Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Chevrolet Impala Engine Problems
Chevy engine problems have led General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 1,497,516 automobiles including 2000-2003 model year Chevrolet Impala vehicles equipped with 3.8L V6 naturally aspirated engines. This recall was announced by the NHTSA on April 8, 2009. Consumers were notified by General Motors of the recall in May 2009.
Type of Engine Problems
Nearly 1,500,000 General Motors vehicles with model years of 1997-2003, including model year 2000-2003 Chevy Impalas may have potentially dangerous engine problems. Per the NHTSA, some of these Chevrolet Impalas may have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
Safety Risk
If oil runs below the heat shield when the manifold pressure is hot enough, the NHTSA warns that a flame may ignite and spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. An engine compartment fire may occur, putting drivers, passengers and property in harms way.
Remedy
Chevy Impala registered vehicle owners should have received notice of the recall in May 2009, according to the NHTSA. Consumers affected by this Chevrolet Impala recall were offered free repairs by the manufacturer, as required by law. Authorized dealers were instructed to remove the potentially dangerous spark plug wire retention channel at the front of the engine and to install two new spark plug wire retainers at no charge to the consumer.
