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.
Model years affected: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 engines affected: 3.4L V6, 3.8L V6 average mileage: 108,315 mi (13,756 mi - 198,000 mi) verified the intake manifold gasket can develop external engine oil or coolant leaks. In some cases the failed gasket will leak coolant internally. The manifold gasket will need to be replaced to correct this issue. Thousands of cars are affected. These vehicles need to be recalled and fixed.
I was driving the vehicle and when I came to a stop to pump gas I left the keys in the ignition I placed the car in park. I turned around to place the pump into the gas gauge and my car was rolling down the hill and I had to chase the car open the door and stop the car. When I got the car to a halt position. I tried to take the key out the ignition and couldn't get the key out the ignition. Once I was able to get the key, the key slot was turned at 3:00 position and not a 12:00 position when a key is removed from a ignition. After the key was removed the car started to roll again and I had to place the "emergency brake" on to keep the car from rolling. Once I tried to turn the car back on after pumping the car started up and I placed it in drive pressed the gas pedal and car stalled, I placed the car in reverse and pressed the gas pedal and the car stalled. My car has not worked since.
My gas gauge stop working and I was not able to tell how much gas was in the vehicle. Fuel gauge read inaccurately. I would put gas in the car and fill up tank and barely drive more than 20 miles and the fuel gauge would indicate "empty". I was told by penske that they were unsure as to what would cause this issue and that I wouldn't be able to get the issued repaired. I have ran out gas several times since the first incident.
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, several lights illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the technician diagnosed the pass lock assembly switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 60,400.
Problem with starting has progress to a problem with the car shutting off during operation. Several times now the car has shut down with no warning and at different speeds. This causes a loss of control with the power steering and power brakes. I have been able to place the transmission in neutral and restart the car while moving. The last time it happened, I was making a right turn and merging into the flow of traffic. I had pressure on the steering wheel while trying to make the curve when I restarted the car. At this point, the power steering kicked in and I found myself swerving from the sudden snatch on the steering. We were lucky that we didn't cause an accident. If my wife had been at the controls I know it would have turn out bad! I see unlimited complains around this item. Do we have to wait on people to get injured or killed before the company is force to be responsible? if this was a foreign car company, the government would have already forced a recall.
- Fernandina Beach, FL, USA
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Passlock system would disable the car from starting dozens of times for months. I would get stuck anywhere without warning for half an hour or more with my children. It was taken in for a coolant leak issue. The dexcool ( a horrible product with lawsuits due to engine damage) had eaten the hoses and was spraying around the engine. It created a sludge that thankfully did not destroy my radiator. The car finally outright failed because of the security system. The passlock system is a known issue with GM. I have read endless complaints about this problem. There was nothing wrong with the car, but the system would not read the key. It was in the shop for weeks. Had to get new BCM and have the system reprogrammed. My car only has 37,000 miles and for it to fail and need such expensive repairs for a faulty system with nothing wrong with the mechanics of the car is unreal. Another known issue is with the signals going out without warning. I never know if the turn signals will work and this is very dangerous. I am fearful that other issues with the electrical system might happen. But knowing that the BCM might fail again in another year or so is the biggest rub. How many times do people have to reprogram their car and replace parts on a faulty passlock system that will fail again?
Factory installed security system won't let me start the car, I have to wait anywhere from 15-45 minutes before it starts, and that is not safe to be stranded with the family. I'm not the first person with this problem, and I hope you can do something to help me solve it. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle caught on fire without warning. The contact was able to move off the roadway and called the fire department to extinguish the fire. No one was injured. The fire department did not state what caused the fire. After the failure, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign I.D. number 09V116000 (engine and engine cooling) and called the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that by law, they were not responsible to remedy the vehicle due to the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The vehicle started smoking while driving down the highway at 65 miles per hour, it lost power. I pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a mechanic. The mechanic said that the piston broke, and a portion of the piston flew through the oil pan. This vehicle has been very well maintained. This should not have happened.
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle after being turned off for one week and the engine exploded. There were no injuries. A fire report was provided by the fire department. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,847.
Intake manifold leak, replaced the engine. Intermediate no starts, vehicle cuts off in 5 mins of driving, turn signals works sometimes.. car is dangerous to drive and I have almost had several accidents because of the issues.
Safety flashes on dashboard and car will not start for 10 to 15 minutes. It happens totally at random times in all kinds of weather. Disconnecting the battery does not help nor does resetting a fuse with a kill switch. This is a widely known problem why isn't there a recall" I was told from a dealer it was a computer issue and could be fixed for around 1000 dollars. I want to buy american cars but do I have to suffer because of this choice" what an awful inconvenience.
For the past 2-3 years the security light will come on and flash about 10 minutes. During that time I have to sit with the key in the ignition and the ignition switched back until the security light stops, which then the care will start. About a month ago same constant problem except now after the security light stops flashing car won't start at all. I've gotten new battery and had alternator checked and both are good. The security pass code dealing with the keys or some mess I was told which will cost $500.-$600. Omg!!!!! really. Is there a recall or something for this. GMC please do better. Last american made car that I will purchase.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bethel Park, PA, USA