TRANMISSON, EVAP, EVAPORRATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM LEAKING
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
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.
Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints
15 reportsUNSURE IF MY 04 IMPALA IS AFFECTED IN THE TAKATA RECALL BECAUSE I HAVEN'T RECEIVED NOTICE.HAVE RECENTLY HAD EXTENSIVE REPAIRS COMPLETED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. AND THE ABS, TRAC, CHECK AND BRAKE LIGHTS WON'T GO OFF. THE SECURITY LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND DISABLES THE CAR NOT ALLOWING IT TO START. CAUSING ME THE BE STRANDE…
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UNSURE IF MY 04 IMPALA IS AFFECTED IN THE TAKATA RECALL BECAUSE I HAVEN'T RECEIVED NOTICE.HAVE RECENTLY HAD EXTENSIVE REPAIRS COMPLETED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. AND THE ABS, TRAC, CHECK AND BRAKE LIGHTS WON'T GO OFF. THE SECURITY LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON AND DISABLES THE CAR NOT ALLOWING IT TO START. CAUSING ME THE BE STRANDED UNANNOUNCED AND AT ANY RANDOM TIME. STEERING WHEEL TIGHTENS AND LOOSENS AT RANDOM TIMES. AFTER RESEARCHING PAST RECALLS BEFORE MY OWNERSHIP I AM UNSURE IF MY CAR HAS HAD THE RECALL ISSUES ADDRESSED. MY CAR HAS SOME TYPE OF MANUFACTURER COMPUTER GLITCH BUT GMC DOESN'T WANT TO OWN UP TO IT. AND I'VE KEPT ALL RECEIPTS ON REPAIRS I'VE COVERED. THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN ON GOING SINCE THE ESTIMATED DATE ENTERED BELOW.
TAKATA RECALL KEY FALLS OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING SPEEDOMETER GAS GAUGE AND COMTROL PANEL NOT WORKING CAR JUMPS IN REVERSE
FREQUENTLY, THE ABS ACTIVATES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION AND NO PRESSURE IS PLACED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. USUALLY THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL TURN ON AFTERWARDS AND INDICATE THEY ARE NOW DISABLED. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS TURN ON WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED. THE DEALER SAID THE SPEED SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE, SO THEY WERE REPLAC…
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FREQUENTLY, THE ABS ACTIVATES THE BRAKES WHILE IN MOTION AND NO PRESSURE IS PLACED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. USUALLY THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL TURN ON AFTERWARDS AND INDICATE THEY ARE NOW DISABLED. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS TURN ON WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED. THE DEALER SAID THE SPEED SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE, SO THEY WERE REPLACED TWICE, BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS PORTABLE HAD BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER 6 MONTHS.
FAULTY/WORN IGNITION SWITCH IN THIS VEHICLE WILL GENERATE THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: (DETERMINED THROUGH TRIAL AND ERROR DUE TO CHRONIC ELECTRICAL ISSUES:) 1). ENGAGEMENT AND DISABLEMENT OF ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE OF LACK OF GOOD POWER TO THE SYSTEM FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH CIRCUIT. 2). ENTIRE LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL SYSTEM(TURN SIGNAL…
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FAULTY/WORN IGNITION SWITCH IN THIS VEHICLE WILL GENERATE THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: (DETERMINED THROUGH TRIAL AND ERROR DUE TO CHRONIC ELECTRICAL ISSUES:) 1). ENGAGEMENT AND DISABLEMENT OF ABS SYSTEM BECAUSE OF LACK OF GOOD POWER TO THE SYSTEM FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH CIRCUIT. 2). ENTIRE LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL SYSTEM(TURN SIGNALS) AGAIN BECAUSE OF LACK OF GOOD POWER TO THE SYSTEM FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH CIRCUIT. THESE TWO SITUATIONS LEAD TO VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE WHICH MAY HAPPEN STATIONARY OR WHILE IN MOTION. THESE ISSUES WERE INTERMITTENT AND WOULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. IGNITION SWITCH IN A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT GENERATE ISSUES SUCH AS THIS.
I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE CAR AND WAS DRIVING AND MY GAS HAND,SPEEDOMETER AND OIL INDICATORS JUST FELL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CIRCLE. INSTEAD OF SHOWING ME THE AMOUNT OF GAS I HAVE THE RED NEEDLE FALLS BEHIND THE "E". THE SAME IS TRUE FOR THE SPEEDOMETER,THE NEEDLE JUST FALLS TO THE BOTTOM,AND THE COLD/HOT INDICATOR IS AT THE …
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I TURNED THE KEY TO START THE CAR AND WAS DRIVING AND MY GAS HAND,SPEEDOMETER AND OIL INDICATORS JUST FELL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CIRCLE. INSTEAD OF SHOWING ME THE AMOUNT OF GAS I HAVE THE RED NEEDLE FALLS BEHIND THE "E". THE SAME IS TRUE FOR THE SPEEDOMETER,THE NEEDLE JUST FALLS TO THE BOTTOM,AND THE COLD/HOT INDICATOR IS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PANEL. ISN'T THIS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM? *TR
COME ON NOW, I SEE THE COMPLAINTS ON A BUNCH OF THINGS THAT IS WRONG WITH MY 2004 IMPALA. AN THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PERSON SAYING IT. THERE SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE THAT YOU GUYS SEEM TO BE IGNORING AN REFUSING TO FIX. I THINK ITS ABOUT TIME FOR SOME PEOPLE TO GET TOGETHER AND FILE SOME KIND OF LAWSUIT AGAINST…
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COME ON NOW, I SEE THE COMPLAINTS ON A BUNCH OF THINGS THAT IS WRONG WITH MY 2004 IMPALA. AN THERE IS MORE THAN ONE PERSON SAYING IT. THERE SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE THAT YOU GUYS SEEM TO BE IGNORING AN REFUSING TO FIX. I THINK ITS ABOUT TIME FOR SOME PEOPLE TO GET TOGETHER AND FILE SOME KIND OF LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU GUYS IF YOU DON'T ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. NOW FOR THE SAME COMPLAINTS FOR MY IMPALA, NUMBER 1 IT DOES NOT LIKE TO START SOMETIMES AND THEN I HAVE TO WAIT 20 MINS TO AN HOUR JUST FOR IT TO FINALLY START. NUMBER 2 THE SECURITY LIGHT STAYS ON. NUMBER 3 THE GAGES TO MY SPEEDOMETER AND GAS MOVE ALL OVER THE PLACE AND DOESN'T GIVE ME THE ACCURATE READING. OTHER EXPERIENCES I'VE HAD NOTICED IS THAT MY BRIGHTS DON'T ALWAYS LIKE TO SHUT OFF THE FIRST TIME, THE CAR PULLS MAINLY TO THE RIGHT, BUT ALSO BACK AND FORTH. AND ALL THE BUTTONS AND LIGHT TO MY RADIO WORKS BUT NO SOUND COMES THREW. I HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED ANY OF THE OTHER THINGS IN THE COMPLAINTS YET BUT THESE ONES I HAVE AN THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED LIKE I SAID BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT IT BY THE PEOPLE. THANK YOU
I BOUGHT 2004 IMPALA AND HAVE IGNITION PROBLEM WITH WITNESSES WITH A DENT IN FRONT BUMPER, AFTER TEN YEARS OR OVER 100K MILES THE GASKET GOES ON GM/GMC PRODUCTS, BOTH INNER TIE RODS ROTTEN OUT. I HAVE TALK TO GM EXECUTIVE OFFICE THAT FIX THE IMPALA PROBLEM IN 2011 BUT UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH IT NOW. I THINK I NEED OUT SIDE COUNSE…
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I BOUGHT 2004 IMPALA AND HAVE IGNITION PROBLEM WITH WITNESSES WITH A DENT IN FRONT BUMPER, AFTER TEN YEARS OR OVER 100K MILES THE GASKET GOES ON GM/GMC PRODUCTS, BOTH INNER TIE RODS ROTTEN OUT. I HAVE TALK TO GM EXECUTIVE OFFICE THAT FIX THE IMPALA PROBLEM IN 2011 BUT UNWILLING TO DEAL WITH IT NOW. I THINK I NEED OUT SIDE COUNSEL AND ENGINEERING FIRM TO TEST AND TESTIFY ON MY BEHAVE AND3,700 OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I WANT NEW VEHICLES AND SETTING UP A DATE WITH CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE, AND NHTSA REVIEW MY CASE. I HAVE MET WITH CONGRESSIONAL PANEL INVESTIGATING GM THAT WANT TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I BEEN A GM PERSON BUT SERIOUSLY LOOKING IN THE FOREIGN MARKET IF I HAVE NO SERIOUS RESOLUTION. *TR
PLEASE HELP. I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY IMPALA. IT HAS THE GM PASSLOCK. THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON THE MESSAGE BOARD AND SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ABOUT 25 TIMES. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY IT WILL BE AN EMERGENCY AND MY CAR IS GOING TO LEAVE ME STRANDED. THIS IS A VERY COMMON AMONG IMPALA AND OTHER GM VEH…
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PLEASE HELP. I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY IMPALA. IT HAS THE GM PASSLOCK. THE SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON THE MESSAGE BOARD AND SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE CAR HAS LEFT ME STRANDED ABOUT 25 TIMES. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY IT WILL BE AN EMERGENCY AND MY CAR IS GOING TO LEAVE ME STRANDED. THIS IS A VERY COMMON AMONG IMPALA AND OTHER GM VEHICLES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ASAP. THANK YOU! *TR
NOW CAR WAS PULLED INTO DRIVE, HAS WINDOWS DOWN, AND WILL NOT START, KEY DOES NOT TURN BUT HALF OF LIGHTING WORKS , WE ARE HAVING BAD STORMS AN WITH A 5 YEAR OLD CHILD TO TRANSPORT, CANT MOVE THE CAR AND HAS ANOTHER ONE BLOCKED IN HAS SET FOR 4 DAYS NO WAY TO GET THE KEY TO TURN AM ABLE TO OPEN DOOR WAS TOLD IT NEEDED IGNITION S…
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NOW CAR WAS PULLED INTO DRIVE, HAS WINDOWS DOWN, AND WILL NOT START, KEY DOES NOT TURN BUT HALF OF LIGHTING WORKS , WE ARE HAVING BAD STORMS AN WITH A 5 YEAR OLD CHILD TO TRANSPORT, CANT MOVE THE CAR AND HAS ANOTHER ONE BLOCKED IN HAS SET FOR 4 DAYS NO WAY TO GET THE KEY TO TURN AM ABLE TO OPEN DOOR WAS TOLD IT NEEDED IGNITION SWITCH BUT CANT BE PUT IN BECAUSE CAR KEY WILL NOT TURN SO CAR CANNOT BE PUT ON ACC, HAD TO TRANSFER INSURANCE TO ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WE ARE TRYING TO GET RID OF I CANNOT TAKE THE CAR ANYWHERE AND VERY DEVASTATED , HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE WHEN THEY ASK IT WAS A JUNKER GOING TO TRY TO FIX, HA HA JUNKER BUT MR FIX IT I AM A DISABLED 68 YESR OLDTO HAVE IT DRAPED IN PLASTIC AND I LIVE IN A VERY UP DATED COMMUNITY WHERE THERE IS LOTS OF TRAFFIC CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP DRIVING THE VAN, LICENSE AND TITLE UP IN TWO DAYS I AM DISABLED AND WE HAVE A CHILD TO PICK UP AND RETURN AFTER VISITATION I NEED AN ANSWER RIGHT AWAY ORDERED THE STUPID IGNITION SWITCH AND PAID FOR IT AND NOW IT CANT BE INSTALLED BECAUSE THE KEY WILL NOT TURN SAYS IT HAS TO BE SET ON ACC . CANT DO THAT, CANT PUSH IT BECAUSE IT WONT MOVE OWNED THIS CAR LESS THAN A MONTH TAX LICENSE, TITLE AND INSURANCE LOTS OF MONEY I DON'T HAVE THEY NEED TO GET THIS CAR FIXED ASAP OR I WILL HAVE TO HAVE A LOANER CAR, TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER SOCIAL SECURITY IS NOT ENOUGH TO LIVE ON AND I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY PAID IT ALL OUT FOR WHAT I WAS TOLD WAS A GOOD CAR AND IT WAS CHEAPER ON GAS BOUGHT FROM AN INSURANCE MAN, PLEASE I CANT WAIT I DO NOT HAVE MONEY TO DRIVE AROUND IN SOME ONE ELSE'S VEHICLE HELP HELP HELP PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAZE URGENT HELP NEEDED 3. PERSONAL INFORMATION *JS
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.
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