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.
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at a slow rate of speed he could feel bumping and clunking in the steering wheel. Took it back to where he purchased the vehicle and they inspected the vehicle but could not identify the any defects or failures. He took the vehicle to the Chevrolet dealer and they informed him to take the vehicle to a service center for the repairs needed. They informed him to take the vehicle back to the dealer because there is a technical service bulletin regarding the problem he is experiencing. He took the vehicle back to the dealer after they inspected the vehicle they informed him that he needed the steering shaft replaced. The failure mileage was 37,000 and current mileage was 49,425. Update 09/18/08.
-the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 45-50 mph, the steering wheel and the entire vehicle began to shake. The contact stated that the service traction system light and the ABS light remain illuminated. The current mileage was 100,929 and failure mileage was 65,000.
: the contact stated while turning the steering wheel to the left, it made a rough noise and felt as if it were dragging. The noise was more noticeable at 5-10 mph. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer who disassembled the steering shaft and added grease. The problem has now returned after 40,000 miles and the dealer recommended adding the grease under regular scheduled maintenance. However, the unit is sealed and the contact does not understand why grease needed to be added a second time. The manufacturer was also alerted. Updated 6-27-2006 -
: the contact stated when the steering wheel is turned to either the left or right a loud popping noise is heard. The dealership determined the intermediate steering shaft joints were wore out. The dealership does not have a remedy for this problem.
- Jennings, OK, USA
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I own a 2001 Chevrolet Impala with a steering problem. The dealer "repaired" the steering mechanism twice under warranty and now I have the same problem. The steering makes a loud clunking noise when turning, or going slow. After 3 times I have now concluded it is also causing problems with my brakes and tire wear. I get a steady vibration and the steering feels loose. I have replaced brakes, rotors and tires. Please check into this. I believe it is dangerous. It feels like I will lose control of my car. I noticed there have many complaints about this same clunking noise and would appreciate a recall from GM.
I took my 2001 Impala to the GM dealer at 23K miles for a noise in the steering column, at that time they said they had to replace an intermediate steering shaft plus other issues non related. At 73K they removed the shaft and lubed it and replaced left outer tie rod for $510+. at 98K my front wheel hubs were replaced and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft again and charged me $125 for the shaft and another $975+ for the rest. When I took the car back two weeks later for yet another steering problem they said it was my rack and pinion this time and charged me $1083. That was today, tonight on my way home with my wife, the car did the same thing while turning right on an exit ramp. I called 1-800-GM and they said they could not do anything for me except offer me a GM loyalty cert good for some $ off a purchase of a new GM product. I have been faithful returning to the GM dealer each time with steering problems (and other issues not related) expecting a fix and over the almost 5 years and almost 100K miles and many dollars spent I have lost my faith in GM.
After a year of clunking sounds in the steering column, I've just taken the car in for service. I was told in the past that it was not a problem. Now the sounds all add up to $1500 in repairs, for a problem that I've found 4 other Impala owners have. Needed for repair are steering gear, steering shaft, power steering pump, serpentine belt (old anyway), and all wheel alignment (recommended for this work). All totaling just under $1700. My aunt had a similar problem, it was repaired twice under warranty. Talking on break at work, found out our company car (Impala) has the same issue, another employees Impala has the same noise. This is a manufacturer problem that they will not recognize.
The consumer was driving when she heard a clanking noise and could feel it in the steering wheel. This happened most of the time, but not all the time. Some days the noise would not be apparent. Last week before it was worked on, the consumer could feel the vibration in the brake pedal. Consumer said that sound did not seem to follow any apparent cycle or seem to become more defined at any certain time. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for repairs, and was apparently fixed. Consumer was told that the problem was the steering intermediate shaft. The consumer said that this problem had been occurring for the last year.
A clanking/growling noise was heatd while driving and making turns. Vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the consumer that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. Consumer had a concern that the vehicle had less then 41,000 miles of wear. The battery was replaced.
The consumer was having a problem with the steering. The consumer contacted the dealer and was told that the manufacturer was aware of the steering problem but was not doing anything about it. Provide further details. The steering shaft was taken out an greased. Tie rods went bad on the right side.
Steering makes clunk at low speed turns and makes a whining noise. Steering seems to slip on cornering at higher speeds. This is a safety problem! 2001 Impala has been in to have the intermediate shaft lubricated 3 times now. First at 17,840 miles on 11/16/01, then at 22,773 miles on 2/26/02 and the third time at 43,594 on 2/3/04. Chevrolet needs to address this problem!
Chronic coolant leak on 2001 Impala ls. Dealer replaced manifold under warranty. Also in first 2 years, wheel bearing, intermediate steering shaft required replacement, as well as roof molding.
Consumer states upon starting the vehicle a swishing would come from the steering wheel while driving or making turns. Also, when standing still and not touching the steering wheel, sound gets louder. Dealer and the manufacturer were notified. Nlm
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Murrells Inlet, SC, USA