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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
12 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,358 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #31

May 152013

Impala

  • 8 miles

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

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 #30

Sep 062012

Impala

  • 50,000 miles
The intermediate shaft is defective and clunks when turning and low speeds.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

problem #29

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 #28

Feb 242014

Impala

  • 110,000 miles

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

The traction control turns on very frequently without control, lightappear claim that the traction system need services and some other time the sinf of the ABS I constantly push the tracking system off when is on but do not respond at oll. This causes the car to make a grinding noise. When braking the car makes a grinding noise and car is not stopping it feels like it's locking up and my steering going from left to right in sliding way to. In a sudden stop needing to be made is at great risk of a accident, already was close to pass over a peaton that was mad at me and hit my car in the back because of this problem that I tray to correct but is a manufacture defect to resolve as some as yesteryears, Y hope that nobody are kill already, but I will hold starting with "GM Chevrolet"responsible for anything who happened to me and family.

- Sanford, FL, USA

problem #27

Nov 032009

Impala 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
Well I'm so tired of repairing the same problem.this ABS issues are driving me crazy I mean I already replaced the [xxx] computer the bearings the cable that sends the signal and still this problem is going on in since 2009. Ever since 2009 is ridiculous and dangerous I mean is a matter of time before this issue becomes an accident I mean I'm driving fine and all of a sudden the [xxx] car acts all stupid the brakes don't even work fine because the ABS system makes them push back to you and then it makes your car pull to the right for no reason it so annoying I'm a hard working person I have invested a lot of money into my car for GMC to sell me a dangerous car I also had to get another motor because the original would shake when ever you would accelerate but I just want to get this dangerous issue fixed please make them repair my car because sooner or later my wife or me are going to have an accident....thank you information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #26

Aug 202013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 76,000 miles
Car makes a popping noise from steering. The car started shifting hard occasionally but then goes away. The steering will get tight then really loose. Car feels unsafe to drive. Especially over a bumpy road feels like you have loose wheels. The car only has 78,800 miles on it. This is insane and I will never again buy a Chevrolet! I have kids and feel unsafe driving my car with them in it! I wrecked this vehicle when I tried to apply brakes and the wheels squealed but did not lock up nor did it stop! brakes are fine and in good condition not sure why it wont stop. Has happened 5-8 times and car slides! thank god we didn't get severely injured! Impala's should be taken off the market if U ask me.

- Goodlettsville, TN, USA

problem #25

Jan 232013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 120,135 miles

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

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 #24

May 012012

Impala

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that a clunking sound emitted from the steering column while driving over bumps or while turning. The failure recurred at various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. An authorized dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09E005000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #23

Jul 232008

Impala

  • miles
1) tried to slow car down. Car would not turn nor halt. Ended up hitting the vehicle in front of me. Restored it 100%. 2) a year later, had 3 brand new rack and pinion's replaced in one month. Had the vehicle checked out. The A-frame is in excellent shape and so is the area surrounding the rack and pinon. Have pictures and mechanics as proof. 3) called the Chevy company & was told that the car was manufactured in Wisconsin. They claim they saw no reason to help with the rack & pinion as those cars were recall-free. 4) car leans towards oncoming traffic at times (this started after each rack and pinion was replaced). There is also a 2 O'clock and 10 O'clock dead zone in the steering column. Steering used to feel a bit normal. It was not like this until I had a new rack and pinion put on. Twice (in between) the boot would excessively leak (as did the original from Chevy). 5) when I turn the wheel out of the driveway, the car makes kick drumming grinding sounds. Was told this was normal. It is irritating though. 6) the car didn't even hit it's 5th year (being new) before it started to rust paint off the top of its roof. I live where there is no snow or coast, and extremely little ice. 7) the check engine light never goes off. Had it checked. Was told it was fine. 8) was driving right next to a cop going down a steep hill when the speedometer stuck at 10 mph. I crossed my fingers that I wasn't speeding since I kept my speed next to the officer. Replaced. 9) combo turning signal & cruise broke off the steering for no reason during a turn. Replaced. 10) locks me out off & on for no reason. 11) this car is my baby as it was one of the last thing I got that was my mother's before she died. It is also my first car that has seen me through (and still) my college years. It is very sentimental to me for those reasons. My dream is to keep this car even when it's a classic.

- Lorena, TX, USA

problem #22

Sep 142010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 78,000 miles
Clicking noise in front end whenever I turn right. Jacked up off the ground there is no noise when in gear and turning right. Is it steering or suspension problem. Replaced both cv joints and hubs. Still clicking.

- Martinez, GA, USA

problem #21

Apr 012008

Impala

  • miles

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

2004 Impala, clunking noise in steering. Seems to be a common problem with this model. It has progressively gotten worse. Now I have slightly loose steering with noticeable play in the steering. Thanks for standing behind known manufacturing problems GM! will be my last GM automobile.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #20

Mar 292010

Impala

  • 50,000 miles
Steering rack, fixed on 8/27/09 on 3/29/10 cannot steer to left, limited on right twice turning to left car could not almost had accident with on coming cars and parked cars car towed to my mechanic, says work was done on this, to take back to them. Had to tow to dealers. Was the steering rack once more.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #19

Jan 252010

Impala

  • 89,210 miles
2004 Chevrolet Impala power steering locks making driver unable to turn car during rain or driving through puddles. Started out happening only a second or two, but got progressively worse. Several times, engine cut off, or I had to cut it off to be able to restore power steering. Had it "fixed" by dealer who replaced cluster. It did it again the very next rain. No accident but a "near miss" because I could not get out of the way of a construction site dump truck. I was told I was driving through puddles too fast. I live in Florida, and there is a lot of rain and poor drainage. Other cars going speed limit were not having this problem. It is very dangerous, as I drive a carpool of four children to school. I am sure a manufacture problem, since I saw other similar complaints on twitter

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #18

Nov 092009

Impala

  • 68,103 miles
Clunking noise from steering column. I know it is the intermediate steering shaft again. It was replaced in Nov. 2007 and has recurred 20,000 miles later in Nov. 2009. Dealer trying to make me pay for it again.

- Longmeadow, MA, USA

problem #17

Dec 272008

Impala

  • miles
Own 2004 Chevrolet Impala. Had vehicle inspected for pulsating feel in steering shaft in 10-10-2005,08-31-06,01-24-07 and finally 12-27-08. Steering shaft was lubricated on 08-31-06 for insufficient lubrication. Now Chevrolet dealer says I need to replace the intermediate steering shaft after my warranty has expired! please refer to NHTSA campaign id number 08E063000 component: Steering. Thank you for your attention into this matter.

- Manalapan, NJ, USA

problem #16

Jan 312008

Impala

  • 21,000 miles
Began noticing clicking in steering during turns. My 2004 had approximately 21,000 miles on it at that time. Took it to dealer who test drove it and commented that Chevrolet has had an on-going problem with the steering shaft. A fix would cost over $300. I wrote several letters to GM asking why I was asked to pay for repairs on an item they sold knowing it was defective. They eventually offered to pay half the cost of the repairs. I had it repaired by the dealer at a cost of around $140. After describing it to friends who also owned Chevy's (trucks) they commented that theirs was doing the same thing. Made us wonder why a recall wasn't ordered..

- Portage, MI, USA

problem #15

Dec 012007

Impala

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 50 mph and decelerating, the contact observed that the speedometer was providing inaccurate readings. The failure occurs frequently and without warning. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer. In addition, the steering wheel makes a loud clunking noise when making a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no malfunctions were found with the steering wheel. The failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 103,000.

- Steele, AL, USA

problem #14

Dec 012007

Impala

  • 98,000 miles
The speedometer started getting stuck about six months ago. For about eight months I have noticed that when I turn the steering wheel I hear a noise in the front of the car, like a knock or something. Also within the last couple of months I have also smelled gas when I first start the car, my husband could not see any leakage or anything until last week. It was leaking from the fuel regulator valve. Now the transmission is starting to shift hard sometimes. I haven't had the money to get it all checked out by the manufacturer but I was wondering if there have been any complaints on any of these things. Also I can hear a whistling sound when I press the accelerator. And my husband just informed me that he bought a regulator valve for it and some O rings because something is leaking antifreeze slightly. Can you help please!!!!!!!!

- Steele, AL, USA

problem #13

Jun 262007

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
There is a clicking sound coming from the steering column when turning...started after about 25,000 miles......it always occurs, everytime, and is very annoying.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #12

Jan 302008

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
We purchased our 2004 Impala new in may of 2004. There are currently 56,000 miles on it. The speedometer acts crazily and we also have the noise and vibration the steering column. The dealership says the steering shaft will cost at least $100 and a new instrument cluster $300. That doesn't include the cost of labor and state sales tax! these defects need to be addressed. I am almost fearful to let my wife drive this car. After reading all these complaints, I can't believe the government is failing the american consumer trying to buy american products. No wonder the foreign car companies are eating detroit's lunch!

- Colver, PA, USA

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