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4.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,199 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2003 Chevrolet Impala brakes problems

brakes problem

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2003 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments

problem #20

Sep 272005

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,368 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Mileage the first time was 18,368 when I took it back to the dealer han graff chev durand Michigan. Findings were "all four rotors had lateral runout beyond specs". they resurfaced front and rear rotors. Mileage second time was 31,038 and again I took it back to the dealer han graff Chevrolet durand Michigan. Without even looking at it I was told that they would have to resurface or replace the rotors and questioned me if I was a 2 foot driver. Always blame the consumer--that was smart. I took it to a reputable garage in my area and guess what again they had to resurface the front & rear rotors. I wrote to GM's CEO wagoner documenting all the facts and received a call from a young lady who told me "things wear out".

- Bancroft, MI, USA

problem #19

Dec 272007

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,405 miles
The intermediate steering shaft in my 2003 Chevrolet Impala had to be replaced at 25,000 miles. Now at 45,000 miles the steering shaft needs to be replaced again also, both rear brake rotors were replaced at 25,000 and need to be replaced again at 45,000 miles.

- Seekonk, MA, USA

problem #18

Jun 152006

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles
Clunking noise in front end especially when you are in a turn. Also could feel a "thump" through the steering wheel at same time. We are stationed in germany in the air force. Took it to the opel dealer (Chevy equiv. In germany) and they diagnosed it as the intermediate shaft needing to be replaced. After $300 and a long time waiting for the part, it was replaced and hasn't given us a problem since. Also have had major problem with this car "eating" brakes and rotors. Reminds me exactly of my Buick regal I had with the same brake issues. After I sold the regal, I was sent info on a class action suit against GMC for the same brake issues. Both are great cars but brakes stink.

- Apo, AE, USA

problem #17

Jul 062007

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,242 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

20003 Chevrolet Impala with 45,242 miles needed brake rotors turned due to warping. $190

- New Holland, PA, USA

problem #16

Nov 152005

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
Our 2003 Impala ls @ 50K miles had a vibration when the brakes were applied that greatly increased with harder braking and also a steady vibration from the front end that increased as speed increased. My retired father in law brought the car to the dealer where we purchased the car, brian harris Chevrolet in baton rouge, la and he felt that he was treated poorly by the service dept. We then took the car to all star Chevrolet where we were treated professionally. They diagnosed the problems, front wheel bearings and warped rotors, but said that they could not repair it under warranty until it was approved by the warranty carrier, which could take several days. They said that rental car reimbursement would be made if warranty repair was approved. We paid a diagnostic fee and picked up our car and then took it to our local independent repair shop that we have dealt with for years and paid for the repair ourselves. They resurfaced the brake rotor and replaced the left front hub assembly. Now @ 80K miles we are experiencing the same warped rotor problems again.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

problem #15

Apr 112006

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,053 miles
: the contact stated while the vehicle was at the service dealer for an oil change, the service technician determined that the break rotors were cracked. The break rotors and break pads were replaced.

- Bellerose, NY, USA

problem #14

Mar 102006

Impala

  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At about 45,000 miles the brake warning tab started making the scratching noise when I put on the brakes. Two days later the car was in the shop for front brake service. I was expecting just pads were needed, but not the case. I was told and shown the rotors had worn down too far to cut. Both front rotors were below safe depth. I could not believe this with only 45,000 on the car. The rotors were junked and my repair bill went to twice as much. Is this american quality or what! other than this, I have and do like my Impala. Chevy could call and make this right would put thing 100% right with me. Will they do that"?"

- Muscatine, IA, USA

problem #13

Sep 012005

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
: the contact stated the rear rotors rusted. This was first noticed while changing the front brakes. Even though the rear rotors were rusted the rear brake pads were fine. The manufacturer determined the rotors may have rusted due to the environment. Updated 01/25/06.

- Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA

problem #12

Oct 152005

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles
At app. 32,000 miles I had my brakes checked and needed to replace 2 rotors. The vehicle is a 2003 Impala, not driven in heavy traffic, the terrain is flat, mild winters with little road salt exposure. Old parts not available.

- Pontiac, IL, USA

problem #11

Jun 242004

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,512 miles
2003 Chevy Impala, bought new. All four brakes wore out prematurely. Warped, scored rotors. Car still under warranty, but not rotors. Dealership was notified, but was unable to resolve the problem. They said my driving habits and the climate were to blame. I've been driving GM cars in this area for 40 years, and never had this problem. Called Chevrolet customer care center to report defective parts. Have parts. Claim denied. I had my own mechanic replace parts with heavy duty rotors. Lightweight rotors should never be standard on cars sold on lots in North conway, nh.

- Denmark, ME, USA

problem #10

Feb 192005

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a 2003 Impala. At 16000 miles I had to replace all four rotors and brake pads.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #9

Nov 212003

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,403 miles
Brakes made grinding noise when applied ( 7403 miles ), pulsation heard and felt, right rear rotor severally pitted, turnedremaining 3 rotors and sanded pads.performed road variation test on tires right front failed and was replaced. At 15334 miles same problem, surface of rotors found to be very corroded, resurfaced front brake rotors and replaced rear brake rotors, also sent a product report to GM and attention of shop foreman and factory rep. At 18728 miles rotors corroded again resurfaced.this is third time for brake problems I am not confident in driving this 2003 chev Impala and I have heard numerous complaints for the same problem ( unsafe ) the factory rep. Offered me $1000 voucher toward a new car. I have all the names and documention in my files.

- St.Augustine, FL, USA

problem #8

Dec 092004

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
Experiencing clunk in steering; also failed rotors.

- Mentor, OH, USA

problem #7

Sep 212004

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,845 miles
The rear rotors had to be replaced and the front rotors turned. Eleven months later, both sets of rotors were defective again. When touching the brakes they pulsated. The manufacture stated that brakes were considered a wear item.

- Marcellus, NY, USA

problem #6

Aug 122003

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,618 miles
The steering wheel started to vibrate while driving. The dealership indicated that the rotors were drenched in blue. The brakes and rotors were replaced. The vibration recurred, the dealership turned the rear rotors and sanded down the rear brakes because the were glazed.

- Maysville, KY, USA

problem #5

Mar 012003

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,500 miles
All 4 rotors on my car have gone bad. Car was bought new in Oct 2002, and at 8500-9000 miles in March of 03, I had extreme pulsation in steering due to front rotors being warped. Dealer turned rotors, and then 10,000 miles later needed turned again, and now at 33,000 miles dealer is telling me to buy new rotors and that the back rotors also need to be turned. I have been driving for 30 some years and never had a car that needed rotors turned so soon, , and so I am sure there is fault with the rotors they are putting on the car. 2003 Impala.

- Mustang, OK, USA

problem #4

Jun 152004

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33 miles
Noticed increasing noise and vibration when applying brakes. Took car in for safety inspection and front brake service. Was informed the rear rotors are badly rusted and corroded, may not be improved by grinding or turning, and might need to be replaced, and the linings are at 20-25% on the front and 15-20% on the rear. I pointed out that the service garage had done a safety inspection a little less than a year ago and documented that the rear brakes were ok, and the front brakes had 50% of the lining left. Called Chevrolet customer care center and spoke with delosha payne, who called the service department, called me back and informed me that the rear brakes wore at a faster rate than the front, and whoever rotated my tires should have checked the rotors and informed me they needed service. I had asked this garage about rotating the tires at both inspections and neither time did anyone indicate it should be done. I think they should have recommended it.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #3

Dec 272003

Impala

  • 40,000 miles
Front brake rotors wore out, causing heavy vibration in the vehicle when braking. Dealership was notified, but was unable to resolve the problem. The dealer replaced the warped rotors and cleaned the pads but the vibration recurred. The consumer had two different technicians fax him a copy of general motor documents pertaining rotor problems.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #2

Jan 232004

(reported on)

Impala 6-cyl

  • 9 miles
There was a bad odor within the cabin of the vehicle. The odor did not occur when the air conditioner was on. The odor made the occupants sick. The cause and location of the odor was unknown although the dealership serviced the vehicle several times. The vehicle vibrated when the brake pedal was depressed. The dealership indicated that it was caused by the rotors being to thin. The odor was caused by a bad fan motor. The dealer replaced the part. The brake rotor problem continued. GM refused to resolve the problem.

- Benton, IL, USA

problem #1

Sep 022003

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,984 miles
When driving at different speeds and applying the brakes there was a severe vibration in the steering wheel. The consumer contacted the dealership and was informed by the mechanic that a possible cause was warped brake rotors. The dealer replaced the warped rotors. The problem would occur when the vehicle reached between 12 and 15 thousand miles.

- Cheshire, CT, USA

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