Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have been having problems with the traction control system on my 2002 Chevy Impala for the last five years. On December 16th I was involved in a collision with another vehicle when I could not stop st a red light. Traction light kept coming on and off all day. ABS pump would run for no reason. As I approached the traffic light the reaction light came on again and my brakes failed. Causing me to ho through the red light and hit car passing through intersection.
I was stopped at a stop sign on a dry road,when I pressed the accelerator the car felt like the engine was going to shut off and it would barely move. A few seconds later the traction control light and ABS lights came on. After the traction control and ABS lights came on the car went fine.this is not the first time that this has happened. Also sometimes when you step on the brake pedal it feels like there is no pressure on the pedal. When this happens the traction control and ABS lights come on again. This has happened several times in the past 2 years and I have taken my car to several different auto mechanics. I have replaced both front wheel hub assemblies at least 4 times in 2 years. Each auto mechanic will tell you a different diagnosis when I take it to the shop. …
The car ignition suddenly shut off and the power steering and brakes failed on a steep grade. (the ignition recall had previously been performed on the vehicle, and the key fob had been reworked so it shouldn't have been a ignition issue). The transmission was shifted into neutral and the car restarted (while still coasting down the hill) to regain control,this was repeated numerous times until a safe place to pull off was reached. This grade was extremely steep, the road had switchbacks , cliffs,and no guardrail, it was a miracle no one was injured or killed. This same vehicle had just had a duplicate problem and was repaired at the dealership in July, less that 1000 miles prior to this current event. The dealer in July replaced the mas sensor and the battery as they said the mas was corroded and needed to be replaced. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning, the brake pedal seized, and the contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and later taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the security system shutdown and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
ABS is kicking back and traction control is coming on for no given reason making stopping the car increasingly hard at slow speeds. Inevitably causing the ABS and service traction control lights to come on the light is now staying on as soon as the car is turned on. Took the car to the shop to attempt to find the problem being told it is an electrical grounding problem also makes the headlights flicker when doing this
Car was parked I started it and began driving my ABS just went crazy. The pump was trying to engage over and over again even while driving. When I hit the ABS off button this problem continued. I feel this car could at anytime have something in the break or tire area just compeletly fail. Along with another list of issues including burning oil from the gasket. Please tell me if there is anything that can be done.
I was driving at about 45 miles an hour. Ford ranger in front of me slammed on brakes to avoid head on collision. I had plenty of time for car to stop but ABS brakes locked up and I rear ended the truck. Then after hitting the truck hard enough to have car towed the battery burst and the air bags never deployed.
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. …
Bought vehicle in April, 2002. We have had repeated malfunctions of the traction control system. I have uploaded a few of the repair documents we had collected over the years. I have several more. Despite numerous repairs, from wheel sensors, to wiring (including complete harness), computer chips, resets, etc. Every attempt by Chevy to fix this poorly designed system have failed. Chevy has admitted they don't know what to do. Their best suggestion is to try yet another dealership. I am tired of wasting my money on a poorly designed and installed safety feature. The system has failed on start up, driving at highway speeds, low speeds, while braking, etc. I have contacted GM corporate twice. Once they replaced the wiring harness only to have it fail shortly after. My second contact is in progress. …
We bought this 2002 Chevrolet Impala in April of 2002. Fortunately, we purchased the extended warranty. We have had continuous problems with the traction control system. Initially, the warranty covered the malfunctions: wheel sensors, modules, brake pump, wiring, etc. Were replaced. Shortly after each repair, the system failed again. When the warranty expired we continued to experience system malfunctions, replacing part after part. To date, over $3.5K has been spent to attempt to fix this poorly designed and installed system. It has been out of service for more years, than it has functioned. It has been out for the last 3 years, because we can not put good money after bad. I recently contacted GM corporate with my complaint and they told me to take it in for system diagnosis. Same result: brake pump and module out, with possible wiring problems and wheel sensors. …
Brake complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala, 9% of the model year's 795 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Impala brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Impala brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.