2003 Chevrolet Impala Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 13%of 695 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala, 13% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 20 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just recently bought this vehicle 03/11/20 and it ran great till yesterday when the intake manifold exploded and caught fire to the engine from the fuel lines melted this happened when I was getting a jump. It says there are no recalls pending it is the 3.8l and it looked original all the parts did can you please help me out”
NHTSA complaint #11349773, filed 2020-08, 200,200 miles“Your recall 15757 is ineffective and soon to be a law suit if someone does not tell the dealer that they have to fix the problem not hide behind the fact that they still don't have the parts. I called newburgh and poughkeepsie and they don't have parts. I drive children in this vehicle and if anything law suit will be initiated”
NHTSA complaint #10854051, filed 2016-04, 150,000 miles“While driving on highway got a faint fuel smell (not seen in past). Shortly another motorist flagged me and said he saw flames under the car. I pulled over and evacuated vehicle. Smoke and flames came from engine. The vehicle has been maintained no recent engine work. Car had been running fine with no problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10882087, filed 2016-07, 158,000 miles“Coolant system has been an ongoing problem with the vehicle. After refilling coolant and oil, it was discovered that oil and coolant were dripping underneath the car. According to a GM representative, there are service bulletins out for this year make and model, but I've been told my VIN is not one of them. It has all the same symptoms described in other bulletins. I'm not sure how/why this VIN isn't included when the same symptoms exist.”
NHTSA complaint #11172487, filed 2019-01, 100,000 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 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…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 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…
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 2003 Chevrolet Impala
264 complaintsExterior lighting
103 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 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