2003 Chevrolet Impala: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Jul 1, 2016 · Engine · 158,000 miles · TX · fire

While driving on highway got a faint fuel smell (not seen in past). Shortly another motorist flagged me and said he saw flames under the car. I pulled over and evacuated vehicle. Smoke and flames came from engine. The vehicle has been maintained no recent engine work. Car had been running fine with no problems.

Filed Dec 28, 2015 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the engine and smelled a fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine, engine cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2015 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · FL

While loading items in the trunk I noticed a strong gas smell. My mechanic did a "smoke test" and could find no problem. It has continued to be a problem. Others have commented on the smell and a friend had the same model car with the same problem and finally traded it in. I have looked on line for recalls. The only thing I found was that on some cars there is a problem with the adhesive between the lining of the gas tank and the tank. It said you would need the gas tank serial number to check if it was one of the ones with the problem. I checked at the local chevrolet dealership and was told it would be about $300.00 just to pull the gas tank to check for the serial number.I am concerned that one day it might catch on fire. I just keep hoping it won't but I would like to find out more about this problem

Filed May 1, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 20,000 miles · LA

The car was bought new from dealership, with occasional grinding noises noted in reverse and headlights "surging" at night while driving. Dealership unable to replicate with the exception of grinding. I was told a loose wire was causing noise in reverse. On 09/26/05, after noticing hard stalls while attempting to start, the fuel pump went out $281.60 for new one. 12/09/05, to dealership for starting concerns and maintenance. 04/13/06-car would not start to leave work. Ward's chevrolet came to my work site. Left me a rental and kept my car until 04/20/06. I paid $674.56 for a 2nd fuel pump and fuel module. 06/21/06- to local garage with same complaints. $100 paid for "short" in electrical that caused no start and towing. 08/04/06-cooper buick in monroe,la- $281.00 for another fuel pump and recall on 2003 impala headgaskets that I was unaware of. 11/22/06-no start, turn over-went outside 3 hours later-starts with hard start. 12/06/06-brakes went from quiet to grinding-slow hard starts continue. Ward's kept the car for a month-never told me what was wrong with car except brakes. Did not charge. At this time I had requested a gm investi.-no results-states"the dealership was unable to replicate concern". The car continues to have slow, hard starts with very noticeable gas smells. The smell of gas has been occurring since 04/20/06 repairs. Now service, ABS, security lights come on and off intermittently with the smell of gas and slow, hard starts. I have been calling ward's since the first week of march 2007 requesting factory rep. To meet and drive car after their having a month with no improvements in cars functioning. I called this a.m. To be informed that new service dept. Manager was not aware of problem. This is the 4th time since march I have requested the factory rep. With no response from ward's.

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Visibility · 5,000 miles · KS

Vehicle will not defrost without letting into the outside fumes. During winter months the defrosted will let the outside air and gas fumes into the car. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer who insisted there was nothing they could do. This vehicle and all vehicles produced after 2001 were made this way.