2002 Chevrolet Impala Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 75about this part
- Share
- 9%of 795 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 75 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala, 9% of the 795 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,000 miles. 20 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Supposedly the cooling system was fixed in 2003 but it still tells me that my coolant is low and it leaks. I am the second owner of this car and have only had it since september of 2019. Also the transmission has a delayed shift from 1st to second.”
NHTSA complaint #11319827, filed 2020-03, 135,000 miles“Takata recall my 2002 Impala is overheating I did a pressure check it held pressure changed the water pump and thermostat also the fans and radiator and it still is overheating what else could it be when I'm at a red light it gets to the maximum but when I'm driving it stays around normal”
NHTSA complaint #10851756, filed 2016-03, 99,624 miles“Last year I bought my car from a private dealer. Since purchasing it, my car always seems to be running hot. My check engine coolant light use to come on so often, I went out and purchased another radiator hose and clamps and got the light to turn off. However the issue with my car running hot has not gone away. I'm scared that this is a bigger issue than coolant and it could create a fire and after reading the recall, I am afraid to drive until this problem is fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11194205, filed 2019-04, 196,000 miles“My gas gauge stop working and I was not able to tell how much gas was in the vehicle. Fuel gauge read inaccurately. I would put gas in the car and fill up tank and barely drive more than 20 miles and the fuel gauge would indicate empty . I was told by penske that they were unsure as to what would cause this issue and that I wouldn't be able to get the issued repaired. I have ran out gas several times since the first incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10596510, filed 2014-06, 229,325 miles“Factory installed security system won't let me start the car, I have to wait anywhere from 15-45 minutes before it starts, and that is not safe to be stranded with the family. I'm not the first person with this problem, and I hope you can do something to help me solve it. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10550426, filed 2013-10, 175,632 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
- 10129097Jan 25, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 7 | 12% |
| 2017 | 21 | 18% |
| 2016 | 21 | 19% |
| 2015 | 19 | 6% |
| 2014 | 56 | 9% |
| 2013 | 30 | 11% |
| 2012 | 40 | 16% |
| 2011 | 125 | 25% |
| 2010 | 88 | 20% |
| 2009 | 179 | 22% |
| 2008 | 134 | 17% |
| 2007 | 77 | 12% |
| 2006 | 59 | 11% |
| 2005 | 30 | 5% |
| 2004 | 71 | 7% |
| 2003 | 88 | 13% |
| 2002 | 75 | 9% |
| 2001 | 68 | 9% |
| 2000 | 71 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala
305 complaintsExterior lighting
123 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsBrakes
74 complaintsSteering
57 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsEquipment
21 complaintsElectronic stability control
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology