IllustrationSPEEDOMETER REGISTERS BELOW OR ABOVE ACTUAL SPEEDS FOR PERIODS OF TIME. WILL RESET ITSELF AFTER TURNING OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTING VEHICLE. *NM
2004 Chevrolet Impala
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Impala years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
750–25K
15325–50K
23950–75K
15975–100K
158100–150K
76150K+
860 reports with mileage · 212 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 681 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
44 crash reports21 fire reports34 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
681 reportsTL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE STARTED VEHICLE WITH 70000 MILES ON IT THE STARTER STAYSED ENGAGED FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN UNDER ANY CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES A MONT…
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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE STARTED VEHICLE WITH 70000 MILES ON IT THE STARTER STAYSED ENGAGED FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN UNDER ANY CONDITIONS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONTACT SAID THAT THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH. *AK
I HAVE A BAD SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 CHEVY IMPALA. IT IS ERRATIC. SOMETIMES IT WORKS FINE, BUT NOT FOR LONG. USUALLY IT READS 30 TO 60 MPH OVER WHAT I AM GOING OR IT GOES BEYOND THE 120 MAX. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVY VEHICLES. HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.NET/FORUM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET-TAHOE/T2BGKBGI55EKNU77…
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I HAVE A BAD SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 CHEVY IMPALA. IT IS ERRATIC. SOMETIMES IT WORKS FINE, BUT NOT FOR LONG. USUALLY IT READS 30 TO 60 MPH OVER WHAT I AM GOING OR IT GOES BEYOND THE 120 MAX. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CHEVY VEHICLES. HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.NET/FORUM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET-TAHOE/T2BGKBGI55EKNU77C/P1 ABOVE IS A LENGTHY CUSTOMER COMPLAINT SECTION ON THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 IMPALA SOMETIMES STICKS AT THE SPEED I AM GOING OR IT SHOW A SPEED THAT IS HIGHER OR LOW THEN I AM TRAVELING. IT SOMETIMES CORRECTS ITSELF IF THE CAR IS LEFT OFF OVER NIGHT. *NM
SPEEDOMETER GOES HAYWIRE AND DOES NOT REGISTER PROPER SPEED OR GETS STUCK ON ONE NUMBER, OTHER CONSUMERS OF THIS 2004 CHEVY IMPALA HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND WE FEEL IT SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. *JB
I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL, I WENT TO PUSHING MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND WHEN I DID I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ODD SMELL COMING FROM THE CAR, THEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CONSOLE WHERE YOU PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, THEN I HAD TO PULL OVER THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH SMOKE THAT I COULDN'T SEE AND I COULD HEAR A CRACKLI…
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I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL, I WENT TO PUSHING MY CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND WHEN I DID I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ODD SMELL COMING FROM THE CAR, THEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CONSOLE WHERE YOU PUT THE CAR IN GEAR, THEN I HAD TO PULL OVER THE CAR BECAUSE THERE WAS SO MUCH SMOKE THAT I COULDN'T SEE AND I COULD HEAR A CRACKLING SIZZLING NOISE, SO I PULLED AT THE PIECE THAT COVERS UP THE GEARS AND SEEN THAT THE WIRES WHERE BURNING IT LOOKED AS IF WHERE THE SPRING THAT LIGHT DYNAMITE OR SOMETHING SO I DID THE ONLY THING I COULD DO I POURED MY SODA ON THE WIRES BECAUSE I WAS SCARED THE CAR MIGHT HAVE BLOWN UP WITH ME AND MY 10 MO. OLD BOY AND 3 YEAR OLD GIRL RIGHT THERE. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTENTLY PROVIDED AN INCORRECT READING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT ALERTED.
UNABLE TO CONTROL STEERING HYDROPLANING WITHOUT JUST CAUSE OTHER THAN RAIN, ALSO NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, AND BACKING IT, AND IT DRAGS WHEN KEY IS TURNED TO START. THE SPEED,TEMP,AND GASOLINE GAUGE ISN'T WORKING. I DO NOT LIKE TO DRIVE THIS CAR IN THE RAIN AND IF I CAN AVOID IT, I WILL NOT DRIVE, THE PROBLEMS BE…
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UNABLE TO CONTROL STEERING HYDROPLANING WITHOUT JUST CAUSE OTHER THAN RAIN, ALSO NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, AND BACKING IT, AND IT DRAGS WHEN KEY IS TURNED TO START. THE SPEED,TEMP,AND GASOLINE GAUGE ISN'T WORKING. I DO NOT LIKE TO DRIVE THIS CAR IN THE RAIN AND IF I CAN AVOID IT, I WILL NOT DRIVE, THE PROBLEMS BEGAN IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS MILES IS STILL FAIRLY LOW. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH, SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM THE BACK REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ERUPT INTO FLAMES AND ENGULF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND PROVIDED A WRITTEN REPORT. THE FIRE MARSHALS REPORT …
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55MPH, SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM THE BACK REAR WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ERUPT INTO FLAMES AND ENGULF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND PROVIDED A WRITTEN REPORT. THE FIRE MARSHALS REPORT STATED THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL AND STARTED WITH A SHORT IN THE WIRING TO THE REAR DEFROSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND DEEMED TOTALED.
2004 IMPALA HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TS THE DEALER REPLACED THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. *NM
Official recalls
415V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Oct 26, 2015
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 & remedy
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
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.
15V201000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Apr 6, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.
14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
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 & remedy
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.
04V287000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Jun 23, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. WITH IMPROPER TORQUE, THE CLAMP LOAD AT THE JOINT MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CALIPER BRACKET AND KNUCKLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DEPENDING ON WHETHER ONE OR BOTH BOLTS BACKS OUT OR FRACTURES, THE RESULT CAN BE LOCKING OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL DURING BRAKING AND AN ABRUPT STEERING INPUT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LOCKED WHEEL, REDUCED BRAKING AND NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED WHEEL, OR SEVERING OF A BRAKE HOSE, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND REDUCED STEERING CONTROL. REDUCED BRAKING OR STEERING CONTROL COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO TIGHTEN BOTH BOLTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC 1-800-620-7668.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.