2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA Steering Problems

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL, FUEL, AND POWER STEERING FLUID. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ENGINE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Mileage: 118,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT LOCK WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR MAF MALFUNCTION IF CORRODED OR DIRTY WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL. ENGINE STALLING CAUSES LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND LOSS OF BRAKES. DISASTEROUS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, INTERSECTIONS, OR IN ANY SITUATION REQUIRING STEERING OR BRAKING. THIS CAR MAF FAILED GOING DOWN A STEEP MOUNTAIN ROAD, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE USING MANUAL BRAKE AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. *TR

Mileage: 31,849

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,164.

Mileage: 200,164

THIS CAR WAS ONE-OWNER AND VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND SERVICED ROUTINELY. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY CAR JUST LOST POWER. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT SLAMMED INTO THE CONCRETE MEDIUM WALL ON DRIVERS SIDE, THEN SPUN AROUND AND LODGED UNDERNEATH THE TRAILER OF A SEMI-TRACTOR. THE SEMI HIT THE BRAKES AND IT PROJECTED ME BACK ACROSS UPON THE TOP OF THE CONCRETE MEDIUM WHERE MY CAR JUST RODE TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY BEAUTIFUL CAR WAS TOTALED BUT, BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND SEAT BELTS I AM ALIVE. I HAVE A CONCUSSION, SPRAINED ANKLE, CUTS, AND BRUISES, BUT I AM HERE TO TELL ABOUT IT. HOPEFULLY, THE NHTSA WILL INVESTIGATE AND SAVE SOMEONE ELSE FROM INJURY OR DEATH. MY CAR IS AVAILABLE TO INSPECT. *TR

Mileage: 162,000

PROBLEM WITH STARTING HAS PROGRESS TO A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF DURING OPERATION. SEVERAL TIMES NOW THE CAR HAS SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THIS CAUSES A LOSS OF CONTROL WITH THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE CAR WHILE MOVING. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND MERGING INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I HAD PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TRYING TO MAKE THE CURVE WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR. AT THIS POINT, THE POWER STEERING KICKED IN AND I FOUND MYSELF SWERVING FROM THE SUDDEN SNATCH ON THE STEERING. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN AT THE CONTROLS I KNOW IT WOULD HAVE TURN OUT BAD! I SEE UNLIMITED COMPLAINS AROUND THIS ITEM. DO WE HAVE TO WAIT ON PEOPLE TO GET INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE THE COMPANY IS FORCE TO BE RESPONSIBLE? IF THIS WAS A FOREIGN CAR COMPANY, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE ALREADY FORCED A RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 230,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A POPPING NOISE EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED AND THAT THERE WAS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 500

MY ABS AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS ON. WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL, THERE'S A FUNNY NOISE AND A FEELING LIKE MY BRAKES ARE SCRUBBING. *TR

Mileage: 129,850

PURCHASED VEHICLE THAT WAS FRAUDULENTLY MISREPRESENTED AS A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, WHICH TURN OUT TO BE THE OPPOSITE. FEAR, VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A FATALITY. *TR

I GOT MY CAR ON 03/09/2011. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH MY CAR. IT HESITATES TO CRANK, WHEN TURNING I CAN FEEL A POPPING FEELING IN THE STEERING. VERY OFTEN MY SIGNAL LIGHTS DOESN'T COME ON. I DO A LOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING BACK AND FORTH TO WORK AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHEN HITTING MY BREAKS THE CAR SOMETIMES SPEEDS UP BEFORE SLOWING DOWN, WHICH CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN THE WIRING. THE LOW COOLANT LEVEL LIGHT STAYS ON, EVEN THOUGH THEY CLAIM THEY FIXED SOME SENSOR SWITCH. THEY ALSO SAID THEY FIXED MY CAR FROM LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, BUT THE BRAKES ARE SOUNDING WORST EVERYDAY. I ASKED THEM IF THE BRAKES NEEDED CHANGING AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. THE CAR HESITATES WHEN TAKING OFF. I JUST GOT HOME FROM WORK AND NOT EVEN 30 MINUTES WENT BY BEFORE I TRIED TO LEAVE OUT AND MY CAR WOULD NOT CRANK. I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE I GOT THE CAR AND THEY HAVE PROCRASTINATED UNTIL THE 30 DAY WARRANTY EXPIRED. WHEN CALLING TODAY THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. WHEN ASKING WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS, WHEN I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE ISSUES SINCE I FIRST GOT THE VEHICLE, THE REPLY WAS THEY ARE NOT GOING TO PAY THAT ANY MIND AND I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR

Mileage: 85,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SHAFT WAS BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

BROUGHT CAR AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT TIMED CORRECTLY AND I NEEDED A PART CALLED PLAW - THE COMPANY SAID THEY WERE FIXED BUT, NOT 3 MONTHS LATER WHEN HEAVY RAIN CAME MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ON MY WINDSHIELD STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN RIGHT IN FRONT OF WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE MY VISIBLE AREA. IM 5'3 AND I HAVE A SEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD AND I WOULD HATE TO BE ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT STARTS RAINING AND NOT ABLE TO SEE BECAUSE NO ONE TOOK IT SERIOUSLY.. I DO NOT LOOK FORWARD TO RAINY DAYS ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE A NEWER CAR BUT I HAVE TO GET A RIDE OR ON THE BUS WITH MY CHILD......... HELP HELP HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 113,000

AS I BRAKE MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES ON MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME FOR THIS VEHICLE. I HAD IT SERVICED AT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IN PLAINVILLE CT. ON OR ABOUT JUNE 20 2009. *TR

Mileage: 117,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING JOINT SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37464 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37964.

Mileage: 37,464

THE POWER STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT MANY TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. IT CONTINUES TO GO OUT ALL THE TIME. THE RACK & PINION GEAR, THE PUMP AND THE HOSES WERE REPLACED WITH ORIGINAL DELCO PARTS BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CHEVROLET DEALER MECHANIC TOLD ME IT WAS CAUSED BY LOW TIRES BUT MY TIRES WERE NOT LOW. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. IT IS HARD TO STEER ON THE STRAIGHT ROAD AND IT GOES OUT ON A TURN AND I CAN'T STEER IT. I HAVE TO HIT MY BRAKES. A LOCAL MECHANIC HAS TRIED TO REPAIR IT ABOUT 5 TIMES AND HE FINALLY GAVE ME MY MONEY BACK AND SAID TO TAKE IT TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHICH I DID AS NOTED ABOVE. *TR

Mileage: 55,985

2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAFT. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED AT 36,000 MILES THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. AT 43,165 MILES, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE DEALER ONCE AGAIN REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.*JB

Mileage: 36,000

WE ARE THE OWNERS OF A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. WE PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN OCTOBER OF 2001. IT HAS BEEN LIGHTLY DRIVEN AND WELL MAINTAINED. IT HAS HAD TWO MAJOR REPAIRS; THE FIRST BEING A RECALL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM, THE SECOND, A FAILURE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER FEDERAL LAW AND REPLACED. TODAY, I FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR POSSIBLE FIRE FROM DRIPPING OIL. THAT IS THE BASIC HISTORY. FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF, WE HAVE HAD A FRIGHTENING ISSUE WITH THE CAR. YOU TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING. A LIGHT THAT SAYS "SECURITY" FLASHES THREE TIMES OVER AND OVER AND YOU CANNOT START THE CAR FOR TEN MINUTES. GM'S PASSLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH I BELIEVE MALFUNCTIONS, THINKS THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. TEN MINUTES LATER, YOU CAN START THE CAR. THE PROBLEM IS EVEN IN THE MANUAL FOR THE CAR. GM ADMITS THAT, BUT THEY SAY IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AS MUCH AS I HAVE IT HAPPEN, LIKE ONE TIME IS OK, BUT THE 5-6 TIMES OUT OF 10 THAT MY CAR WON'T START IS EXCEPTIONAL. TEN MINUTES IS A LONG TIME WITH A SICK CHILD, ALONE IN A DARK PLACE AT NIGHT, IN AN EMERGENCY OF ANY KIND. IT IS A TERRIFYING SAFETY ISSUE AND I HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. GM OFFERED ME A COUPON TOWARDS A NEW CAR. I KNOW THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS IN THE MANUAL AND PEOPLE ARE FRIGHTENED AND SCARED ABOUT IT. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL A LONG TIME AGO SINCE PEOPLE ARE BEING STRANDED WITH A CAR WITH NO FUEL SUPPLY. DUE TO THE CAR'S COMPUTER SOMEHOW MALFUNCTIONING AND THINKING THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN, THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM REACTS BY CUTTING OFF FUEL SUPPLY FOR A DESIGNATED PERIOD OF TIME, IN THIS CASE, 10 MINUTES EXACTLY. GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES FOR HAVING THIS ISSUE AND DOING NOTHING. *TR

Mileage: 40,000

NOT BEEN NOTIFIED BY G.M. ABOUT SAFETY DEFECT, I JUST HAPPEN TO TAKE MY CAR IN THE SHOP AND HAD TO PAY FOR A RECALL ; I HAVE A 2002 IMPALA THE STEERING SHAKES, I FEEL SOMETHING RATTLING AROUND IN THE STEERING. *TR

Mileage: 28,000

2002 CHEVY IMPALA 3.8L PURCHASED USED IN DEC. 2004 W/ 65,000 MILES. WHERE TO BEGIN... FLOODING IN FLOORBOARDS DUE TO CLOG UNDERNEATH WINDSHIELD, THREE SETS OF ROTORS/BRAKES, CLUNKY NOISE IN STEERING SHAFT (REPLACED TWICE BY DEALERSHIP) STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM, CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED AFTER DEALERSHIP TRIED TO CHARGE ME NEARLY $1000 TO REPLACE; COVERED BY GM AS HARRY GREEN CHEVROLET WAS 'UNAWARE' OF REPLACEMENT POLICY?!? NEW STRUTS, NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS/BALANCES B/C VEHICLE STILL SHAKES AND SHIMMYS AT 60-65 MPH; MUST DRIVE ABOUT 75-80 MPH JUST TO KEEP THIS TO A MINIMUM! BCM REPLACED TWICE BY DEALER, SECURITY ISSUES WON'T ALLOW CAR TO START FOR 15 MINS. EACH TIME, WHICH IS VERY INCONVENIENT. SOOO MANY PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS WITH THESE 'QUALITY' GM VEHICLES, AND YET THEY DO NOTHING TO RESOLVE THEM, EXCEPT HOLD OUT THEIR HANDS WANTING MORE $$$ FROM AMERICAN TAXPAYERS TO KEEP ON MAKING JUNK! AND NOW THE NEWEST OF A LONG LINE OF RECALLS/PROBLEMS IS THAT THERE IS A FIRE HAZARD FOR LEAKING OIL ON THE MANIFOLD! ALL OF THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE RECALLED DUE TO THE NUMEROUS SAFETY CONCERNS AND CONSUMERS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF GENERAL MOTORS OBVIOUS DISREGARD FOR SAFETY AND RELIABILITY! *TR

Mileage: 70,000

HAVE A CLUNKING SOUND WITH STEERING. HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET THAT AT TIMES THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED A LOCK UP AND COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM AND GM KNOWS ABOUT IT. THERE IS A TSB #01023200 ON THE CAR. DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THE CAR HAS 38,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS DONE THIS SINCE IT WAS NEW. JIMMI

Mileage: 5,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXIT HIS VEHICLE, BUT WAS LOCKED INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE RADIO DISPLAYED "LOCKED" AND HE COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE DOORS NOR THE WINDOWS BECAUSE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALER STATED THAT HE OWNED THE SAME YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE AND HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DEFECT AND REPAIRED IT AT THE ESTIMATED COST OF OVER $1,400. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE KEY SWITCH AT THE COST OF $492.13 THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,301 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,328. UPDATED 020209 *BF THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL DOWN. UPDATED 02/03/09. *JB SEVERAL COMPONENTS WITHIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WERE REPLACED AND THE SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED TWICE. UPDATED 02/20/09. *JB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED AN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS NEEDED AT A COST OF $300.00. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED, IT MADE STRANGE NOISES AS IF IT WERE ABOUT TO BREAK. UPDATED 0423/10.*JB UPDATED 04/29/10.*JB

Mileage: 32,301

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN STRAIGHT LINE, THE DRIVER MUST MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL FURTHER OUT. DEPENDING ON WHAT SIDE THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, THERE IS SOME SLACK IN THE WHEEL AND NOISES ARE MADE. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THE DEALER INSTALLED A SHORT STEERING SHAFT. THIS REPAIR CORRECTED THE FAILURE FOR FOUR YEARS. WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE IT EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED FOR FREE BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. HE PAID FOR THE DEALER TO INSTALL A NEW SHORT STEERING SHAFT ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 10/16/08 *BF UPDATED 10/20/08. *JB

Mileage: 28,000

CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS SERVICED UNDER WARRANTY. THE STEERING BEGAN TO SQUEAL WHEN TURNING AND NOW THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE. THERE IS NO SLACK IN THE STEERING. A TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED ALSO WHEN THE STEERING SHAFT WAS SERVICE. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THERE WAS A TECH BULLETIN ON THE SHAFT BUT NO RECALL. THIS PROBLEM DEFINITELY SHOULD BE RECALLED. STEERING FAILURE IS A POSSIBILITY. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE STEERING MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ON APRIL 2, 2008, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION PRIOR TO A ROAD TRIP. AT THAT TIME, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN ROD WAS GOING TO NEED REPLACING AGAIN SOON. HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, IN WHICH THEY SHOULD REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,926. UPDATED 04/22/08. *LJ THE STEERING SHAFT WAS LUBRICATED. UPDATED

Mileage: 59,926

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THREE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT FELT A HARD VIBRATION IN THE AXLE AND ALSO HEARD A CRACKING NOISE ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE OIL WAS CHANGED AT 104,000 MILES. BEFORE THE OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE OIL HAD NEVER BEEN CHANGED AND THAT A NEW RACK AND PINION AND SERPENTINE BELT WERE NEEDED. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE DEALER WOULD NOT GIVE HER A CARFAX REPORT AFTER ONE WAS REQUESTED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,979 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,840.

Mileage: 100,979

2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH A STEERING PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN AFTER 20,000 MILES. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. *KB

Mileage: 15,000

OUR 2002 CHEVY IMPALA'S STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SHOW ALOT OF PLAY. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE INTO OUR MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BECAME CRACKED. WE THEN HAD IT REPLACED. *TR

Mileage: 96,000

LOUD CLANKING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. DEALERSHIP STATED THIS WAS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN IN THE STEERING SHAFT. HOWEVER, GM HAS NOT RECALLED IT. SISTER-IN-LAW PURCHASED AN IMPALA SHORTLY AFTER I DID. SHE HAS SINCE HAD TO PAY $350.+ TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED.*AK

Mileage: 10,000

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 CHEVY IMPALA. WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THERE ARE CLUNKING NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE SHARPER THE TURN, THE WORSE THE PROBLEM IS. I ALSO HEAR AN INTERMITTENT WHIRRING NOISE WHEN I MAKE TURNS (THE SOUND IS LIKE WHEN YOU WEAR A NYLON COAT, AND YOUR SLEEVES RUB AGAINST THE BODY OF THE COAT). IT IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM, AND I AM NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I'M AFRAID THAT I WILL LOOSING STEERING CONTROL. I MADE THE MISTAKE OF LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE, AND I HAVE FOUND 17 OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT ISSUE WITH 2002 CHEVY IMPALA VEHICLES. NOW I AM REALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. I AM PLANNING ON GETTING THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY CAN RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO FIX IT, OF COURSE, SINCE IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. BUT I FEEL THAT MY LIFE IS WORTH THE MONEY. HOWEVER, DON'T YOU THINK THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE BY NOW? HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO YOU NEED BEFORE YOU REALIZE THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED? I HOPE THAT SOMEONE DOESN'T NEED TO BE INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE ANY ACTION IS TAKEN. I HOPE THAT MY ADDITIONAL COMPLAINT WILL HELP OTHER IMPALA OWNERS GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED THROUGH A RECALL NOTICE. I'M SURE THAT YOU WOULD HAVE NUMEROUS MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE (AND OTHERS) IF MORE PEOPLE REALIZED THAT THIS COMPLAINT PROCEDURE WAS AVAILABLE. MAYBE THE ROADS WOULD BE SAFER. PLEASE TRY TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED THROUGH A RECALL NOTICE. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, A CLANKING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED A LACK OF LUBRICATION, HOWEVER THE NOISE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LOW STEERING SHAFT, BUSHES AND LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE NOISE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY CREATED BY THE NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED.

Mileage: 98,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, A CLANKING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED A LACK OF LUBRICATION, HOWEVER THE NOISE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LOW STEERING SHAFT, BUSHES AND LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE NOISE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY CREATED BY THE NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED.

Mileage: 98,000

STEERING COLUMN SHAFT RATTLES. PROBLEMS WITH THIS SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING. NOW AFTER 100,000+ MILES, THEY HAVE SAID THIS IS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND THAT OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE THIS HAVE BEEN REPORTED. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. *NM

Mileage: 10,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HITTING A BUMP, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE OIL IN THE GEAR BOX. THE PROBLEM RETURNED TWO YEARS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

Mileage: 74,000

A STATE INSPECTION @30,000 MILES REVEALED A BAD UPPER CONTROL ARM, LEFT AND RIGHT INNER TIE ROD ENDS AND BOTH MOTOR MOUNTS. MY MECHANIC FEELS AS THOUGH THESE PART FAILURES ARE VERY PREMATURE AND WERE CAUSED BY A VERY LOOSE STEERING RACK . HE TOLD ME THAT I SHOULD CONTACT SOMEONE TO SEE IF THERE IS A REPAIR BULLETIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK A CAR SHOULD NEED THAT KIND OF FRONT END WORK A 30,000 MILES . I'M ALSO CONCERNED THAT MY WIFE ,WHO DRIVES THE CAR ON A DAILY BASIS, IS AT RISK WHILE DRIVING HERSELF AND OUR 2 KIDS TO AND FROM THEIR DAILY ROUTINES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!! THANK YOU!! *NM

Mileage: 30,000

WHILE ENGAGING IN A RIGHT OR LEFT HAND TURN, A KNOCKING NOISE IS DETECTED IN THE STEERING WHEEL BOX. *JB

NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS AND "CLUNK" IN STEERING WHEN TURNING AND/OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR AT LOW SPEED. CAR HAD NEARLY 50,000 MILES. HOW MUCH LONGER BEFORE A LOSS OF STEERING COULD OCCUR? *NM

Mileage: 48,000

CLUNCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN. *NM

Mileage: 45,000

1. LOW COOLANT LIGHT WAS CONTINUALLY ON, AND IT DID REQUIRE COOLANT AT THE TIME, BUT THERE WAS NO INDICATION WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO THE COOLANT - AFTER 2 WEEKS OF SMELLING ANTIFREEZE WITHIN THE VEHICLE, IT WAS THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING AROUND THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEAR THE BOLTS AND THEN THIS LED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE GASKET ITSELF..IT TOOK 8.5 HOURS OF LABOR AND THE COST OF THE NEW GASKET TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. 2. THERE IS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AT SLOW SPEEDS...APPARENTLY IT IS THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE CHEVROLET DEALER BUT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM FOR US...THEY SAY THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT ADMIT THAT THEY HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS AND THAT THEY HAVE TRIED TO GET CHEVROLET TO RECALL THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE COMPLAINTS FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS. BOTH PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE LISTED ARE A CONTINUAL PROBLEM FOR MANY IMPALA OWNERS AND I FEEL AS THOUGH SINCE THEY HAVE ISSUED NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS TO THEIR DEALERS ABOUT BOTH OF MY COMPLAINTS, THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS BUT STILL REFUSE TO CORRECT THEM FOR THE CONSUMER. AS A CONSUMER I FEEL AS THOUGH GM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND MADE TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS FOR ALL OF US 2002 IMPALA OWNERS. *NM

Mileage: 62,000

ITERMEADIATE STERRING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, COST $400.

ITERMEADIATE STERRING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, COST $400.

ITERMEADIATE STERRING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED, COST $400.

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DURING A SLOW MANEUVER, YOU CAN HEAR AND FEEL CLUNKING COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. IT FEELS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS BECOMING LOOSE. I HAVEN'T GONE TO THE DEALER YET BECAUSE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND SEEING SOO MANY COMPLAINS ABOUT IT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED.

STEERING CLUNKS WHEN TURNING OR TOUCHING THE BRAKES OR LETTING OF THE BRAKES AND EXCELLERATING. I AM AFRAID OF A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THIS.

LOOSE/DAMAGED STEERING COLUMN PART CAUSES " CLUNKING SOUND" WHILE TURNING OR BRAKING. STARTED AROUND 2000 MILES-FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE AND I AM AFRAID SOME DAY SOMETHING IS GOING TO COME OFF THE CAR! VERY INSECURE FEELING. REPORTED TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT NO DIAGNOSIS ACCORDING TO THE DEALER.. *JB

CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. *NM

Mileage: 35,500

CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL AND YOU COULD FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL DEALER SAID INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NEEDED REPLACING. THEY ALSO SAID THE TIE ROD ENDS WERE WORN SO BAD THE WHEELS COULD FALL OFF. ALL OF THIS IS HAPPENING WITH ONLY 26,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *NM

Mileage: 26,000

I NOTICED THAT MY TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY HARD WHEN IT WARMS UP. I TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY CHANGED MY TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, AND DOG BONES. I PAID QUITE A FEW DOLLARS AND MY VEHICLE STILL HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS 85,000 MILES, BUT I,VE MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE VERY WELL. I,VE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY STEERING PLAY.THE DEALER CHANGED SOME PARTS IN THE ASSEMBLY WHICH IS BETTER. I'M A MECHANIC AND I DON'T BELEIVE THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY DRIVETRAIN MOUNTS, BUT IT'S IN THE TRANSMISSION. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SINCE OWNING THE CAR I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS WINDOW. THE MOTOR WAS CHANGED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY NOW IT'S DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. THE PROBLEM IS IT WILL GO DOWN BUT WON'T GO UP SOMETIMES. *AK

Mileage: 84,500

AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB

Mileage: 39,000

CLICKING OR CLUNKING SOUND IN THE FRONT END WHEN YOU TURN TO GO AROUND A CORNER. IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE VERY MUCH AWARE OF IT. THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FAULTY PARTS QUITE OFTEN. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM OVER MY WARRANTY IN MILES. THIS IS ALSO NOT JUST A PROBLEM ON THE 2002 MODELS. IT HAS BEEN A PROBLEM BEFORE. BECAUSE THIS HAS BEEN AND ON GOING PROBLEM I FEEL ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE RECALLED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *JB

Mileage: 40,000

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO, CONSUMER WAS SLOWING FOR A STOP SIGN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO AVOID THE COLLISION, BUT WAS UNABLE TO SO DUE TO THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKING UP. *AK *NM

Mileage: 39,000

MY WIFE BOUGHT A 2002 IMPALA AND WE BOTH LOVE THE CAR. BUT RECENTLY IT HAS HAD A CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM A MECHANIC AND KNOW THAT IT COULD BE A FAULTY INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE RESEARCHED THESE ARCHIVES AND HAVE SEEN MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. EVEN SOME FAILURES. WHY ARE DEALERS NOT WILLING TO DO ANY REPAIRS FOR THE CLUNKING NOISE?*AK

Mileage: 48,000

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB THE STEERING FELT LOOSE AS IF IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TIGHTER. *JB

THE STEERING ON MY 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS SINCE I FIRST PURCHASED IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2002 WITH 5,000 MILES ON IT. IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN THE FRONT END AND THE STEERING IS TERRIBLE. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALER AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR FOR THE PROBLEM AND IT HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT WHATEVER IS LOOSE OR DEFECTIVE IN THE FRONT END IS GOING TO CAUSE ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY AT SOME POINT. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 29,000 MILES AND IT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. *LA

Mileage: 10,000

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING PRODUCED A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE. *AK THE STEERING SHAFT FAILED. CONSUMER HAS OWNED GM VEHICLES ALL HIS LIFE AND NEVER EXPERIENCED STEERING FAILURE, EVEN AT 54,000 MILES. HE BELIEVED THE STEERING SHOULD BE RECALLED. *PH *JB

Mileage: 54,000

I RECENTLY BOUGHT A SECOND HAND 2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH 45,955 MILES AS PART OF THE DEAL THE DEALER WAS TO FIX THE AIR BAG LIGHT -IT WOULD NOT GO OUT- A MONTH AFTER THE SALE OF THIS CAR I HAD TO HAVE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED AT A COST OF $331 BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS KNOCKING ALL THE TIME, NO MATTER THE ROAD CONDITION. I BELIEVE THAT FOR A CAR THAT HAS HAD NO ACCIDENT DAMAGE AND HAS THIS AMOUNT OF MILEAGE ON IT, THAT THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN EXPECT MORE OF THE SAME AND IF THIS WAS/IS A SAFETY ISSUE? I DRIVE ABOUT 5000 MILES A YEAR MYSELF. I AM NOT TO PLEASE WITH THIS CAR AT THE PRESENT TIME BECAUSE OF THE ABOVE AM I AM WONDERING IF, I SHOULD CUT MY LOSSES AND SELL IT. *NLM

Mileage: 45,420

I WANTED HIM TO CHECK MY DRIVER SIDE BACK DOOR BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T OPEN VERY EASILY AT TIMES, AND THE WINDOW TO THAT SAME DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN AT TIMES. ALSO, MY TRUNK WOULDN'T OPEN WHEN ONE WOULD USE THE TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON AT TIMES. I ALSO HAD HIM CHECK MY DIMMING HEADLIGHTS, MY STEERING WHICH HAD A JERK IN IT WHEN I WENT AROUND CURVES, CLICKING SOUND IN ENGINE AND AN OVER ALL CHECK SINCE MY WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT IN 1,000 MILES. TURN OUT-AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER MY AIR CONDITIONER WAS HUMMING LIKE A HELICOPTER, MY BRAKES WERE HORRIBLE AND GRINDING AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT HAS NO GET UP AND GO POWER. I TOOK MY CAR TO BRAKE CHECK AFTER LEAVING BECAUSE WHEN THE DEALER DID THE OVERALL CHECK OF MY CAR THEY SAID I NEEDED A FRONT BRAKE JOB. AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME OVER 200.00 DOLLARS. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. WELL BRAKE CHECK TOOK OFF ALL FOUR TIRES AND FOUND THAT MY PROBLEM WAS DUE TO LEFT AND RIGHT CALIPER PROBLEMS ON THE INBOARD SIDE AND LEFT REAR HARD WEAR PROBLEMS AND WEAR ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE. THE CALIPER IS ENGAGING BUT NOT DISENGAGING AND CAUSED MY PADS TO WEAR OUT AND MY ROTORS ARE ATE UP. THE PADS ARE NOT WORN EVENLY WHICH IS DEFINITELY A SIGN OF CALIPER PROBLEMS. ALSO, THE DEALER UPON THE OVERALL INSPECTION OF MY CAR SAID THAT MY INTAKE GASKETS WERE RUINED AND LEAKING COOLANT. THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THEM, HOWEVER I AM AFRAID THAT THERE IS FURTHER DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE THAT THEY ARE NOT TELLING ME, JUST LIKE MY BRAKES. DUE TO THE FACT THAT STEVE AT LONE STAR TOLD ME THAT IT WAS CAUSED DUE TO LACK OF OILS CHANGES AND GIL SAID IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE GASKETS BEING IMPROPERLY SEATED FROM THE FACTORY OR JUST A DEFECT IN THE GASKET. WELL IS THIS WHY MY CAR HAS NO GET UP ANYMORE? MY CAR ALSO MADE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN HITTING BUMPS UNDER THE RIGHT FRONT FENDER AREA THAT NOTHING WAS DONE ABOUT AND MY HEADLIGHT PROBLEM THEY SAID WAS DUE TO A FAULTY BATTERY CABLE. *NLM

Mileage: 34,860

THE VEHICLES STEERING COLUMN WAS VERY LOOSE AND PRODUCED A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. *NLM

Mileage: 8,650

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THEY WILL HAVE ERRATIC STEERING CONTROL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL FELL OFF. ALTHOUGH MINIMAL IMPACT (IF ANY) WAS SUSTAINED, THE TIE ROD AND KNUCKLE WAS BROKEN.*AK

WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL FELL OFF. ALTHOUGH MINIMAL IMPACT (IF ANY) WAS SUSTAINED, THE TIE ROD AND KNUCKLE WAS BROKEN.*AK