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2004 Chevrolet Impala brakes complaints

Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 89, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Chevrolet Impala brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 13, 2012 · Brakes · 88,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact noticed that when he would depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal would become extremely resistant. The ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle was taken dealer. The dealer advised that they had to replace the front wheel sensor. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 88,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

Filed May 9, 2012 · Acceleration, Brakes · 135,000 miles · OH · crash

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.

Filed Nov 28, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 92,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Nov 18, 2011 · Brakes · 166,032 miles · NC · fire

Tl* 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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Oct 2, 2011 · Brakes, Driver assistance · KY

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.

Filed Aug 4, 2011 · Brakes · 49,884 miles · MI

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.

Filed Aug 4, 2011 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · NC

Tl* 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.

Filed Jun 27, 2011 · Brakes · 26,388 miles · PA

Tl* 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*lj updated 08/03/11

Filed Jun 6, 2011 · Brakes · 51,220 miles · CT

Tl*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*lj updated 02/28/12

Filed Mar 25, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,000 miles · ME

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.

Filed Mar 24, 2011 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · LA

Tl* 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.

Filed Mar 1, 2011 · Brakes · MN

2004 chevrolet impala. Consumer states the brakes on this vehicle have had moderate pulsating for approximately 25, 000 miles *tgw the consumer suspected that the front rotors were warped. When he dissembled the front brakes, he discovered that the inner brake pad friction material had completely separated from the steel backing plate (both the left and the right). The consumer believed it was a safety defect. The friction material was floating loose inside of the caliper frames causing the edges of the friction material to become jagged as a result of contacting the calipers. The inside portion of the rotor had unusual wear due to this issue and the vehicle had reduced braking capability. The consumer stated he replaced all of the pads and the rotors at his expense.

Filed Dec 18, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 32,000 miles · TX

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 the federal safety agency data base of same issue.

Filed Jun 30, 2010 · Brakes · 17,000 miles · ME

Tl* 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.

Filed Apr 30, 2010 · Brakes · 38,000 miles · ME

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that whenever the brakes were applied they made a loud noise and the vehicle was shaking. He previously had the entire braking system replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where he was informed that the rotors were delaminating and the calipers were stuck. He was also informed that the braking system needed to be replaced and the failure occurred because the vehicle was not driven often enough. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. The current mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed Feb 10, 2010 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Dec 6, 2009 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 8,818 miles · WI

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.

Filed Jul 17, 2009 · Brakes · 73,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Apr 3, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 38,000 miles · MI

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 100,000.00 mi. I am the one putting on the highway miles here! I am at approx. 50,000.00 miles. Remember...I got the car at 28,000.00 miles. I am a highway traveler.....in just a year I have put on 20,000.00 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!

Filed Jun 19, 2008 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · IL

2004 chevy impala - ABS light and trac off light have intermittently going on and off, then the speedometer started to become inoperative, now the tachometer goes haywire and is stuck over the max. I have read that there are countless complaints of the same nature.

Filed Jun 2, 2008 · Brakes · CT

2004 chevy impala with severe vibration while braking. Consumer states that the mechanic informed him that the front and rear rotors were severely warped. He believes that the rotors are poor quality and have to be replaced constantly.

Filed Apr 7, 2008 · Brakes, Lights · 50,000 miles · OR

I have a 2004 chevy impala that has had problems with warped rotors, which I had replaced. Then a wheel bearing went bad. Took vehicle to chevy dealer. They diagnosed it as left front hub bearing being bad. I had left front hub bearing replaced and problem wasn't fixed. Turned out it was right front hub bearing that was bad, so both ended up replaced. A few weeks later "service traction system" light started coming on every day and shuts off the ABS and traction control systems. Outside temperature and weather conditions don't make any difference. Also having problems with headlights going from high beams to dim. Sometimes it takes two or three attempts before it will go from high beams to dim. I've never had these kinds of problems with chevrolet's before. I've had chevrolet's with 150,000 miles on them and have never had to replace rotors, wheel bearings, or had ABS problems before, just normal maintenance.

Filed Mar 29, 2008 · Brakes, Engine · 34,000 miles · WI

Car was taken in for brakes. Rotors warped @ 21,500 miles. 12,000 miles later, warped again. Was told this was common and there was nothing they could do for me. Repair cost out of pocket. Car was taken in for an overheating problem. Was told it was totally natural for my car to get that hot. Unbelievable!! Now I have an intake or a head gasket that is bad. Again, nothing they can do. Again, cost out of my pocket. This will be the last chevy I service. My car only has 34,000 miles it. The service center told us, "cars are made different these days. Stuff happens." if they can't stand behind their cars I won't buy another. 34,000 miles and my car is junk. I think a recall should be issued regarding these problems. Bad brakes and bad gaskets.

Filed Mar 19, 2008 · Brakes, Engine · 30,000 miles · IN

We have a 2004 chevrolet impala, which is a piece of crap. We purchased this car used, it had 26,000 miles on it. I filed a complaint w/ chevy on phone number 866‑790‑5700. Our case # is 71-578092134. They were no help, since our warranty had expired. Our traction system & check engine light kept coming on. The traction system shut off & would not turn back on. It also knocked off the ABS system. Not safe. We took it to a local mechanic, the repairs were a new thermostat & thermostat sensor, & drivers side rear hub bearing. The cost was $500.00, the dealership wanted @1100.00!!!!!!! For the same repairs. The repair shop stated to me that they have approximately 5-10 impalas a week in their shop for the same repair!!! It appears gm screwed up. We are not the only ones who have this problem. We also own a 1995 gmc 1500 sierra, have not had to fix anything as major as the impala. Gm's warranty is the worst in the business. Gm was no help at all.

Filed Feb 13, 2008 · Airbags, Brakes · 51,000 miles · MS · crash · 1 injury

Collision on the interstate. I was driving approximately 45 MPH when I struck the vehicle in front of me. Traffic was heavy and they slammed on their brakes. I had the brakes all the way to the floor but the car did not stop. Their car was completely stopped when I hit them and knocked them into another vehicle. My air bags failed to deploy. Body shop owner stated that it appeared that the wires to the airbag had been sliced during the accident. Front bumper, hood, and fenders had to be replaced. Radiator and condenser had to be replaced. Body of the vehicle had to be squared. Rotors and brakes replaced.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Brakes, Steering · 48,874 miles · DC · crash

After purchasing vehicle took it back to have steering checked because it did not feel or sound right when doing a braking and turning steering wheel combination. Mentioned the federal safety agency recall of 2004 impala. Was told did not involve ss. On this occasion was unable to stop the vehicle, unable to steer properly, could not control vehicle. It spiraled and hit a bus stop/pole.

Filed Dec 5, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 48,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Nov 19, 2007 · Brakes, Steering · 29,901 miles · WA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 8 MPH, the contact heard a loud knocking noise coming from the steering column. She also noticed that the ABS and traction warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the ABS and steering column. Two weeks later, while driving 60 MPH, the contact felt excessive vibration coming from the steering column. She filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 29,901 and current mileage was 32,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2007 · Brakes · 36,000 miles · DC · crash · 1 injury

I have a 2004 chevrolet impala. I have had to replace brakes and rotors for this car a few times a year. The rotors are constantly getting warped with original gm rotors and brake pads. In 2005, I was in a car accident in which the wheels locked and I was unable to steer the car away from crashing into a curb inside a heavily traveled tunnel. At first, I thought that it was the wet roads due to rain. However, after replacing rotor and brakes constantly, I researched and found out that a the federal safety agency issued a recall for brakes in june of 2004. The campaign # is 04v28700. I called gm and they said that there were no recalls issued for my VIN#. I informed them that the federal safety agency recall did not specify particular 2004 impalas but the whole model year. They gave me the case #71-546836626 and said that they have no record of a recall for my car. What can I do to have this problem resolved?

Filed Jun 15, 2007 · Brakes · 31,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the steering wheel shutters and shakes when the brakes are applied. The vehicle has not been diagnosed. The purchase date was unavailable. The current mileage is 38,000 and failure mileage was 31,000.

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