Problems with 2003 Chevrolet Impala ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle will not start sometimes after driving will usually have to giggle the key in the ignition to get the vehicle started back up..nhtsa recall #14v400

2003 chevrolet impala 3.4l is difficult to start, replaced many parts to try and fix: fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plugs and wires, oxygen sensors, fuel evap valve, and throttle control. vehicle currently has 52,xxx miles. security light flashes, was able to pull error code p1626: theft deterrent fuel enable signal not received. keys are original to car, i have tried to re-learn keys to vehicle with no success. numerous repairs are listed under this error code, including the replacement of the bcm, and this doesn't always fix the problem. this issue needs to be researched further.

Vehicle didn't start, security light was flashing, was told to turn the key into the 'on' position and wait exactly 10 minutes before trying to start it. it worked, but the issue became worse and worse until it no longer started. was then told to replace keys, did that, same issue. when blinkers were used, a loud buzzing noise occurred and every light on the dash lit up, the gear shift labels began flickering and the stereo did as well. the dealership has replaced the bcm and the ignition switch, and it had finally started, until i went to try to go somewhere. no one knows what is going on and multiple people have said that this issue is very common in this type of vehicle.

Under the hood fire and unintended key rotation. maybe 5 days after i took my vehicle into tc chevy (in ashland oregon) to have the 2 recalls repaired on it. i tried to start my car and it caught on fire down by the front bumper and the flames made it to the back side of the motor and ignited the fuel lines causing a mini explosion under the hood, mean while i'm sitting in the driver's seat. i jumped out of the car nearly having the life scared out of me, i popped the hood and grabbed my house garden house and started to try and put the fire out and minimize the damage to my vehicle while i waited for the fire department to reach my house. the fire department showed up and was able to get the fire put out almost torching one of the firefighters head when the fuel pump kicked on without the keys in the ignition and started shooting gasoline reigniting the fire. i'm lucky the fire didn't burn down my house and my neighbor's house that day seeing how the fire caught the bush next door on fire and there was flames 14 ft in the air. see chevy and gm have been trying to act like the fire and the damage to the vehicle is my own fault and none of their own even though the technician says none of the repairs were actually done. i've been trying to get an investigation done and they're trying to push my claim aside and sweep it under the rug. my vehicle was parked in my driveway at my home right next to a bush not my neighbor's house is right up against. please look into this so that it doesn't get swept under the rug. please help me. i also have the firefighters report.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving approximately 45 mph, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. the contact was concerned that the air bag would deploy. the vehicle was taken to coad chevrolet in cape girardeau, missouri, 573-335-5581 to be repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) in approximately april of 2017. the dealer provided the contact with a two key ring holder. the vehicle was not repaired for the recent failure according to specifications on the letter originally received, which specified that an insert in the key slot was supposed to be provided. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 200,000. *tt updated 8/28/18*jb *tt *jb

My air bag lights are on all the time, i have to change my brakes ever 2 months bc they start to lock up and go through brake pads like nothing. i also have electronical problems my blinkers work when they want to an when it starts to not work my lights dim if the radio is on it turns down it's happening more an more

I recently received a alert from my credit karma stating that i had a recall on my 2003 chevy impala for a electrical system: ignition recall #213545. i paid out of pocket to get this recall fixed back in feb of this year and would like to know how can i get a reinbursment for that recall.

Vehicle is in parked and im about to start the vehicle it seems to slowly fail or backfires during multiple times of trying. while in motion on the streets driving at 10-35 mph or in motion on hwy 40-65 mph the vehicle will shut off or sometimes it would loss power even if my foot is on the gas petal. on hwy this could cause a series accident

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start and the security warning indicator illuminated. the contact called palm chevrolet at (352) 484-0733 (located at 2300 sw college rd, ocala, fl 34471) and determined that it sounded like the passlock sensor and ignition lock cylinder may need to be replaced. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 165,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle did not start when the key was inserted in the ignition switch. after repeated attempts, the vehicle started. the contact stated that the failure occurred approximately 20 times. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown ignition switch recall back in 2014. the name of the dealer was not available. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked and it did not start when the switch was turned. the contact called an independent mechanic who went to the residence to diagnose the vehicle. the mechanic was unable to determine the failure. the vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 155,000. the vin was not available.

I've had allot of things replaced under the hood, i smell things burning, every mechanic tell me u have an electrical problem. my car has been down all cause electrical issues

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact was able to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system); however, the free repair failed to remedy the failure. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Chevy impala lights don't work at night daytime lights work off and on high beams at night only.

When i turn ignition switch on 10 times and finally star running engine then later i saw that airbags light on 5 mins self off all clusters but still running engine. then, i turn off ignition then turn back on same things 15 times. i don't know what's wrong with car. the battery is good.

The fuel gauge is not working properly. i ran out of fuel while traveling on the illinois highway 106. luckily no other vehicle was near me at the time, as i lost all power controls on the vehicle at that time. the fuel gauge started fluctuating between full and empty and i had no idea how much fuel i had left, hoping to reach white hall, il to fill-up the gas tank.

Takata recall the security system is malfunctioning causing my car not to start sometimes when the sun is out. also it takes a long time for the security system to reset itself and it takes forever

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the contact had not experienced a failure.

Vehicle was traveling 45 mph when air bags deployed. no collision occurred, no one was injured, road was dry and smooth, traffic was light, road was very familiar. called gm and they took vehicle to walter jackson chevrolet in ringgold, ga for inspection. the cause, they found, was a persistent water leak behind the glove box which caused corrosion and caused the airbags to deploy. we have attempted to have this leak repaired multiple times, but attempts only succeeded temporarily, if at all. found from internet searches that this is a common problem with gm vehicles. as i also drive a 2004 impala that has had the same leak, i am concerned that its airbags could also deploy at any time. we are the second owners of this vehicle but are familiar with the car's history, as it was purchased from a family member. kelley blue book values it at $2,000 and repairs are estimated at $4,000. following is a list of repairs on the car, excepting routine maintenance: 12-20-2007- right side cowl panel seal- to fix leak under glove box 5-15-2010- body repair- grass fire got close enough to blister paint on right side of car before fire dept. put it out. (we weren't there to move it.) 11-19-2013- windshield and gasket- leaking again. 5-13-2016- repair water leak- leaking again. this is a design flaw. there are several different after-market fixes on the internet that mechanically inclined people have devised, but this should not be necessary. the vehicle should be safe from this problem when it rolls off the assembly line.

My turning signals work on and off all of a sudden. the first time it happened i was on the freeway and was attempting to get over and my right turning signal wouldn't work but the left turning signal worked fine. then after a day or two the right turning signal would work but then the left turning signal won't work. then all of a sudden they would both work then both stop working. now a month has passed and neither one of them work most the time, but will work for a hot second and then stop working. this is only for the rear turning signal though the front turning signal have always worked properly and still do.

The passlock theft deterrent system is not pleasant. the issue occurs whenever i have driven the car and then park it then when i come back to the car and try to start it, nothing happens. all the lights turn on and the needles on the gauges move and the security light is lit. i am left unable to start my vehicle for 15 minutes or longer. i have had to have my car toad home not nowing what this was and has also had to deal with this when i was out of town and not sure what was going on this is very inconvient. why is this happening? i have been told by other impala owners an dealers this is common in the chevy impala's. would like to know why this would not have been a recall seeing this has been an ongoing issue? i gave my son the car and would like to find out what is the cause of this. i do not want him strainded and i cant keep replacing parts hoping that works. thank you for your time *tr

The passlock theft deterrent system is not pleasant. the issue occurs whenever i have driven the car and then park it for a few minutes and then when i come back to the car and try to start it, nothing happens. all the lights turn on and the needles on the gauges move and the security light is lit. i am left unable to start my vehicle for 10 minutes or longer. i live in an area where temperatures rise up to 120 plus degrees so being "stuck" trying to start my car is not pleasant especially when i have my child with me. sometimes disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it works but not all the time. it seems like the passlock is kicking in more than usual. is there a way to permanently disable this so i have no further problems, it is very frustrating and unsafe.

In april i was driving g the car noticed that the temperature kept going on up and a smell was coming from under the hood. i took it to several mechanic and they all say its my i take manifold and/or head gasket. also when [xxx] was driving [xxx] the car before anything the car would cut off while in a gear other than park. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

First was hazardous switch driving night lost lights on dash and driving light,took to dealer short out wiring from hazard switch cost 650.00 was told by service rep on going problem with it, next was security light coming on pulled over on highway turned key off would not start took to dealer said have issues with ignition switch going to cost 500.00. said they know they have issues. we are retired military, this is wrong when they know they have issues they should be recalled.

After putting key into the ignition, then attempted to start the vehicle, the key would not turn. the key would go in/out, but would not turn to start the car. the steering wheel was not locked. after 20 minutes of tapping/shaking the key the ignition switch turned and the car was able to start. for the next week, the key was in/out of the ignition with trouble, then it happened again, stranding me at the store. this time it took over 1 hour to jar the key to be able to turn/start car. after review internet regarding this issue, it seems this is a well known issue with chevy ignition cylinder locks. there are also many same complaints listed on file on this. repair shop quotes $500 in parts/labor to fix. this should be a recall fix. this vehicle has only 57000 miles and i bought it used 6 years ago with only 9500 original miles.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle would not start on numerous occasions after an ignition switch recall repair was performed. the vehicle was not repaired. the nhtsa campaign number was unknown. the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 120,000. updated 05/03/16*lj updated 06/05/18*jb

Arrived at job, finished and car failed to start. when key was in ignition it would not turn. i waited over night and tried again it would not start. car was parked,could not shift, steering was not locked. with door open the car dinged when key was inserted in the ignition.

When i am driving down any road, stopped and turning the abs system engages causing grinding noise. loss of power and periodically brakes lock up and gas pedal locks. when pulling off from a stop i can not accelerate & rpm goes almost red line, car starts to jerk and and transmission doesn't shift. i have to let off gas pedal and allow to shift. it has stalled numorus times when pulling into traffic and almost caused me to be hit. the service traction control/abs warning light dings and stays lit. i manually turn off abs but problem still occurs. also the wiring thru out the car has failed to my rearview mirror, domelights and radio panel. my gas mileage has significantly decreased. the problem started around the beginning of the year and has progressively gotten worse to the point i and scared to drive my car.

2003 chevrolet impala. consumer writes in regards to vehicle still does not operate properly after ignition switch recall notice repairs. *smd the consumer stated the ignition continued to lock up. at times, he was unable to turn the key in the ignition, or it would simply cut off. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the engine stalled several times, while driving at 60 mph. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed. the ignition switch and cylinder were replaced however, the failure was not corrected. the vehicle will be taken back to the dealer for further inspection. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 281,000.

2003 chevrolet impala. consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall repairs issues. *smd the consumer also stated the check engine, abs and tire pressure light was on. also, there was a click in the steering wheel when turning it, the vehicle had an oil leak, freon was leaking from the vehicle. . *jb

Several times since i got my car, it has stopped running while i was driving. i had the mass air flow sensor replaced, the fuel pump, the bcm also but it still continues to shut off completely while i'm on the road. my check engine light was not on the last time it did it and i've done several repairs to attempt to fix it. ive spent nearly 1000 in these repairs and still nothing works. i'm afraid to drive my car but i have to work. i take care of my vehicles and i'm not sure if this is a gm issue or what, but i've read many complaints sounding similar to mine and i want something done. i was on a very busy road on these days and in complete motion (35 mph and above)

I was in my car moving forward on a state highway with the air conditioning on when smoke stated to come out of the air vents. i turned off the air immediately, when i went to turn it back on it only worked on high sometimes. i took the car to get looked at, when they finished the inspection they said there was an electrical fire. they said the blower motor resistor, and temperature control assembly would need to be replaced, as well as the ac resister and control head needed to be replaced as well.

Issues with system security system and intermittent starting issues as noted in the hundreds of previously reports. is this just a waste of time, providing this information to nhtsa? or is someone going to step up to the plate and have gm fix this problem?

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while attempting to start the vehicle, the key would not turn. the contact was not able to start the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 126,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to start as an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle and various gauges fluctuated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact previously received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) and was informed that the part and tools to remedy the repair were unavailable. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 195,000. parts distribution disconnect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving at 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. on some occasions, the vehicle failed to start. the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,600. updated 11/06/15*lj *cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that a month after the vehicle being serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), the vehicle stalled without warning at any speed. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was awaiting diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 155,000. the vin was not available.

Defective ignition switch caused cruise control to malfunction.

Security warning on message display. engine does not start, have to wait minutes then car will start.

The airbag light constantly flashes off and on while driving.

Got the recall done on the car back in may on keys and my car still won't start have lights and every thing but i have to get out and lock and unlock my car then sometimes it starts. plus my high brights lights on dash flash and message center says high beam out but only work have the time, my car out of no where shakeys in any condition and its rear end does it at 50-60+ miles an hour and won't stop til i brake past 40pmh and worn out four tires belts on back side of them in four weeks time and service traction system light won't go off even i can't find the issue help...

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that the vehicle jerked and stalled. the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), but the failure persisted. the failure mileage was unknown.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. in order for the vehicle to start, the contact had to unplug the battery and plug it back in. once the vehicle started, the horn sounded and would not cut off until the contact disconnected the battery again. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 115,000.

My vehicle will lock me out from starting it, and will display security. i believe this same issue is affecting my traction control. this is a known issue and i know several people who have dealt with this same issue. it is absolutely nonsense that this issue has not been addressed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system), the ignition key failed to turn to the on position and the vehicle failed to restart. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 119,000. updated 4/27/15*cn the consumer stated the dealer removed the black ring holder and replaced it with another on returning the key. the key was quite free when inserted. the consumer stated it did not resolve the problem. later, when the consumer turned the ignition off, the vehicle would not turn back on. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop, where he was informed it would cost a $1,000. updated 05/07/15*jb

2003 chevrolet impala. consumer disappointed of an ignition recall fix. *ta the dealer made the hole in the key fob smaller, so no keys could be placed on the ring. *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving 35 mph, the steering wheel seized and all the instrument panel warning lights illuminated. the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the contact was made aware of nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system). the vin was included but the dealer refused to repair the vehicle since it was previously repaired by an independent mechanic. the failure mileage was 187,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. while driving at any speed, the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the ignition switch was replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall related to the failure. the failure mileage was not available. updated 12/03/15*lj

2003 chevrolet impala. consumer writes in regards to vehicle starting problems and electrical system/ ignition recall notice. *smd the consumer stated the starting problems began two years into owning the vehicle. every mechanic charged him hundreds of dollars in parts and labor, only for the problem to return. in september 2014, the consumer received a recall notice. he took the vehicle to the dealer, where they put two rings on his key fob. they also informed him the ignition switch and sensor needed to be replaced, which cost him several hundred dollars. the consumer stated the starting problem has ceased. the consumer believed his problem qualified to be recalled, since several other vehicles were being recalled for ignition problems. also, the left front door latch assembly was replaced. *jb