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CarComplaints.com Notes: Top complaints for the 2006 Chevy Impala include how the transmission slips, clunks and fails. Or how the power steering knocks and squeals. In other words, this car is a noisy bucket of eventual failure points.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
16 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
10 / 0
Average Mileage:
67,060 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.

2006 Chevrolet Impala steering problems

steering problem

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2006 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #31

Mar 302009

Impala

  • 37,640 miles

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

While going to work on 3/30/2009 I was unable to steer my 2006 Chevy Impala I slid down the road on the drivers door there was extensive damage to my car and I broke a bone in my knee.

- Meadville, PA, USA

problem #30

Jan 232010

Impala 8-cyl

  • 40,154 miles
While driving entering state highway with 65 mph speed limit the power steering line ruptured and became difficult to steer.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #29

Dec 062009

Impala

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. He discovered recall # 09E005000 (steering) for his year, make, and mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected for one full day. After the day of service he was advised that the recall did not apply to his vehicle. One week after the inspection. While driving he lost power steering without warning and crashed into a snow embankment. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and repaired. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was unknown.

- Palos Hill, IL, USA

problem #28

Dec 022009

Impala

  • 53,000 miles

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

I have a 2006 Chevy Impala and the steering is terrible. It clunks and when I put on the brake it goes to the left, having no control. Please is this covered in a recall.

- Attica, MI, USA

problem #27

Nov 162009

Impala

  • 61,000 miles
Steering: I started hearing a noise - like a clunking in, at the same time I would feel it in my steering wheel...when I would turn left or right, it would clunk and kind of shake or vibrate....it got worse and worse and every time I would turn the car to the left or right, it would clunk louder and could hear it and feel it. I went to the local auto repair, and they found that they had to replace the intermediate steering shaft....this part cost $120 plus the labor to install.

- Shakopee, MN, USA

problem #26

Oct 122009

Impala

  • 33,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The steering shaft elicits violent vibrations and noises. There was a recall for an after market steering part (see NHTSA campaign id number: 09E005000), but his vehicle identification number was not included. The vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer where they found the steering shaft was faulty and either would need to be replaced or repacked. No repairs had been made to date. The current and failure mileages were under 33,000.

- Lumberton, NC, USA

problem #25

Mar 012008

Impala

  • miles

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

On many late model Chevrolet and GM cars, there is a clunking issue on the intermediate steering shafts. I have taken mine to the dealer and at that time the fix was to repack the shaft with grease or put a new one on. This fi is at the owners expense. GM and Chevrolet are very experienced with this issue as doing an internet search will bring up many articles. There are at least two redesign of this component. This component is not even a scheduled maintenance item. The fact that there are design iterations but still no recall is ludicrous. If my owners manual said grease the steering shaft every 10000 miles, I can understand no recall. But Chevy has never stated it to be a maintenance item and the fact there are redesigns says there is and issue that needs to be looked after.

- Clinton, WI, USA

problem #24

Sep 052006

Impala

  • 38,000 miles
Brought car to dealer said iss needed to be replaced....I was told per GM this is not a recall product just a noise issue. I beg to differ. The iss is hindering the steering to my vehicle as well as making clunking noises. It is hindering my breaking ability...car pulls to side. It is hindering my ability to take off from complete stop tires are stuttering. Dealership said iss needed to be replaced. Nothing else wrong with car. This is a serious safety issue and should be recalled.

- Bridge City, LA, USA

problem #23

Apr 032009

Impala

  • 41,214 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. Whenever the contact is parking or turning the vehicle, the power steering fails. He took the vehicle to the dealer at least three times, but they could not correct the failure. The contact was advised to call the manufacturer for assistance. The failure mileage was 41,214.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #22

Jun 072006

Impala

  • 70,000 miles
We have a 2006 Chevy Impala and the steering locks up. It locks up at varying speeds and varying lengths of time. Yesterday we were forced off the road because the steering would not work. The mechanics say they don't know what it is. Fortunately there was no one along side us when we crossed the other lanes of traffic.

- Gordon, WI, USA

problem #21

Apr 302009

Impala

  • 43,000 miles

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

2006 Impala ss power steering leak. Driving and suddenly lost power steering. I had to have towed in and cost me over $300 to repair.

- Newburgh, IN, USA

problem #20

Mar 202009

Impala

  • 69,329 miles
I was driving my vehicle to work in heavy traffic in the middle lane of major Michigan highway (I-75). As I headed into a right curve on the highway, my vehicle began to make a very loud squealing noise under the hood and my steering wheel pulled out of my hands, and the vehicle began to pull back straight. It became very difficult to steer my vehicle to the right, so I pull out of traffic as quickly as possible. Once I was able to pull off to the shoulder of the highway, I shut my vehicle off. I took my car to the closest Chevrolet dealership for an inspection. The service department explained to me that the power steering line had burst, causing a rapid loss of power steering fluid and lack of vehicle control. They replaced the defective line at a total cost of $438. I reluctantly paid for the repairs after finding out this defect was not covered by the "GM certified 100,000 mile powertrain warranty". what I fail to understand is why would a product that serves such a vital safety feature in a vehicle, not be held to higher quality standards and be covered for a longer period of time. Based on the recent number of incidents reported by consumers for this same year, make and model, I feel this type of defect needs to recalled by GM before serious injuries or lives are lost. I don't think I have been more panicked behind the wheel than I was at that time.

- Clio, MI, USA

problem #19

Mar 202009

Impala

  • 71,000 miles
I was driving vehicle and went to turn onto my street and power steering failed causing loss of steering and came close to hitting a utility pole. Upon inspection I noticed hydraulic piping for the power steering had sprung a leak. In searching for a bulletin I discovered #060232014. NHTSA campaign#10020769. I have set an appointment at a dealership to repair. However, this incident could have had fatal outcome. I believe that this goes beyond a service bulletin and should be further invesigated. Loss of life should not be the determining factor.

- Greenbush, MI, USA

problem #18

Jan 232009

Impala

  • 45,500 miles
On Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 I experienced a loss of steering on my 2006 Impala ltz mileage 45,500. While driving on a dual lane hwy. When the traffic light allowed I tried to turn left, steering very stiff I pulled over, raised hood saw smoke, called dealer was told could not get repairs until Monday. I called tow truck as it was covered under my extended warranty. I asked about a loaner car, none available, extended warranty paid all but deductible. I picked up the car on Monday seemed okay, after leaving work place Tuesday afternoon, lost my steering again was able to drive back to dealer about five miles, was told the hose hadn't seated properly took an hour for repairs this time. Today stiffness returning. Will look for another car soon, lost confidence in GMC products. Please recall for this problem before somebody gets hurt.

- Havre De Grace, MD, USA

problem #17

Jan 302009

Impala

  • 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for failures with the heater blowing cool air, the gear shift changing incorrectly, and the tire monitor indicator constantly illuminating. On January 30, 2008, the contact drove approximately 25 miles. She then pulled into the driveway and noticed smoke underneath the hood, followed by flames. She quickly extinguished the fire and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. It was diagnosed that the power steering hose failed and caused the fluid to leak. The vehicle will be repaired. The current and failure mileages were 51,000.

- Verona, VA, USA

problem #16

Feb 042009

Impala

  • 76,003 miles
I pulled out of the driveway and the car's power steering was limited. I thought it was just because it was a very cold morning, and it started working properly. I checked the fluid when I stopped and it seemed fine. A week later, I pull out of the driveway and the same thing! my husband checked the fluid and it was low. When I returned home, not only was there a bunch of fluid on the driveway, but you could see how I pulled out and the stream of fluid of where I went. Thank goodness, I learned to drive on a Jeep that had no power steering!!! if it had been one of my teenagers, it would have been a different story. From what I have read, this is a major issue and Chevrolet needs to step up and place a recall on these hoses!!!

- Silvis, IL, USA

problem #15

Feb 042009

Impala

  • 30,000 miles
Last March, 2008 power steering went out of car, so took to mechanic. After paying over $400 to repair hose and power steering pump on car that had only 30,000 miles. Now in February of 2009, less than one year later, I have the same problem with the power steering going out again. I see that there are alot of complaints about this same thing. I think GM should do something about it and launch a recall to fix the problem before someone gets hurt seriously or worse killed.

- Milladore, WI, USA

problem #14

Jan 202009

Impala

  • 29,733 miles
Without warning, the power steering "went out" on my car as I was driving down the road. I sensed the stiffness in the steering, was on a very straight road, and was able to slow the car and bring it to a stop. Had I been on a road with curves, I would most certainly have had a bad accident. I had the car towed to a dealership for repair, and when I picked it up I noted this on the description: "customer states car has no power steering. Cause: Improperly sealed. " further: "diagnose and replace split power steering cooler pipe hose and per bulletin 060232014." I don't know if this is a reference that is strictly "how to repair this problem" or if this indicates that this is a noted problem. If so, it should be a recall! my car has less than 30,000 miles and has been driven very conservatively. If this problem has occurred with any frequency, then it is a dangerous condition that requires a recall. When the power steering goes out completely and without warning, and you're on the expressway or a road with curves, a serious traffic accident is bound to occur.

- Swartz Creek, MI, USA

problem #13

Jan 142009

Impala

  • 64,000 miles
First the wheel had a shimmy in it. The rotors were replaced and new brakes. That wasn't it. It was the front ball joint. 2. car wouldn't heat up. Radiator cap replaced at dealer for 45 dollars. Rear defogger quit working. 4. power steering out now and it feels like the rack and pinion going to fail. Car no longer under warranty now with 64K. I am tired of this lemon.

- Ionia, MI, USA

problem #12

Jul 152007

Impala

  • 65,000 miles
Loss of power steering assist due to blown hose and complete loss of fluid. Approximately 65,000 miles. Paid for repair myself.

- Durand, MI, USA

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