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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 11
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,084 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #30

Feb 052015

Impala

  • 90,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when the key was turned to start the vehicle, it failed to start and the security warning light illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

- Brooklyn, OH, USA

problem #29

Oct 012013

Impala

  • 90,000 miles
When you try start vehicle security light comes on and vehicle does not start. There are many reports of this issue noted online and customers are spending money on batteries and other parts without a fix. GM needs to fix this issue seems like many notes are indicating disgust with the company not responding to this issue.

- Melville, NY, USA

problem #28

Jun 262015

Impala

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. After starting the vehicle, the temperature gauge warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the head gasket was overheating and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Springfield, MA, USA

problem #27

Jan 082015

Impala

  • 130,434 miles

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

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. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #26

Feb 202015

Impala 6-cyl

  • miles
Intake manifold gasket. Why are the defected? there are so many complaints about faulty ones and still you have not changed to better gaskets. First the heat goes and then the car overheats for no apparent reason. Changed the water pump and thermostat. Now the gasket. For the price you pay for this car it should not have to cost me another 800 to 1200 more for a part you can fix with changing your product you use. I have own GMC products for over 20 years and this is my first complaint about them. Just because I am having problems with my Impala will not keep me from telling people that GMC has good cars. Just wish this problem will fixed for future owners. Would hate to be called a liar. One of our GMC's is a 78 Sierra classic which was bought brand new in 77.

- Dexter, MO, USA

problem #25

Feb 272015

Impala 6-cyl

  • 99,400 miles
After parking my car, I just happened to noticed smoke coming out from the front of car and I was fortunate enough to have a dry chemical fire extinguisher available to put out the flames. It appears that there was a valve cover oil leak that had dripped onto the exhaust manifold that caused the oil to ignite into flames. Resulting damage that I'm visually able to see was to all spark plug wires, engine coils, plastic engine cover, oil dipstick, right engine strut, wiring harness pigtail going to coil pack assembly and under hood insulation. I will not know full extent of damage until I attempt to perform the repairs myself. I have photos if someone would like to view them. Also, the mileage I listed of 99,400 is approximate, it is not exact as I am not near my car at the moment.

- Anderson, SC, USA

problem #24

Oct 212014

Impala

  • 196,000 miles

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

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.

- Rapid City, SD, USA

problem #23

Aug 152006

Impala

  • 67,876 miles
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.

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #22

Jul 112008

Impala 6-cyl

  • 37,545 miles
My wife was driving home from work when the engine stopped running and caused her to have to pull off the road. It took several minutes before car would restart. Since the first time she had this happen at least 3 times a year since. I've driven the car several times after she has told me it happened again and had our mechanic look at it also. Also have had the instrument panel gauges not working properly for 2 years now and haven't been able to figure out why, we think there is a short somewhere in the electrical system but have not been able to pin point it. The chrome plate aluminum alloy rims the chrome has been flaking off since the car was 2 years old and we now have to keep refilling the tires with air at least once a week. Have gone to the dealer a couple of times but get a run around that its not a problem with the car. I have talked to a gentleman who also has the only other 2004 Impala ss in our town and he has the same problems as we have had and gotten same response from our local dealer where we both bought our cars from. My Impala ss at this time has just over 80,000 miles on it and in addition to problems mentioned above we had to have power steering pump, rack in pinion and alternator replaced and looking like the rack in pinion is going out again as I write this. I've become very disappointed with Chevrolet over this car.

- Ashland, KY, USA

problem #21

Oct 162014

Impala

  • miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. After turning the key into the ignition switch, the vehicle failed to start until minutes later and the security alarm warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to dealer. The technician recommended the sensor light needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #20

Aug 152014

Impala

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 40 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine and the radiator overheated. The vehicle failed to shift out of park. The contact was able to merge the vehicle to the side of the road and poured water into the radiator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Gray, GA, USA

problem #19

Aug 302012

Impala 4WD 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
Tried to start car, wouldn't turn over even though car had power, no noises or sounds made when trying to turn over even though I had full power to radio winders doors and electric dash board. Had a new starter put in because I thought that was the issue. 2 weeks later security light comes on while driving and stayed on. Tried to turn car on same thing happened have power. But no turn over and security light is still on. Turned off car took out keys and left car alone came back later and car started w/O incident. No security light on. Same issue keeps happening maybe 4 times a month if not more have to wait 10 mins in order for car to start. Issue happens at gas station, home, work, hot and cold weather. Before I figured out 10 min delay had car towed and spent money on repairs that aren't necessary. Noticed one day while I sat in car for 10 mins in summer heat with 3 month daughter, that car makes a sort of computer humming/buzzing sound. After the 10 or so I hear a click or as I call it a shut down sound and then I am able to start car.

- Merced, CA, USA

problem #18

Aug 012009

Impala 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
Please help. I have a 2004 Chevy Impala. It has the GM passlock. The security light comes on the message board and sometimes the car will not start. The car has left me stranded about 25 times. I'm afraid one day it will be an emergency and my car is going to leave me stranded. This is a very common among Impala and other GM vehicles. This should be a recall asap. Thank you!

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #17

Aug 052014

Impala

  • 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. While idling at a traffic light, the vehicle was unable to accelerate and the reduce engine power warning indicator illuminated. An independent mechanic stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 114,000.

- Livonia, MI, USA

problem #16

Jul 132014

Impala

  • 64,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph and going over a pot hole. The vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.

- Sayre, PA, USA

problem #15

Jan 052014

Impala

  • 1 miles
I was driving my 2004 Impala when I hit a pot hole. I tried to turn and hit the brakes and nothing worked. I slammed on my emergency brake and after a while I realized the car had shut off completely. A month later my boyfriend had the same experience driving it.

- Watertown , MA, USA

problem #14

May 152013

Impala

  • 8 miles
We where ran into on driver side no airbag came out we have had lots of steering problems. As of today there is still problems with the steering wheel engine light stays on and we just wont drive on highway at all.

- Rockford, IL, USA

problem #13

Apr 022014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
After listening to a radio report on npr describing the problem with GM ignition switch recalls I decided to test my own car for related problems. As I pulled into my driveway I tapped on the key while it was in the ignition and the key switched from on to acc mode. This resulted in my car engine shutting off, power steering loss, assisted brake malfunction, battery warning light, and the airbag light came on. All of these problems happened exactly as the radio report said they would with a faulty ignition switch. Over the last 3 years my brother in-law and I have been having various problems with our ignitions and now I believe all these problems may be caused by the defect which GM has recently reported. I have contacted the GM recall hotline and reported my car model and VIN. They informed me that there is nothing they can do since they have not received enough reports linked to the Impala. I would appreciate the recall list being expanded to include the Impala if possible. At least the years of 2003 and 2004.

- Lees Summit, MO, USA

problem #12

Feb 242014

Impala

  • 192,000 miles
My vehicle recently started having issues with overheating. As soon as it would warm up the gauge would go the whole way past the hottest possible temp on the dash. My hot coolant temp light would come on and then I would have to pull over and turn the car off to let it cool. I took it to a mechanic who said that I would have to replace the head gaskets and intake gaskets. He researched it and said that he found that Impala from 20003-2007 had problems with the engines because of an additive that was put in the engine. I paid him over 1000 dollars to fix the issue because before I took it to him I took it to a different mechanic who said it was the radiator so I got that fixed which cost me close to 500 dollars. So even after I got both of these problems fixed my car still overheats.

- Mechanicsburg, PA, USA

problem #11

Oct 182013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
Engine stops running are random times. Won't restart for about 20 minutes. Very unsafe condition. Dealer says they cannot replicate the occurrence, but wouldn't come check out the vehicle when it stalled 1 mile from their dealership.

- Mendon, MA, USA

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