The security light goes and car will not start been having this problem for the past 5 years. Have replaced the ignition switch, computer module everything! and still not working properly. The radio is locked. The wipers work when they want to. I have put so much money into this car and it still only runs when it wants.

- Bellingham, MA, USA

We have experienced electrical problems with this vehicle for the past couple of years. We have replaced numerous parts dealing with the ignition/starter, pass/lock, power lock, and security system. We recently have been dealing with the car starting or not starting for that matter. At first, it was once in awhile and now it doesn't start 7-8X per week. It is extremely frustrating to have to constantly throw money at this problem. Once again it is going into the shop for diagnostic and more parts. This is a big problem and needs to be resolved. It is obviously a defect of some sort and needs to be handle accordingly.

- Oak Park, IL, USA

My car started a sound in the wiring such as a popping sound as if the wires are grounding out then something smell smoke then it started not cracking and I couldn't figure out way I thought it was the battery replaced it then wouldn't start again after I was told it was the battery the dash reads security on it this happen to my car my friends car and my husbands cousins car they are all Impala all in 2002 I have also spoke to other people with them same problem want start reads security on dash wires ground out and hear popping sound and the battery drains from the head lights not turning of or security reads and the lights flash its broken down in my yard no one around hear really knows the problem they say its the security my husband believes its the wiring and it grounds out causing things to happen.

- Pensacola, FL, USA

My car, a 2002 Chevy Impala, has an intermittent starting problem since I purchased it at 2006. For every 2-3 weeks, it simply does not crank by turning the key. But after 10 mins, it starts again. I have spent a lot of money to try to fix this issue but it is unsuccessful. After searching on website, I understand this is a very common issue for GM cars and may be related to some electric security issue. Therefore, here I am filing the complaint.

- Greenville , SC, USA

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

02 Impala 3.8 engine would not start. It has done this countless times and I will have to wait 20 or 30 minutes for it to start. My battery is like new, and nothing is wrong with the starter, I've had it all tested. I've read it could be the passlock system or something called the tumbler. My security light comes on randomly even when driving on the highway. I've read that many Impala owners cars have cut off while driving on the highway and I'm hoping mine doesn't do the same. My car was a former police car. It now has about 112,000 miles on it. I hope I never had to go somewhere in an emergency or get stuck in the middle of no where at night. I've read several forums explaining how Chevy knows about the defect but will not fix it unless you pay about 600 to almost 1,000 dollars. But then when they claim it's fixed, the problem happens all over again. I read from a mechanic that worked for Chevy in the past, that they politely ignore complaints regarding this passlock and security problem. I guess no one will take it seriously until people start to get injured or even killed like Toyota drivers. Must we wait for the death toll to rise before the government steps in to act"?" policemen drive these cars although there slowly being phased out with the newer models. A policeman that cannot get to the scene of a crime on time because his car wouldn't start. I guess that's the headline were waiting for before Chevy or the government decides to do something about the passlock problem that countless americans are having and GM doesn't want to fix. This is why I will never buy another american car because the parts are cheap and GM could care less. The time to act is before major incidents happen, before people lose their lives, before 5 car pile ups on the highway, before an emergency that GM drivers cannot get to because there car will not start. Not after!!! that's Toyota's problem now. Advice for GM and the U.S. government - get it together!!!

- Mount Rainier, MD, USA

Lights went out after dark. In a panic, I moved the dimmer switch back and forth until they came back on. It lasted just a couple of seconds, but I was going 60 mph and it was pitch black. This is a 2002 Chevrolet Impala, 4 door sedan with 68, 000 miles. I have spent several thousand dollars on repairs for this vehicle. Seal leaks (oil leaking on manifold) heater went out during zero weather, replaced body control module, pass lock system, traction system parts ( two separate times). These are a few. I bought this car new and put only 68 thousand miles on it in the last 9 years. I believe the lights are a safety issue and should not cost $695 to repair.

- Tonganoxie, KS, USA

2002 Chevrolet Impala. The tire pressure light and engine light had to be reset. The consumer stated the check engine light only stayed off for 12 miles the last time it was reset by the dealership. The entire braking system had to be replaced only 2 years after purchasing the vehicle. The rotors cracked on all four wheels. The blinkers would only work if the air conditioner was off and the radio would only work if the blinkers were off and when going up hills. The vehicle would only accelerate to a speed of 10-15 mph.

- Benton, KY, USA

I purchased the vehicle used from another dealer in 2003. I started experiencing problems with the security system in November 2005, it would not start sometimes light would flash and after 20 minutes it starts. The problem went away until last November, and then it would do it about 2-3X a week. In February 2009 I had to replace my lower intake manifold gasket, water pump and battery. The summer 09 I had to replace the radiator due to a hairline crack in it. The security system starts to intermittently not start the vehicle again in late Sep. 09 about 2-3X per week. In Jan.2010 the vehicle doesn't start for me one day after coming out of the grocery store for 25 minutes. Since then it does it every morning when I go to take my child to school and I have to wait 10-20 minutes. I took the vehicle to the GM dealer and was told they weren't familiar with this problem and I needed $950 for parts and labor to replace the ignition switch and the BCM. I had the ignition switch replaced by another mechanic and that was not the problem and the vehicle is still doing the same thing. It's frustrating for me and my child. It's scary and dangerous. I'm so afraid that one day or night it may not start and I'm stranded in the streets and may be subjected to a crime or death. I don't drive it at night unless it's an extreme emergency now and this is such an inconvenience. I have to pay for rides at times to get my child to and from school when this car decides not to start so my child won't be late for school or getting picked up from school. I've also had to replace my windshield wiper motor and my driver's side door window regulator.

- Southfield, MI, USA

Security light comes on, doors lock and will not open manually or electrically. Car will not start. Service engine soon, brakes, door ajar, lights also come on. Red light on stereo flashes, headlamps flash. After waiting 20-30 minutes car will restart. Happens often and intermittently. Replaced battery.

- Claremont, NC, USA

The problem is with a 2002 Chevy Impala. The problem with the car is the passive lock 2 system.. this system locks the car out and keeps it from starting for any where to 15-30 mins at a time. This is a very unsafe thing for me I am a security officer and find myself in areas that I need to get out of and can't because of the car not start do to the failing of this system this is a on going problem with alot of GM made cars from the years 1999-2004 I have done alot of research with repair shops in my area and out of the area. Everyone of this place I have called or been to has told me the same thing and that is they get at lest one GM made car with in these years once a month. The problem is a fault in the pass2 system the only way to fix this problem is to take it to a GM dealer or a auto election to fix this and the cost of this is over $500. Chevy refuses to do a recall on their problem with this car. And other cars.

- Horn Lake, MS, USA

Car starts intermittently, at first once every month or so and then got progressively worst. This problem has been occurring over any an extended period of time (9-15 months, maybe longer). Used an independent mechanic the majority of the time (3-5 visits) was never able to identify the problem. However, the independent mechanic was reasonable in his charges. Since 10/23/09 started using a GM dealer (a big mistake). They have changed the body control module and replaced the ignition cylinder with passlock sensor. Cost approaching $1K and still the same problem though with less frequency (about three times since 11/10/09). Contacted GM for assistance and due to mileage (about 130K) they are unwilling to help. Only buy a GM product if you don't plan to put much mileage on it.

- Slidell, LA, USA

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

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. The turn signals and hazard lights were inoperative. She installed a new fuse, but that did not remedy the failure. The manufacturer nor the dealer was notified. The current and failure mileages were 97,624.

- Covington, GA, USA

2002 Chevrolet Impala ls 60,000 miles leaves wife stranded due to some security device that does not allow the vehicle to start, no warning signs other than a security light that is displayed for no apparent reason while driving. I have researched online and it seems as though this is a common problem with these cars. The repairs are expensive and don't seem to be a reliable fix this is a safety issue to me. GM should fix it, as it is a obvious design flaw.

- Queen Creek , AZ, USA

My 2002 Impala wont start everyday I have to get a boost it makes me late for work I go to crank it just click click with all the interior light blinking that's not safe being a father of 2 and running the risk of car not starting after sitting for 2 hours.

- Dallas, TX, USA

My 2002 Chevy Impala has a random issue with starting and has left me stranded several times. One time the car quit running while driving leaving me with no power steering or brakes going down the highway! then would not start again for about 15 minutes. On the internet I see where there are thousands of ignition switch complaints on this and several other GM models. This is obviously a GM issue that they have failed to address. Leaving someone stranded or even worse stalling while driving is a safety issue. I live in Ohio where it can easily get below zero in the winter if my car leaves me stranded, it could be very dangerous.

- Dayton, OH, USA

Car will not start sometimes. Battery is fine. Lights work, locks work, etc. Battery was replaced twice before realized it was not battery. Have to wait 10 minutes and then try again to start car. Usually starts after 10 minute wait. If not, have to wait another 10 minutes. Security light comes on for no reason at times and then goes off.

- Lumberton, TX, USA

Several Chevrolet vehicles in the 2002 range (including my 2002 Impala) have a design defect in the body control module that causes a failure in the passlock security system. The failure is intermittent and unpredictable, but causes the car to either not start, or stop running. Once the BCM fails, the computer must be restarted to start the car- this means sitting in the car for 8-11 minutes waiting for the security light to go off; regardless of whether it's 110 degrees out, or 10 below. The problem is widely reported on auto forums, so there is no way Chevy doesn't know about it. There are even companies willing to bypass the security system (by cutting a wire from the BCM, and routing a wire from another source with an appropriate resistor) to eliminate the problem. A dealer will replace the BCM, but the replacement is the same design as the original, and is just as likely to fail (not to mention running $500-$800).

- Dundee, MI, USA

1999-2004 Impala have a problem, trac off, service traction system and ABS lights go on. This deactivates the anti-brake system and can be very dangerous when driving on a slick road. Also without traction control your car will not accelerate, turn or brake and will skid. What happens is GM used cheap wiring or cut too short and these wires corrode. This problem is an easy fix, GM is aware of these problems but refuses to do anything about them. It would be an easy fix but the only thing about that though is that you cant just replace the wires, the wires are sealed in the hub assembly, so you have to replace the entire hub assembly. Also there is a problem with the passlock feature, passlock was created to prevent thieves from stealing your car, not to prevent you from driving it.passlock can cause the vehicle to lose power while driving on the highway and may stall. That in itself is a major problem. I suggest you force GM to do a recall before people die because of negligence. And if they refuse to comply, just slap them with a major lawsuit.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA