320 of the
1,077 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Impala are about the
electrical system — 30% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
81,777 miles.
D
320
Complaints
8
Crashes
7
Fires
5
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Electrical System
24777.2%
Control Module
226.9%
Ignition
144.4%
Switch
92.8%
Wiring
51.6%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
51.6%
Horn
41.3%
Module
41.3%
12V/24V/48V Battery
30.9%
Interior/Under Dash
30.9%
Electrical System across every Chevrolet Impala year
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.
NHTSA complaint #11708557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11662881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middlesboro, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission hesitates to pull out in drive from a stop
NHTSA complaint #11596624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Paul, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11489431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phenix City, ALFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11418512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 279,303 milesBillings, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11343691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11289264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,500 milesColorado Springs, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKARA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11241426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesColumbus, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11173601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesCharlottesville, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11112401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valley, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11112057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,598 milesWest Minister, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11079586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesCoon Rapids, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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).
NHTSA complaint #11076643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesPort Saint Lucie, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11073939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11025292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesUrbana, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10969515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLoveland, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10928246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Caldwell, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10908299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10907468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesHouma, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10907100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWarren, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS AND CAR WILL NOT START. HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES UNTIL THE LIGHT STOPS BLINKING AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10898598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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?
NHTSA complaint #10891500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesYpsilanti, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10883504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10883261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 350,000 milesHolladay, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10873480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED, AND THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECURITY SYSTEM SHUTDOWN AND NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. 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 FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10860294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLOS Angeles, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY BACK LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD DOES NOT WORK
NHTSA complaint #10852980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesFremont, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CAR WAS PARKED I STARTED IT AND BEGAN DRIVING MY ABS JUST WENT CRAZY. THE PUMP WAS TRYING TO ENGAGE OVER AND OVER AGAIN EVEN WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I HIT THE ABS OFF BUTTON THIS PROBLEM CONTINUED. I FEEL THIS CAR COULD AT ANYTIME HAVE SOMETHING IN THE BREAK OR TIRE AREA JUST COMPELETLY FAIL. ALONG WITH ANOTHER LIST OF ISSUES INCLUDING BURNING OIL FROM THE GASKET. PLEASE TELL ME IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #10849700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesDavin, WVFire3 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THERE WAS A ODOR OF BURNING OIL AND THEN SUDDENLY THERE WAS A FIRE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE FRONT PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE DRIVER, THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR CHILD PASSENGER INHALED SMOKE DUE TO THE FIRE THAT AFFECTED THEIR BREATHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10846450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAD VEHICLE IN SHOP TO REPAIR RECALL FOR OIL ON MANIFOLD. WITHIN A WEEK OF THAT BEING REPAIRED I STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURING UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. WE WERE DRIVING FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES WHEN IT FIRST STARTED, WE STOPPED LOOKED UNDER HOOD DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BUT COULD CONTINUE TO SMELL IT. CHECKED FUSES THEY WERE ALL GOOD, CHECKED UNDER THE CAR STILL GOOD. NOTHING OIUTOF THE ORDINARY BUT COULD STILL SMELL SOMETHING BURNING.
NHTSA complaint #10839607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.