting15%
- Engine and engine cooling13%
Air bagsCrash1 injuredFiled May 6, 2026
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.
Incident May 6, 2026
Electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion systemFireFiled Jan 3, 2026
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.
Incident Jan 3, 2026
TiresCrashFiled May 24, 2025
225/60 R16 tire size valve leak and pushed in slow tire leak
Incident Apr 22, 2024
Suspension, electrical system, wheelsFiled May 23, 2025
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.
Incident May 23, 2025
Power train, electrical systemFiled Jun 25, 2024
Transmission hesitates to pull out in drive from a stop
Incident Jun 25, 2024
Air bagsFiled Feb 25, 2024
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. .
Incident Feb 24, 2024
Electrical systemFiled Oct 16, 2022
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. Could we at least get some actual information without having to spend more than the Vehicle is worth. Smh
Incident Jul 12, 2022
Electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion systemFireFiled May 25, 2021
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.
Incident May 11, 2021
Engine, forward collision avoidanceFiled Nov 9, 2020
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/
Incident Nov 6, 2020
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Oct 2, 2020
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.
Incident Sep 15, 2020
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Electrical systemFiled Aug 6, 2020
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.
Incident Jul 23, 2020
Exterior lightingFiled Jul 18, 2020
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?
Incident Jan 1, 2015
Power train, engineFiled Mar 31, 2020
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.
Incident Feb 1, 2020
Electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion systemFiled Dec 16, 2019
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.
Incident Oct 1, 2019
Electrical system, engineFiled Aug 3, 2019
TAKARA RECALL
Incident Mar 15, 2018
EngineFireFiled Jul 29, 2019
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.
Incident Jun 1, 2019
EngineFiled Apr 13, 2019
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 FAILED. SAID GASKET IS CURRENTLY IN MY POSSESSION. WE KNOW IT FAILED BEFORE THE OIL/FILTER CHANGE IN THE SUMMER OF 2017, BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF SMOKE THAT ISSUED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AFTERWARDS. THIS RECALL REPAIR LASTED FAR LESS THAN THE 12MONTH/12,000 MILE WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE, TODAY APRIL 2019, STILL HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES SINCE THE ORIGINAL RECALL WORK WAS DONE IN MARCH 2017.
Incident Apr 9, 2019
EngineFiled Apr 5, 2019
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.
Incident Oct 30, 2017
Steering, electrical system, engineFiled Feb 1, 2019
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.
Incident Jun 13, 2018
Structure, seatsFiled Sep 12, 2018
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.
Incident May 1, 2015
Electrical system, electronic stability control (ESC), service brakesFiled Jul 19, 2018
ABS IS KICKING BACK AND TRACTION CONTROL IS COMING ON FOR NO GIVEN REASON MAKING STOPPING THE CAR INCREASINGLY HARD AT SLOW SPEEDS. INEVITABLY CAUSING THE ABS AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS TO COME ON THE LIGHT IS NOW STAYING ON AS SOON AS THE CAR IS TURNED ON. TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP TO ATTEMPT TO FIND THE PROBLEM BEING TOLD IT IS AN ELECTRICAL GROUNDING PROBLEM ALSO MAKES THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN DOING THIS
Incident Jul 1, 2018
Electrical systemFiled Jul 17, 2018
YOU PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT DOESNT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL IS FREE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE WRONG. YOU HAVE TO SIT THERE FOREVER MOVING THE KEY IN EVERY WHICH WAY. TO HOPEFULLY FIND THE RIGHT COMBINATION TO GET THE CAR TO START.
Incident Jan 1, 2010
Unknown or otherFiled Apr 3, 2018
THE PIECES THE DEALER GLUED UNTO MY IGNITION KEY FELL OUT. I DID NOT DO ANYTHING. I JUST NOTICED ONE DAY THEY HAD FALLEN OUT. GLUING THE PIECES IN THE KEY WAS NOT A FIX. I AM USING MY SPARE KEY, BUT I AM AFRAID THEY WILL COME UNGLUED AND FALL OUT.
Incident Mar 30, 2018
Electrical systemFiled Mar 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), THE VEHICLE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WIRED TO A STARTER TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTURY CHEVROLET (6105 WEST 120TH AVE, BROOMFIELD, CO), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,598.
Incident Sep 24, 2014
Electrical systemFiled Mar 7, 2018
CAR RANDOMLY LOCKS ME OUT FOR 10 MINUTES, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. THESE CARS ARE [XXX]. CONSTANTLY LEAVES ME STRANDED. PASSLOCK SECURITY CODE, SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES FOR 10 MINUTES. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident Mar 7, 2018
Electrical systemFiled Feb 20, 2018
THE POWER DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING. WHEN YOU TRY TO START THE CAR, THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK OR TURN OVER. IN THE RARE INSTANCE YOU DO GET IT TO START, IF YOU TURN IT OFF, IT WILL NOT START AGAIN (ANYWHERE FROM AN HOUR TO TWO WEEKS OR MORE). I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH ONLINE AND THERE ARE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHOM OWN GM CARS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION. I CANNOT GET HELP FROM ANYONE AND AM FRUSTRATED BEYOND REASON, SO HOPEFULLY YOU CAN DO YOUR RESEARCH AND FIGURE THIS OUT! I CANNOT DEPEND ON THIS CAR AND I AM DISABLED!
Incident Jul 1, 2017
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Nov 8, 2017
FUEL SHUTDOWNS WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE AT BETWEEN 60-75 MPH. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS WHILE DRIVING, I IMMEDIATELY LOOSE POWER, IT GOES INTO A ROUGH IDLE, AND I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. IT WILL EITHER IDLE ROUGHLY WITH NO ABILITY TO INCREASE THROTTLE FOR 5-15 MINUTES, OR, IT WILL STALL AND I CAN START IT AGAIN IN 5-15 MINUTES (WHEN WHATEVER IS NOT WORKING, COOLS DOWN). THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2014. OUR SERVICE CENTER HAS A LONG HISTORY. NO PROPER ERROR MESSAGE IS GIVEN THROUGH THE REGISTER STORAGE WHEN TESTED USING GM SHOP ANALYZERS. CHECKED GAS CAP, REPLACED FUEL PUMP, CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, SPARK PLUGS & WIRES, CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, FUEL INJECTOR, BCM. HAVE NOT REPLACED COIL PACKS AND ICM YET. (A DYNOMETER IS PROBABLY NEEDED TO SIMULATE LOAD FOR A MOVING VEHICLE. MANY SHOPS DON'T HAVE IT BECAUSE OF COST.)
Incident Nov 8, 2017
Electrical systemFiled Sep 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE IGNITION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AN IGNITION LOCK FAILURE OCCURRED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE IGNITION KEY LOCK, CYLINDER, AND IGNITION SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 12/13/2017 *LN *TT CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL DEALERS WERE CONTACTED AND NO HELP WITH FAULTY "KEY FOB". UPDATED 7/20/18*JB *TR
Incident Aug 20, 2014
Unknown or otherFiled Aug 31, 2017
TAKATA RECALL SIGNAL LIGHTS DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. JUST SOMETIME, SOMETIMES IT DOES IT FOR A FEW DAYS.. THEN THEY START WORKING AGAIN. I HAVE TO TRAVEL ON INTERSTATE QUITE OFTEN TO GET MY SON TO THE DOCTOR.
Incident Jun 30, 2017
Electronic stability control (ESC)Filed Jul 7, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY SECURITY SYSTEM. AT RANDOM TIMES MY CAR WILL NOT START AND THE SECURITY LIGHTS UP ON MY DASH. I HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES AFTER THE INITIAL START BEFORE IT WILL FINALLY START UP. ONCE IT DOES IT RUNS JUST FINE UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING AND SUCH AN INCONVENIENCE AS WELL AS NOT SAFE. I WAS LEAVING FROM TAKING MY SON TO THE ER ONE MORNING AT LIKE 3AM AND IT DONE THIS. SO I AM SITTING AN THE ER PARKING LOT WITH A SICK 2 YEAR OLD AT 3AM. THANK GOD IT WASN'T WHEN I HAD TO TAKE HIM IN. WHAT IF I WOULDN'T HAVE MADE IT AND SOMETHING WORSE COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY CHILD. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS.
Incident Jul 7, 2017
SeatsFireFiled Jul 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/07/17*LJ
Incident Jul 3, 2017
Engine, fuel/propulsion systemFireFiled May 18, 2017
CHEVROLET IMPALA ENGINE COLD PARKED IN DRIVEWAY STARTED THE CAR AND THE ENGINE EXPLODED: FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD. THE MANIFOLD EXPLODED
Incident May 18, 2017
Air bagsFiled May 9, 2017
MY MOTHER WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND WAS ONLY LESS THAN TEN FEET FROM MY FRONT DOOR,STILL IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY APARTMENT UNIT. BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, SHE HADN'T HIT ANYTHING. THEY BOTH DEPLOYED ,CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD AND DISABLED THE DASHBOARD.
Incident May 9, 2017
EngineFiled Apr 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE BEGAN USING APPROXIMATELY A QUART OF WATER PER DAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,505.
Incident Mar 24, 2017
EngineFireFiled Apr 3, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Incident Apr 1, 2017
Electrical systemFiled Mar 30, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE SECURITY SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY AND WAITED. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE STARTED AND OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPATED 12/04/2017*JS
Incident Feb 1, 2016
Traction control system, service brakesCrashFiled Dec 19, 2016
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS. ON DECEMBER 16TH I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN I COULD NOT STOP ST A RED LIGHT. TRACTION LIGHT KEPT COMING ON AND OFF ALL DAY. ABS PUMP WOULD RUN FOR NO REASON. AS I APPROACHED THE TRAFFIC LIGHT THE REACTION LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND MY BRAKES FAILED. CAUSING ME TO HO THROUGH THE RED LIGHT AND HIT CAR PASSING THROUGH INTERSECTION. *TR
Incident Dec 16, 2016
Electrical systemFiled Nov 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT WORKING. THE SECURITY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE BEGAN FIVE YEARS AGO. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Incident Nov 28, 2011
Air bags, electronic stability control (ESC), visibility/wiperFiled Oct 1, 2016
TAKATA RECALL I WAS DROPPING MY DAUGHTER OFF AT THE BABYSITTERS HOUSE ON MY WAY TO A FUNERAL AROUND 10:30 ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 1, 2016. I PULLED OUT THE BABYSITTERS DRIVEWAY AND PROCEEDED TOWARDS BERKSHIRE STREET. MY CAR WAS IN MOTION AND BEFORE I MADE IT TO THE CORNER MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG BURST OPEN MY DASHBOARD OPENED ALL THE WAY ACROSS TO DRIVER'S SIDE. MY RADIO BROKE OFF MY BUTTONS FLEW OFF THE DASH AND I COULDN'T TELL WHETHER IT WAS DUST OR SMOKE FROM THE AIRBAG. I WASN'T HURT BUT WHEN I INHALE MY CHEST HURT AND MY ASTHMA FLARED UP AND MY RIGHT EAR IS IRRITATED. ALSO MY WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I DIDN'T HIT A BUMP OR CAR IT'S SMOOTH PAVEMENT I WAS CONFUSED AS TO WHAT CAUSED IT.
Incident Oct 1, 2016
EngineFiled Sep 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Incident Dec 9, 2015
Electrical systemFiled Sep 20, 2016
I AM TIRED OF MY CAR NOT STARTING, ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEED TO GO TO WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED QUIT A FEW TIMES. I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MIN. FOR IT TO START OR KEEP TRYING TILL IT STARTS. I HAVE A NEW BATTERY. THIS HAS HAPPENED LATE AT NIGHT TOO.
Incident Sep 19, 2016
Electrical system, engineFiled Sep 18, 2016
MY CAR WILL NOT CRANK OR START..... IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SECURITY SYSTEM SO I'M TOLD...... THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD....THIS HAPPENS OFTEN WHEN I'M FAR AWAY FROM HOME! I HAVE THE KEY BUT THE SECURITY SYSTEM STILL SHUTS THE CAR DOWN... THIS TIME I WENT IN THE STORE FOR 10 MINUTES, WHEN I RETURNED TO GO HOME THE CAR WOULD NOT START.
Incident Sep 1, 2016
Electrical system, electronic stability control (ESC)Filed Sep 16, 2016
FOR AWHILE MY CAR HAS BEEN HAVING STARTING PROBLEMS, AT RANDOM TIMES IT DOES NOT START AND IT TAKES TEN MINUTES FROM THE FIRST TIME I TURN THE KEY TO START. RECENTLY IT STARTED SHUTTING DOWN (AS FAR AS DASHBOARD FUNCTIONS AND THE MOTOR KILLS) BOUNTY FOR A BRIEF MOMENT AS I AM DRIVING I NOTICED IT DOES IT WHENEVER I USED THE TURN SIGNALS AND IT ALSO MAKES A BUZZING TYPE NOISE WHEN I USE THE TURN SIGNALS THEN IT GOES AWAY. NOW MY CAR WON'T START AT ALL, IVE HAD MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BOTH TESTED AND THEY BOTH CAME BACK FINE.
Incident Sep 4, 2016
Electrical systemFiled Aug 25, 2016
SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS AND CAR WILL NOT START. HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES UNTIL THE LIGHT STOPS BLINKING AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN.
Incident Aug 25, 2016
Electrical system, engineFiled Jul 28, 2016
MY 3.8 IS UNDER RECALL BUT APPARENTLY DEALERSHIP CAN'T GET OIL LEAK REPAIR PARTS. THE LEAK IS ALL OVER THE STARTER NOW AND USUALLY IT DOESN'T WORK. I NEED TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF. CAN I GET A REFUND IF INDEPENDENT DOES THE WORK?
Incident May 22, 2009
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Jul 27, 2016
I JUST BOUGHT THIS 2002 CHEVY IMPALA FOR MY SON FOR HIS GRADUATION. THE PREVIOUS OWNERS SEEM TO TAKE GREAT CARE OF THIS CAR AND THE ONLY ISSUE IT HAD WAS THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT ACCURATE. IT FLUCTUATES BETWEEN FULL AND EMPTY. THIS WEEK IT SEEMS TO BE STUCK ON FULL, BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN COME DOWN TO EMPTY THEN RIGHT BACK TO FULL . WE HAVE MY SON DRIVE MY YOUNGER BOYS BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL AND HE DRIVES LONG DISTANCES TO GO TO HIS ARMY TRAININGS. IT HAS BECOME AN ISSUE FOR HIM TO REMEMBER HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TANK. AND HAS BECOME A WORRY FOR ME THAT HE MIGHT GET STRANDED SOMEWHERE DUE TO NO GAS. AFTER REVIEWING THE COMPLAINTS IT SOUNDS LIKE WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WITH THIS ISSUE. HOPE THE MANUFACTURER DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SOON.
Incident Apr 25, 2016
Electrical system, electronic stability control (ESC)Filed Jul 8, 2016
MY CAR DOES NOT MAKE A SOUND WHEN I TRY TO TURN IT ON SOMETIMES. I'LL HAVE TO KEEP TURNING THE KEY FROM THE OFF POSITION TO THE START POSITION SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL IT FINALLY COMES ON. I HAVE HAD MY IGNITION SWITCH CHECKED AND WAS TOLD IT IS FINE. THIS IS A VERY RANDOM ISSUE BEING IT WILL HAVE TODAY AND NOT HAPPEN AGAIN TILL LIKE 6 MONTHS AND WILL HAPPEN FOR 3 DAYS IN A ROW. THEN WON'T HAPPEN TILL THE NEXT YEAR AND WILL ONLY HAPPEN FOR A DAY. IT IS VERY IRRITATING BEING IT HAS MADE ME LATE FOR WORK IN THE PAST AND THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME TO DETERMINE WHEN IT MIGHT HAPPEN AGAIN. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT SAT OVER NIGHT OR IF I JUST DROVE IT GOT OUT AND THEN GOT BACK IN, IT'S JUST COMPLETELY RANDOM.
Incident Mar 10, 2013
Electrical systemFiled Jul 7, 2016
RECALL N140350. ATTEMPTED TO HAVE VEHICLE SERVICED AT JIM GLOVER ON THE RIVER IN TULSA, OK. WAS CONSTANTLY TOLD THAT MY REQUEST FOR SERVICE WAS SENT SLING TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND I WOULD HEAR FROM THEN SHORTLY. EVERY TIME I CONTACTED THEM, I WAD TOLD THE SAME THING. NO COMMUNICATION WHATSOEVER, OTHER THAN FROM THEIR SALES DEPARTMENT TRYING TO SELL ME ANOTHER CAR. AFTER A WEEK OF GETTING THE RUN AROUND AND NO COMMUNICATION OTHER THAN "YOU'LL BE HEADING FROM THEM," I'M ASSUMING THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO ACTUALLY HELP ME, SINCE THEY WONT MAKE ANY MONEY OFF OF ME.
Incident Jul 7, 2016
Engine and engine cooling, electrical systemFiled Jun 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAP SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 350,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 08/02/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURN SIGNAL, AC, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS, INTERIOR LIGHTS AND SECURITY SYSTEM WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. UPDATED 08/08/16.*JB
Incident Sep 9, 2015
EngineFiled May 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Incident Dec 7, 2015
NHTSA crash ratings
2002 Chevrolet Impala 4-DR
- Front, driver
- 5 out of 5 stars
- Front, passenger
- 5 out of 5 stars
- Side, front seat
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Side, rear seat
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Rollover
- 4 out of 5 stars
2002 Chevrolet Impala 4-DR w/SAB
- Front, driver
- 5 out of 5 stars
- Front, passenger
- 5 out of 5 stars
- Side, front seat
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Side, rear seat
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Rollover
- 4 out of 5 stars
Rated under NHTSA's pre-2011 program, which scored each seat. These stars can't be compared with ratings from 2011 on.
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