This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became inoperable without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering arms and power steering pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08E063000 (steering). The contact also mentioned that he experienced failures with the exhaust manifold. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.......updated 04/01/16 consumer stated steering arms leaked and power steering leaked updated 6/7/18
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. When the contact opened the hood, the manifold cover exploded and burned his face. The contact used his shirt to douse the fire. The contact sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to tow the vehicle to a local dealer for repair. Prior to the failure, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling). When the dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer stated that the repairs would only cover the parts that were in the recall, excluding the cost of towing. The failure mileage was 169,000.
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The contact heard an unusual sound and noticed smoke under the hood when he attempted to start the vehicle. The contact lifted up the hood and observed an engine fire. The fire was extinguished with water. An independent mechanic stated that the intake manifold failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
The plenum on the intake manifold was warped due to a bad intake manifold and now antifreeze and oil are being released and are caking on my max airflow sensor and map sensor. I have done research and this seems to be a common problem. I think it's about time that GM made a recall on it because it is not an easy or, for the people who don't know a bumper from a fender, it is a very expensive fix. Especially when you bring it to a mechanic and they keep charging you $300 to change your max air flow sensor and you don't know any better.
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. While the vehicle was parked in a paint shop, it spontaneously exploded. Although the contact was experiencing the same failure as noted in NHTSA campaign id number 96V116000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system), the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer stated that he would have to replace the cover intake manifold and the fuel injection system. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The failure and current mileages were 95,000.
- Dolton, IL, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
On 12/13/06 after 1 year of owning the vehicle we had a loss of power upon accelerating. We were advised the coolant was leaking. A common problem with this vehicle upon research. In addition, the coolant leaking onto the catalytic converter causing it to fail and need to be replaced. The manufacturer would not honor the warranty for the catalytic converter, claiming the coolant caused the problem and was not covered. Had to pay over $!,000 for repairs. 2 days later could not start the car. Was advised that these vehicles had an anti theft feature if work was done on the car it could cause the anti theft feature to fail and would be a need for a new ignition. Several hundred more dollars). As they would not cover this either. These failures were due to the awful design of the vehicle, and they should be recalled and the owner reimbursed for the cost of repairs. Here we go 7 months later and the vehicle was now in the shop again about the same type of failure, sluggish upon acceleration.
Our low coolant light came on, then my engine light came on we took it to get it service at first the dealership did a leak infection and found nothing to be wrong with the car they reset the engine light but my low coolant light kept coming back on the needle on the dash board hardly moves, then we brought it back and they said they found coolant leak at intake manifold gasket they also replace a tapping noise (which occured on our way to the dealership) which was caused by the lifters along with a brake check/pad replacement our bill total was $1504 out of pocket because our warranty expired already. I have been reading the internet and found an info regarding this leakeage on manifold is caused by dexcool which what they use in my car, I found out that the chemical doesn't contain an agent to fight rust but contains some acid chemical instead, do not quote me but go to website type dexcool and you'll see it.
Complaint received via E-mail."I would like to report what I consider to be a defective and potential fire hazard on my truck. The catalytic converter failed and the egr valve returned hot gases into the intake manifold. The hot gases burned a hole in the plastic intake manifold and melted the wiring harness. This could of caused a fire in the engine compartment. The engine stopped working properly and the vehicle had to be towed to the garage. My local garage replaced the intake manifold. The engine was still not running properly. I had my local garage take the car to our Chevrolet garage. They found the problem with the converter and replaced it under federal warranty. I reported this to GM. Both garage agreed that this was caused due to the failure of the manifold. I believe the plastic manifold should be recalled as a safety factor."
2001 Chevrolet Impala purchased new. Had to replace lower intake manifold gaskets at 48,000. Warranty expires at 36,000. This appears to be a common problem for this particular engine. 3400 V6. Dealer offers no recall. Consumer must pay the price.
While driving at 35 mph vehicle caught on fire, heavy smoke came under the hood. Vehicle was taken to independent shop, technician determined that intake manifold caught on fire.
My check engine light came on November 9, 2003. We took it to our local dealer and the manifold gasket was leaking; therefore, leaking oil into our coolant system.
While driving 50 mph the driver depressed the brake pedal and noticed that brake power was lost after the vehicle came to a stop and that it was vibrating. It was later determined that the air intake had worn through the computer sensor on the harness and caused a loss of vacuum to the power brakes, and loss all power to assist.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Tabiona, UT, USA