When to start car and would not start. Lights and radio would come on. Had a new battery put in and the alternator checked. 2 weeks later when to pick up niece from the baby sitter, was inside for 3 minutes came back out car would not start again. After 45 minutes of trying to start it finally started. Yesterday, went out to my car to drive to a meeting and once again it would not start. About 40 minutes later I went back out to try it again and it started right up. I did research online and found several complaints. Apparently this is a pass code issue. I do not feel I should have to go and get all this work done when there is no real solution. The code will not always come up so nobody knows what exactly is wrong with the car. In summary, the security system thinks that I am trying to steel my own car. This has left me stranded in the cold 3 different times. I am a 25 year old lady. That is totally unsafe and as there is no real solution to the problem that anyone can find how and I supposed to get it fixed. I have a child on the way. This is not the only year that does it either. All impalas have this issue from the years 2003-2005. How can a recall not be issued. I called chevy and they basically said to go to a dealer but that is not an acceptable answer when I read that several people have spent thousands of dollars at their dealer on the same issue and are still having issues. Please help!! Here are several articles on the issue: http://www.justautorepair.com/chevrolet/impala/589-security-light-not-starting-ignition-2003.html http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=30631. Http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081001165133aacvyjchttp://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/chevy_impala.html.
2003 Chevrolet Impala engine complaints
Page 5 of 7: complaints 101 to 130 of 168, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, a warning light illuminated advising that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that one of the head gaskets failed. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 160,000.
2003 chevy impala security light randomly comes on while driving vehicle. Light will turn off sometimes after driving or sometimes after car is turned off. Can go at the longest a week between light coming back on again. Car without warning did not start. Turned key lights worked radio worked and AC but wouldn't turn over.
Intake gasket blown.
Intake manifold gasket failure.
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
2003 chevrolet impala. Consumer states vehicle is unreliable, periodically not running *tgw the consumer stated when he turned on the ignition, it would not turn over. It didn't make any type of noise, but the headlights and security light would turn on. After letting the vehicle sit for awhile, it would then start.
Problem started with the trans - wasn't shifting right, hard shift. Took it to rotolo chevy in fontana, ca. Dx: catalytic converter, nearly $800 to get new one only to have the car completely die on the side of the road when the tranny disintegrated. Replaced under warranty. Ever since I have had shifting difficulties - took it back a week later to be told it has a "smart adapt" in trans and needed approx 1000 miles to sync itself, now the car sputters, has a misfire code in cylinder 2, trans code. Hard starts, randomly stalls when making right turns, interior and exterior lights surge when at an idle, car constantly feels like it wants to stall - it can actually make you nauseas when sitting at a stop light because of the surging of the car. This morning the car just stalled when I was at a stop sign. All plugs, plug wires and coil pack for cylinder 2 have been replaced with no correction to how the car runs. Sounds and feels worse when you put the car into reverse, but smoothes out some when in drive. Filed complaint with bar regarding cat replacement, recommended refund to dealer for unnecessary item - dealer refuses to give money back. Told me car would never run right after the tranny was replaced because I refused to have them change the motor mounts. The car has not run right since, but a second opinion found that the mounts were ok - recommended that one of the back mounts be replaced as it was more worn than the others.
While driving at various speeds, the engine would stall and shut off. The problem started at 90,000 miles. Have brought the car to the chevy dealer and they have not been able to diagnose the problem. The car is not generating any error codes. I almost got into an accident twice due to shutting off during acceleration. I have noticed that the stalling or shutting off starts after the temperature reaches approximately 125 degrees f and happens randomly. When I am operating the air conditioner, the stalling is more noticeable due to the engine load. So far, the dealer has replaced the crank sensor and ignition module which has not corrected the stalling and shutting down.
Manifold gasket was leaking on my 2003 chevrolet impala.
Lower intake manifold gaskets need replaced. I only have 40,000 miles on the car that is a 2003 impala ls with 3.8 liter engine. Also, coolant hose seal is leaking coolant.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated the vehicle would intermittently overheat and leak antifreeze. When the failure would occur, the contact would move the vehicle off the roadway and shut off the engine until it cooled down. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where she was informed the intake and manifold gaskets would need to be replaced. The manufacturer advised there were no recalls for her specific vehicle and would not provide any assistance. The failure and current mileages were 157,000.
I noticed a couple of times in stop and go traffic that my temperature indicator started to inch its way over to hot, never reaching the mark. I told my husband and he said I probably need a flush and new coolant. Took the car to dealership and I had a leaking intake gasket and needed to be repaired. Very expensive! Had oil in the radiator with hardly any liquid left. I started to read about other complaints and there were several so decided to report this so others will know they are not alone.
I took my 2003 chevy impala, v6 2.4 l, to a jiffylube for a standard oil change. There they informed me that I had a coolant leak, and they topped-off my antifreeze for only $4.00. Since repairs aren't affordable at the moment, I continued to drive my impala to school and work only. I was on my way to class early one afternoon, about a week after my oil change and my engine was over heating and engine coolant was completely gone. Luckily I was only 2 miles from my home and had a friend run some antifreeze and water to my break-down location. I put enough antifreeze and water into the radiator to get me home, where my car will sit until repaired. It is to my understanding that all 2003 v6 2.4 l impalas have this problem. If that is the case, why hasn't gm recalled this vehicle for proper repairs? An investigation into this matter would be greatly appreciated from a struggling american that lives in a region of the country where public transportation is obsolete and a motorized vehicle is a necessity.
2003 chevy impala. Passlock stystem thinks the car is being stolen, disabling the ignition for up to 30 minutes at a time. Sometimes leaving you stranded. Also ABS and trac control system failure at 100,00 miles. No more ABS or trac control as parts are over $3,000. Oil spill out of filler neck onto exhaust manifold, and recall only moved spark plug wires, oil problem still exists. Interior dash lights dim to complete darkeness, or super birght at all different times. Issue is the dimmer switch. Piss poor design by gm. They should be banned from selling vehicles until they pull their heads out of their [xxx] . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2003 chevrolet impala motor went on fire.
My chevy, impala caught on fire.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall. The dealer made repairs to the catalytic converter, however following repairs the vehicle experienced the same failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mass air flow sensor was replaced. The repair did not correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to another dealer and the catalytic convertor was repaired a second time. The dealer also advised replacing the sensor but the contact had recently had the sensor replaced. The vehicle continued to stall. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic where the fuel pump was replaced but still, did not correct the failure. The vehicle was left in the possession of the dealer where repairs were made to the electrical system. The failure mileage was 61,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle overheated without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic but the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer advised diagnostic testing before repairs could be made to the vehicle. The contact declined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the compliant. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
Catalytic converter has failed.
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.
Leaking head gasket causing engine cooling system problems.
My 2003 impala has trouble starting when the car is hot: when we drive the car for over a hour sometimes less we can not get it to re-start until it cools down for a least a hour. Have taken it to the dealer they can not get it to duplicate they replaced all kinds of parts and have no idea , had it towed several times to the dealer when it happens (there request). Makes it difficult to travel as you have to leave it running to get gas etc. Unless you want to sit for a hour every time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The vehicle will stall without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. Since the dealer could not duplicate the failure, they could not provide a remedy. The current and failure mileages were 50651. Updated 12/09/09 *bf the consuemr stated the vehicle will turn over, but will not start. Updated 12/10/09
I was driving my 2003 chevy impala and tried to signal a lane change and the flashers would not work for either direction. There was not any accident, but the situation was very aggravating. The car also has a history of oil seepage and it has only 70,000 miles on it. We bought the car 4 years ago at a used car dealer, and I change the oil myself every 3000 miles. The car is hard staring at times, and I had put a new battery in it 2 years ago due to the trouble starting.
Took my car to the dealer in collierville,tn. For another widespread problem, that should have been a recall costing 1,000.00, & was told of another problem with the intake gasket,that will be another $1,000.00, I see many others have this same problem, but of course gm not calling it a recall. I have a 2003 chevrolet impala with approximately 149,000 miles on it. Sunrise chevrolet in collierville,tn. Has been the prople dealing with me , and states, their computer programmed bcm is not a recall, nor the ignition chip that engages the key , is also not a gm problem but many of their customers. I suffered with my car not starting numerous times , and finally bit the bullet and paid high dollar to the dealership for gm's should be recall. I want someone to listen about everyone's complaint of the intake gasket leaking, and make gm do the right thing!
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that there was a persistent burning odor in the vehicle. While pouring oil into the vehicle, the engine compartment erupted into flames. The contact extinguished the fire with water. A few unknown components were damaged; however, the vehicle was still able to be driven. She later received a recall notice, which stated that there could potentially be a fire under the hood due to drops of engine oil deposited into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair. The federal safety agency campaign id number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were less than 124,864. Updated 07/14/09 *bf after the recall repair was completed, it was discovered the vehicle had an intake manifold leak which caused the vehicle to overheat. Prior to the recall, the consumer stated she never had a problem with the vehicle overheating. Updated 07/15/09.
In the past several weeks, my vehicle has began to lose power, especially in low RPM range. The vehicle spits on sputters on hard acceleration and takes several (30 or better) seconds to reach 55 MPH. I am an ase trained mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle as having a faulty catalytic converter. A vacuum test determined that the pressure drops significantly above 2500 RPM's and to 0 by 4000 (when it misfires). The cat makes noise and even jumped the hanger (telling me the converter is twisting from the back pressure). Once I diagnosed it, I looked at a list of gm tsb's for this vehicle and this was listed on there along with instructions to the dealer / tech to replace free of charge until the service life has reached 10 years or 120k. My vehicle fits both conditions as it is a 2003 with 99k. I contacted my dealer and was told they would not replace it free as the warranty on emissions items is 80k. When I even gave them the tsb number (special policy adjustment - catalytic converter # 05551 - (9/14/05)) they said that was just in the case of plenum damage resulting from the clogged converter. Despite the fact that it in no way even mentions the plenum. This is the only vehicle I currently own and I have been out of work for a while. I can't afford to replace it, nor to have my vehicle tied up for days to do a 2 hour job. However, if it continues, it will blow up. How can I resolve this?
I bought a 2003 chevrolet impala about a year and a half ago. On valentines day I pulled over on the side of the road for a funeral, the next thing I know my then boyfriend now husband told me to get out of the car the whole passenger side of the vehicle was on fire. I am grateful that we got my then five month old daughter out of the vehicle. We had no idea that could happen. My father called and informed me that there is now a recall on that model car. The car burnt completely. On the recall my father informed me that it was for 3.8 liter. I do not believe mine was a 3.8 liter but my vehicle was a v6. It was either a 3.4 or a 3.6 liter. I was wondering if there was anything that could be done about this incident. I lost everything in that vehicle. It would be great if there is anything that could be done. The police were not contacted but the fire department was present to put out the fire.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Chevrolet Impala?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history