2001 Chevrolet Impala recalls and problems

7 recalls and 741 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Chevrolet Impala.

7
recalls
741
owner complaints
33
complaints mentioning a crash
67
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Chevrolet Impala recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Engine and engine cooling: engine

NHTSA campaign 15V701000 · reported October 26, 2015 · General Motors LLC · 1,003,556 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
The risk
Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
The fix
The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Electrical system: ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · reported July 3, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 5,877,718 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
The risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 09V116000 · reported April 8, 2009 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,497,516 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
The risk
If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engine’s plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 01V136000 · reported April 24, 2001 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 126,745 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a 3.4l engine and non-antilock braking system (ABS). These vehicles fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity." a fuel return line can become severed in a frontal collision, resulting in fuel spillage.
The risk
If an ignition source was present, a fire could occur.
The fix
Dealers will install a brake master cylinder bracket that will maintain positioning of the fuel line in a frontal crash. Owner notification began june 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 00V371000 · reported November 13, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 12 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles exhibit a condition in which the driver side impact air bag inflator separates from the air bag module during deployment.
The risk
If the inflator separates, the air bag will not deploy properly during a crash and occupant protection would be reduced. If is also possible that a separated inflator could be propelled downward and could result in injury to a rear seat passenger whose foot is positioned approximately under the inflator module.
The fix
Dealers will replace the side impact air bag module.

Air bags

NHTSA campaign 00V244000 · reported August 29, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 580 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The air bag sensing and diagnostic modules (sdm) could experience a memory error resulting in the air bags not deploying in a crash situation.
The risk
In a crash, a front seat occupant may receive more serious injuries.
The fix
Dealers will replace the sensing and diagnostic module.

Seat belts

NHTSA campaign 00V228003 · reported August 7, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 156,305 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load bearing requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies."
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the vehicle's safety belt buckle assembly date codes and, if necessary, will replace any safety belt buckle assembly.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 17, 2023 · Engine

While driving at 70 mph my car just shut off. The radio and lights stayed on. The oil and battery light came on before it just shut down. Steering locked up. When safely to side, and turned key off it starts right back up, but now traction system is off. Has gas and nothing is broken.

Jan 5, 2023 · Engine and engine cooling · 165,000 miles · fire reported

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that her husband had entered the vehicle and while the key was in the ignition, the vehicle exploded in the engine compartment. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, or police report filed…

Feb 5, 2022 · Air bags

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON BUT NO DEPLOYMENT.

Nov 19, 2021 · Electrical system

after car not used for two days, turning ignition on and attempted to start the engine a extremely load explosion came from engine compartment! Upon looking at the engine the PLASTIC intake manifold was blown to pieces. no warning a explosion was to occur, car was running normal prior to explosion.

Oct 6, 2021 · Engine

When the Mass Airflow Sensor gets dirty, engine shuts off..

Impala model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 78174973
2001 77413367
2002 47953832
2003 56953232
2004 41,0734421

Across all years, the 2004 Impala has the most complaints (1,073). All Chevrolet Impala years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Chevrolet Impala, the most recent reported on October 26, 2015 (Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Engine and engine cooling: engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Chevrolet Impala?
Owners have filed 741 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (225 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (123).
How many 2001 Chevrolet Impala complaints mention a crash or fire?
33 of 741 complaints report a crash and 67 a fire; 39 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 17, 2023.