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 2003 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Hey my name is [redacted] I recently took my Chevy impala for repairs they told me I need more repairs done I'm like cool my bottom of my car is rusted n my struts are bad n my oil pump n other stuff is not working as well I'm when I gave Chevy a call ball they took my they manager not to bring the car back I'm kinda upset bout this whole thing idk cause they had to fix my head gasket for free but I need help getting these thing fixes.
My 2003 Impala has a security passlock feature which either does not allow vehicle to start or shut vehicle off when it thinks it's being stolen. My vehicle randomly shuts off while driving when this security light comes on, at this point I lose all control of vehicle functions. This is an apparent problem with thousands os GM vehicles that they know about but give no solution or recall to. Instead, consumers are being stuck footing the bill to try and find a solution to a problem no one seems to know how to solve. Please help hold GM responsible and repair our vehicles before fatalities occur. There are pages of posts in several forums online with people having the same issue with no help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated the vehicle increased speed violently once the brake pedal was released. The accelerator pedal was not depressed. The contact pulled over, shut the ignition off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact was a mechanic and stated that the throttle position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000. Updated 1/12/16
Rear right brake line leaking fluid. This could be a fatal accident if I was on the highway. My 2003 Chevy Impala rear right brake line is rusted badly. The brake line actually rubbing against an across line that has a bunch of electric lines bundled together which is going over the rusted brake line and ends up causing the brake line worn out and brake fluid leakage. This could be a serious safety issue. Is it possible the administration could conduct a research on the model of this car for this issue?
ABS, traction, and break lights come on........ Then when I push on the gas paddle its often like the brakes want to lock up , with a scrubbing sound.... Also when I push the break paddle down it often makes a sound and the break paddle feels like it comes back up with the break still down,.........but then when I drive like 20-25 miles the lights go off and hardly come on until I stop again
My air bag lights are on all the time, I have to change my brakes ever 2 months bc they start to lock up and go through brake pads like nothing. I also have electronical problems my blinkers work when they want to an when it starts to not work my lights dim if the radio is on it turns down it's happening more an more
While driving at 65 MPH, consumer applied the brake to reduce speed. ABS locked up, resulting in loss of contro. And had a front end collision. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy, driver sustained bruises to chest when it came in contact with the steering wheel.
Vehicle shuts off when moving,turning or stopped at a traffic light. By switching to neutral, the engine May start after 1 or more tries. So far the failures have been on city streets and highways. But not interstates. The failures are many but unpredictable.
This problem a started happening around 90000 miles. While I was going around a right turn the traction action would come on. Now it seems sometimes when I am just driving down a straight road. I can also feel my ABS come on when trying to stop.
Vehicle braking system malfunction. Refer to odi # 10134740. System failure resulted in loss of vehicle control resulting in vehicle accident resulting in major vehicle damage to right rear of vehicle from passenger door to the bumper.
Brake complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 76 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala, 11% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Impala brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 5 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 2003 Chevrolet Impala brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 5 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.