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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

Suspension complaints

10 reports
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116 miles · May 19, 2020
EngineService BrakesSuspension

MY OIL KEEPS LEAKING OUT AND I HAVE TO KEEP ADDING TO IT. I'VE TRIED SEALANTS BUT NONE OF THEM WORK TO STOP IT FROM LEAKING AS WELL AS A SUSHI IN MY DASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11325138

67,876 miles · Nov 5, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSuspensionCrash

I BOUGHT 2004 IMPALA AND HAVE IGNITION PROBLEM WITH WITNESSES WITH A DENT IN FRONT BUMPER, AFTER TEN YEARS OR OVER 100K MILES THE GASKET GOES ON GM/GMC PRODUCTS, BOTH INNER TIE RODS ROTTEN OUT. I HAVE TALK TO GM EXECUTIVE OFFICE THAT FIX THE IMPALA PROBLEM IN 2011 BUT UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH IT NOW. I THINK I NEED OUT SIDE COUNSE…

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I BOUGHT 2004 IMPALA AND HAVE IGNITION PROBLEM WITH WITNESSES WITH A DENT IN FRONT BUMPER, AFTER TEN YEARS OR OVER 100K MILES THE GASKET GOES ON GM/GMC PRODUCTS, BOTH INNER TIE RODS ROTTEN OUT. I HAVE TALK TO GM EXECUTIVE OFFICE THAT FIX THE IMPALA PROBLEM IN 2011 BUT UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH IT NOW. I THINK I NEED OUT SIDE COUNSEL AND ENGINEERING FIRM TO TEST AND TESTIFY ON MY BEHAVE AND3,700 OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WANT NEW VEHICLES AND SETTING UP A DATE WITH CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, AND NHTSA REVIEW MY CASE. I HAVE MET WITH CONGRESSIONAL PANEL INVESTIGATING GM THAT WANT TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I BEEN A GM PERSON BUT SERIOUSLY LOOKING IN THE FOREIGN MARKET IF I HAVE NO SERIOUS RESOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652657

6,984 miles · Jun 17, 2014
Service BrakesSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHICH EXACERBATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BEA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHICH EXACERBATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BEARINGS, BRAKES AND TWO TIRES. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,984.

NHTSA ODI #10598978

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2011
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

1) TRIED TO SLOW CAR DOWN. CAR WOULD NOT TURN NOR HALT. ENDED UP HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. RESTORED IT 100%. 2) A YEAR LATER, HAD 3 BRAND NEW RACK AND PINION'S REPLACED IN ONE MONTH. HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT. THE A-FRAME IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND SO IS THE AREA SURROUNDING THE RACK AND PINON. HAVE PICTURES AND MECHA…

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1) TRIED TO SLOW CAR DOWN. CAR WOULD NOT TURN NOR HALT. ENDED UP HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. RESTORED IT 100%. 2) A YEAR LATER, HAD 3 BRAND NEW RACK AND PINION'S REPLACED IN ONE MONTH. HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT. THE A-FRAME IS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE AND SO IS THE AREA SURROUNDING THE RACK AND PINON. HAVE PICTURES AND MECHANICS AS PROOF. 3) CALLED THE CHEVY COMPANY & WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN WISCONSIN. THEY CLAIM THEY SAW NO REASON TO HELP WITH THE RACK & PINION AS THOSE CARS WERE RECALL-FREE. 4) CAR LEANS TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT TIMES (THIS STARTED AFTER EACH RACK AND PINION WAS REPLACED). THERE IS ALSO A 2 O'CLOCK AND 10 O'CLOCK DEAD ZONE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. STEERING USED TO FEEL A BIT NORMAL. IT WAS NOT LIKE THIS UNTIL I HAD A NEW RACK AND PINION PUT ON. TWICE (IN BETWEEN) THE BOOT WOULD EXCESSIVELY LEAK (AS DID THE ORIGINAL FROM CHEVY). 5) WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CAR MAKES KICK DRUMMING GRINDING SOUNDS. WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL. IT IS IRRITATING THOUGH. 6) THE CAR DIDN'T EVEN HIT IT'S 5TH YEAR (BEING NEW) BEFORE IT STARTED TO RUST PAINT OFF THE TOP OF ITS ROOF. I LIVE WHERE THERE IS NO SNOW OR COAST, AND EXTREMELY LITTLE ICE. 7) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF. HAD IT CHECKED. WAS TOLD IT WAS FINE. 8) WAS DRIVING RIGHT NEXT TO A COP GOING DOWN A STEEP HILL WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER STUCK AT 10 MPH. I CROSSED MY FINGERS THAT I WASN'T SPEEDING SINCE I KEPT MY SPEED NEXT TO THE OFFICER. REPLACED. 9) COMBO TURNING SIGNAL & CRUISE BROKE OFF THE STEERING FOR NO REASON DURING A TURN. REPLACED. 10) LOCKS ME OUT OFF & ON FOR NO REASON. 11) THIS CAR IS MY BABY AS IT WAS ONE OF THE LAST THING I GOT THAT WAS MY MOTHER'S BEFORE SHE DIED. IT IS ALSO MY FIRST CAR THAT HAS SEEN ME THROUGH (AND STILL) MY COLLEGE YEARS. IT IS VERY SENTIMENTAL TO ME FOR THOSE REASONS. MY DREAM IS TO KEEP THIS CAR EVEN WHEN IT'S A CLASSIC.

NHTSA ODI #10408308

78,000 miles · Jan 21, 2011
SteeringSuspension

CLICKING NOISE IN FRONT END WHENEVER I TURN RIGHT. JACKED UP OFF THE GROUND THERE IS NO NOISE WHEN IN GEAR AND TURNING RIGHT. IS IT STEERING OR SUSPENSION PROBLEM. REPLACED BOTH CV JOINTS AND HUBS. STILL CLICKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10378158

50,000 miles · Apr 7, 2008
Exterior LightingService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH WARPED ROTORS, WHICH I HAD REPLACED. THEN A WHEEL BEARING WENT BAD. TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVY DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING BEING BAD. I HAD LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING REPLACED AND PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. TURNED OUT IT WAS RIGHT FRONT HUB BEARING THAT WAS BAD…

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I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH WARPED ROTORS, WHICH I HAD REPLACED. THEN A WHEEL BEARING WENT BAD. TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVY DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING BEING BAD. I HAD LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING REPLACED AND PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED. TURNED OUT IT WAS RIGHT FRONT HUB BEARING THAT WAS BAD, SO BOTH ENDED UP REPLACED. A FEW WEEKS LATER "SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM" LIGHT STARTED COMING ON EVERY DAY AND SHUTS OFF THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS DON'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS GOING FROM HIGH BEAMS TO DIM. SOMETIMES IT TAKES TWO OR THREE ATTEMPTS BEFORE IT WILL GO FROM HIGH BEAMS TO DIM. I'VE NEVER HAD THESE KINDS OF PROBLEMS WITH CHEVROLET'S BEFORE. I'VE HAD CHEVROLET'S WITH 150,000 MILES ON THEM AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS, WHEEL BEARINGS, OR HAD ABS PROBLEMS BEFORE, JUST NORMAL MAINTENANCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10223566

59,000 miles · Feb 20, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension

MY 2004 IMPALA SS HAS HAD A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH BRAKES AND STEERING. THE CAR NOW HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS AGAIN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH NOISES IN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING, STOPPING AND STARTING. THE FRONT END JUST FEELS LOOSE. THIS WAS AN ISSUE CORRECTED WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AROUND 35,000 MILES. THE PROBL…

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MY 2004 IMPALA SS HAS HAD A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH BRAKES AND STEERING. THE CAR NOW HAS 64,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS AGAIN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH NOISES IN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING, STOPPING AND STARTING. THE FRONT END JUST FEELS LOOSE. THIS WAS AN ISSUE CORRECTED WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY AROUND 35,000 MILES. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY, BUT HAS RETURNED SOME 30,000 MILES LATER. ALSO, HAD TO HAVE THE BRAKE ROTORS TURNED AROUND 25,000 MILES. TODAY, THE CAR IS HAVING ITS LEFT WHEEL BEARING REPLACED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10183022

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2006
Suspension

2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA SQUEAKS INTERMITTENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN DRIVING ON UNEVEN OR ROUGH PAVEMENT. *TS SEVERAL DEALERS HAVE TRIED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM, BUT HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10150837

9,000 miles · Oct 25, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

I PURCHASED A 2004 CHERVOLET IMPALA FROM C & O MOTORS IN ST. ALBANS WEST VIRGINIA ON MARCH 23,2004. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD TWO MILES ON THE ODOMETER. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD CONTINUED BRAKE PROBLEMS, FRONT END SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, NOISES COMING FROM THE DASH OF THE VEHICLE, AND A POPPING AND CRACKING SOUND CO…

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I PURCHASED A 2004 CHERVOLET IMPALA FROM C & O MOTORS IN ST. ALBANS WEST VIRGINIA ON MARCH 23,2004. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD TWO MILES ON THE ODOMETER. EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD CONTINUED BRAKE PROBLEMS, FRONT END SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, NOISES COMING FROM THE DASH OF THE VEHICLE, AND A POPPING AND CRACKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED, ALL HUB CAPS REPLACED, ALL LUG NUT COVERS REPLACED, 2 RACK OF PINIONS REPLACED, 2 STEERIND SHAFTS REPLACED, BOTH SIDES OF UPPER MOUNT AND BARINGS REPLACED, FRONT END SUSPENSION BOLTS REPLACED AND TIGHTENED SEVREAL TIMES, AND NO HAVE AN ELETRICAL PROBLEM WHEN ROLLING UP THE WINDOWS THE LIGHTS DIM, AND FRONT HEAD LIGHT LENS ALWAYS HAS MOSITURE IN THEM WHENIT RAINS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10096397

4 miles · Jul 27, 2004
Suspension

CAR BOUGHT NEW, VIBRATION FROM FRONT END ,DEALER ALIGNED FRONT AND REAR WHICH WAS OUT OF SPEC.(HAVE ALIGNMENT PRINT-OUT FOR BEFORE AND AFTER) AFTER ALIGNMENT UNEASY FEELING STEERING WITH CONSTANT CORRECTION. WILL WANDER L&R. WHEN STOPPING STEERING WHEEL WILL OCCASIONALLY JERK TO THE LEFT, PULLS RIGHT UPON ACCELLERATION. SCAREY D…

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CAR BOUGHT NEW, VIBRATION FROM FRONT END ,DEALER ALIGNED FRONT AND REAR WHICH WAS OUT OF SPEC.(HAVE ALIGNMENT PRINT-OUT FOR BEFORE AND AFTER) AFTER ALIGNMENT UNEASY FEELING STEERING WITH CONSTANT CORRECTION. WILL WANDER L&R. WHEN STOPPING STEERING WHEEL WILL OCCASIONALLY JERK TO THE LEFT, PULLS RIGHT UPON ACCELLERATION. SCAREY DRIVING IN RAIN - HYDROPLANES EASILY. MY CONCERNS ARE FOR HANDLING / BRAKING IN WINTER CONDITIONS OF ICE AND SNOW.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10082757

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.