2002 Chevrolet Impala: engine failure

Filed Apr 13, 2019 · Engine · MO

On april 9th of 2017, our 2002 impala ls was brought in to have the vehicle serviced due to this recall: these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking, which may result in an under hood fire. This work was done in april 2017: dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension. Summer of 2017 we had the oil and filter replaced, and afterwards lots of smoke came from engine. We thought the mechanic had simply spilled some oil on the engine. Summer of 2018 oil and filter was changed and smoke from the engine compartment, we again thought the mechanic had spilled some oil on the engine. In march of 2019 the vehicle was parked, facing downhill at an above average angle, and oil began to seep out of the engine and burn of on the hot exhaust manifold lots of smoke and potential fire hazard. The vehicle was returned to bob mccosh, who had performed the original gasket replacement in 2017, to have the original recall work inspected. Upon inspection a piece of gasket, about 2 to 3 inches long, was found to be protruding from between the valve cover and the engine. Upon further inspection of this gasket, the edge of the gasket visually appeared to have been caught by the bolt as it was tightened and this either tore the gasket or weakened it sufficiently so that the gasket failed. Said gasket is currently in my possession. We know it failed before the oil/filter change in the summer of 2017, because of the amount of smoke that issued from the engine compartment afterwards. This recall repair lasted far less than the 12month/12,000 mile warranty. The vehicle, today april 2019, still has less than 10,000 miles since the original recall work was done in march 2017.

Filed Apr 19, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 140,000 miles · IN

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Dec 24, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 133,000 miles · FL · fire

My son went to jump start the car and when he tried to start it the engine blew up . The intake manifold flew off in multiple pieces. Had car towed to my mechanic and found out the cylinder was dead due to the explosion. Though well the car had a lot of miles, so I thought it was just its time. So we decided to buy a re-manufactured motor because we had put some work into the car and my son and I though that would be a good choice. Everything was great with the new motor till november 30th 2014 when we needed to jump start the car, and the engine blew again this time taking out the fuel line along with the new intake manifold and the engine cover. The car starts on fire and luckily the flying parts missed my sons girl friend by inches as they flew by her.so I know now somethings up. And I find that gm had defective fuel regulators that were recalled (04v090000 recall#) on the 2000 models with the 3800 series 2 engine. Now I know why my engine blew because the fuel regulators are poor design. No car no matter how old are how many miles should blow an engine when you jump start it. Batteries yes engines I would think never but what happen to me is the same as the recall notice and I am thank full no one was hurt.

Filed Apr 21, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 152,000 miles · GA

Intake manifold leak, replaced the engine. Intermediate no starts, vehicle cuts off in 5 mins of driving, turn signals works sometimes.. Car is dangerous to drive and I have almost had several accidents because of the issues.

Filed Sep 18, 2008 · Engine · 60,400 miles · NY

Valve broke off in engine causing catastrophic engine failure. 60,400 miles on engine at time. Oil reservoir was full, oil pump was operational and filter had not collapsed. Engine coolant was full.

Filed Mar 29, 2008 · Engine · MO

Various engine failures due to dex cool coolant system. Engine rebuilt. Gaskets. Etc new parts installed in each instance.

Filed Apr 6, 2004 · Brakes · 47,000 miles · ME

At around 10000 miles, after braking at an intersection, heard a loud squealing sound coming from left front tire. Took car to dealership and they said the caliper had seized. They repaired the caliper, replaced the brake pad and turned both front rotors. Now at 47000 miles, again after pulling away from an intersection, with no previous indicators, I heard a horrible metal on metal grinding sound and vehicle was barely drivable to get off the road. Took the car back to dealership, and they said that the left inside brake pad was practically gone even though there was no noise from a wear indicator, and as a measure of "good faith" they would replace the caliper, but because the left rotor was damaged, I would need to again have both front rotors turned before new front pads could be installed. Dealer denies any responsibility or fault for not having replaced the defective left front rotor in the first place. I'm stuck with a $200 bill for new front brakes without any warning from a brake wear indicator, or any obvious pulling, shimmy or other normal indicators that new brake pads might be required.