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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,991 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2004 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Dec 012016

Impala

  • 73,291 miles

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

2004 Chevrolet Impala. Consumer writes in regards to fuel lines and brake lines corrosion. Consumer has another vehicle correspondence listed in artemis. The consumer stated both the floor brakes and emergency brakes failed. No warning lights illuminated prior to the failure.

- Lockport, IL, USA

problem #28

Jul 272014

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the wheels seized and caused the contact to crash into a concrete barrier. The air bags did not deploy. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 87,000. Updated 09/17/14 updated 02/12/2015

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #27

Apr 222013

Impala

  • 168,000 miles
I have had my 2004 Impala into the shop three times now with regards to the traction light going on when I turned along with trac off and ABS warning lights going on. Initially the service lights would go on when turning right or left. The ABS would make a noise like it was cycling. Just last week on the highway the traction service light went on while driving at 60 mph. I have had to stop and the brakes would pulsate with no braking capabilities then it would catch and I would be able to stop with pumping the brake. I almost had an accident. The first time a repair was made two weeks ago and replaced wheel hub assemblies on both front tires and front brakes were replaced. This is time frame went the brakes went out. I was told the back brakes were ok. The second time - the mechanic replaced the right bearing after the lights went on again after 5 days of driving. Now it is in the shop to replace the wire harness for the traction and ABS when the service lights went on again. The wire is rock hard.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #26

Dec 122012

Impala 6-cyl

  • 121,000 miles

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

Traction control system activates when it should not. Brake pedal has buzzing noise and pressure while braking from around 35 mph. Causes the vehicle to jerk to the right. Also, when the tcs activates when it should not, it does not allow for acceleration and has left me pulling out of a side street to almost getting struck by cross traffic. Both are very dangerous situations!

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #25

Mar 252010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
My wife got into a wreck because Chevy has not recalled these issues. My 2004 Impala ABS brakes malfunctioned along with my traction control, she tried to stop at a stop sign and the brake pedal kicked up and would not let her stop she removed her foot from the brake and tried pressing the pedal back down and it kicked up kicking in the ABS and traction control not allowing her to stop and she ran into a snow bank but my insurance paid for the body work but not the mechanical problems I replaced both hubs on the front, quit doing it for a week or so and then when I drive it the traction control and ABS kicks in while im driving down the road. Now my speedometer, tachometer and temp gauge are not workin at 0 RPM my car is doing 90 mph as it sits in my garage not starting because my key will not turn to start it my steering wheel will not lock and because I cant turn my key I can not put my car in neutral to push it out of my garage so I can get it towed I have read so many issues on these and other GM models I am surprised that there was no recalls when I called had this car for 4 years and nothing but problems and money so as my car sits in my garage as it will till these items get recalled I am not putting anymore money in this car I will drive my 98 infiniti that I have had for almost 10 years because I know its dependable. Never again GM will you get another cent from me I have never had this many problems with any car.

- Galion, OH, USA

problem #24

Sep 212011

Impala 6-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
When pulling out of my parking spot, the traction control/ABS light comes on and stays on for the duration of my drive which is usually just around 9 miles (I drive to and from work). This has been going on for months and happens every time I pull out from a parking spot. On some occasions when trying to stop the brakes make a grinding noise and it takes a bit more effort than usual to stop. What could be causing the traction/ABS light to come on everytime I drive my car.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #23

Aug 292011

Impala

  • 166,032 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact was driving 50 mph when the brakes engaged independently. The contact was able to pull off the road and into a shopping center where a small fire erupted in the vehicle. The fire was extinguished and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the brakes had become extremely hot and caused the fire. The brake pads, rotors, calipers and hoses were replaced. The contact called the manufacturer regarding a recall under NHTSA campaign I.D. number: 04V287000 (service brake, hydraulic) but the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 166,032.

- Fallston, NC, USA

problem #22

Oct 022011

Impala

  • miles
I have a Chevy Impala and the service traction light comes on, the traction off light stays on and the ABS light stays on then when you use your brakes it is like the brake is pushing your foot back up. This is going to cause someone to get hurt. I have replaced the wheel bearings 5-6 times in a year. It will work for a very few months and then it starts all over again. Last Thursday I had put an expensive set of the wheel bearings on it and brakes all way round on the car. It did not make it out of the shop before all of these lights started coming back on. So I had new wheel bearings put back on it again today and it is still doing this. GM needs to have this problem fixed. They should do a recall and fix this problem, from what I can read on the internet there is a lot of people having this same issue and it is costing everyone a lot of money.

- Happy , KY, USA

problem #21

Jun 282011

Impala 6-cyl

  • 49,884 miles
Brake pad and rotor. At 14,584 & 49,883 miles pads on all 4 wheels & rear rotors were replaced. Pads because of severe wear. Rear rotors on both ocassions were severely rusted and warped causing the front brakes to provide all the braking force resulting in severe wear & damage to the front pads. At 14584miles took car to Chevy. Dealer because of noise at rear when stopping. Rear rotors & pads replaced under warranty, front pads at our cost. At about 35000 had front brakes checked because of loud squealing, found front pads to be glazed. Rears not checked at this time. AT49884 miles brakes gave out when exiting X-way. When the wheels were pulled rear rotors were again found to be completely rusted & warped. One of the front pads had broken & fallen out, the other pads were severely worn. Once again the front brakes were doing all the stopping because of the defective rear rotors. This time we had to pay for the whole repair. Chevy. Dealer said GM felt this was normal wear. Two sets of warped & rusted rotors in less than 50000 miles does not seem like normal wear, it appears more likely to be a defect in the quality or design of the rotors & the premature failure of the pads is a result of this defect. A web search of this problem shows that we are not the only people having this defect with rusty & warped rear rotors on GM products of the same model year. Service tech's I've talk to about it tell me it's not uncommon to see.

- Jackson, MI, USA

problem #20

Jun 252011

Impala

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when making turns at low speeds, the brakes would grind and exhibit an abnormal noise. Also, the ABS warning light would illuminate after the failure occurred. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised that the ABS sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired yet shortly after leaving the dealer, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #19

Jun 162011

Impala 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,388 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 downhill at a low speed, the low brake fluid light illuminated on the instrument panel. After reaching his destination, the contact examined the vehicle and noticed a brake fluid leak. The contact also stated that the brake lines near the master cylinder were severely rusted. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to replace the brake lines. The leaking brake line was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 26,388. Updated 08/01/11 updated 08/03/11

- Mckee Sport, PA, USA

problem #18

Jun 022011

Impala 6-cyl

  • 51,220 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 30 mph she attempted to stop at the traffic light when the brakes were depressed and extended to the floor. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who performed a diagnostic test that located the failure within the three brake lines. The brakes lines failed due to corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer replaced the corroded brake lines. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current miles were 51,220. Updaetd 07/20/11 updated 02/28/12

- Manchester, CT, USA

problem #17

Mar 042011

Impala

  • 40,000 miles
Event: Use the brakes. Failure: Front end shakes. Repair: Replace rotors. Event: Drive at any speed. Failure: Speedometer gone haywire, says your going 20 when you are going 70? repair: Rebuilt instrument cluster. Event: Any time engine running. Failure: Temp gauge haywire. You pull over thinking your car is overheating; it's not. Repair: Rebuilt instrument cluster. Event: Any time engine running. Failure: Fuel gauge haywire. Don't know how much fuel you have, could run out of gas (did not happen to me). Repair: Rebuilt instrument cluster. Event: Using blinkers. Failure: Blinkers either don't work when activated, or flash randomly. Repair: Replace blinker/hazard module. Event: Turning ignition key failure: No crank, no start - security light on. Wait a while, car starts like nothing happened. Repair: Bypassed and disabled security 'passlock' switch. Event: Using wipers/rain. Failure: Windshield wipers stop in middle of windshield, continue after turning off, or don't come on when switch turned on. Repair: Replace wiper motor & pulse board. Event: Stop at intersection with engine running failure: Engine surging and stalling. You must keep your foot planted on the brake so that you don't run into the car in front of you. It stalled out of state in an intersection. Repair: Replace mass air flow sensor (maf). This most recent maf problem was the last straw. This car has other non-safety related electrical problems, as well as the normal wear items that you would replace on a 'real car'. this car is a rolling electrical disaster. This car is a money pit, just like its manufacturer. Good luck with that Chevy volt.

- Westbrook, ME, USA

problem #16

Nov 022009

Impala

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when applying the brakes, there was an abnormal noise coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop who diagnosed that the ABS system was defective and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.

- Prairieville, LA, USA

problem #15

Nov 242010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 32,000 miles
The ABS light on my mother's 2004 Chevrolet Impala (only 32,000 miles) ABS light recently started coming on. She took it to the local GM dealership. They referenced a GM service bulletin that requires replacement of harnesses and sensors. $367 dealer would not cover warranty because of vehicle age despite our complaint. We elevated the issue up to GM district service (case# 71-898488738). After several calls GM has offered 50% back. Regardless, it is unacceptable to not policy safety system beyond standard warranty coverage. Questionable if this should be recall. We found four other complaints and one investigation in NHTSA data base of same issue.

- Carrollton, TX, USA

problem #14

Jun 112006

Impala

  • 17,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5mph the brakes would start making a grinding sound and the vehicle would pulsate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they turned the rear rotors and stated that they could only be turned one time. The failure seemed to be resolved but the failure recurred. This time the dealer stated that the brakes were "frozen" because the owner didn't drive the vehicle often enough. The front rotors were turned and then the failure happened again. The dealer stated, this time, that the entire braking system needed to be replaced. The rotors, calipers and pads were replaced in the front and rear. The failure has returned. The contact has contacted General Motors. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. The current mileage is approximately 42,000. Updated 10/27/10.

- Newport, ME, USA

problem #13

Feb 082010

Impala

  • 140,000 miles
Have changed rotors multiple times, after about a month when braking at high speeds 45mph or higher, car shakes from pulsating brakes. In wet weather makes the car a little uncontrollable dealer says oh its how it is, GM is aware but they don't feel it is a real issue. This among the inability of the heating system to work for more than a year before its components need to be replaced is ridiculous. I had been a loyal GM customer. So sorry wont be anymore this is insane to pay this much for a vehicle and it have this many issues since purchase.

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #12

Oct 222009

Impala

  • 8,818 miles
New 2004 Chevy Impala ls first use 3/23/05. Three times since purchase I've had to replace a wheel bearing & hub assembly. March of 2006 the right rear, January of 2008 the left rear, October of 2009 the right front. Each time the ABS and service traction system lights were on. I paid $636.31 this last time. This appears to be a poor design and a safety issue which could lead to the car being undriveable. I was told that the tires would begin to wobble and the steering would be affected if not repaired within a certain amount of time. I've seen on line I'm not the only one who has had a problem with this defect. I'm concerned that the 4th one will fail, or the other 3 that have been replaced will fail again. I am #1 concerned with my safety & the safety of others on the road. I am also concerned about the money I've had to pay because of this design defect.

- Stevens Point, WI, USA

problem #11

Jul 012009

Impala

  • 73,000 miles
2004 Impala, brake rotors warping. Car has approx 73,000 miles. In that time both front and rear brake rotors have been replaced or resurfaced approx 4-5 times due to pulsing when brakes are applied.

- Rockford, IL, USA

problem #10

Sep 042008

Impala

  • 38,000 miles
At 38,000 miles...the speedometor fails when you are on the highway. At first it just slowly dropped to 0. then the thermometer went haywire; I ck'd the engine everything was fine...it registers all around the globe now. Now the speedometoer works when it wants to....I travel a lot, and this thing settles down after a long trip hopefully...last time it went to the bottom of the gauge. I just can't wait for a cop to see my malfunction. Can he still give me a ticket if I legally have no idea how fast I am traveling? legally you should get that ticket! make me see a judge GM! I bought a GM certified car in order to find out that it does not mean anything! your brakes are killing me too! my boss's Toyota is going on 80,000 mi. They will be good for $100,000 mi. I am the one putting on the highway miles here! I am at approx. $50,000 miles. Remember...I got the car at $28,000 miles. I am a highway traveler.....in just a year I have put on $20,000 miles. Highway miles! I think GM got bad brakes! the rotors are done! I thought I was buying a safe trustworthy car. I got trash. I will buy foreign next time; especially if you do not cover my instrument cluster gone wrong!

- Lansing, MI, USA

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