IllustrationMY SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM AND ABS LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING. I DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF PROBLEM THIS IS COULD YOU POSSIBLY TELL ME SOME INFORMATION AND IF THERE'S A RECALL. *TR
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
What owners actually said
1,072 reportsDRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON, MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY. MY LOW BEAMS WORK OK BUT IF I USE HIGH BEAMS THEY RANDOMLY GO OUT. THIS IS THE SECOND GM VEHICLE I HAVE HAD WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC AT THE GM DEALERSHIP SAID 4 OF HIS 6 FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM. A FORMER CO-WORKER HAD SAME PROBLE…
Read full complaint
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON, MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY. MY LOW BEAMS WORK OK BUT IF I USE HIGH BEAMS THEY RANDOMLY GO OUT. THIS IS THE SECOND GM VEHICLE I HAVE HAD WITH THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC AT THE GM DEALERSHIP SAID 4 OF HIS 6 FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM. A FORMER CO-WORKER HAD SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS TO OLD FOR THEM TO FIX IT... *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 70-80 MPH THEN SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CRACKED OR BROKEN RIB, WHICH REQUIRED…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 70-80 MPH THEN SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CRACKED OR BROKEN RIB, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AFTER THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
THE KEY SWITCH IS BAD SOME TIMES AFTER IT IS STARTED ALL DASH IS NOT WORKING AND SECURITY SYSTEM IS LOCKED AND YOU HAVE TO SHUT IT DOWN SOME TIMES MORE THEN ONCE HAVE BEEN TOLD THE KEY SWITCH IS BAD I ASK SOMEONE AT G.M. IF THEY COULD SEND ME THE SWITCH BUT TOLD ME I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A SHOP DID THAT AND ALL THAT WAS DONE I…
Read full complaint
THE KEY SWITCH IS BAD SOME TIMES AFTER IT IS STARTED ALL DASH IS NOT WORKING AND SECURITY SYSTEM IS LOCKED AND YOU HAVE TO SHUT IT DOWN SOME TIMES MORE THEN ONCE HAVE BEEN TOLD THE KEY SWITCH IS BAD I ASK SOMEONE AT G.M. IF THEY COULD SEND ME THE SWITCH BUT TOLD ME I HAD TO TAKE IT TO A SHOP DID THAT AND ALL THAT WAS DONE IS PUT A PIECE OF SOMETHING IN THE KEY THAT DID NOT HELP THAT THE SWITCH IS BAD IS THERE ANY ONE THAT CAN HELP OR JUST SEND ME A SWITCH I CAN PUT IT IN. *TR
I JUST BOUGHT A 2004 CHEVY IMPALA JUST 1 WEEK AGO (70K MILES), AND I'M ALREADY HAVING MAJOR IGNITION TROUBLE. WHEN I TURN THE KEY, NOTHING HAPPENS -- THE SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS A FEW TIMES. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND CRANKING RELAY SWITCH, AND NO LUCK. I'VE SEARCH THE WEB AND YOUTUBE, AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. SOM…
Read full complaint
I JUST BOUGHT A 2004 CHEVY IMPALA JUST 1 WEEK AGO (70K MILES), AND I'M ALREADY HAVING MAJOR IGNITION TROUBLE. WHEN I TURN THE KEY, NOTHING HAPPENS -- THE SECURITY LIGHT BLINKS A FEW TIMES. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND CRANKING RELAY SWITCH, AND NO LUCK. I'VE SEARCH THE WEB AND YOUTUBE, AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. SOME SAY THAT THE CAR NEEDS TO "RELEARN" MY KEY. OTHER SITES SAY I NEED TO DEACTIVATE/RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM. SOMETIMES THE CAR STARS WITH NO PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TRIGGERS THE ISSUE. THIS IS BEYOND FRUSTRATING, AND I DON'T HAVE ANY MORE MONEY TO PUT IN THIS CAR. PLEASE, PLEASE HELP. THANKS! *TR
2004 CHERVROLET IMALA. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO THE IGNITION. *KL THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHILE DRIVING. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROB…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
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…
Read full complaint
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
2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. *TGW THE CONSUMER HAD THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER REPLACED IN MARCH 2007. THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. *JB
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.