Problems with 2003 Chevrolet Impala ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

During an inspection of my 2003 impala, mechanic advised of a coolant leak in upper intake manifold (a very common defect for this model / year) and it would cost hundreds of dollars to repair. needless to say, i did not have the funds to repair it and all cars of this model / year should be recalled for repair. *tr

Noticed it took longer for the car to heat up last winter; this winter started out the same, and i noticed the blower wouldn't work on setting 5 sometimes. then it quit heating altogether, and the fan would quit but start back up. now the fan quit blowing altogether. no heat, no defrost, in sub-zero weather, and i'm looking at about $1000 in "repairs" which should be covered as a manufacturer's defect. thanks gm. i'll be sure to buy another of your vehicles. there is a manifold gasket leak, and the blower motor needs to be replaced. *jb

i have a 2003 chevrolet impala which has 46,904 miles on it and it required the following at a cost of $1,150.00 to fix. i brought it to the dealer for a no heat problem, upon inspecting the vehicle it was found to need new lower intake manifold gaskets, new water pump, flushing and new dexcool antifreeze because of contamination. *nm

Complaints of engine temperature always ended with no found problems on vehicle owned and serviced regularly since purchased new in april 2003. regular oil changes and engine coolant flush as recommended by manufacturer were completed and still no problems found. at 75,671 miles dealer found intake gaskets leaking and said engine damage would occur if not replaced. repair cost $658. found that technical service bulletins indicate this is a know problem in a host of gm vehicles from 2000. public is being forced to pay for major engine repairs for poor engineering on the part of the manufacturer. engine failure due to this problem could result in serious accident for the less than knowledgeable driver. environmental concerns with poor less than optimal engine performance, loss of coolant, oil, etc. should also be considered. how many of these repairs have been done over the span of years by the manufacturer? how many uninformed consumers have been duped by this lack of manufacturer responsibility?*jb

My 2003 impala started with a slow loose of coolant. every week or so would have to add to the overflow, but never saw a leak. was over-heating too. eventually it would have a ticking from the engine area when starting car. it wasn't all the time though. i noticed that there was oil on my driveway and the oil was about a 1/2 quart low. checked again in couple days and needed to add a quart because light came on. two days later light came on again. took it to a chevy dealership who informed me that the gasket needed replacing in the intake manifold because coolant mixed with oil. also needed coolant flush, and oil change and another gasket. they told me there was lots of sludge in engine and could cause more problems in the future. the car has 68,000 miles on it and it cost me over $1300 to repair. what a shock to the pocket book. *nm

The car starting smelling like anti-freeze and then a big puddle appeared in the front passenger side of the car. the only thing we did was drive from nampa, id to billings, mt, which we have done four times before. it has been determined that the heater core needs to be replaced. the car has 68,000 miles on it right now as of july 28th, 2006. in novemeber of 2003, three months after i bought the car, the heater core was replaced at 31,000 by the lithia dealership in helena, mt. the intake manifold was also replaced in may 2006 because the car was overheating and making a ticking noise. *jb

Had to have upper and lower manifold gasket replaced on 2003 impala. sound of water within the dash. tsb on same issue back in 2000 gm is aware of this why aren't owners being helped with faulty gaskets. tbs #03034 nhtsa #10003430. why are we in a position to damage an engine or worse and gm has no responsibility in such a crucial componet. its affected every model year impala 2000-2003 many tbs's listed each year. they repaired my impala at full cost to(48k.) me. i would not purchase a new car with this being a hazard to me and my family. i was just surprised no reaction until someone gets hurt. also a very expensive repair for a newer car. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the first week after purchasing the vehicle, the tires starting making noises while driving at 35 mph and the engine light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to local dealer who determined the vehicle was driven out of alignment causing tires to wear down. no repairs were made. the vehicle was taken to another dealer who determine all four tire should be replaced at a cost. the tires were not replaced because the contact did not want to pay for the replacement. the tires were rotated by the contact to remedy the problem. updated 8/1/2006 - *nm

Heater quit working, then car started overheating. turning off heater/defroster causes it to stop overheating so much, but temperature still rises when waiting at lights. car is also needing oil replacement, after having an oil change 2 months and 1500 mi ago. mileage is around 60,000. there is oil leaking out in various places around the engine. *jb

I own chevrolet impala which is less than 3 years old. the coolant is supposed to last 100,000 miles or more. but the system has problems and it leaks. the car gets overheated and presents a fire hazard. *nm

Experienced engine temp fluctuations during this time the heat in the vehicle would not work, after the car was running and warmed up problem would stop. car heated up to just below the over heat point in rush hour traffic. brought the car into repair shop they stated the intake gasket need to be replaced ($900.00). the car is only 3 years old with less than 50,000 miles on it. *jb

Took vehicle in to dealer for regular maintenance, told that lower intake gasket was leaking bad and needs immediate replacement as well as coolant flush. total for repair is $1450. vehicle has only 83k miles. *tr

I own a 2003 impala i was very pleased with my vehicle,even though i have had to have my rotors and brakes fixed twice still pleased overall. however, about a month ago i took my car in for a normal oil change after returning home, i noticed i didn't have any anti-freeze in my car. i called a spoke to a service tech he informed me that i probably had a leak somewhere. i brought it in he informed me there was a hair line crack in my gasket and i needed a new water pump. the cost to repair it would be over one thousand dollars. what i cannot understand why did my low coolant indicator light come on. why did i have to discover this problem on my own? after reviewing other complaints i find i am not alone with having a coolant concern. i feel that this should be looked into more carefully. it is certainly a problem with the coolant system in the 2003 impala and this failure should not be at the expense of the consumer. *nm

Failure of the catalytic converter on a 2003 chevy impala 3.4.l. *jb

Engine started making unusual clanking sound from engine compartment i opened the hood and noticed that the noise was coming from the engine cooling fan. attempted to purchase the part but not available out of stock tried several dealers same outcome temporarily out of stock. *nm

Took car to have a simple oil change, i get a phone call informing that i need major work done. i purchased my chevrolet impala in 2003, and now i'm being told i have almost a thousand dollars of work that needs to be done. i recently found out that a close relative and a neighbor who also have 2003, chevrolet vehicles (cars) needed the same work done to their car. the cars coolant is somehow mixing with the oil, becoming a slude like substance causing the oil to dirty. this is causing all kinds of problems, the car is running hot, and the temperature guage is jumping frantically. three different cars, all the same year/make, and egine setup; i think there is definitely a defect in here somewhere.*ak

My 2003 chevrolet impala makes a roaring sound when the road is wet after a rain. i took it back to the dealer, they said it was caused by water being splashed up on the converter,and it could not be fixed

Dt: the consumer stated that the trunk latch on 2003 chevrolet impala was designed incorrectly. when he put a suit case in the trunk or anything heavy, the latch stuck very high, bent, and eventually the trunk would not shut. the dealer changed the latch once. the foreman and the mechanic at the dealership told him that there was a problem with this model. the warranty was soon to run out. *ak (11/18/05) per invoice, the driveability seemed to idle high. *sc

Driving 2003 impala in rain when engine died suddenly in the middle of street,causing traffic hazard. starter refused to turn overeven though elctricsl system continued to function, dealer said water got into engine and chevy was not responcible, engine would have to be rebuilt at owners expense.

While driving at various speeds vehicle intermittently stalled. consumer towed the vehicle to the dealer, technician could not duplicate or correct the problem.*ak

Consumer stated that dashboard light was flashing , indicating that there was a problem. consumer's son in law had the vehicle checked out. it was discovered that there was a problem with the oil leaking in the radiator. also, consumer was advised by the mechanic that there was intake manifold problem. *ak

Strong smell of anti-freeze in the passenger area of 2003 chevrolet impala. *la

while driving with three passengers in my 2003 chevrolet impala ls at 35 mph the engine shut-off without warning with complete loss of power steering and brakes, requiring emergency maneuver to bring car to a stop before hitting oncoming traffic. a replacement vehicle was not made available. while driving to a medical emergency, later that evening, this recurred at 50 mph (engine shut-off without warning, loss of steering and braking power requiring emergency stop in center median 4 lane highway merge site). this happened previously with this vehicle on 7/4/03 at 50 mph with my wife driving on the van wyck expressway. at that time, after 3 days gm regional service manager stated that there was a defective crank-shaft sensor which was replaced. i advised gm that there were other reports to nhtsa about this problem with chevrolet impalas. i requested that an investigation and possible recall should be initiated and asked for a refund or replacement of my vehicle. this was denied "as there were too few episodes to warrant this action" and my car" was repaired per warranty obligation of general motors corporation". unfortunately this happened to my vehicle again without warning placing myself and my passengers in danger. this is a potentially life threatening defect requiring immediate action to prevent injury or loss of life. the car is presently again at the dealership. i have contacted gm corporate headquarters about this issue. i have been told that they will fulfill their warranty obligations and attempt to repair my vehicle again. *jb

When driving 35 mph vehicle stalled. consumer lost power steering, but manged to pull over. had notified the dealership, and mechanic had not resolved the problem.*ak

2003 chevrolet impala motor went on fire. *tr

$688 to replace the upper engine plenum due to anti-freeze leak from engine.

2003 chevrolet impala, traveling westbound in the center lane when unit unit 1 engine compartment caught fire. driver pulled vehicle onto the berm and was able to put the fire out. *bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0911-90) updated 02/15/11 *bf

Chevrolet impala 2003: car won't start or even turn over when hot. after engine cool down start again as normal as new. if i turn the engine off after driving few miles i see on the information centre the passlock warning, radio is dead, interior lights are dead, and if i try to crank the engine absolutely nothing happen. i have the same problem even when the car was running ok let's say the night before, next day in the morning in a sunny day the car gets warm with the sun just by seating on my driveway and if i try to start the engine i have the same problem. i have to push it under a tree, open hood and doors let it seating on the shade for few minutes and when the body is cold, the car start normally. this is driving me crazy because i cant use my car during the summer (it won't start), and during spring, fall, and winter i have to leave the engine running while i do my shopping and other stuff. this is a risk, my car can be stolen and is too much gas consumption. thanks for your attention. how can i fix this problem. i took my car to gm dealer but they changed bcm and battery but never fix the real problem. *tr