Three problems related to coolant leaking have been reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Impala. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala based on all problems reported for the 2003 Impala.
About 1 year ago my 2003 Impalas heat gauge started acting funny like the car was overheating but then it would go back to normal. It was cool out about that time of year and I also noticed the car had no heat. I replaced the thermostat thinking that was the problem but it did not help and the problem persisted. My husband then noticed that the coolant level was low and added more. That also did not fix the problem, and about a week later we noticed the coolant was low again. We looked for the leak and could not find one. I finally took the car to the dealership and they automatically knew what the problem was and stated it was a problem with the 3400 series engine. We paid nearly $700 to have the car fixed. I have recently noticed that my coolant level again is low but can not detect any of the same problems as before, I still have heat and a/c and the heat gauge is not fluctuating but I have been looking around at recalls some forums about the same type of car and have discovered many others are having the same trouble, but there is no recall for the 3400 series motor as there is for the 3800.
Complaints of engine temperature always ended with no found problems on vehicle owned and serviced regularly since purchased new in April 2003. Regular oil changes and engine coolant flush as recommended by manufacturer were completed and still no problems found. At 75,671 miles dealer found intake gaskets leaking and said engine damage would occur if not replaced. Repair cost $658. Found that technical service bulletins indicate this is a know problem in a host of gm vehicles from 2000. Public is being forced to pay for major engine repairs for poor engineering on the part of the manufacturer. Engine failure due to this problem could result in serious accident for the less than knowledgeable driver. Environmental concerns with poor less than optimal engine performance, loss of coolant, oil, etc. Should also be considered. How many of these repairs have been done over the span of years by the manufacturer? how many uninformed consumers have been duped by this lack of manufacturer responsibility?.
Took vehicle in to dealer for regular maintenance, told that lower intake gasket was leaking bad and needs immediate replacement as well as coolant flush. Total for repair is $1450. Vehicle has only 83k miles.