2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

1,076

Owner Complaints

51 Crashes 42 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

15

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

The 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA has received a total of 1,076 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 15 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (247 complaints), Engine (75 complaints), and Exterior Lighting (48 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA, potentially affecting up to 9,521,143 vehicles.

Recall 15V701000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

| 1,003,556 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201...

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Recall 15V701000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

| 1,003,556 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201...

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Recall 14V400000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 5,877,718 vehicles affected

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...

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's...

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Recall 09V116000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

| 1,497,516 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE 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....

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Recall 09E005000 — STEERING

| 979 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 08E063000 — STEERING

| 3,855 vehicles affected

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....

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 07E021000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

| 742 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 02V222000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

| 133,221 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT...

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

1,076 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 247 7 Crashes 5 Fires 6 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 75 20 Fires 3 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 48 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 45 4 Fires
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 38
Steering
Complaints: 37 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 27 12 Crashes 17 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 26
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 24
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 22
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 20
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 19 1 Crash 1 Fire
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 17 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 16
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 15 6 Crashes 5 Injuries
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 14 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 14 3 Fires
Power Train
Complaints: 14 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Traction Control System
Complaints: 14 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 13
Equipment
Complaints: 12 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 11
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 11
Service Brakes
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 11 1 Crash
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 10
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 9
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 9 1 Fire
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 9
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 8
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 7 4 Crashes 2 Injuries
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 6
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch
Complaints: 5
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 5
Structurebody
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 5
Tires
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibility
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 4
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingturn Signalswitch
Complaints: 4
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Seats
Complaints: 4 2 Fires 1 Injury
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 4 2 Fires 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 4
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 4
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 3
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherlinkages
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 3
Wheels
Complaints: 3
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 2
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 2
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
Complaints: 1
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assemblyrelay
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lights
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Diesel
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblyfillingcharging
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblypressure Relief Devices
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Boxshaft Pitman
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Tiresvalve
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11708557 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
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.
#11708557 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Fire
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.
#11708557 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
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.
#11662981 | TIRES:SIDEWALL | | N/A miles Crash
225/60 R16 tire size valve leak and pushed in slow tire leak
#11662981 | TIRES:TREAD/BELT | | N/A miles Crash
225/60 R16 tire size valve leak and pushed in slow tire leak

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Safety Rating for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

General Motors, LLC has issued 15 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIT5099G — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

03-06-01-010 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE OIL OR COOLANT LEAK. *TT GM REMINDER. *TT INSTALL NEW LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. UPDATED 7/18/08 *PE

3007 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

3.8L ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. *TT

0308110008 — STRUCTURE:BODY

GLOVE BOX DOOR CONTACTS DOOR TRIM PANEL. *TT

020861001A — STRUCTURE:BODY

CLICKING/CREAKING NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. *TT

030864034 — VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

FRONT DOOR GLASS SNAPPING NOISE WHEN RAISING. *TT

022703 — STRUCTURE

GAP CONDITION BETWEEN THE UPPER INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) PAD TO IP TRIM PLATE WHICH MAY BE OBJECTIONABLE TO A CUSTOMER. *TT *JB

030605002 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ON, REDUCED VEHICLE PERFORMANCE, ACCELERATION AND TOP SPEED. *TT

020602011 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

ENGINE OVERHEATING AND/OR EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM ELECTRIC COOLING FAN MOTOR. *TT

050302 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

IN SEVERE POLICE VEHICLE USE SITUATIONS THE FRONT EXHAUST O-RING STYLE HANGER MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED AND EVENTUALLY FALL OFF. *TT

Showing 10 of 15 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA.

Investigation PE06017 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Closed

Opened:

ALLEGED HEADLIGHT FAILURE

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET IMPALA

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report