Recalls
7campaigns
2 engine · 2 air bag · 1 electrical
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
742filed
Owner reports, 1997–2006 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
22mpg combined
$2,969/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
3.4 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic
3 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (7)
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Oil Dripping On Manifold may Cause Fire
Engine and engine cooling · engine
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- 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 engines 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.
38.2% repairedof 1,003,556 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V701000
Listed for 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Not checked against your VIN.
Ignition Switch may Turn Off
Electrical system · ignition
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
37.1% repairedof 5,877,718 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V400000
Listed for 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Not checked against your VIN.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINES FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINES 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.
Repair progress not yet reported1,497,516 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V116000
Listed for 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/FMVSS 301/FUEL RETURN LINE
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WAS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported126,745 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 01V136000
Listed for 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG MODULE
Air bags · side/window
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG MODULE.
Repair progress not yet reported12 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V371000
Listed for 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/AIR BAG MODULE
Air bags
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- IN A CRASH, A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT MAY RECEIVE MORE SERIOUS INJURIES.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.
Repair progress not yet reported580 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V244000
Listed for 2001 Chevrolet Impala. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/FMVSS 209/TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLES
Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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."
- Consequence
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY DATE CODES AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ANY SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.
Repair progress not yet reported156,305 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V228003
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (742)
742 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
33involved a crash
67involved a fire
39injuries reported
2deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 742 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 225 | 30.3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 123 | 16.6% |
| Steering | 76 | 10.2% |
| Exterior lighting | 73 | 9.8% |
| Service brakes | 70 | 9.4% |
| Engine | 68 | 9.2% |
| Power train | 57 | 7.7% |
| Air bags | 47 | 6.3% |
| Fuel system | 30 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 23 | 3.1% |
How 2001 compares with other Impala years
Best and worst Impala years →19971
19982
19994
2000818
2001742
2002795
2003694
20041,073
2005609
2006524
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 | 0 |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 |
| 1999 | 4 | 0 |
| 2000 | 818 | 7 |
| 2001 | 742 | 7 |
| 2002 | 795 | 4 |
| 2003 | 694 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1,073 | 4 |
| 2005 | 609 | 1 |
| 2006 | 524 | 1 |
This year (2001)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
22
mpg combined
19
city
29
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,050
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 404 g/mi
- EPA class
- Large Cars
What it costs you to run
$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year
Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 28 / 21 | $3,200 | 423 |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 27 / 20 | $3,350 | 444 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2001 Impala for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2001 Chevrolet Impala FAQ
How many recalls does the 2001 Chevrolet Impala have?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 15V701000 (engine), 14V400000 (electrical), 09V116000 (engine), 01V136000 (fuel system), 00V371000 (air bag), 00V244000 (air bag), 00V228003 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2001 Chevrolet Impala problems?
Owners filed 742 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (225), Engine and engine cooling (123), Steering (76) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2001 Chevrolet Impala get?
EPA rates the 3.4 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 19 city, 29 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2001 Impala compare with other years?
Among the 1997–2006 Chevrolet Impala model years at least five years old, the 1997 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2004 the most (1,073). The 2001 drew 742. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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