18 of the
959 complaints about the 2001 Chevrolet Impala are about the
equipment — 2% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
53,566 miles.
C
18
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Equipment
738.9%
Anti-Theft Devices
316.7%
Electrical
211.1%
Lines AND Fittings
211.1%
Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
15.6%
AIR Conditioner
15.6%
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
15.6%
Water Heater
15.6%
Equipment & Accessories across every Chevrolet Impala year
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROGRESSING FAILURE IN WHICH THE RADIO STAYED ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WAS AN ERROR MESSAGE ON THE RADIO DISPLAY PANEL, INDICATING "CHECK CD". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE) AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME OF WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SUPPLY TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/09/16*LJ; 05/14/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10810965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesByron Center, MI
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
AT TIMES CAR NOT STARTING WITH KEY, HAVE TO USE KEYLESS AUTO START IN THOSE CASES. REPLACED BATTERY AND REALIZED LATER THAT THE BATTERY WASN'T THE CAUSE. STARTED DOING IT AFTER HAD KEYLESS ENTRY INSTALLED IN DECEMBER, HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. DIDN'T HAPPEN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BUT JUST HAPPENED YESTERDAY.
NHTSA complaint #10619474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
MY CAR WILL NOT START DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE PASSKEY/PASSLOCK SYSTEM. IT IS A ANTI THEFT FUNCTION INSTALLED ON SEVERAL OF THE GM MODELS THAT WHEN IT FAILS TO WORK IT ACTUALLY KEEPS THE OWNER FROM USING THE VEHICLE. AFTER GOING ON LINE TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE I NOTICED THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM TO HAVE. IN ADDITION TO GETTING THE SYSTEM FIXED MANY OWNERS SAY THAT AFTER ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS THE PROBLEM COMES BACK AND HAVE EVEN DIED ON THEM AS THEY WERE DRIVING. SOME TRY TO BYPASS THIS SYSTEM AND OTHERS ATTEMPT TO HAVE IT FIXED, BUT REGARDLESS OF HOW THEY DEAL WITH IT, I BELIEVE THAT IT IS THE MANUFACTURES RESPONSIBILITY TO ADDRESS COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLES THEY SELL; NOT TO MENTION THAT HONDA WAS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES AND ISSUED A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10429418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesMilberry, OH
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND ACTIVATED THE ALARM, THE VEHICLE SEEMED DIFFICULT TO RESTART. THE LIGHTS AND DOORS WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY BUT THE VEHICLE TOOK 10-20 MINUTES TO GET IT STARTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10326838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,705 milesTuscaloosa, AL
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
I BOUGHT A 2001 CHEVY IMPALA 1 WEEK AGO AND NOW IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR PLUS IT CUTS OFF WHEN IT REACHES THOSE MILES. I HAD NEW SPARK PLUGS INSTALLED, WIRES, COIL PACKS AND A NEW FUEL FILTER INSTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10317503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesDedham, MA
EQUIPMENT
2001 CHEVORLET/IMPALA PURCHASED NEW, CURRENT MILES 51,000. INTERMITTANT LOSS OF DIRECTIONALS. **NOW COMPLETE LOSS OF DIRECTIONALS AND EMERGENCY SIGNALS. FAILED RECENT CAR INSPECTION. ADDITIONAL FAILURES INCLUDE: COMPLETE BRAKE LOSS AT 38,000. RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM. FIRESTONE TIRE, WEST ROXBURY, MA STATED ON DOCUMENTS THAT "ROTORS WERE THINNED DOWN TO SIZE OF SHEET OF PAPER &/OR COMPLETELY GONE." TWO TIRE BLOWOUTS AT 35,000, ALSO REPLACED BY ABOVE REPAIR SHOP, WITH 4 NEW TIRES. BATTERY LEAK WITH CORROSION TO EXTENT OF NEED OF CONNECTION CABLES TO BE REBUILT FOR ATTACHMENT. BATTERY REPLACED WITH NEW CONNECTIONS AT 40,000 BY SEARS AUTO BODY IN DEDHAM, MA. PASSENGAR SIDE WIPER FIXED AND REPLACED AFTER FAILURE. WORKED FOR 3 MONTHS AND HAS FAILED AGAIN, HAS NOT AT PRESENT BEEN REPLACED/REPAIRED. CARE OF CAR WAS UPDATED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO ALL REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS BY MANUFACTURER. NO HISTORY OF ACCIDENTS. THIS INCLUDING, OIL CHANGES, WIPER BLADE CHANGES, TIRE ROTATIONS WITH EVEY OTHER OIL CHANGE, WHICH WAS DONE EVERY 3 MONTS, ETC. BRAKE INSPECTION AND PADS CHANGED ON CAR 1 YEAR BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. BRAKE LOSS WAS THANKFULLY UNEVENTFUL ONLY DUE TO TIME OF NIGHT AND LOW TRAFFIC, ONLY ABLE TO STOP CAR WITH GLIDING TO STOP. THEN TOWED TO SERVICE STATION. ON AVERAGE MY PRESENT YEARLY MILAGE IS PROBABLY LESS THAN 3000. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER/OPERATOR TO THIS CAR AND ALTHOGH MENTIONED #1 OWNER, MY FATHER ORIGINALLY PURCHASED THE CAR, (HOWARD CHEVORLET, WEST ROXBURY, MA) BUT DID NOT DRIVE IT. I CURRENTLY AM THE TITLE HOLDER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME IF YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS THAT COULD HELP ME. I FEEL THAT THERE IS MAJOR FAILURE THAT BEYOND MY CONTROL AND IS DANGEROUS TO MYSELF, OTHERS AND MOST IMPORTANT TO ME, MY 4 Y/O DAUGHTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU (SOMEONE) SOON. TERESA CORRIGAN
NHTSA complaint #10244594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesDedham, MA
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS
2001 CHEVORLET/IMPALA PURCHASED NEW, CURRENT MILES 51,000. INTERMITTANT LOSS OF DIRECTIONALS. **NOW COMPLETE LOSS OF DIRECTIONALS AND EMERGENCY SIGNALS. FAILED RECENT CAR INSPECTION. ADDITIONAL FAILURES INCLUDE: COMPLETE BRAKE LOSS AT 38,000. RESULTING IN REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM. FIRESTONE TIRE, WEST ROXBURY, MA STATED ON DOCUMENTS THAT "ROTORS WERE THINNED DOWN TO SIZE OF SHEET OF PAPER &/OR COMPLETELY GONE." TWO TIRE BLOWOUTS AT 35,000, ALSO REPLACED BY ABOVE REPAIR SHOP, WITH 4 NEW TIRES. BATTERY LEAK WITH CORROSION TO EXTENT OF NEED OF CONNECTION CABLES TO BE REBUILT FOR ATTACHMENT. BATTERY REPLACED WITH NEW CONNECTIONS AT 40,000 BY SEARS AUTO BODY IN DEDHAM, MA. PASSENGAR SIDE WIPER FIXED AND REPLACED AFTER FAILURE. WORKED FOR 3 MONTHS AND HAS FAILED AGAIN, HAS NOT AT PRESENT BEEN REPLACED/REPAIRED. CARE OF CAR WAS UPDATED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO ALL REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS BY MANUFACTURER. NO HISTORY OF ACCIDENTS. THIS INCLUDING, OIL CHANGES, WIPER BLADE CHANGES, TIRE ROTATIONS WITH EVEY OTHER OIL CHANGE, WHICH WAS DONE EVERY 3 MONTS, ETC. BRAKE INSPECTION AND PADS CHANGED ON CAR 1 YEAR BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. BRAKE LOSS WAS THANKFULLY UNEVENTFUL ONLY DUE TO TIME OF NIGHT AND LOW TRAFFIC, ONLY ABLE TO STOP CAR WITH GLIDING TO STOP. THEN TOWED TO SERVICE STATION. ON AVERAGE MY PRESENT YEARLY MILAGE IS PROBABLY LESS THAN 3000. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER/OPERATOR TO THIS CAR AND ALTHOGH MENTIONED #1 OWNER, MY FATHER ORIGINALLY PURCHASED THE CAR, (HOWARD CHEVORLET, WEST ROXBURY, MA) BUT DID NOT DRIVE IT. I CURRENTLY AM THE TITLE HOLDER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ANYTIME IF YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS THAT COULD HELP ME. I FEEL THAT THERE IS MAJOR FAILURE THAT BEYOND MY CONTROL AND IS DANGEROUS TO MYSELF, OTHERS AND MOST IMPORTANT TO ME, MY 4 Y/O DAUGHTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU (SOMEONE) SOON. TERESA CORRIGAN
NHTSA complaint #10244594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Magnolia, TXFire
EQUIPMENT
2001 CHEVY IMPALA I WENT OUTSIDE TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD, IT HAD ENOUGH POWER TO POWER UP THE LIGHTS ETC. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO START THE ENGINE. I THAN MOVED ANOTHER VEHICLE UP NEXT TO IT AND CONNECTED JUMPER CABLES. I WAITED FOR IT TO CHARGE AND TURNED THE KEY. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY OVER, THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD VIOLENTLY EXPLODED. I HAD A HUGE FIRE UNDER MY HOOD. THE EXPLOSION SHOT PARTS ACROSS MY YARD. I HAD TO USE THE WATER HOSE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 10 FEET FROM MY HOME. I LEFT IT ALONE AND CONTACTED A DEALERSHIP MECHANIC THE VERY NEXT DAY. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD RECENTLY HAD 2 OF THE SAME VEHICLES COME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, AND THAT IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND THE FACT THAT THE MANIFOLD IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THIS EXPLOSION COULD HAVE VERY WELL KILLED SOMEONE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE, AND FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL DONE ON OVER 900,000 OF THESE VEHICLES, HOWEVER, WHEN I CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS, MY VIN # WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL LIST ACCORDING TO GENERAL MOTORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10215474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, GA
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THIS CAR HAS BEEN A ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL NIGHTMARE AND I'M FINDING MANY, MANY, REPORTS ON THE INTERNET OF OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM(S). 1) INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS CAUSING CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND EGR VALVE TO CLOG. THE RESULT OF THIS IS EXHAUST GASES CAN'T ESCAPE , BACKING UP AND BURNING/BLOWING A HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ITSELF. ALL ABOVE ITEMS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A VERY SUBSTANTIAL COST. 2) BLINKERS INTERMITTENTLY WORK. MOSTLY THEY DON'T WORK. THIS IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE (FLASHER) MODULE LOCATED IN THE DASH BEHIND THE 'FLASHER" BUTTON. THIS IA VERY,VERY COMMON. 3) A/C HEATER BLOWER FAN STOPS WORKING ON SPEEDS 1,2 THEN 3 RESULTING. THIS IS DUE TO RESISTORS BURNING UP ON A MODULE MOUNTED BEHIND THE DASH AND IN FRONT OF THE BLOWER MOTOR. MY QUESTION HERE IS, AT WHAT POINT DOES SOMEONE HOLD THE MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE OBVIOUS FACTORY DEFECTS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GOOGLE ANY OF THE ABOVE COMPLAINTS AND SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED. HELP !!!
NHTSA complaint #10214887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesVentura, CA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM ON MY 2001 IMPALA IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND WILL CAUSE THE CAR NOT TO START FOR 10-20 MINUTES. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND ALWAYS AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE DAY, SO I HAVE BEEN STRANDED AT THE GYM, RESTAURANTS, GAS STATIONS, WORK, ETC. MOST OF THE TIME, THIS HAPPENS AT NIGHT AFTER I MAKE A STOP IN BETWEEN WORK AND COMING HOME. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS FOR SINGLE WOMEN WHO ARE STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WAITING FOR 20 MINUTES FOR THEIR CAR TO START.
NHTSA complaint #10208543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,500 milesBoise, ID
EQUIPMENT
THE TRACTION SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATING FOR NO REASON. SERVICE ABS LIGHT CAME ON IN VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED LEFT WHEEL HUB, INCLUDING SENSOR. PROBLEM RECURRED THE DAY AFTER AND THE WRONG ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED, THE CORRECT ASSEMBLY WAS INSTALLED. ONE MONTH LATER PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS A LOOSE CONNECTION ON WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY. SEVEN MONTHS LATER PROBLEM RECURRED. DEALER NOW SAYS THE RIGHT HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING, AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID. REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN DONE FOR THE LATTER BECAUSE WE WANT DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #10185599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,508 milesST James, MO
EQUIPMENT
LOW COOLANT LIGHT STAYS ON - REPLACED FIRST TIME LOW COOLANT LIGHT STAYS ON - REPLACED SECOND TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10153631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,132 milesEL Cajon, CA
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. RECENTLY A COIN FROM THE ASHTRAY ENDED UP IN THE LIGHTER SOCKET. THE LIGHTER AND THE POWER SEATS STOPPED WORKING. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER SEAT CIRCUIT BREAKER. HOWEVER, THE FUSE TO THE LIGHTER HAD NOT SHORTED OUT. INSTEAD, HE SAID, IT MELTED A WIRE UNDERNEATH THE CARPET. THE COST TO REPAIR IT WAS ABOUT $200.00. THE 2004 MODEL HAS A SEPARATE SECTION IN THE ASHTRAY BLOCKED FROM THE SOCKET SO THAT IT COULD NOT HAPPEN ON THE NEWER MODEL. I ASSUME THE ENGINEERING CHANGE WAS MADE BECAUSE MY PROBLEM HAPPENED BEFORE, AND THAT CHANGE WAS MADE TO REDUCE THOSE INSTANCES. I WOULD HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM IF THE FUSE HAD BLOWN WHICH IT DID NOT. I ASKED MY MECHANIC TO REMOVE THE FUSE BECAUSE HE SAID THAT THE MELTED WIRE MIGHT CAUSE A FIRE. I PAID FOR A NEW CIRCUIT BREAKER, AND I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD PAY FOR THE LIGHTER BECAUSE OF THE ENGINEERING OMISSION ON THE EARLIER MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10111440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
EQUIPMENT
WHILE RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH THE WINDOWS IN THE UP POSITION, THE ENTIRE GLASS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FELL INSIDE THE DOOR. TOOK CAR TO BE REPAIRED AND DISCORVERED THE REGULATOR HAD BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10096191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OUR 2001 CHEVY IMPALA HAS HAD BRAKE AND ROTOR PROBLEMS SINCE THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES. THE ROTORS WERE CUT TWICE AND REPLACED ONCE WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR PULSATES WHEN REDUCING SPEED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN BRAKING. WE JUST SPENT $1,449 AT THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER TO HAVE THE ROTORS ONCE AGAIN REPLACED AND BRAKES REPLACED ALONG WITH THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM. IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AS THE VEHICLE HAS 65,000 MILES. THERE IS NO REASON BRAKE ROTORS SHOULD HAVE TO BE CUT OR REPLACED EVERY 6,000 MILES. THERE IS NO REASON THAT THE BRAKES SHOULD HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. THERE HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURERS DESIGN DEFECT AND THE CAR MANUFACTURER SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL THESE EXPENSES.
NHTSA complaint #10080913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesMoscow, TX
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
VEHICLE COMES EQUIPPED WITH A CHILD MOTION SENSOR THAT'S LOCATED IN THE TRUNK. THIS DEVICE PREVENTS A CHILD FROM BEING LOCKED IN THE TRUNK. WHILE DRIVING THE SENSOR INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THEN, VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO SENSOR MALFUNCTIONING. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE BAD SENSOR BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER NO LONGER MADE THAT PART.
NHTSA complaint #10044206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,200 milesPerry, GACrash1 injured
EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAUSING ACCELERATOR TO STICK AND USING CRUISE CONTROL DOES THE SAME. CAUSING WRECK WITH INJURIES AND NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT UPON IMPACT OF CRASH WITH SPEED OVER 55 MPH TO HEAD ON INTO TO TREE. COULD NOT STOP CAR EVEN WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND HAD TO TURN KEY OFF TO STOP CAR FROM BLOWING UP.
NHTSA complaint #10000055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenfield, WI
EQUIPMENT
VEHICLES STALLED IN TRAFFIC, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO LOOK AT IT AT THAT TIME. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT WIRES UNDER THE DASH HAD BEEN CUT.*AK ALSO THE REAR DEFROGGER WAS INOPERATIVE, THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE WAS INACCURATE, AND THE DOORS THAT MOVE THE AIRFLOW FROM THE WINDSHILED TO THE FLOOR DID NOT MOVE THE AIR TO THE SPECIFIED AREA, THE DEALER ORDERED AN ACTUATOR FOR THE DOORS AND FOR THE AIRFLOW, AN AFTERMARKET DEVICE THAT WAS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY STALL WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #896272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.