Passlock system would disable the car from starting dozens of times for months. I would get stuck anywhere without warning for half an hour or more with my children. It was taken in for a coolant leak issue. The dexcool ( a horrible product with lawsuits due to engine damage) had eaten the hoses and was spraying around the engine. It created a sludge that thankfully did not destroy my radiator. The car finally outright failed because of the security system. The passlock system is a known issue with gm. I have read endless complaints about this problem. There was nothing wrong with the car, but the system would not read the key. It was in the shop for weeks. Had to get new bcm and have the system reprogrammed. My car only has 37,000 miles and for it to fail and need such expensive repairs for a faulty system with nothing wrong with the mechanics of the car is unreal. Another known issue is with the signals going out without warning. I never know if the turn signals will work and this is very dangerous. I am fearful that other issues with the electrical system might happen. But knowing that the bcm might fail again in another year or so is the biggest rub. How many times do people have to reprogram their car and replace parts on a faulty passlock system that will fail again?
2002 Chevrolet Impala engine complaints
Page 4 of 7: complaints 71 to 100 of 180, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Factory installed security system won't let me start the car, I have to wait anywhere from 15-45 minutes before it starts, and that is not safe to be stranded with the family. I'm not the first person with this problem, and I hope you can do something to help me solve it. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle caught on fire without warning. The contact was able to move off the roadway and called the fire department to extinguish the fire. No one was injured. The fire department did not state what caused the fire. After the failure, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign I.d. Number 09v116000 (engine and engine cooling) and called the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that by law, they were not responsible to remedy the vehicle due to the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The vehicle started smoking while driving down the highway at 65 miles per hour, it lost power. I pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic said that the piston broke, and a portion of the piston flew through the oil pan. This vehicle has been very well maintained. This should not have happened.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle after being turned off for one week and the engine exploded. There were no injuries. A fire report was provided by the fire department. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,847.
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.
Safety flashes on dashboard and car will not start for 10 to 15 minutes. It happens totally at random times in all kinds of weather. Disconnecting the battery does not help nor does resetting a fuse with a kill switch. This is a widely known problem why isn't there a recall? I was told from a dealer it was a computer issue and could be fixed for around 1000 dollars. I want to buy american cars but do I have to suffer because of this choice? What an awful inconvenience.
For the past 2-3 years the security light will come on and flash about 10 minutes. During that time I have to sit with the key in the ignition and the ignition switched back until the security light stops, which then the care will start. About a month ago same constant problem except now after the security light stops flashing car won't start at all. I've gotten new battery and had alternator checked and both are good. The security pass code dealing with the keys or some mess I was told which will cost $500.-$600. Omg!!!!! Really. Is there a recall or something for this. Gmc please do better. Last american made car that I will purchase.
2002 chevrolet impala. Consumer states vehicle caught fire when started *tgw the consumer stated he managed to put the fire out, but it ruined the motor. The consumer stated a recall was issued. However, gm denied the claim, stating due to statute of limitations being five years, they could not honor the recall.
Car won't start and car will just turn off while im driving, its not safe to drive.
Car cranks when it wants too it cranks up and sometime is does not.
My impala stops running while im driving on or off the freeway but especially when im driving at a speed of 55 to 65mph when on freeway without warning, the engine light comes and power steering is lost.
After starting the car blower motor wont work cruise light stays on mirror cluster don't work until 15 min then everything will work but when using the cruise it will stop working but light stays on after time gauges cut out and then come back on and all problems slowly become worse with time. Have reason to believe its the ignition switch.
My well-maintained 2002 chevy impala, 3.4l v6, base model shut off a couple days ago while driving on the highway. I was accelerating, as the traffic was finally picking up. That's when I felt the car jerk and suddenly shut off. It was horrifying - the brake pedal & steering wheel locked, so I forcibly turned the wheel with all my strength, coasted to the shoulder, with two near-collisions, pressed the emergency brake, then shifted to park. The red battery symbol was illuminated on the dashboard as if the key was set to "on", but no check engine light. I noticed the headlights and the dash lights were off, but I believe that's because the car shut off (which is what would normally happen after shutting off a car with auto-off lights). Several attempts to start only resulted in sounds of a car struggling to turn over, but never actually turning. Eventually the car stuttered, but started. I was back in highway traffic, and after a few minutes of driving, it shut off again. Same drill - coasted off the road, and several failed attempts to start before finally starting. Back on the road, a few minutes later, it happened again. After 2 more episodes of this, instead of struggling to start, the wasn't even coming close. The car radio and hazard lights were still working. Which LED me to believe that constant starting attempts may have exhausted the battery. After a successful start, I was able to drive it home, using local roads for fear of a highway crash. 25 minutes later, the car was still running just fine. It didn't shut off again until I was parked at home and idling for a few minutes. Everytime it shut off, I'd see *no* check engine light, *no* warnings from the mil, though it's fully functional. The next day I moved the car for alternate side parking and it started up just fine, no hesitation. Several more starts since monday - no hesitation or problem. I'm afraid to drive it long for now, for fear of an imminent crash. This could be fatal.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. The contact stated when trying to accelerate the vehicle it would hesitate. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who advised her that the egr valve was causing the engine to misfire and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Head gasket failure. Head gaskets are defective on the 3400 series engines. The coolant used in these vehicles causes premature erosion in the head gasket.
Leaking upper and lower intake manifold gaskets,car overheating and running poorly.occured at 55,000 miles and again at 110,000 mi.. Gaskets replaced for 900.00 each time,old gaskets aere available.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. The contact approached the parked vehicle and smelled a strong burning odor coming from underneath the hood. The hood was released and the engine compartment was completely melted. There were no flames. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they advised that there was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v116000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was beyond repair due to the fire. The contact did not receive a recall notification. The manufacturer was notified and they were unable to provide further assistance. The failure mileage was 139,000.
At times the cab of the 2002 chevy impala seems to overheat and when you try to start it all of the warning lights flash, including headlights, then it won't start.
2002 impala in the check engine light box the low coolant light and the security lights also shows and the battery light then the engine dies in the middle of traffic I have seen so many and more people with impalas in dangerous moments talking of it online could you please have chevy correct this deadly mess got the problem fixed then it started back I do have kids active in school sports needing transportation I can not describe how being stranded in traffic makes me feel.
2002 chevy impala ls v6 engine, required to have intake manifold gasket replaced. The gasket had dissolved and was allowing oil and coolant to leak onto the engine block, and mix within the engine. Mechanic advised that this is a known issue with the dex coolant that gm uses, and deteriorates the gasket.
Bought chev impala 2002 brand new, no miles. 2005 began experiencing cooling system problems-running hot etc. Replaced radiator, flushed system, replaced thermostat, etc. Etc. Several times, body control units- lights and locks going crazy, hub assembly/tracking system problems- sounds and pulsating when try to brake or turn, high beam light won't stay on to this date. Experiencing smoke from hood-may be a leak which seems to be acommon complaint but dealer put dye in and said they don't detect a leak. No air-freon replaced several times.
I purchased the vehicle used from another dealer in 2003. I started experiencing problems with the security system in november 2005, it would not start sometimes light would flash and after 20 minutes it starts. The problem went away until last november, and then it would do it about 2-3x a week. In february 2009 I had to replace my lower intake manifold gasket, water pump and battery. The summer 09 I had to replace the radiator due to a hairline crack in it. The security system starts to intermittently not start the vehicle again in late sep. 09 about 2-3x per week. In jan.2010 the vehicle doesn't start for me one day after coming out of the grocery store for 25 minutes. Since then it does it every morning when I go to take my child to school and I have to wait 10-20 minutes. I took the vehicle to the gm dealer and was told they weren't familiar with this problem and I needed $950 for parts and labor to replace the ignition switch and the bcm. I had the ignition switch replaced by another mechanic and that was not the problem and the vehicle is still doing the same thing. It's frustrating for me and my child. It's scary and dangerous. I'm so afraid that one day or night it may not start and I'm stranded in the streets and may be subjected to a crime or death. I don't drive it at night unless it's an extreme emergency now and this is such an inconvenience. I have to pay for rides at times to get my child to and from school when this car decides not to start so my child won't be late for school or getting picked up from school. I've also had to replace my windshield wiper motor and my driver's side door window regulator.
In 2002 I purchased a impala ls with 3.8 engine. Cass # chv0350387 ---08/15/03---as stated prior--consumer wants the manufacturer to repair the vehicle correctly. I feel that the repair that is been done on the vehicle is not correct and in a matter of time the problem will recur again. Referring to the above stated paragraph the problem has occurred with the vehicle with less than 60k. The vehicle is loosing antifreeze at a consistent rate and is needing repairs immediately. If repairs are not done then the vehicle will become a driving hazard to both passenger and fellow users of the highway. The recall was a defect management repair and wasn't completed in a quality and professional manner. This vehicle needs immediately attention to resolve the injury liability of all concerned. It was and is still the responsibility of gm to make this right. It should not fall to the customer to make the costly needed repairs now. When it was assembled and sold to the customer. This matter should definitely be researched to confirm the problems which could be somewhat different but originated from the same recall.
The car intermittently shuts off while driving. It occurs frequently. Dealership could not diagnose.
It started back in 2002 a few months I purchased my 2002 impala. It was a used car with 15,000 miles. The check engine and low coolant light came on. Took it to the dealership and had the water pump and low coolant sensor replaced. A week later, low coolant light comes on again. Again took it to dealership and had to replace another sensor. That happen 10 times during the same year. As of now, july 2009, the light is still on. In 2007, my vehicle started to run hot. Was told I needed the manifold intake gasket, thermostat and hoses replaced which would of cost me over $1000.00. I couldn't afford it. I got a local mechanic to replace everything which he charged me $300.00. Just recently, I've been having problems starting my car especially after I drive it for a while. I'm a single mother who goes to school and work and this is my only means of transportation. This car has been giving me the blues the past few years and I'm sick of it. All this started with about 150,000 miles and currently I have about 168,000 miles. I will get a better, dependable vehicle later this year and I won't buy another gm vehicle again.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the vehicle would continuously overheat and the coolant warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. In very high temperatures, the vehicle would hesitate to start and would often stall. The contact believed that there was an issue with the intake manifold. The manufacturer stated that the exhaust manifold could possibly be leaking water. There were no recalls for the failure. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were less than 126,000.
My 2002 chevy impala does not start on many occasions. The engine does not even crank. After taking my car to 2 repair shops the problem has not been found and both places have no ideas. I have done my own research and found many people are having the same problem. I am a 23 year old female and found myself stuck over an hour from home earlier this week when my car would not start. How can I fix it or is there a recall that I and all the others do not know about?
Safety recall # 09047: oil drip from 2002 impala 3.8l engine may cause fire when deposited on exhaust manifold and may spread to spark plug wire channel and beyond. Date of defect recall is conspicuously missing but I received this notice the week of june 8, 2009, I called dealer on june 10, 2009. Dealer is stating that they are backed up in doing the repair due to lack of parts to fix the problem. We are driving cars that are just waiting to go on fire and this is not the only time this type of potential fire problem has been addressed on these specific engines.
Tl*the contact owned a 2002 chevrolet impala. On march 10, 2009, the vehicle caught fire and was destroyed. A police report was filed. Gm advised the contact to call his insurance company because the manufacturer would not be responsible for the damages. Recently, the contact received a recall notice for gm recall number 90047, which stated that the vehicle could catch fire. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was 140,000.
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