7.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$460
Average Mileage:
90,750 miles
Total Complaints:
125 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (80 reports)
  2. leave key in the ON position for 10 minutes (18 reports)
  3. replace ignition lock cylinder (4 reports)
  4. replace the BCM (Body Control Module) (3 reports)
  5. take off positive cable, and clean corrosion (3 reports)
  6. put car in neutral and start (2 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #5

Jan 022007

(reported on)

Impala LS 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Dead battery if vehicle is not used for three or more days. Replaced battery and checked charging circuit; OK there; Still discharges after 3 days. No visible sign of lights on or other electrical activity except theft alarm light pulsating. Vehicle equipted with ONSTAR. All circuits operate normally, otherwise.

- Clay K., Kill Devil Hills, NC, US

problem #4

Nov 292006

(reported on)

Impala 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

The Security Msg came on the day before. I drove the car numerous times later with the light off, and the following morning, it started fine and drove fine. I could not start the car about 2 hours later. After a ride to get tools and later in the day, I took the positive battery cable off and found a little corrosion. I cleaned the corrosion off with a wire brush and coke and the car started right up. I have a 1989 Bonneville that did the exact same thing a while back. Must be a GM problem. The battery was just replaced about 2 weeks before.

- flybye, McDonough, GA, US

problem #3

Sep 152006

(reported on)

Impala

  • 58,000 miles

It wouldn't start, thought a jump would do it. It seemed to kind help that one time. But now it won't turn over. The battery has plenty of charge everything works except turning the key doesn't do a thing. I'm assuming it is the same problem everyone else has had, some security issue. I'll post any solutions...

- peakseven, Holladay, UT, US

problem #2

Aug 262006

(reported on)

Impala 3.4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Third time in three months this has happened. Everything electrical works fine, except car will not turn over. After about 10 or 20 minutes I tried car again. Initially will not turn over, but will start immediately once I flip the electric locks up and down. There are no messages on the message centre, and the dealer can not find any error codes.

Note: I do not have the Pass Lock security system (option not activated). In fact the only security system I use are the door locks.

Update from Jun 25, 2010: Problem still exists. Over the years I have had to replace the Body Control Module twice. This does not fix the "no start" Passlock problem.

The paint is peeling, the steering clunks, and I had to get the head gaskets replaced. All as a result of GM's faulty junk. This car is terrible! Avoid at all costs!

- shawn mcc, Charlottetown, PE, Canada

problem #1

Jul 212006

(reported on)

Impala

  • 57,000 miles

intermittant problem: once every 60 days. Key will not activate starter; battery and accessories OK. Corrects self in about 30 minutes. Occasionally security warning shows as you drive and remains on until car turned off. Not associated with "no start", but odd. Chevy dealer charged $85 to check this out: no diagnosis. No computer codes. Could this be a false anti-theft shut down?? Otherwise car serves us well. Help!

- Robert L., Nipomo, CA, US