Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle would start to shake with a knocking noise then it stalled without warning. In addition, the transmission leak fluid and failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
2003 Chevrolet Impala: engine knocking or ticking
7 of the 695 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Impala describe engine knocking or ticking.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 68,000
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 83 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Engine knocking or ticking by model year
What owners say
2003 chevrolet impala recurring problems with the ignition over the last five years. *mw the consumer stated the vehicle would not start. It would take multiple attempts to get the vehicle started, then at times, the vehicle would stop running suddenly. The only explanation seemed to be the key was hit inadvertently going over a bump, knocking it out of the drive position. In january 2009, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop, where the ignition tumbler was bad. A new ignition lock cylinder was installed. February 2009, the engine raced uncontrollably, which required constant braking and placing the vehicle in neutral to stop. In october 2011, the ignition cylinder was replaced again. March 2012, while driving on the highway, there was a major electrical lighting system failure. All of the lights went out. The multi-function switch was replaced. July 2013, the vehicle would start and then stall. September 2014, the consumer received a recall notice, regarding the ignition lock cylinder.
Security light would come on intermittently, door locks won't work, sometimes car wouldn't start. Security system is bad. Had to have a new ignition switch. Car still won't start. Now needs a body control module. Car still at mechanics. I have been without my car for 60 days. Unsure what bill is up to. Car would start overheating. Occurred 3-5 times before it was diagnosed and fixed. It was the lower intake manifold gasket. Replaced it for around $600.00. Headlights go out while driving. Mechanic and dealer has never been able to figure out why. Nothing has been done to fix the problem. Car would start knocking and ride rough to the point that it couldn't be driven. It occurred 2 times on different bolts. Rocker arm bolts were blown out of the head. Fixed for $300.00 each time.
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.
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.
Dt: the dash was caving in, the windshield was off level and there was knocking in the steering, the underneath frame was hanging down on the driver's side; there was a gap in the connection of the rear passenger's side door, and other problems. The consumer had the rotors replaced, and the wheels aligned. Then, the consumer took vehicle to a dealership and they told her that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. She contacted the manufacturer, who told her that there was nothing they could do because it was out of warranty. The consumer stated that at first there was a problem with the steering and they replaced gear shaft.
While turning at any speed, consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the front end. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak.....also, replaced intermediate steering shaft.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist...
- This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in...
- This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter...
- This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure...
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
- Risk
- Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- The remedy applied under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, or 15V‑201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1‑800‑442‑6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Recall number 15V701000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
- Risk
- If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- 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, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 09V116000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Impala knocking
Is engine knocking or ticking a common problem on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala?
7 of 695 owner complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Impala (1%) mention engine knocking or ticking. The model year with the most reports is 2009.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala?
There are 2 recalls and 83 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala
Headlights 96Won't start 84Stalling 50ABS 33Fire or smoke 24No deployment 18Overheating 18Grinding brakes 17Check engine light 16Door locks 16Loss of power 16Jerking 15Adaptive cruise 12Engine failure 11Fuel pump 10Airbag light 8Brake failure 8Warning lights 7Wipers 7Hesitation 6Fuel leak 5Fuel smell 5Harsh shifting 5Power steering loss 5Premature wear 5Steering lock-up 5
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