Model year
2003 Chevrolet Impala
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 695 complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (231), ENGINE (88), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (57). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,050–$3,350, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 818 complaints
- 2001 742 complaints
- 2002 795 complaints
- 2003 695 complaints
- 2004 1,073 complaints
- 2005 609 complaints
- 2006 524 complaints
- 2007 627 complaints
- 2008 810 complaints
- 2009 824 complaints
- 2010 442 complaints
- 2011 505 complaints
- 2012 258 complaints
- 2013 272 complaints
- 2014 637 complaints
- 2015 300 complaints
- 2016 111 complaints
- 2017 117 complaints
- 2018 59 complaints
- 2019 28 complaints
- 2020 15 complaints
Recalls
15V701000 · Oct 26, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired…
14V400000 · Jul 3, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM)…
09V116000 · Apr 8, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A…
03V051000 · Feb 14, 2003
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
02V222000 · Aug 9, 2002
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Complaints
695 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 32, fire flag on 32, injury field 26, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE06017 | ALLEGED HEADLIGHT FAILURE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH | May 15, 2006 | Oct 25, 2006 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala · 3.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 19 | 29 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
| Impala · 3.8L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 27 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Impala Police · 3.8L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 26 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Chevrolet Impala at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.