How do recalls get started?

[johnsandssr]

I had my 2001 Impala towed into the dealer today to get the ignition replaced. This seems to be a common problem with this generation of Impala. Is there some way to try to get a recall started to fix these problems? I know it is too late to help me, but maybe it would help some of the others.

[MethodMan420]

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/home.cfm

For the most part a defects investigation will only be started if the problem is safety related...Like if your car died in the middle of an intersection or in the fast lane on the highway, something like that .

For a recall to get started you have to file a complaint, enough complaints and they start a defects investigation, from there it usually goes into a tsb or recall depending on the severity of the fix and the cooperation of the manufacturer.There are other phases of this process but this is the basics from what I remember.

[ebburtner]

what kind of ignition problem were you having? I have a 2003 impala ls and i have been having problems with the idle..once i get it started it kinda chugs and doesn't idle smooth...was just curious if that was the same problem you have been having....I have had the fuel pressure regulator changed and it did help with the starting but now i have this problem.

Originally Posted by johnsandssr

I had my 2001 Impala towed into the dealer today to get the ignition replaced. This seems to be a common problem with this generation of Impala. Is there some way to try to get a recall started to fix these problems? I know it is too late to help me, but maybe it would help some of the others.

[johnsandssr]

Originally Posted by ebburtner

what kind of ignition problem were you having? I have a 2003 impala ls and i have been having problems with the idle..once i get it started it kinda chugs and doesn't idle smooth...was just curious if that was the same problem you have been having....I have had the fuel pressure regulator changed and it did help with the starting but now i have this problem.

My car would not start at all. It was like someone had cut the wires to the starter. Good luck with your problem. Now mine is a little sluggish when you need to speed up quickly. I was told it's time to replace the fuel filter and I expect that to help.