2003 Chevrolet Impala: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 40,000 miles · CA

My passlock system has been malfunctioning for years now (2007-2015) and at random intervals, my car will not start and I have to wait 15 minutes before the engine will start. Sometimes the "security" light will turn on while I am operating the vehicle and after I have parked it, the security light will flash and I can't start the engine until after the 15 minute cycle has concluded. Not only has this issue been an inconvenience, but I have had occasions where it has put me in danger. I am not responsible for the passlock system failure, nor do I have the funds to repair or remove it. I believe that passlock was a faulty system from the beginning and the fact that it has not been recalled shocks me. I am very afraid that one day the passlock system malfunction will occur when the vehicle is in motion and that I will lose power steering, braking, and other vital operational functions. Noticeably, the passlock malfunction has become more frequent, so I needed to file this complaint. I have talked to service experts at my local chevy dealership and they have told me on more than one occasion that this issue is widespread, including many gm vehicles, and that eventually my car just won't start anymore. The quoted prices to fix this issue (either repairing it or removing it entirely) have been ridiculously high and I don't understand why I should be forced into paying for a well-known gm/chevrolet problem.

Filed Feb 22, 2015 · Acceleration, Airbags · 197,000 miles · OK · crash · 1 injury

I was traveling on a 2 lane road. A truck pulling an enclosed trailer was in front of me turned on his right blinker and began to brake to make the turn. I was traveling 77 MPH, so I moved to the oncoming traffic lane (the left lane) in order to pass the truck. At the last second the truck swerved into the left lane in order to make a wide turn. I abruptly jerked the steering wheel right to avoid collision with the truck, but the vehicle seemed to lose power steering as well as power brakes. I was unable to straighten the steering wheel back after jerking it to the right to go back into the right lane; my vehicle hit the back of the enclosed trailer and then hit steep ditch where my back passenger tire popped and the vehicle flipped onto its roof. The vehicles airbags failed to deploy even though the vehicle has significant damage to the front , top and sides of it. I regained conscientiousness I attempted to turn the car off and remove the keys from the ignition. But I realized that the keys were not I n the ignition.I crawled out of the passenger window to exit the vehicle. The keys were later found by my husband loose in the vehicle. I hit my head hard when the vehicle flipped, good deal of blood on me from what ended up being multiple superficial lacerations as well as a deep wound in my left knee, which required 12 stitches to close up. I will have a scar from it for the rest of my life. I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital and was released around 9 pm. 2 days later we received the ignition switch recall notice in the mail gm refuses to answer any of our questions regarding this wreck. Gm did retrieve the black box info from the vehicle., they refuse to provide us with any explanation to why the airbags failed to deploy or why there seemed to be a malfunction within the car which LED to the accident.

Filed Sep 3, 2004 · Steering · 30,000 miles · MD

While driving at low speeds vehicle lost power steering. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Sep 10, 2003 · Engine · 13,000 miles · NY

While driving with three passengers in my 2003 chevrolet impala ls at 35 MPH the engine shut-off without warning with complete loss of power steering and brakes, requiring emergency maneuver to bring car to a stop before hitting oncoming traffic. A replacement vehicle was not made available. While driving to a medical emergency, later that evening, this recurred at 50 MPH (engine shut-off without warning, loss of steering and braking power requiring emergency stop in center median 4 lane highway merge site). This happened previously with this vehicle on 7/4/03 at 50 MPH with my wife driving on the van wyck expressway. At that time, after 3 days gm regional service manager stated that there was a defective crank-shaft sensor which was replaced. I advised gm that there were other reports to the federal safety agency about this problem with chevrolet impalas. I requested that an investigation and possible recall should be initiated and asked for a refund or replacement of my vehicle. This was denied "as there were too few episodes to warrant this action" and my car" was repaired per warranty obligation of general motors corporation". Unfortunately this happened to my vehicle again without warning placing myself and my passengers in danger. This is a potentially life threatening defect requiring immediate action to prevent injury or loss of life. The car is presently again at the dealership. I have contacted gm corporate headquarters about this issue. I have been told that they will fulfill their warranty obligations and attempt to repair my vehicle again.

Filed Sep 9, 2003 · Engine · 13,000 miles · NY

When driving 35 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer lost power steering, but manged to pull over. Had notified the dealership, and mechanic had not resolved the problem.