10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,739 miles

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problem #12

Aug 152011

Impala 6-cyl

  • 59,000 miles
GM vehicles equipped with the passkey system may, and thousands do, experience a passlock system lockout, where the security system prevents starting of the vehicle, even when using the mfr's supplied key. The passkey sensor problem is recurring even after some consumers had dealers replace it. This defect in the passkey II and III as well as the passlock systems on GM vehicles has plagued my vehicle since 3 weeks after purchase. The dealer said I have to replace the passkey sensor, ignition control module, ignition switch, BCM and even possibly the ECM. I have checked with other shops and consumers via online forums and personal interactions, and have come to learn of 1000's if not 10,000's of consumers have this problem, and the dealer recommended repairs/replacements only cover up the problem for about a year. This problem prevents the owner from starting the car, as well as cause it to stall regardless of location or driving condition. This can result in loss of control and possibly leaving a consumer stranded in unsurvivable situations. This is a public safety and a health risk. Even when under warranty, the dealer refused to replace the 'recommended' parts as they were not covered under powertrain warranty, however they cause the vehicle's powertrain to not function or cease function when running just fine seconds prior. GM has been notified of this issue by myself and to no avail, a resolution is unavailable. I had a friend of mine replace over 8 components of the ignition/security system at the dealer for a cost over $2500. The vehicle was 4 months old. My vehicle, at 9 years has had this problem for the past 4. GM needs to recall all vehicles equipped with a passlock/passkey 2-3 system for replacement with a more reliable one. A google search turns up over 138,000 results for GM passkey problems. GM passlock problems turns up over 85,100 results. That is 223,100 results. If I do vehicle specific, that number triples. Chevy passkey problems returns 1,340,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #11

Oct 112010

Impala

  • 130,000 miles
On October 11, 2010, was stopped for a left turn, in my 2002 Chevrolet Impala. I was hit from the back by a pickup truck. Upon impact, my onstar mirror came loose from the windshield and the cable became a weapon in the car with the mirror still attached. A witness said it looked like a baseball bat flying around on the inside of the car. The cable was hanging and approximately 2ft long when the wrecker pulled it away. I received multiple injuries to my head/neck and right eye due to this particular incident. There were also other injuries that I feel probably do not pertain to this. The car was later totaled and so nothing was done to correct the issue. I will remain leary to have or install onstar equipment in any other vehicle for this reason.

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #10

Apr 142010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 113,000 miles
Brought car and windshield wipers were not timed correctly and I needed a part called plaw - the company said they were fixed but, not 3 months later when heavy rain came my windshield wipers are on my windshield straight up and down right in front of what is supposed to be my visible area. Im 5'3 and I have a seven year old child and I would hate to be on the expressway when it starts raining and not able to see because no one took it seriously.. I do not look forward to rainy days especially when I have a newer car but I have to get a ride or on the bus with my child......... help help help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #9

Jun 202010

Impala

  • 102,863 miles
Went to work and when I went to leave the car wouldn't start- thought it was the battery and got a jump, wouldn't start. Had the car towed to auto place, and they couldn't find anything wrong, then after that the car has left me stranded and unable to get to work its shut off while driving- the security light was on, after the many complaints to Chevy- they wont assist with the repair of the pass lock security system for the simple reason its out of warranty. Its not a maintenance issue its a mechanical issue. Its also a safety issue. The car just shuts off as if someone is stealing it. How dangerous- on route 80 highway or any road for that matter, your car shuts off and your smashed from behind with cars piled up- someone will be dead andmany will be serious hurt. Or being stranded on a dark country road with no cell reception. This is a safety issue and after alot of research on this problem- GM"S response' sorry we cant help you- today Toyota recalled 412K cars, because of steering issue and was a safety issue. Nissan, Toyota, and Honda didn't need bailouts why because they stand behind their cars unlike GM- this is a big issue with hundreds of thousands of people complaining and GM as usual does nothing to stand behind their products. I will never again purchase a GM product as its a complete piece of garbage and the ones working for GM aren't any better. Let GM sink and go under, that way americans will have more reliable transportation and companies that actually stand behind safety issues with their cars. It amazes me how GM can take bailouts- to keepthem afloat but wont do anything to back their vehicles, sooner or later they will sink and they will all be sitting there dumbfounded scratching their heads wondering oh gee what happened, you didn't stand behind your cars moron that's what happened, and people went to more reliable companies. 13K for a 2002 Impala ls, guess its time to take it to the junk yard very unsafe and no peace of mind to drive the garbage.

- Tobyhanna, PA, USA

problem #8

Apr 012009

Impala

  • 68,000 miles
I have a safety concern involving unresolveable issues with a 2002 Impala ls. Due to passlock, my car will randomly not start, thinking that I (the owner) am trying to steal the car. This is a safety issue being that I am a young, unmarried woman, who has to drive in and through rough neighborhoods to get to work and school. This issue could leave me and others stranded at location. And who knows what could happen from there, varying from murder to assault, etc. And if you know flint, saginaw, and detroit Michigan, this is a huge issue. The car has been evaluated by three different mechanics, two dealerships, and there is no solution. Aside from that issue, the car's traction control turns on at random, the ABS brakes turn on, almost causing accidents. This is another issue that can't be resolved by any of the mechanics I've talked to. This is costing tons of money and GM has no solution. GM needs to issue a recall and have these issues fixed.

- Columbiaville, MI, USA

problem #7

Mar 022008

Impala

  • miles
Traction frequently activates. "service traction system" and "ABS" lights come on frequently. Last spring and summer, my mechanic replaced a couple of parts but it did not resolve the problem. I can not tell you exactly what those parts were without finding my receipts for the work. Last spring and summer, the traction did not actually activate but the light did come on. Diagnostic was done several times with no results except for a couple of times. I had the body module replace last fall. I had no problems for about a month but problems started periodically and are gradually increasing. I do not understand why there has not been a recall. With the tires spinning like that, it could be dangerous. After stopping at a stop light or stop sign or making a turn, my traction sometimes activates.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

problem #6

Apr 022009

Impala

  • 70,000 miles
2002 Chevy Impala 3.8L purchased used in Dec. 2004 w/ 65,000 miles. Where to begin... flooding in floorboards due to clog underneath windshield, three sets of rotors/brakes, clunky noise in steering shaft (replaced twice by dealership) still having same problem, catalytic converter replaced after dealership tried to charge me nearly $1000 to replace; covered by GM as harry green Chevrolet was 'unaware' of replacement policy"!" new struts, numerous alignments/balances B/C vehicle still shakes and shimmys at 60-65 mph; must drive about 75-80 mph just to keep this to a minimum! BCM replaced twice by dealer, security issues won't allow car to start for 15 mins. Each time, which is very inconvenient. Sooo many problems and complaints with these 'quality' GM vehicles, and yet they do nothing to resolve them, except hold out their hands wanting more $$$ from american taxpayers to keep on making junk! and now the newest of a long line of recalls/problems is that there is a fire hazard for leaking oil on the manifold! all of these vehicles need to be recalled due to the numerous safety concerns and consumers are sick and tired of General Motors obvious disregard for safety and reliability!

- Anmoore, WV, USA

problem #5

Apr 132009

Impala

  • miles
We have a 2002 Chevy Impala. The security light will come on while driving. When you turn the car off. It will not restart for about 10 to 20 minutes. This used to happen occasionally but now it's happening atleast 3 to 5 times a month. Have taken it in for service but they could not find anything wrong with it. They say it has to actually be doing it while they are checking it. Dealership says they have no idea why it's doing this. This has been occurring now for the last two years since we bought the car used from the Chevy dealership.

- Auburn, IN, USA

problem #4

Jun 262008

Impala

  • 98,000 miles
ABS light comes on frequently and when brakes are applied, it feels extremely unsafe. Brakes either do not respond or skid when attempting to stop. Afraid to drive vehicle. Had mechanics check vehicle and issue cannot be identified from failure codes. Appears wiring may be damaged and will cost quite a bit to repair. Mechanics unsure this will solve it. Don't want to sell vehicle as it will make it someone else's problem.

- Waynesville, MO, USA

problem #3

May 162007

Impala

  • miles
I have a 2002 Chevy Impala ls as of 05-16-08 the headlights blink on and off. On 05-18-08 they went completely out while driving at night. The following evening I only have high beam lights, no low beam. I can drive in low light or dark conditions. Local mechanic stated it was the multi switch on the steering column and the part was $300-$400 dollars. He stated that he has had many Impala customers with the same issue and he stated that it should be a recall due to the safety issue.

- Hyden , KY, USA

problem #2

Feb 062007

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Various engine failures due to dex cool coolant system. Engine rebuilt. Gaskets. Etc new parts installed in each instance.

- Lees Summit, MO, USA

problem #1

Feb 052005

Impala 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles
My car was running one day when I was in a store and I came out and got in and it was dinging and lights were flashing radio didn't work fan was not as strong as usual. And once in awhile I won't even have lights unless I hold in the brights switch. But that was just the start it got more frequent that this would happen then, it wouln't start I would try for hours to get it to start I would have to disconnect the battery and wait and then even after doing this it might not start. And then just driving down the road it will ding and flash raid shuts off says "locked" what what is this now. So I will stop shut off wont start, finally starts then none of the gauges work or radio or even the A/C. I have lost two jobs because of my car not starting and being late for work or not being able to make it cause it wont start. Now I have taken it to about ten dealer ships, well every place tells me same thing there is nothing wrong with your car. May 30,2007 was the worst time with my car, it was raining really hard, my car started to act up like usual my A/C wouldn't work it was really humid and about 85 degrees and I got to a town and shut off the car and disconnected the battery as usual also and nothing happen and this went on for 2 hours and still nothing happened the worst part about this is I had my 6 month old daughter with me, my fiance is out of town we are an hour from home and my friend has a flat tire and my parents on vacation I had no ride or any body to call and I couldn't call a tow service because I only had $10 to my name I had to bundle my daughter up in her blanket and start walking home, I walked for about 20mins before any one stopped to pick us up. I am so sick and tired of this happening and would like this problem to be resolved but I don't think it should have to be at my expense when it obviously is not just happening to me! please please help me !! I just don't know what to do!!! akl

- Remer, MN, USA