Problems with 2001 Chevrolet Impala SUSPENSION

1. there were really no events that led up to the failure. 2. the abs system started engaging at inappropriate times (when traction control was not warranted--completely dry). this started out sporadically but has since become daily. at first, just the abs engaged and the "traction active" light illuminated. now, it will cause the traction control system to disarm itself and the "service traction system" light will illuminate. 3. the front hub assembly was replaced 4 times with 4 different parts. *tr

Steering tie rods failing at an alarming rate. $1300 spent on replacing tie rods and other steering parts that could be a safety issue if the wheel or loss of steering occurs. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet impala. before purchasing the vehicle, the contact test drove the vehicle for two days and heard a noise. the vehicle was driven back to the dealer and the mechanic stated that there were no failures. she purchased the vehicle, but the noise persisted while driving 5 mph. the vehicle was driven to a local repair shop five months later and they stated that the steering and wheel bearing needed to be replaced. the dealer stated that they were not liable for the repairs. the manufacturer was not notified and the vehicle has not been repaired. the vin was unavailable. the current mileage was 28,000 and failure mileage was 19,600.

I took my 2001 impala to the gm dealer at 23k miles for a noise in the steering column, at that time they said they had to replace an intermediate steering shaft plus other issues non related. at 73k they removed the shaft and lubed it and replaced left outer tie rod for $510+. at 98k my front wheel hubs were replaced and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft again and charged me $125 for the shaft and another $975+ for the rest. when i took the car back two weeks later for yet another steering problem they said it was my rack and pinion this time and charged me $1083. that was today, tonight on my way home with my wife, the car did the same thing while turning right on an exit ramp. i called 1-800-gm and they said they could not do anything for me except offer me a gm loyalty cert good for some $ off a purchase of a new gm product. i have been faithful returning to the gm dealer each time with steering problems (and other issues not related) expecting a fix and over the almost 5 years and almost 100k miles and many dollars spent i have lost my faith in gm. *nm

Dt: a sever popping noise is coming from the front end. there is a lack of control in the steering. the problem has been ongoing since the consumer purchased the vehicle on april 21, 2005. the consumer found that there is a similar problem with other vehicles . the consumer has not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. *ak

Dt: the contact stated the wheel sensors stopped working, causing abs failure. when applying the brakes there was a grinding noise and the brakes would not stop the vehicle. the dealer replaced the wheel sensors, reset the codes, replaced the right and left rear wheel bearing assembly, and resurfaced all four rotors on the vehicle. the repair seemed to have corrected the problem. in addition, while turning the steering wheel there is a clanking noise. technical service bulletin 04-02-35-0048 dealt with the steering problem. however, this problem has not been corrected *ak.

A popping can be heard and felt in the steering wheel when turning to the left or right, applying and releasing brakes, and when accelerating and decelerating the engine. condition started at approximately 38,000 miles, vehicle now has 51,500 miles and condition has continued to worsen.*ak

While driving at any speed the consumer could hear noise coming from the front wheel. front passenger side wheel bearing failed. the rear driver's side wheel bearing also failed at 38,600. *ak

While driving, the headlights started to flicker. *ak. the vehicle had been to the repair shop on three occasions. also the dash lights flickered. there was a noise coming from the front suspension area, however the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb

Chronic coolant leak on 2001 impala ls. dealer replaced manifold under warranty. also in first 2 years, wheel bearing, intermediate steering shaft required replacement, as well as roof molding. *jb

Air bag light and check engine light on. knocking sound when turning either way in front end and odd tapping sound in rear of vehicle when 1st operating car. resulting in no airbags operational & possibility of them deploying in error causing possible injury. no cruise control, pcm problem. *jb

Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without warning the back end would lean to the left causing a distraction to the consumer. dealer notified ts

Consumer states that when braking they can hear a loud noise coming from the rear. dealer notified ts

While traveling vehicle wanders without prior warning. there is a noise underneath the hood. dealership is aware of problem. *ak

While driving the vehicle stalled while driving 70 mph, the passenger side headlamp blew, the roof molding was lifting on both sides, the drivers side window leaks air and the window hits hard in the top of the door jam, when going over bumps the vehicle shakes and there is a clunking noise under the vehicle, the dealer replaced the steering shaft and the tie rod ends yet the problem still exist. nlm

Vehicle "pulls" to right during operation at any given speed, dealership has examined vehicle several times, and cannot find a cause for this problem.*ak consumer stated vehicle has been into dealership 3 times and was chargd for front and rear alignement, the last time vehicle was taken into dealer, consumer was ifnormed that is just the way the vehicle is made.*slc

During normal operation there is a vibration at any speed, more severe when making a turn to either side. dealership has examined vehicle, and has replaced 'engine cradle twice. vibration is still present, and dealership is unable to effectively remedy the problem. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak