Problems with 2002 Chevrolet Impala EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving at night the headlights shut off and the turn signals failed to operate. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. the dealer also stated that they could replace the headlight unit for $600 and the turn signal module for $400. the chevrolet manufacturer was not notified. there are no warranties or recalls related to the headlights or turn signals. the failure mileage was 152,000.

Headlights suddenly go out while driving at night. it is in at the dealer now for the second time in a week. this could kill or injure someone. i just purchased the car a month ago (2002 chevrolet impala). *tr

We had just turned on to hwy 188 which is a country road in wisconsin. my husband had just turned on the high beams when without warning we lost all headlights. he switched in back to the low beams but it was unresponsive for 30 seconds, then after cycling the light switch a few times it came back on to the low beams and we didn't use the high beams at all for fear we would lose lights again. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. six months ago, while driving at any speed, the contact observed that the turn signal control mechanism failed. the turn signals do not work on a consistent basis and was a safety concern. while making a turn in traffic, the turn signals do not always work properly. the failure is an ongoing occurrence. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 62,000 and current mileage was 78,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. while driving approximately 70 mph, the headlights turned off intermittently. the contact was able to turn the headlights back on initially, but now they will not illuminate until the next day. the dealer could not duplicate the failure. the current mileage was 107,000 and failure mileage was 105,000. updated 020209 *bf the dealer determined that the multi-function switch failed. updated 02/03/09.*jb

In reading nhtsa action number : pe06017 - i want to report that i have the same problem with my 2002 chevrolet impala - the headlights fail without prediction. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. while driving various speeds at night, the headlights dim. the contact has to play with the dimmer switch in order for the headlights to illuminate again. the failure has been occurring for two years and provides poor visibility while driving at night. the vehicle was taken to a chevrolet and a chrysler dealer and they wanted to charge approximately $600 for the repair. the vehicle is no longer under warranty; therefore, the dealer stated that they would make the repair at the contact's expense. he believes that general motors should pay for the repair due to the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 65,000. updated 07/08/09 *bf the headlights went out when the dimmer was used. the dealer stated the multi-function switch was failing internally. updated 07/08/09.*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the turn signal lights work sporadically and the vehicle shuts off and on intermittently. he stated that the failure was due to an electrical failure. the dealer stated that nothing could be done because the vehicle was out of warranty. the manufacturer has not been notified. the vin and engine size were unknown. the failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 102,000.

While driving at night on several occasions myself and my wife have experienced headlight failure. it appears that there may be something wrong with the dimmer switch because when the lights do go out, manipulation of the switch usually causes the lights to come back on. *jb

Turning signal did not come on. this occurs randomly putting my life in danger in many occasions. *tr

I own a 2002 chevrolet impala ls 4d. i would be driving at night with the headlights on and for no reason both headlights would turn off, driving down the road without ability to see. when i then i then hit the high/low dimmer switch several times with my hand the lights would return. this would occur once every month or so, and occurred at this approximate frequency of time for as often as i owned my car, since 2007. it is quite frightening to drive at night when your lights would suddenly go off without warning. finally, last year the high beam would not click on with the switch apparently being broken. my father owned the same year impala, and he reported the same exact problem, the lights would suddenly go out and he would have to hit the switch to have the lights return on. he had his fixed and it cost him in the neighborhood of 600 dollars. my brights are currently not functioning due to this broken switch with the cost to fix being around 600 dollars. i find it quite unusual with the same year impala to have this occur, and find it extremely hazardous when driving at night. *tr

I have a 2002 chevy impala ls as of 05-16-08 the headlights blink on and off. on 05-18-08 they went completely out while driving at night. the following evening i only have high beam lights, no low beam. i can drive in low light or dark conditions. local mechanic stated it was the multi switch on the steering column and the part was $300-$400 dollars. he stated that he has had many impala customers with the same issue and he stated that it should be a recall due to the safety issue. *tr

Headlamps and interior lighting appeared to have a short in them. have been traveling at night at 55 mph and dimmed the lights for oncoming traffic when all lights except the fog lights completely went out. continuous fiddling with switches finally made them come back on. also, lights will not always come on at night without continuous fiddling with switches. occurs 5 days out of 7 in every week.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle's turn signal illuminates sporadically. the dealer stated that there is a short in the turn signal flasher unit and mentioned that there is a recall for this failure. the contact's vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer stated that a recall does not exist for this failure. the current mileage is 110,000 and failure mileage was 105,000.

Failure of dimmer control on 2002 impala. switch began feeling heavier to activate, then headlights failed multiple times, initially on high beam and then on low beam. headlights would suddenly go off while driving. toggling the dimmer switch would reactivate the lights. fortunately i was driving on a fairly straight road. dealer indicated they never heard of this problem. review of internet complaints, this issue appears common. repair with dealer cost $479. *tr

2002 chevrolet impala ls. headlights shut off while driving. they come back on when you activate the high/low beam lever. no accidents or injury have occurred. took to dealer and was quoted $400-$600 to fix it. i have ordered a body control module to try to fix it myself. *jb

Turn signal will not work all the time making for dangerous driving. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. while driving at any rate of speed, the head lights would shut off without warning. the contact stated he would have to turn headlights from high to low, to get them to illuminate. the dealer stated that they have never heard of the failure. the failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 46,000.

Tl* - the contact has a 2002 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that when closing the hood it pressed the rubber above the headlights into the top of the headlights, and caused water to leak into the headlights. there was always water in the headlights which caused the headlights to be dim and not to perform at highest potential. also, the contact stated that the paint was coming off of the turn signal due to the water. the headlights were becoming dimmer and dimmer. *ak update 4/9 *tr

Headlights and taillights went out while driving at night. the first time it was very momentary (just a few seconds and they again came on and functioned ok). none-the-less it caused a rapid application of the brakes. second time, approximately 10 days or so later, same happening and rapid stop caused and pulled off to side of highway. again the lights came on and functioned normally after about 30 seconds to a minute of time passed. third time, approximately 2 days later, same happening only lights remained out. was necessary to replace the dimmer switch and the cost to repair was $345. *jb

Headlights go out intermittently when high beams turned on! *jb

Headlights went out while driving at night. flicking the high-beam switch restored the lights. i just looked in the odi database & discovered a closed investigation (pe06017). it was pitch dark & raining outside, luckily i was in a rural area & no other cars around. i could have been killed. i'm glad to know you can restore lights by manipulating the multi-function switch but what if the driver doesn't know to do this! a recall is really in order, if for no other reason than to alert people to the potential risk so they know what to do if it happens. *nm

2002 chevy impala headlights do not come on. tail lights are ok. manual switch does nothing. both times the lights did not work, a couple days later everything was ok. *nm

It has become difficult, and it takes excessive force to switch from low beam to high beam. there is no problem going from high to low. *nm

The head lights on my 2002 impala are getting water in them causing electrical and safety problems. steam - moisture gather in the lights and we are not able to see the road. this ia a defect that is on every 2002-2003 impala i have seen, gm refuses to replace or even recognize the problem, they and the dealer i purchased from said its not considered a defect unless it is a recall, i was told until a major accident happens that they will not consider it a safety issue. i told them when the lights get hot the water in the head lights turn to steam fogging up the lights preventing me from seeing the road when driving at night, they (the dealership) said well you should drive only during the day. this is also causing other electrical problems with turn signals not working sometimes and hazards not working not to mention having to replace a bulb everytime it gets wet. this happens all the time when we wash our car or get into bad weather. i believe this should be a recall... gm refuses to handle this problem until we have multiple fatal accidents around the country? not smart there are alot of people on our streets and highways that are being put at risk. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to change from low to high beams, the headlights turned off, intermittently. the headlights came back on after changing from high to low a few times. the dealership determined the dimmer switch needed to be replaced. updated 10/4/2006 - *nm

Tl* - the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. the headlights on the vehicle worked intermittently. if the dimmer switch is pressed the lights will turn on. the failure mileage was 60,000. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by a repair shop. the current mileage was 81,000 miles.

Defective headlight assembly. moisture condenses on front of assembly obscuring light somewhat. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the headlights failed without warning. the dealership was unable to duplicate the problem. the manufacturer has been alerted. updated 6/16/2006 - when the high beams were used the dash lights went dark. *nm

Tl* the contact owns 2002 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the headlights malfunctioned and when switching from the low beam lights to the high beam lights, the lights would shut off. the contact would switch the lights on and off, but the lights would not remain illuminated. the failure recurred continuously over a three year period. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the light switch needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 35,000. updated 05/29/14 ma the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. updated 06/2014 *js

Head light popped out of place as i was riding down the road one evening. one worked but one did not. i took it to a local service station in my hometown. the owner looked at it and said he could see why it may have happened because the seal looked as if it had been broken from around the light. he said this could possibly be caused from the fact that it was not a proper seal and seemed to shrink because of exposure to the sun. he also said that he couldn't believe it had not been recalled. i chose to get it fixed to keep from getting a ticket for a damaged headlight. *jb

Complete headlight failure, while driving at night. could not get headlights to come on. this has happened a few times. very concerned for my safety. *nm

Moisture in drivers side headlight. it never dries out. makes driving at night on that side hard to see. talked to dealer, was not covered under warranty. could not afford $450.00 to repair. *nm

Front headlight sealed units leak and allow moisture to collect inside which reduces the effectiveness of the light emanating from the lamps. *nm

Turn signals won't work unless you mess with the hazard light switch. *jb

Purchased a 2002 chevrolet impala used at a local chevy dealer, in less than 8 months i have come across two problems. one, the turn signal starts acting up and affects the system and they tell me it is the multifunction switch ($400.00) and the second, i noticed i had to constantly add coolant/water to the radiator but could not find any leaks, the dealer tells me it is the lower intake gasket and the cost is ($1000). as i am doing my research to find a more reasonable cost to which i can accommodate, i find that these problems are too common in the version of the motors/style of vehicles. so far, that even two of the shops i have taken the vehicle for an estimate have said they are surprised that there has not been a recall, especially in the lower intake problem. where can i turn to, to try to get help and make sure these manufacturers take care of these issues that are very costly and as you can see, in less than 3 to 4 years, the consumer has to pay for them. thank you!! *nm

(1) at first, the turn signal did not work sometimes. and it would be okay when the vehicle was shut down and restarted. but after that, the problem was more serious. 2)turn signal failure when driving. it is possible that i can not warn other drivers that i will be turning which may cause a crash. (3) not yet done. the replacement of hazard switch should fix this problem. *jb

Turn signals work intermediately. this is a very common issue with impalas. very dangerous when i signal i don't know if it is going to work. i have almost caused multiple accidents because of this issue. i complained multiple times to the dealer but they claimed nothing was wrong. as soon as i hit the 100,000 mile mark they all of a sudden have a solution. this should be fixed by the dealer because of the number of times it's been reported. there is obviously something going on with the switch. *tr

1-28-06, while driving at night, the headlights on my 2002 chevy impala went out. we flashed the dimmer/bright switch and they came on. this happened 3-4 times over the next 3 months. we thought we had a wiring problem. then in late april, my car just quite running, while going down the road. it started back up, but it then was our cue to have it fixed. the car was still under warranty to we took it back to the dealership for repair. i had to take it back a second time because the problem wasn't fixed, the lights went out again. at this point, may, 2006, since it is daylight for more hours of the day, we don't drive a lot at night so i haven't noticed it happening again. on 5-30-06 i heard on a news report that you have received 15 complaints of headlights going out on chevy impalas, i wanted to add another complaint to that. *nm

I was driving home from work around 7:30 pm on tuesday on january 24, 2006, dark outside. i had my lights on bright and all of a sudden there were no lights. i did have fog lights on and i could still see them, but there weren't any headlights. i quick flicked the dimmer switch and they came back on. i've never experienced that before. however, when i talked to my mechanic the next day he said someone the week before experienced the same thing twice in one drive. the piece to replace this is quite expensive. i have not had it fixed yet, but i felt it should be reported. this happened once. another item of concern is that my security light inside my car has been on for about 2 months. every once in a while my car won't start on the first turn. only once did i have to have it jumped. there is plenty of power as the lights and radio still work. my mechanic has tried replacing an ignition switch (i think), but the first time i started it didn't turn over and then it did, but the security light was still on. it's back in the shop today. the other person mentioned above has experienced this same defect. they also own an impala. this has happened several times on my car. my mechanic cannot figure out what is wrong.*ak

The headlights on our 2002 impala will go out on their own. you can get them back on by quickly operating the high/low beam arm. when operating at night you don't dare try to switch to high beam or the lights shut off. this is a very,very dangerous situation not only for impala owners but oncoming traffic. i took it to a local mechanic who told me the repair will likely be extensive and expensive because of the airbag .why has there not been a recall?also the turning signal does not work properly all the time. to get this working once it has stopped you must turn off the car and restart it continually until it works again. *jb

On 01/09/06 while driving my 2002 chevy impala at dark with the high beam lights on, the headlights went out completely. i had to pull over to the side of the road very carefully. as i could not see at all. i then hit the dimmer, high beam switch a couple of times and the headlights came back on. i reported it to the chevy dealership (marquardt) where i purchased the car brand new. they stated they had one other incident of the same nature. they had me bring the car in and they replaced a multi-function switch. they stated they were not sure if this would take care of the problem or not but that is what they had did in the other car that had the same problem. i was still under my extended warranty but they still made me pay $50.00 deductible on it. i felt that was very unfair, since this was a huge safety issue. they said i would have to issue a complaint with gm about it. *jb

Dt: the contact states while driving at night with the high beam headlights on there was a loss of lighting. this was intermittent in nature. maneuvering the high beam/low beam switch quickly activated the headlights. took the vehicle to the dealer, who determined that the turn signal switch was faulty. no repairs have been made due to excessive cost. *ak updated 01/19/06. *jb

Dt: the contact stated the headlights stopped working while driving. this problem was intermittent in nature. when he pressed the high beam/low beam dimmer switch the lights come back on. the vehicle has not been seen by a dealer. *ak

Turn signals failed to function occasionally and this problem was increasing in frequency. no accidents,but i had to roll down window to give turn indications. my chevy dealer replaced a part or parts and i seem to be ok. at a cost of over 100 dollars. *nm

Repeated intermittent failure of turn signals. this could potentially cause a crash due to the failure to signal intent of turn or lane change. the failure can sometimes be over come by briefly activating the hazard light switch. my research has shown that this failure is very similar to the 03v327000 recall campaign for the 2001 malibu. which makes me wonder if it is the same part. *jb

Headlites go dim and then get brighter, this happens off and on, by themselves.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that she was unable to start the vehicle and the trunk and door locks failed to work. the dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. the contact believed that the failure was caused by the anti-theft system. she has reprogrammed the anti-theft system. the failure has occurred approximately six times. the windshield on a clear day caused blurred vision. the dealer replaced the windshield, the failure did not continue. while driving 70 mph the headlights began to blink. the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. the current mileage was 60,000 and failure mileage was 40,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. while traveling to jackson, fl., the contact was stopped by a police officer and was informed that her headlight was flickering. she took the vehicle to a local dealer in florida and they informed her that the entire headlight housing on both sides of the vehicle needed to be replaced. the vehicle is out of warranty; therefore, the repairs would cost $1,000. the contact could not provide the failure mileage; however, she noticed that the failure has worsened over the past three years. the current mileage was 63,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the headlights would become filled with water whenever it would rain. the headlight assembly was replaced and resealed yet the headlights continued to retain moisture. in addition, the contact stated that the high beam headlight would short out whenever the bulb was replaced. the directional signals would only operate intermittently. the vehicle was repaired. the current mileage was 51,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 36,000.