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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
77,542 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Chevrolet Impala drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2004 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Jun 142022

Impala

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Selma, NC, USA

problem #20

Jul 242019

Impala

  • 174,456 miles
I have a 2004 Impala and I'm noticing that the transmission is going out in it I have been told that the transmission mess up a whole lot in these type of cars why is that and why did Y'all not fix the problem

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #19

Apr 022014

Impala

  • 70,000 miles
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.

- Painted Post, NY, USA

problem #18

Jun 302010

Impala

  • 134,273 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 60 mph, the gear shifter failed to shift into all gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and clutch assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, while the vehicle was in reverse, there was a delay when shifting into gear. Also, the vehicle would jerk when shifted into drive and the passing gear would get rough going in and out of gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 134,273.

- Lockport, IL, USA

problem #17

Mar 022017

Impala

  • miles
Takata recall key falls out while I am driving speedometer gas gauge and comtrol panel not working car jumps in reverse

- Highland, CA, USA

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problem #16

Mar 012016

Impala

  • 192,000 miles
My car will no longer move when placed in drive or in any of the lower gears. It moves fine in reverse. The repair facility told me it was the I out drum. The only way to replace it is with a new drum that has updated specifications. There has been problems with the current input drum that has resulted in the need for an I put drum with updated specs. If there is problems with the original drum should not a recall be issued?

- Albany, GA, USA

problem #15

Nov 192015

Impala

  • 225 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #14

Nov 192015

Impala

  • 225 miles
The only recall I was able to find out was for the ignition, . my transmission just went out 11/19/2015, it will not switch into gear, it starts just fine no check engine light but left me stranded. Turned the car off and when I started it again it drove just fine, so I slowly drove it home. I don't get on the highway no more because it lacks power the get up is not there mind you yes I have 225K miles on it but I have had about 10 trouble codes and I managed to get rid of them all when I cleaned the tps, aic, and map sensor new egr valve, oil change tune up transmission flush all has been done this year and still on the highway it struggles, I did have one code that popped up 0420 so at this point I have been thinkin to just replace the catalytic converter when I get my taxes, but the problem is just getting worse and worse, so then I am thinking its the fuel pump, I mean my alternator is fine, I know I am sick of the security light always coming on, my left blinker only works in the day time at night never which is the weirdest thing, my windshield blades only work on the fastest setting, in the winter when it rains or snows my doors when we get inside to lock them the lock and unlock and the panel says door ajar when there is no door ajar, it will drive just fine as it nothing was ever wrong. Inconsistent and whats even weird is now the check engine light wont even come on after my transmission failed me in the middle of the road you would think the computer was able to record something. Once tranny fixd I will get the ignition recall fixed originally a loud noise was coming from engine like a screeching noise so I figured it was the alternator now that noise is gone but the minute I felt it wasn't the tranny, my car at the light would not go at all until I turned it off and back on. Please help

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #13

Nov 072013

Impala 6-cyl

  • miles
2004 Chevrolet Impala. Customer received repairs due to recall and is requesting repairs. The consumer stated the transmission had to be replaced, because the vehicle would to hesitate and then jerk. Pieces of metal were discovered in the transmission pan indicating an internal fault. Also, the ignition and cylinder were replaced.

- Galt, CA, USA

problem #12

Sep 182014

Impala

  • 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 35 mph, the transmission failed to shift into gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 132,000.

- Zanesville, OH, USA

problem #11

Apr 152004

Impala

  • 4,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At random times it will not start, it has done this ever since we bought it. Its a 2004 Chevrolet Impala.at random times the signal lights will not work the security light comes on it and stays maybe a day maybe 2. at times the transmission jumps so bad we have to pull it over and turn it off wait a few minutes then turn the car back on the we can proceed to drive it. It may crank then we stop and turn the car off and go back to it and it will not crank. We have had to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour randomly moving the trying to get it to start. We have had it back and forth to the Chevrolet dealer off and on ever since we've had the car they say they cannot do anything about it if they cannot get it to do it. I have almost gotten ran over several times because of it acting up. Its got 100,000 miles on it now. So we have to deal with it and hope for the best. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Vonore, TN, USA

problem #10

Jan 172013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 120,567 miles
I noticed when I get to 30 mph I noticed a kick in my transmission, after that it's smooth sailing until take off again. I spoke with a several mechanic about the issue and was told that my transmission solenoid was going out. They told me the Chevrolet Impala were famous for that. So I been doing research on this situation and found out that every person I spoke with have the same situation going on. I also have a friend that has an 2005 Impala as well with the same problem. We have started a group for this. Will you please look into this situation. It will be appreciated.... in the meantime we are starting a petition.

- South Bend, IN, USA

problem #9

May 062005

Impala

  • 30,000 miles
Speedometer changed twice by another Chevy dealer, transmission slipping, all lights went off while driving at night, cruise control went off by itself. Called GM customer service and about the lights and cruise control, answer was to have it checked, also had the transmission checked by three dealers, only one said yes it was slipping (transmission had been slipping since I got the car). No paperwork due to cost to have it checked by two dealers. One dealer (where I got the car) no longer in business but had the paperwork for the transmission complaint. But they too said they could not duplicate the problems and because of this they refused to work on the car.

- Franklin, IN, USA

problem #8

Jun 252013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 78,000 miles
When coming to a almost stop and U start to take off its like the car isn't in gear the after the rpms go up it jumps in gear spinning the tires. Then it will pause in between gears and make a thump when it goes in gear from 0-55. GM needs to fix all these problems with these transmissions. We already paid for the transmissions when we all bought the cars from the dealers and some are not even getting half the miles I got before they have problems. I had cars I've never touch the transmission other than maintenance and it out lasted the car! GM needs to fix these now. I just got this car and had it only a year and two months. I'm disabled I can't afford this repair! note: The car is in my mothers name [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Addison, NY, USA

problem #7

Mar 142013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
Was turning left from stop when traction light came on also ABS light and traction off switch light, now it happens in reverse and sometimes when I start the car. It makes a growling sound, if I shut off the car and restart it all the lights go out.

- Fall River, MA, USA

problem #6

Dec 012012

Impala

  • 98,000 miles
Traction control tries to kick when braking. Brakes act as though they are pushing back against my foot pressure at this time. Traction control makes a grinding noise. Vehicle has trouble stopping. Traction control shuts off, warning light to service traction control comes on, ABS shuts off and light comes on, and red "brakes" light turns on. Vehicle drives and brakes just fine after that for the remainder of the drive. On occasion these events happen when going over a railroad tracks or other similar bumps and brakes are not involved.

- Marlow, OK, USA

problem #5

Jan 232013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 120,135 miles
First at buying my Chevy Impala it had 115,000mi on it already but desperately needed a car being a single mother. After having the car a little over a month the fuel injectors blew where my car would no longer start. Got it fixed. Next I had to keep putting power steering fluid in (once every week) went to a mechanic, he said my power steering is going to eventually go.. next 2 months after that my car caught on fire through the lighter. Electrical. Called the fire dept. They had to cut the wires and pull the fuse. 2 months after that, my transmission blew. Just like that. I was driving on the high way and approached an accident. After coming to a complete stop tried to pick speed back up and it wouldn't go anymore than 15 mph. I pulled off to a rest area, sat there for 30mins. Reversed out of the parking lot, put it in drive, it wouldn't budge... not to mention a month after buying the car. The turn signals, , brake lights, cruise control, flashers all worked when they wanted too and not when I needed it too. Came close to a few people running in the back of me due to back lights not working.. and my temp, gauge, speedometer and gas gauge do not work. Id be in park with a full tank of gas, it says im going 80mph and gas is empty.. hate this car with a passion.. very dangerous car...would never recommend this car to anyone....

- Lima, NY, USA

problem #4

Jan 022012

Impala 6-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
The car is shifting hard from 1st to 2nd gear and every once in a while when I slow down around a curve and then the car has to shift down and back up right away. This has been getting worse and worse and from what I have been reading, it probably isn't the transmission but with the vacuum modular or torque converter. I also had a 2005 and recently traded it in for a different vehicle, but it had the same thing with shifting hard between 1st and 2nd.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #3

Jan 262012

Impala 6-cyl

  • 113,000 miles
There is a little vibration. When I accelerate and begin to pick up speed it hesitates. When going from 1st into 2nd gear the car shifts hard and even into third gear. I took the car to get a transmission service thinking it would help, but it didn't. its still doing the same thing. I have been asking around to see what the problem could be and everyone is saying that its hard to diagnose the problem because it could be S numerous amount of things wrong. Most of the mechanics I spoke to they told me that it would be somewhere around $1800 to get another transmission and that might not even fix the problem. I have noticed that I'm not the only person with this car that's having this issue. I would hate to be somewhere and the car just quit on me in the middle of nowhere. This car has been very reliable to me up until this year. I would love to keep the car but I don't want to continue wasting money getting parts fixed on it and its not going to solve the problem.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #2

Nov 022011

Impala 6-cyl

  • 60,500 miles
My vehicle has 73000 miles on it the transmission has been slipping and shifting hard since Nov 2011. I had the transmission serviced as advised by a dealership. No change I have a N extended warranty that covers the problem if the dealer ship finds the problem. I took it to the place I bought that car from. They had a mechanic get in test drive it with a hand held meter for about 15 minutes a. they reported that nothing showed up and the trans is fine. I took it home and the entire way there it slipped from astop position and shifted hard into gear. I owe over a year and a half still in payment's for the car and the extended warranty expires on April 22 20012. I don't have much time to go what do I do. John B I have reported the car a nd dealer to bbs for what that is worth.

- Horseheads, NY, USA

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