Illustration2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER DOES NOT REGISTER THE CORRECT SPEED. IT MAY INDICATE OVER 100 + WHEN OTHER CARS ARE PASSING. SPEED MAY INDICATE OVER 100 WHEN CAR IS PARKED AND KEY IS REMOVED FROM IGNITION. *TR
2004 Chevrolet Impala
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Impala years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
750–25K
15325–50K
23950–75K
15975–100K
158100–150K
76150K+
860 reports with mileage · 212 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 681 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 104 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
44 crash reports21 fire reports34 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
681 reportsWAS DRIVING NORMALLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE DROPPED FROM THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION TO THE 6 O'CLOCK POSITION. IT NOW OPERATES SPORADICALLY AND IS USUALLY 10-15 MILES OFF. WORKING ON GETTING THE PROBLEM REPAIRED. *TR
THE SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER GAUGES ON MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT HAYWIRE. THEN THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STARTS TO FAIL ONE GAUGE AT A TIME UNTIL NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK. *TR
SPEEDOMETER BEGAN ACTING ERRATICALLY AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES. I CORRECTED THE PROBLEM MYSELF BY SENDING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO AN ONLINE VENDOR WHO REPLACED THE MOTORS IN ALL FIVE OF THE GAUGES. I DID THIS AFTER SEEING MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND RESEARCHING THE COST TO FIX. THE WORST ALTERNATIVE WAS TO RETURN THE CLU…
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SPEEDOMETER BEGAN ACTING ERRATICALLY AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES. I CORRECTED THE PROBLEM MYSELF BY SENDING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER TO AN ONLINE VENDOR WHO REPLACED THE MOTORS IN ALL FIVE OF THE GAUGES. I DID THIS AFTER SEEING MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND RESEARCHING THE COST TO FIX. THE WORST ALTERNATIVE WAS TO RETURN THE CLUSTER TO THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
2004 CHEVY IMPALA WOULD NOT START. SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLES SECURITY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM CAN SOMETIMES LOCKUP MAKING IT APPEAR AS IF THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. WAS TOLD TO RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM AS FOLLOWS...TURN KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT 10 MINU…
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2004 CHEVY IMPALA WOULD NOT START. SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLES SECURITY ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM CAN SOMETIMES LOCKUP MAKING IT APPEAR AS IF THE CAR IS BEING STOLEN. VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. WAS TOLD TO RESET THE SECURITY SYSTEM AS FOLLOWS...TURN KEY TO ON POSITION AND WAIT 10 MINUTES UNTIL SECURITY LIGHT STOPS FLASHING. TURN THE KEY OFF FOR 5 SECONDS AND RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAS WORKED EACH TIME WE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS STRANDED..BY HERSELF..AT 10:30PM IN A UNIVERSITY PARKING LOT AND HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO DO. LUCKILY SHE HAD A CELL PHONE SO SHE COULD CALL ME. I STEPPED HER THROUGH THE PROCESS TO GET THE CAR STARTED AGAIN. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR YOUNG WOMEN TO BE STRANDED. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM..EVEN IN MUCH OLDER MODELS. WHEN IS GM GOING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? *TR
SPEEDOMETER IS BURNING THE NEEDLE AT THE 3RD GEAR MARK WHILE DRIVING. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT YESTERDAY (12/08/07), THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING 112 MPH, SITTING STILL!! I CANNOT GET THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE TO SET AT 0 ANYMORE. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING MY 15 1/2 YEAR OLD SON TO DRIVE AND THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE. I AM …
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SPEEDOMETER IS BURNING THE NEEDLE AT THE 3RD GEAR MARK WHILE DRIVING. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT YESTERDAY (12/08/07), THE SPEEDOMETER WAS READING 112 MPH, SITTING STILL!! I CANNOT GET THE SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE TO SET AT 0 ANYMORE. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING MY 15 1/2 YEAR OLD SON TO DRIVE AND THIS IS A HUGE ISSUE. I AM CONSTANTLY MAKING HIM PULL OVER AND SWITCHING SEATS WITH ME AS HE CANNOT GET A SPEEDING TICKET ON HIS PERMIT. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GUESS AT YOUR SPEED, EVEN WITH THE OTHER TRAFFIC FLOW AND WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED AND THE RESULT IS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS BAD, WITH AN ESTIMATE TO FIX IT THAT IS UNREASONABLY HIGH. ADDITIONALLY, GM KNOWS THIS IS AN ISSUE, SO THEY SHOULD RECALL AND FIX THESE SINCE THEY ORDERED AN ASSEMBLY CHANGE ON THEM. *TR
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER START UP AT LOW SPEEDS (LESS THAN 20MPH) THE ANTILOCK BRAKES KICK IN WHEN NOT NEEDED. FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS, THERE IS EXTREMELY REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. AFTER THIS INITIAL TIME PERIOD, THE WHOLE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AND ALSO TURNS OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM.…
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WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER START UP AT LOW SPEEDS (LESS THAN 20MPH) THE ANTILOCK BRAKES KICK IN WHEN NOT NEEDED. FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS, THERE IS EXTREMELY REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY. AFTER THIS INITIAL TIME PERIOD, THE WHOLE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AND ALSO TURNS OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. ONCE THE SHUTDOWN HAS TAKEN PLACE, THE CAR'S BRAKING SYSTEM FUNCTIONS AS IF THERE WAS NO ANTILOCK BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP WHICH INDICATED THAT THE WHEEL SENSOR WAS BAD AND COULD BE REPLACED FOR $600.00. ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STUCK AT 65MPH, REGARDLESS OF SPEED. WHEN TURNED OFF, THE VEHICLE STILL READ 65MPH. WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROPER SPEED. NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE RESET THE SPEED 5MPH LOWER EACH TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MOVED FROM OFF TO ON. MULTIPLE CYCLES OF TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH ON AND OFF FINALLY RESET THE SPEEDOMETER TO 0MPH. DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX FOR A PROBLEM THAT WILL PROBABLY GET WORSE. ALTHOUGH NOT A SERIOUS ISSUE, THE TACHOMETER DOES THE SAME THING. *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STUCK AT 65MPH, REGARDLESS OF SPEED. WHEN TURNED OFF, THE VEHICLE STILL READ 65MPH. WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROPER SPEED. NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE RESET THE SPEED 5MPH LOWER EACH TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MOVED FROM OFF TO ON. MULTIPLE CYCLES OF TURNING THE IGN…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STUCK AT 65MPH, REGARDLESS OF SPEED. WHEN TURNED OFF, THE VEHICLE STILL READ 65MPH. WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROPER SPEED. NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE RESET THE SPEED 5MPH LOWER EACH TIME THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS MOVED FROM OFF TO ON. MULTIPLE CYCLES OF TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH ON AND OFF FINALLY RESET THE SPEEDOMETER TO 0MPH. DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX FOR A PROBLEM THAT WILL PROBABLY GET WORSE. ALTHOUGH NOT A SERIOUS ISSUE, THE TACHOMETER DOES THE SAME THING. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED INACCURATE AND HIGH READINGS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 03/05/08. *LJ UPDATED 03/05/08 *TR
Official recalls
415V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
Oct 26, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
15V201000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
Apr 6, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.
14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition
Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
04V287000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Jun 23, 2004
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. WITH IMPROPER TORQUE, THE CLAMP LOAD AT THE JOINT MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CALIPER BRACKET AND KNUCKLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: DEPENDING ON WHETHER ONE OR BOTH BOLTS BACKS OUT OR FRACTURES, THE RESULT CAN BE LOCKING OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL DURING BRAKING AND AN ABRUPT STEERING INPUT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LOCKED WHEEL, REDUCED BRAKING AND NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED WHEEL, OR SEVERING OF A BRAKE HOSE, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND REDUCED STEERING CONTROL. REDUCED BRAKING OR STEERING CONTROL COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO TIGHTEN BOTH BOLTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC 1-800-620-7668.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.