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2004 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2022
Forward Collision AvoidanceFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Wiring harness has got hot and cause a short not getting fuel and more

NHTSA ODI #11470171

130,000 miles · Jan 19, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrash

MY IGNITION SWITCH HAS A RECALL THAT SOMETIMES TAKES FOREVER TO GET KEY TO TURN OVER, THE STEERING SHAFT AND KNUCKLES ALSO HAVE A RECALL THAT MAKE ME DRIFT AND SLIDE ON DRY ROADS, ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM AS WELL HAS RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11388766

200,000 miles · Jan 17, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HOBSON CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (655 W SOUTHVIEW DR, MARTINSVILLE, IN 46151, (765) 792-4476) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL LINE CAUSED THE FIRE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED OF WHAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #11170526

162,465 miles · Feb 27, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion System

TRANMISSON, EVAP, EVAPORRATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKING

NHTSA ODI #11075330

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAKED AND THE INTERIOR CABIN EMITTED A FOUL ODOR. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE FUEL PRESSURE UNIT WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAKED AND THE INTERIOR CABIN EMITTED A FOUL ODOR. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE FUEL PRESSURE UNIT WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10897941

80,000 miles · Jan 27, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINED SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINED SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V201000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10822610

225 miles · Nov 20, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, HAVE TO WAIT TEN MINS TO START VEHICLE. SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, MY GAS FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING SO I TRACK THE GAS MY MILES .. FIRST 20 MILES STRUGGLES TO GO, FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE FUEL PUMP TO TRANNY TO ALTERNATOR NOW IT WONT SHIFT INTO GEAR AND I …

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SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY, HAVE TO WAIT TEN MINS TO START VEHICLE. SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, MY GAS FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING SO I TRACK THE GAS MY MILES .. FIRST 20 MILES STRUGGLES TO GO, FIRST THOUGHT IT WAS FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR TO THE FUEL PUMP TO TRANNY TO ALTERNATOR NOW IT WONT SHIFT INTO GEAR AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ONE RECALL FOR THE IGNITION IS RIDICULOUS

NHTSA ODI #10794993

60,000 miles · Apr 23, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO PROVIDE THE ACCURATE READING LEVEL AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT DISPLAY THE CORRECT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO PROVIDE THE ACCURATE READING LEVEL AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT DISPLAY THE CORRECT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10712460

130,434 miles · Mar 20, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AT DEALERSHIP IN ROCHESTER NY IT HAD AROUND 128000 WHEN BOUGHT IT DIED OUT AT ABOUT 131,000 THEY CLAIMED THAT THE CAR WAS FULLY INSPECTED WAS A TOTAL FAILURE HAD TO SPEND A 1000 PLUS DOLLARS AT GOOD YEAR TO MONTHS AFTER BOUGHT HAD NO HEAT [XXX] HEADS COULD FIX IT I WANT MY MONEY BACK FOR THE CAR I WAY OVE…

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I BOUGHT THE CAR USED AT DEALERSHIP IN ROCHESTER NY IT HAD AROUND 128000 WHEN BOUGHT IT DIED OUT AT ABOUT 131,000 THEY CLAIMED THAT THE CAR WAS FULLY INSPECTED WAS A TOTAL FAILURE HAD TO SPEND A 1000 PLUS DOLLARS AT GOOD YEAR TO MONTHS AFTER BOUGHT HAD NO HEAT [XXX] HEADS COULD FIX IT I WANT MY MONEY BACK FOR THE CAR I WAY OVER PAY I PAID 5300 WITH TAXES AND SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY DEAD... THE CALL THE DEAKER NO RESPONSE I HAVE WARRANTY BUT THEY WONT ANSWER OR DO WORK. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10700789

116,000 miles · Feb 2, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

HELLO, I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR DEALER AND DROVE IT TO WORK TWO DAYS LATER. I WORK AN HOUR AWAY AND TAKE THE TURNPIKE....I NOTICED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NEAR 90, AND WHEN I PULLED INTO MY JOBS PARKING LOT I WAS NEAR 40 MPH...THE PARKING LOT'S SPEED LIMIT IS 10 MILES PER HOUR WITH SPEE…

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HELLO, I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR DEALER AND DROVE IT TO WORK TWO DAYS LATER. I WORK AN HOUR AWAY AND TAKE THE TURNPIKE....I NOTICED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS NEAR 90, AND WHEN I PULLED INTO MY JOBS PARKING LOT I WAS NEAR 40 MPH...THE PARKING LOT'S SPEED LIMIT IS 10 MILES PER HOUR WITH SPEEDBUMPS SO I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. WHEN I GOT OFF OF WORK MY GAS TANK READ PAST THE FULL MARK....I HAVE BEEN FILLING THE TANK EVERY OTHER DAY TO PREVENT BEING STRANDED. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER AND HE TOOK A LOOK AT IT. I PURCHASED THE CAR ON 01/17/15 AND TODAY'S DATE IS 02/01/15 AND I AM STILL WAITING TO GET THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. I'VE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND SEEN A LOT CHEVY IMPALAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. MOST NOTABLY 2001-2005 I WOULD BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL IF THE MATTER CAN BE RESOLVED. THANKS, [XXX] P.S. THERE WEREN'T SPECIFIC OPTIONS FOR THE PROBLEMS. THEY ARE:THE GAS GAUGE, SPEEDOMETER, THE WHOLE PANEL....I FOUND OUT THIS IS CALLED A CLUSTER? OR CLUSTER PANEL? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680582

Official recalls

4

15V701000 · 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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 engine’s 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.