8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$390
Average Mileage:
105,500 miles
Total Complaints:
28 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (22 reports)
  2. ignition switch replaced (2 reports)
  3. firestone changed the "pulley system" and "ignition hatch" (1 reports)
  4. keep it parked out of sunlight (1 reports)
  5. replace the bcm (body control module) (1 reports)
  6. replaced battery (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Jul 162008

Impala Security Light

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,255 miles

What's wrong with this Chevy? I was stuck in the hot sun for 45mins. because my car wouldn't start. My husband has to come out three times from his job to come and get me. We need to be compensated for lost wages and inconvenience. I thought it was my battery or alternator. Wrong, they are fine. I've had a diagnostic test. Nothing shows up on the test. My security light comes on while driving and if I stop somewhere and turn it off, I'm stuck for 45+mins. It's embarrassing and frustrating. Someone needs to give us some answers.

- Michelle M., Houston, TX, US

problem #7

Aug 282008

Impala LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

The Chevrolet Company need to recall and fix the obvious problem. There are so many complaint from owners with the same problem. Maybe it's time for a lawsuit, then maybe then they will take us all seriously!!!!!!!

- subernc, Forest City, NC, US

problem #6

Aug 242008

Impala 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,129 miles

Started to have intermittent no start condition. Then would not start period. Towed to dealer. Recommended replacing what he called the ECM. Agreed to let him do it. Car worked fine for the first few days. Now back to intermittent no start condition.

Odd thing is that when this happens the gear shift (floor mounted) won't select a gear. In other words the green square that shows up over the selector gear is none existence. Also you can move through the gears and attempt to start the car in any gear without touching the brake.

Could this be an ignition interlock problem?

Frustrating as hell!!!!

- Dave R., Mississauga, ON, Canada

problem #5

Apr 052008

Impala V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,796 miles

We bought this car for our 20 year old college student, replacing a horrific 2000 Honda coupe. The first week we had it, battery died and dealer replaced battery. We thought little of this problem as cars often sit on a lot while waiting to sell. Two months later, we are faced with the same problem. Car will not start but if we jiggle steering column we get headlights, sometimes radio. We believe it might be a short circuit in steering column.

- Elaine W., Marshfield, MA, US

problem #4

Dec 192007

Impala LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,540 miles

After picking up my daughter at her basketball banquet, I get in my car and go to turn the car on with no luck. The key would not turn. I made sure that the car was in Park, I locked and unlocked the car, I jerked the wheel back and forth and still nothing. My brother-in-law got under the dash to see if there was a bypass switch and nothing. We tried for over 2 hours. I finally just had the car towed back to my house. It really has been a good car until now. The only issues were a dead battery a couple years ago and had to replace the tires a little more than a year ago and they seem to need new ones again. Other than that, I have always considered myself lucky that I didn't get a lemon, until now. I don't have the money to throw away, so if anyone has any suggestions, please share.

- Lisa F., Kansas City, MO, US

problem #3

Aug 172007

(reported on)

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

95% of the time I try to start my engine it won't turn on the first attempt. However if I move the key to the ACC position and wait for about 10 seconds, the engine will turn over about 90% of the time. I talked to some friends who know more about cars than I do, and they think that the problem lies with the fuel injection system not building enough pressure to introduce fuel at a rate needed for engine start. When I go to the ACC position however, the pumps are given enough electricity to do the job. I still have to save some money to get the car looked at.

- Erik H., Wichita, KS, US

problem #2

Oct 142007

(reported on)

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I'm glad to see I'm not alone. My car won't start intermittently when it is damp or has rained or is raining...It'll happen and then it won't happen for months. I have changed the battery out. Still happened. I have a ritual of opening the hood, shaking the ignition relay switch, leaving the door open, turning the steering wheel to the left and sure enough, then it'll crank. I'm not paying for the dealer to rip me off. It's ridiculous. And now, the driver side window is stuck down...but that's another story.

- Lee Anne C., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #1

Sep 072007

(reported on)

Impala LS 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

My 2003 Impala won't start when it's 90+ degrees out. This problem seems to be happening a lot with the year 2000 generation Impalas. I have replaced an apparently good battery but to no avail. The alternator is doing it's job. Can't be starter related because when the solenoid works it works! Just that whenever the car is out in the sun for hours or even parked in shade on really hot days like we have had in August(100 degrees) it WILL NOT START. Won't even take a jump. And when it does start the security/service engine lights on and headlights/interior light flash like crazy. Then later into evening when it cools down...... nothing wrong. Gonna deal with it till cool weather returns!

- Ronald C., Durham, NC, US