2004 Chevrolet Impala engine problems

107 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 107
of this car's complaints: 10%
typical mileage: 100,000
crashes: 5
recalls: 2

Which part fails

Engine
4
Exhaust system: emission control
2
Cooling system
2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Chevrolet Impala engine problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Chevrolet Impala engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Won't start 86 Stalling 40 Overheating 29 Check engine light 16 Loss of power 10 Engine failure 7 Knocking 6

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeReported October 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 15V701000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported April 6, 2015 · 330,742 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 15V201000 · Recall details

What 2004 Chevrolet Impala owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · TX

Rear valve cover leaking oil onto manifold, causing smoke.

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 71,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to approximately 20 MPH, and the instrument panel went black. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and then lost motive power and stalled. The contact was assisted by persons nearby to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2021 · Engine · 130,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle after waiting approximately 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2021 · Engine · AZ · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2014 cheverolet impala. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH and when the contact was exiting off the exit ramp, the vehicle stalled. The contact tried to restart the vehicle but failed. The contact was attempted to push the vehicle to side of the road when they noticed smoke coming from the front of the hood. The contact opened the hood and saw a fire coming from the underneath the engine. No one was injured. The fire department came and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There was a battery warning light illuminated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to charity towing and recovery (4106 s 7th st, phoenix, az 85040) the vehicle was not inspected for caused of failure. The local dealer or the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 19, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · KY · crash

My ignition switch has a recall that sometimes takes forever to get key to turn over, the steering shaft and knuckles also have a recall that make me drift and slide on dry roads, engine and cooling system as well has recall.

Filed Aug 6, 2020 · Engine · 108,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after exiting the vehicle he noticed an oil leak. The vehicle was towed to his residence. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that an oil line was detached and was visible from the front passenger's side wheel well. The oil line was re-attached. The vehicle was taken to bomnin chevrolet manassas located at 8000 sudley rd, manassas, va 20109, (571) 364-7245, and the service manager was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Filed May 19, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 116 miles · WV

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.

Filed Jul 29, 2019 · Engine · 170,000 miles · IA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that when he was driving at 60 MPH, heat started coming through the air ducts and the vehicle was shut off without warning. The contact was able to pull over and upon lifting the hood to check the engine, flames began disbursing from the engine's manifold. The contact then grabbed a floor mat from his vehicle and extinguished the flames. The contact then restarted the vehicle and the check engine light illuminated, the contact then drove the vehicle to a parking lot. No police or fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The dealer neither the manufacturer have been informed of the vehicle failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. *tr consumer stated you could observe the oil pours out the valve cover and failed to mention it was more the front gasket than back.*jb *tr 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Sep 25, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 143,000 miles · MS

Power steering hard and trying to run hiit changed water pump.

Filed Feb 27, 2018 · Driver assistance, Engine · 162,465 miles · KY

Tranmisson, evap, evaporrative emission control system leaking

Questions about the 2004 Chevrolet Impala engine

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Impala have engine problems?

Owners have filed 107 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Impala engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Chevrolet Impala engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 15V701000, 15V201000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Impala have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Impala model years with the most engine complaints are 2000 (229 complaints), 2009 (199 complaints) and 2001 (188 complaints).