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

Steering complaints

62 reports

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30,200 miles · Dec 2, 2006

Steering

VEHICLE WITH 34943 MILES HAS CLICKING FEELING IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING. DEALER REPACKED INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO FIX PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10174974

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2006

Steering

CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT END STEERING , WENT TO DEALER WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE STEERING PART THAT WAS BEGINNING TO SEIZE , I THINK THAT THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE SEEING THAT IF THE STEERING SEIZED I WOULD BE UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10174212

49,000 miles · Nov 10, 2006

Steering

2004 CHEVY IMPALA HAS A CLUNK NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10173122

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2006

Steering

USED VEHICLE PURCHASE - CLUNK IN STEERING UPON TURNING - BUT NOT ALL THE TIME. CONCERNED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF STEERING GOES OUT? *NM

NHTSA ODI #10167439

48,000 miles · Jul 19, 2006

Steering

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WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A CLUCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END> IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE. TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEL. AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM THAT ALL IMPALAS MAKE THIS NOISE AFTER SO MANY MILES. THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT. THIS CAR HAS 50,000 MILES AND THEY TELL ME THEY STEERING SHAFT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS TELLS ME THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR PARTS AND THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIX IT. NOW STEERING SHAFTS SEEM TO ME TO BE A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAR AND THAT IF IT FAILS SOMEONE IS GOING TO GE HURT. SO DOES THIS MAKE IT A SAFETY PROBLEM? *NM

NHTSA ODI #10162914

4,100 miles · Jun 21, 2006

Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering

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WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE TURN IN THE STEERING. DURING THE TURN IT FEELS AS THOUGH THERE IS A BREAK IN THE STEERING LINE. IT SEEMS AS IF IT WERE A CHAIN I WOULD SAY ITS MISSING ABOUT 4 LINKS. I TOOK IT IN FOR THIS PROBLEM ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AND IT WAS RESOLVED FOR A WHILE. I WAS TOLD THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TIGHTENING. HERE IT IS DOING THE SAME THING FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS. NOW I NOTICE THE BRAKING IS NOT STOPPING IN THE MANNER IT SHOULD. I HAVE NEARLY REARENDED A FEW PEOPLE IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS OR CONTINUED JUST PAST THE STOP LINE AT AN INTERSECTION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160366

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2005

Steering

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FRONT END- ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP, THE FRONT END FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO FALL IN. THE WHEELS FEEL LIKE THEY WERE GOING TO ROLL OFF, THERE'S A CLICKING NOISE WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. FEELS LIKE THE FRONT END IS GOING TO FOLD IN. TOLD INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 100% SAFE TO DRIVE AND STILL WAITING FOR PART FOR ABOUT A MONTH NOW. WHEN DID PROBLEM FIRST GET REPORTED TO CHEVY? WHEN ARE CONSUMERS GOING TO BE MADE AWARE? AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE TO FIND THEY HAVE A PROBLEM? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10107648

1,120 miles · Oct 31, 2004

SteeringCrash

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ODOMETER 1120 MILES - CHEVROLET IMPALA LS - PURCHASED NEW IN JUNE, 2004. SITUATION: AS I WAS EXITING THE LIE VIA THE WOODHAVEN BLVD OFF RAMP GOING WESTBOUND, I WAS GOING THE RECOMMENDED SPEED LIMIT (20 MILES PER HOUR). AS I WAS FOLLOWING THE CURVE OF THE ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY JERKED TO THE LEFT, DIRECTING THE CAR TOWARDS THE ROADSIDE CURB. IN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO CORRECT, THERE WAS A LOT OF RESISTANCE AND IT WAS HARD TO TURN. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL HIT THE CURB. THE CAR MOVED OFF THE CURB IN THE DIRECTION TO THE RIGHT. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GRINDING METAL AND SLOWED DOWN CONSIDERABLY. DAMAGE: MY INSPECTION OF THE CAR REVEALED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WAS PUSHED BACK IN ITS FRAME TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE RIM OF THE WHEEL WAS SCRATCHED AND SMALL CHUNKS OF THE TIRE WERE RIPPED OFF. THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE TIRE APPEARED TO BE SCRAPED AS WELL. I AM UNSURE OF BODY OR FRAME DAMAGE. REPAIR: BUMPER COVER, LT FENDER, LT APRON PANEL, ENGINE CRADLE - PULL & ALIGN STEERING GEAR & LINKAGE, LT ROCKER MOLDING. REPLACED: LT FRONT LINER, LT FRONT & REAR ALLOY WHEELS, LT FRONT TIRE, LT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING, LT AXLE ASSEMBLY 3.8 LITER, LT STRUT SOFT RIDE, LT OUTER TIE ROD, LT INNER TIE ROD PILLARS - ROCKER & FLOOR, CORROSION PROTECTION. OLD PART AVAILABILITY - NO. JB

NHTSA ODI #10098066

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2004

SteeringCrash

RECALL O4V-287.*MR THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER RENTED HAD STEERING PROBLEM WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. LATER THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT ABOUT A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10089290

2 miles · Jul 20, 2004

Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

OWNER HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING , ALSO, OWNER HAD REPLACED A SET OF BRAKE PADS AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK DUE TO A TANK FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AND HAS 13,000 MILES YET IT HAS BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER AND THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER. PLEASE …

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NHTSA ODI #10083287

Official recalls

15V701000 · 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

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

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

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

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.