10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
82,868 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Chevrolet Impala:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #14

Dec 162016

Impala

  • 189,000 miles
I have been having problems with the traction control system on my 2002 Chevy Impala for the last five years. On December 16th I was involved in a collision with another vehicle when I could not stop St a red light. Traction light kept coming on and off all day. ABS pump would run for no reason. As I approached the traffic light the reaction light came on again and my brakes failed. Causing me to ho through the red light and hit car passing through intersection.

- Cove, AR, USA

problem #13

Jan 072013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles
The service traction system and ABS light came on indicating the car had lost the ABS function. According to the dealer the hydraulic brake function was supposed to still work. However, if what I experienced recently using the hydraulic function is supposed to console me or offer braking security it hasn't leading me to have my brakes worked on at midas. What led me to midas was the unnerving feeling of my right front brake shuddering and grabbing. They said the front brakes and pads were fine but they did do the rears. I called GM and was told there was no recall on this. I then went to the dealer and they stated they had no service bulletin on this. Since this is part of the braking system I am astonished that this problem has not been recalled. I am not the only customer with this problem according to my own internet investigating. According to Chevy this problem could cost thousands. The problem does not appear mechanical but electrical involving the ABS sensors and/or ecb module.

- Daytona Beach, FL, USA

problem #12

May 012011

Impala

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the traction control and the ABS light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the ABS hub assembly was replaced, but the failure was not corrected. The traction control and the ABS warning lights continued to illuminate intermittently. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.

- Farmingdale, NY, USA

problem #11

Feb 102011

Impala

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the traction control system failed with the illuminated of the traction control warning light. The failure caused an abnormal increase in stopping distance. The dealer inspected the vehicle and advised that the traction control needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.

- Alice, TX, USA

problem #10

Jul 152011

Impala 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
For the past 2 weeks my traction on light appears and when turning right, the right front end hesitates and bogs down and makes a whirring noise. I thought it might be my brakes. Once last week after this happened the ABS light appeared. I immediately stopped and turned the car off. When restarting the lights disappeared. The ABS light has not since appeared but the traction on light and effects continue.

- New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA

problem #9

Oct 152010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 70,150 miles
When wheels are turned to the right either slightly or all the way the traction control kicks in, loss of power and loss of brakes when ABS also kicks in. Bought the 2002 Chevy Impala ls just a week ago. This issue started as very intermittent but I can re-create the issues now just about every time I drive the car by turning right from a stop. At this point nothing has been done to fix the issue because no one knows why it is happening.

- Oxford, MA, USA

problem #8

May 302010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 122,000 miles
Have had "traction control" problems for 2 years. Was told many things could cause this. Now driving with no traction control and no ABS, just regular brakes. Have replaced hubs and brakes. Have to file for waiver for inspection. Will try replacing ABS pump next if can ever afford such a big repair. Dangerous issue.

- Hendersonville, NC, USA

problem #7

Jul 062010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
My 2002 Chevy Impala 3.8L V-6 has a problem with the traction control engaging when braking in turns to the left. This causes the brakes to slip and grind. A humming sound can be heard when this occurs. The traction control and sometimes the "check ABS " light becomes illuminated at the same time. The car has been taken to a local Chevy dealer for repair. Both right and left front wheel hub assemblies were replaced. I requested a check of wiring harnesses to see if there was deterioration. None was apparently found by the shop. Im afraid to drive this car or allow others in my son to drive it incase the brakes cant engage properly. From reading online accounts of other drivers, I am not the only one with this problem with a Chevrolet of this model. After having the right front hub assembly replaced, I thought it was fixed. Then after having the left front replaced as well to the tune of around $350 a piece, I though the problem was fixed. Not so. Where does this end. I urge you to look into a recall of this model and have GM ultimately fix this problem and avoid allowing for a possible accident with injuries or death. This is something that GM knows there is a problem and again should be recalled.

- Webster, NY, USA

problem #6

Jul 302010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
My 2002 Chevy Impala 3.8L V-6 has a problem with the traction control engaging when braking in turns to the left. This causes the brakes to slip and grind. A humming sound can be heard when this occurs. The traction control and sometimes the "check ABS " light becomes illuminated at the same time. The car has been taken to a local Chevy dealer for repair. Both right and left front wheel hub assemblies were replaced. I requested a check of wiring harnesses to see if there was deterioration. None was apparently found by the shop. I'm afraid to drive this car or allow others in my family to drive it incase the brakes can't engage properly. From reading online accounts of other drivers, I am not the only one with this problem with a Chevrolet of this model. After having the right front hub assembly replaced, I thought it was fixed. Then after having the left front replaced as well to the tune of around $500 a piece, I though the problem was fixed. Not so. Where does this end. I urge you to look into a recall of this model and have GM ultimately fix this problem and avoid allowing for a possible accident with injuries or death.

- Export, PA, USA

problem #5

Jul 202010

Impala

  • miles
Since we bought this Chevy Impala at gene pankey motor in Tacoma Washington we have had nothing but issues with the traction control system lights coming on when we would return to the dealer to have it worked on they would clear the computer which would clears the problem for a few days but it always comes back. We have had our Impala in alot of times at least 15X we never thought to keep track how many times we have had to have this worked on its been to 4 different shops for the same thing. We love this car it is a great car lots of room and has giddy up and well its hot and its paid for. We really want our car fixed we are tired of taking it in to be fixed and nothing gets done. They have replaced the catalytic converter at the Chevy dealer saying that was bad and replaced the front right wheel sensor twice at amco transmission shop in fircrest its been to bitterlings in Tacoma as well as the dealer we bought it from gene pankey. And we still have the same issues. The traction control light keeps coming on and the ABS light now comes on, it happens intermittently. I feel it has something to do with the brakes or the transmission! the brakes go spongy when the traction control light comes on we lose our brakes!!!! I am still under warranty til 100,000 miles and im only at 80,000 but I just don't have time to keep taking this thing to the dealer. I want my ride fixed and I want it fixed now. Cant we start a class action lawsuit!!!!!

- Lakewood, WA, USA

problem #4

May 102005

Impala

  • miles
Bought chev Impala 2002 brand new, no miles. 2005 began experiencing cooling system problems-running hot etc. Replaced radiator, flushed system, replaced thermostat, etc. Etc. Several times, body control units- lights and locks going crazy, hub assembly/tracking system problems- sounds and pulsating when try to brake or turn, high beam light won't stay on to this date. Experiencing smoke from hood-may be a leak which seems to be acommon complaint but dealer put dye in and said they don't detect a leak. No air-freon replaced several times.

- Dothan, AL, USA

problem #3

Feb 012007

Impala

  • 80,000 miles
Antilocks and traction activation. Sometimes the vehicle will not stop or go because of antilocks and traction activation. All the time the dealership wanted to replace parts at my cost. We took it to a service garage.

- Chicora, PA, USA

problem #2

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 #1

Apr 172009

Impala

  • 60,000 miles
Passlock sensor issues. Sometimes it just won't start and then I wait the 8-10 minutes for it to reset and then it will start. Been told by the Chevy dealer that it will be about $800 to fix it. I am also having problems with the sensor in the ABS wheels going out.

- Lakeland, FL, USA