MY OIL KEEPS LEAKING OUT AND I HAVE TO KEEP ADDING TO IT. I'VE TRIED SEALANTS BUT NONE OF THEM WORK TO STOP IT FROM LEAKING AS WELL AS A SUSHI IN MY DASH. *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
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.
Service Brakes complaints
36 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER (BILLION AUTO BUICK GMC, 600 W 41ST ST, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, (605) 309-0975) WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY MORE THAN ONE I…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER (BILLION AUTO BUICK GMC, 600 W 41ST ST, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57105, (605) 309-0975) WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY MORE THAN ONE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NTHSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V287000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THERE WERE ELEVEN TSBS ON THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY AND GO TO ACCELERATE THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGES AND CAUSES THE CAR TO STOP. IT ALSO HAPPENS ON THE ROAD ONCE U COME TO A STOP AND OR STOP AND TURN ONTO A STREET OR HIGHWAY. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES. I READ ONLINE AT ITS HAPPENING ALOT TO PEOPLE ALL OVER. THIS PROBLEM IS CONSTANT E…
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WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY AND GO TO ACCELERATE THE ABS/TRACTION CONTROL ENGAGES AND CAUSES THE CAR TO STOP. IT ALSO HAPPENS ON THE ROAD ONCE U COME TO A STOP AND OR STOP AND TURN ONTO A STREET OR HIGHWAY. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED A FEW TIMES. I READ ONLINE AT ITS HAPPENING ALOT TO PEOPLE ALL OVER. THIS PROBLEM IS CONSTANT EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. PREVIOUS OWER ADVISED ME OF THE PROBLEM AS WELL.
TURNED ON MY CAR STARTED PUSHING ON THE GAS MY CAR MADE A WEIRD VIBRATION TYPE SOUND. CAME UP ON MESSAGE BOARD TRACTION CONTROL AFTER A COUPLE TIMES OF IT DOING THAT, THE ABS AND TAX LIGHT COME ON AND ON THE MESSAGE WINDOW IT SAYS SYSTEM TRACTION SERVICE. IT KINDA FREAKED ME OUT CAUSE I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WENT TO GO HIT …
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TURNED ON MY CAR STARTED PUSHING ON THE GAS MY CAR MADE A WEIRD VIBRATION TYPE SOUND. CAME UP ON MESSAGE BOARD TRACTION CONTROL AFTER A COUPLE TIMES OF IT DOING THAT, THE ABS AND TAX LIGHT COME ON AND ON THE MESSAGE WINDOW IT SAYS SYSTEM TRACTION SERVICE. IT KINDA FREAKED ME OUT CAUSE I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WENT TO GO HIT THE GAS AND IT SAID TRACTION CONTROL AND I MOVED A LITTLE THAN I HAD TO LET GO OF GAS THEN TRY AGAIN. ALSO HAVE HAD A COUPLE INCIDENTS WHERE I GO TO BREAK AND IT MAKES A VIBRATION FEELING ON THE BRAKE AND BRINGS UP TRACTION CONTROL AGAIN. REALLY WOULD LIKE THIS CHECKED OUT VERY CONCERNED. DON'T WANT TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSE MY CAR FAILS TO TAKE OFF.
I'VE OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS. EVERY YEAR OR SO MY ABS, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM, AND TRACK OFF LIGHTS USUALLY DURING A NON-EVENT SITUATION. I PUT MY BRAKES ON AND THEY LOCK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL MY LIGHTS ARE ON. I'VE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY CONSTANTLY FIXING THIS PROBLEM. EVERYONE ELSE WITH AN IMPALA…
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I'VE OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS. EVERY YEAR OR SO MY ABS, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM, AND TRACK OFF LIGHTS USUALLY DURING A NON-EVENT SITUATION. I PUT MY BRAKES ON AND THEY LOCK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL MY LIGHTS ARE ON. I'VE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY CONSTANTLY FIXING THIS PROBLEM. EVERYONE ELSE WITH AN IMPALA SEEMS TO HAVE CONSTANT ISSUES WITH THIS AS WELL. I'M NOW BEING ASKED TO COMPLETELY CHANGE OUT MY ABS MODULE & CONTROLLER FOR A WHOPPING $3K ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 130K MILES AFTER ALREADY SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OVER THE YEARS FOR ABS/TRACTION ISSUES. THIS IS CLEARLY A PERSISTENT SAFETY ISSUE WHICH IS COSTING IMPALA OWNERS AN ARM AND A LEG AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. I'VE OWED MANY VEHICLES WITH MUCH HIGHER MILEAGE AND NEVER HAD ISSUES LIKE THIS BEFORE.
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEM. WHEN I MAKE SHARP TURNS THE SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON, AFTER THIS LIGHT COMES ON IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND MAKES IT HARD TO STOP AND EVEN SLIDES SOMETIMES. I HAVE REPLACED ALL SPEED SENSORS AND REPLACED THE WIRES AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL REOCCURING.
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.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I SAW SOME SMOKE OR STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE RIGHT DASH . I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS , SO I CHECK MY GAUGES AND EVERY THING LOOKED OK , I CONTINUE TO DRIVING TRYING TO MAKE IT TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE. THE CAR CUT ITSELF OFF AND I SHIFT TO N AND ROLL INTO THE DRIVEWAY. I GOT OUT WENT INTO THE HOUSE FO…
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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I SAW SOME SMOKE OR STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE RIGHT DASH . I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS , SO I CHECK MY GAUGES AND EVERY THING LOOKED OK , I CONTINUE TO DRIVING TRYING TO MAKE IT TO MY MOTHERS HOUSE. THE CAR CUT ITSELF OFF AND I SHIFT TO N AND ROLL INTO THE DRIVEWAY. I GOT OUT WENT INTO THE HOUSE FOR A COUPLE OF MIN. WHEN I RETURN THE CAR WAS SMOKING , I DASH WATER ON TOP OF THE HOOD BUT THE SMOKE TURN INTO FLAMES THAT'S WHEN I CALLED 911. HELP CAME AND WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRACTION CONTROL GRINDS ON THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE CONTACT ALSO ST…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRACTION CONTROL GRINDS ON THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V201000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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.
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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