2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
935
Owner Complaints
8
Recalls
18
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
The 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA has received a total of 935 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 9 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. 18 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (231 complaints), Engine (88 complaints), and Exterior Lighting (57 complaints).
Recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
NHTSA has recorded 9 recalls for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA, potentially affecting up to 9,521,273 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 engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201...
View full details →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 engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201...
View full details →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...
View full details →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 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....
View full details →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.
View full details →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.
View full details →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.
View full details →Recall 03V051000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
| 130 vehicles affected
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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
935 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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.
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
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
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 of thousands over decades! Many tens of millions of dollars in repairs, and hundreds of thousands waiting to happen! This needs to be addressed at a government level! We won’t to see some consumer protection, and Justice! Thank you for your time, and consideration! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
225/60/r16 Tire bead is warped/slanted (defective) with inability to install the tires
Safety Rating for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
General Motors, LLC has issued 18 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PIT5484A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that if OnStar is unable to configure the vehicle after the OnStar 15-08-44-001 upgrade and Onstar receives a 118 error code when attempting to configure the vehicle. Dealers should receive a sheet with the kit that provides steps to assist with handling this...
00-00-89-027H — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This informational bulletin provides information on what products GM has to aid in the eliminating unwanted odors in a vehicle.
04062 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE OIL COOLER ADAPTOR FITTINGS. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04062 PRODUCT FIELD ACTION ANNOUNCEMENT. *TT
040602004 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE OIL LEAK FROM RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE. *MJ THIS BULLETIN REPLACED PREVIOUS BULLETIN DATED 05/01/2004. *TT
040601021 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT
01759 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
XM RAPID ACTIVATION UTILIZATION. *MR
01970 — AIR BAGS
SIR DISABLE. ALSO INCLUDING 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA AND MONTE CARLO. *MR
02100 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
NO XM BAND AFTER RADIO REPLAC/REPAIR OR LOW VOLUME ON XM. *MJ
00867 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE FRAME AREA NOISE - SUPPLEMENT TO 02-08-61-001 - REPAIR HINTS - SERVICE VME. *TT
01347 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
3.8L L37 L67 ENGINE RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS. *TT
Showing 10 of 18 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET IMPALA
- 1998 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 4 complaints
- 1999 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 4 complaints
- 2000 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 1,128 complaints
- 2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 959 complaints
- 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 1,076 complaints
- 2003 CHEVROLET IMPALA (current)
- 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 1,375 complaints
- 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 809 complaints
- 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 802 complaints
- 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 930 complaints
- 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA — 1,203 complaints
Other CHEVROLET Models
- CHEVROLET MALIBU — 28,991 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 — 22,175 total complaints
- CHEVROLET TAHOE — 12,511 total complaints
- CHEVROLET EQUINOX — 12,135 total complaints
- CHEVROLET BLAZER — 11,032 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SILVERADO — 10,928 total complaints
- CHEVROLET SUBURBAN — 10,375 total complaints
- CHEVROLET COBALT — 10,106 total complaints