Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2003 Chevrolet Impala
The 2003 Chevrolet Impala has a relatively high number of owner complaints and several recalls. The most significant issues appear to be electrical and engine-related. Some potential problems with steering and airbags have been addressed in recalls. Despite the number of complaints, not all vehicles exhibit these issues, and proper inspection can detect any existing problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2003 Chevrolet Impala has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 702 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V701000 Engine Oil Dripping On Manifold may Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V400000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V116000 ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E005000 STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING/LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E063000 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT/LOSS OF STEERING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E021000 AFTERMARKET FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V051000 GM/DRIVER'S AIR BAG NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V222000 GM/AIR BAG INFLATOR NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 267 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 104 complaints
- Engine 88 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 80 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 54 complaints
- Air Bags 39 complaints
Of the 702 complaints on file, 32 report a crash and 32 a fire; across all 702 complaints, owners report 27 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Oil dripping onto exhaust
How to check: Inspect for oil leaks around exhaust manifold.
Ignition switch concerns
How to check: Test the ignition without extra keys or weight on keyring.
Potentially faulty steering knuckles
How to check: Inspect steering knuckles for cracks or wear.
Driver's airbag deployment issues
How to check: Inquire if airbag recall service was performed.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifting.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 04
Slow turns
What to check: Listen for clunking in steering.
Red flag: Loud clunking or resistance
- 05
Braking
What to check: Check for smooth, responsive braking.
Red flag: Grinding or long stopping distance
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe engine response and power.
Red flag: Lack of power or hesitation
- 07
Cruise control
What to check: Test function of cruise control system.
Red flag: Cruise control non-functional
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ignition recall been addressed?
- Were any airbags replaced through recall?
- Have any electrical issues been repaired?
- Are there any oil leaks present?
- Has the steering been inspected recently?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Original owner’s manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2003 Chevrolet Impala? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.