Engine Exhaust System problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala

I bought a 2002 chevy Impala and got it looked at before purchase the only thing that popped up on the code reader was there is an electrical problem, sometimes my signal lights work sometimes they don�t, my speedometer doesn't light up or anything. I then start to smell gas when I turn on the heat or air it's unbearable. I then proceeded to check for any recalls and there are a few dealing with the engine cooling and exhaust/gas leak along with electrical issues. They said the car could catch on fire at any time. I have two toddlers so there is no way that this is a safe car.

Safety recall # 09047: oil drip from 2002 Impala 3. 8l engine may cause fire when deposited on exhaust manifold and may spread to spark plug wire channel and beyond. Date of defect recall is conspicuously missing but I received this notice the week of June 8, 2009, I called dealer on June 10, 2009. Dealer is stating that they are backed up in doing the repair due to lack of parts to fix the problem. We are driving cars that are just waiting to go on fire and this is not the only time this type of potential fire problem has been addressed on these specific engines.

As I was attempting to start my vehicle that morning I heard a loud boom and saw smoke coming from under the hood. When the hood was raised, the engine was in flames. We had to call the fire department to extinguish the fire.

I was driving my car and all of a sudden I lost acceleration. My car felt like it didn't have any power. So when I press on the gas, I have to have the pedal almost to the floor to get my car to go. My husband is a mechanic and he checked out the fuel pump and fuel filter and hooked the car to the computer at work to find out what the problem could be and nothing came back. So we got online and started looking up defects in Impala's and for the 2002 Impala, they have had to replace the catalytic converters because of them being defective. My car has 96,000 miles on it so according to the internet information I have gathered, my car should be fixed for free at a chevy dealership.

Brown milky film in the radiator was diagnosed as being caused by a leaking intake manifold gasket. Replacement of the gasket did fix the problem. Based on internet searches and dealer information, this is a very common problem.

02' Chevrolet Impala. Using three different confined space monitors I have found continuing presence of carbon monoxide and methane emissions in the interior/cab of my vehicle. Gm has inspected the vehicle and has also found the presence of vehicle emissions inside the vehicle but, they contend the amounts are within epa standards. The problem is on going and continues to be a health risk for my family. Frequent headaches and fatigue are often affects after operating the vehicle. Nausea has occurred after lengthy trips in the vehicle. We have resulted to driving with the windows down to help aleve the effects on the carbon monoxide, but this isn't the solution. The emissions also creates an odor that clings to your body. What can I do?.