2003 Chevrolet Impala Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 264about this part
- Share
- 38%of 695 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,200miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 264 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala, 38% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,200 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My air bag lights are on all the time, I have to change my brakes ever 2 months bc they start to lock up and go through brake pads like nothing. I also have electronical problems my blinkers work when they want to an when it starts to not work my lights dim if the radio is on it turns down it's happening more an more”
NHTSA complaint #11166488, filed 2019-01, 100,000 miles“The fuel gauge is not working properly. I ran out of fuel while traveling on the illinois highway 106. Luckily no other vehicle was near me at the time, as I lost all power controls on the vehicle at that time. The fuel gauge started fluctuating between full and empty and I had no idea how much fuel I had left, hoping to reach white hall, il to fill-up the gas tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10937395, filed 2016-12, 224,000 miles“I have had incidents several times over the years where I would hit a bump in the road and my car would completely shut off. I have also had several incidents where I was traveling down the expressway and my car turned off on me. I had to shift my car into neutral and restart it to continue going. I was fortunate not to have an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10578158, filed 2014-04, 120,000 miles“With all of our many complaints of ignition problems on 2003 impalas how can they not recall these too . My cost to fix was $ 520.00 my car would not crank because of same ignition problems as all the other complaints. Still have dealer bill security codes went crazy had to replace passlock sensor ,and theft deterrent module.”
NHTSA complaint #10577889, filed 2014-04, 141,460 miles“The security sensor failed to read the key code and the vehicle will not start until the security sensor resets approximately 10-20 minutes. Sometimes this happens multiple times in one day, then it won't happen for a while. A week ago my car would not start for 2 days. We tried unhooking the battery and starting the car, but it still wouldn't start until a few hours later.”
NHTSA complaint #10633233, filed 2014-09, 175,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Chevrolet Impala 2000–2005, Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10198890May 25, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
- 10176649May 20, 2020This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10167434Oct 10, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 20% |
| 2019 | 9 | 32% |
| 2018 | 11 | 19% |
| 2017 | 15 | 13% |
| 2016 | 30 | 27% |
| 2015 | 96 | 32% |
| 2014 | 221 | 35% |
| 2013 | 52 | 19% |
| 2012 | 58 | 22% |
| 2011 | 95 | 19% |
| 2010 | 132 | 30% |
| 2009 | 224 | 27% |
| 2008 | 221 | 27% |
| 2007 | 128 | 20% |
| 2006 | 124 | 24% |
| 2005 | 331 | 54% |
| 2004 | 681 | 63% |
| 2003 | 264 | 38% |
| 2002 | 305 | 38% |
| 2001 | 225 | 30% |
| 2000 | 187 | 23% |
| 1996 | 11 | 13% |
| 1995 | 6 | 14% |
| 1994 | 5 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala
103 complaintsEngine
88 complaintsEngine cooling
80 complaintsBrakes
76 complaintsOther or unknown
41 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
30 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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