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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

What owners actually said

1,072 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2018
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE PROGRESSING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09E005000 (STEERING) AND 08E063000 (STEERING) WERE REFERENCED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE PROGRESSING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09E005000 (STEERING) AND 08E063000 (STEERING) WERE REFERENCED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11153712

143,000 miles · Sep 25, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

POWER STEERING HARD AND TRYING TO RUN HIIT CHANGED WATER PUMP.

NHTSA ODI #11131140

260,000 miles · May 29, 2018
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS FAILED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE BEING OPERATED AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 260,000.

NHTSA ODI #11098522

70,000 miles · May 11, 2018
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE CORRECT GEAR AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE CORRECT GEAR AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CHEVROLET IMPALA'S TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ADJUSTED HIS DRIVING HABITS OVER THE YEARS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. RECENTLY, WHILE PARKING IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE AS IT WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL, LOW 1, AND THEN REVERSE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, WHILE IN REVERSE AND WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE RPMS INCREASED, THE FRONT END JERKED, AND THE VEHICLE FINALLY REVERSED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT PURCHASED TRANSMISSION FLUID, A GASKET, AND A FILTER AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. DURING THE REPAIR, PROCESS METAL SHAVINGS AND CHUNKS WERE FOUND IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED NON-DRIVABLE AND WAS PARKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-4151643491. THE LOCAL DEALER (FOX AUTO GROUP, 150 ROBERT DANN DR, PAINTED POST, NY 14870, (607) 937-5431) WAS CALLED TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT ASKED THE DEALER IF HE COULD STAY WITH THE VEHICLE DURING THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE COULD NOT; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT CANCELLED THE APPOINTMENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11093391

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2018
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER (BILLION AUTO BUICK GMC, 600 W 41ST ST, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, (605) 309-0975) WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY MORE THAN ONE I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER (BILLION AUTO BUICK GMC, 600 W 41ST ST, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, (605) 309-0975) WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY MORE THAN ONE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NTHSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V287000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THERE WERE ELEVEN TSBS ON THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11078646

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 · Sep 22, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AT VARIOUS TIMES, THE IGNITION FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR ALMOST AN HOUR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH POSITION WOULD BE TURNED O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AT VARIOUS TIMES, THE IGNITION FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR ALMOST AN HOUR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY INSERTING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH POSITION WOULD BE TURNED OR THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (FELDMAN CHEVROLET OF NOVI, 42355 GRAND RIVER AVE, NOVI, MI, 48375) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY PAD WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11025043

168,000 miles · Aug 23, 2017
Electrical System

I CALLED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT A RECALL ON THE CAR. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND I WERE TOLD IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL #14V400000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION. THEY HAD IT TOWED TO A CHEVROLET SERVICE PLACE TO BE FIXED. I RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL…

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I CALLED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT A RECALL ON THE CAR. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND I WERE TOLD IT WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL #14V400000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION. THEY HAD IT TOWED TO A CHEVROLET SERVICE PLACE TO BE FIXED. I RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CHARGES OF THE WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE. A KEY WAS MADE UNDER THE RECALL AND THE IGNITION KEY LOCK CYLINDER WAS NOT REPLACED. I PAID THE BILL AND HAD IT TOWED BACK. THE MAN THAT DELIVERED IT PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT COME OUT OR TURN. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES AND THEY NEEDED TO CHANGE THE IGNITION KEY LOCK CYLINDER. THE CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WHEN A PERSON WENT TO START THE CAR THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE COULDN'T BE STARTED. I FEEL THIS WHOLE RECALL WAS HANDLED IMPROPERLY AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES. THE FRUSTRATION OF HOW IT WAS HANDLED I FEEL THEY NEEDED TO BE MORE PROFESSIONAL ABOUT THE WAY THEY HANDLED THIS RECALL BEFORE THEY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE PLACE AND THEN MAKE ME RESPONSIBLE FOR CHARGES OF WORK DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND TOWING VEHICLE BACK NOT FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #11019047

140,000 miles · Aug 2, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE IGNITION KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FIVE STAR CHEVROLET OF CARROLLTON, TEXAS LOCATED AT 1735 SOUTH INTERSTATE 35 EAST CARROLLTON, TEXAS, 75006. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE IGNITION KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FIVE STAR CHEVROLET OF CARROLLTON, TEXAS LOCATED AT 1735 SOUTH INTERSTATE 35 EAST CARROLLTON, TEXAS, 75006. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BY THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #11012443

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE PRIOR TO BEING REPAIRED AT THE DEALER (PETE MOORE AUTOMOTIVE, 103 AND 106 NEW WARRINGTON RD PENSACOLA, FL 32506 850-456-7000, EXT 466) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 15V201000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING)…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE PRIOR TO BEING REPAIRED AT THE DEALER (PETE MOORE AUTOMOTIVE, 103 AND 106 NEW WARRINGTON RD PENSACOLA, FL 32506 850-456-7000, EXT 466) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 15V201000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE REPAIR CAUSED A FAILURE WHEN THE PARTS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE OEM PARTS MAY HAVE FAILED AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER NEEDED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PREVENT AN INTERNAL OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR GASKETS WERE LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10993407

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.