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2004 Chevrolet Impala steering complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 63, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Acceleration, Steering · CA

Today my car locked up and my steering locked up wheels and speed just my brakes was the only thing that worked . The car just shut off, not start back up. I was afraid because I had my children in the car.

Filed Nov 25, 2014 · Acceleration, Steering · VA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated to approximately 70-80 MPH then seized without warning. As a result, the vehicle lost power steering causing the vehicle to crash into a guardrail. The contact sustained a cracked or broken rib, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and was deemed destroyed. The contact received a notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) after the crash. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 21, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 37,545 miles · KY

My wife was driving home from work when the engine stopped running and caused her to have to pull off the road. It took several minutes before car would restart. Since the first time she had this happen at least 3 times a year since. I've driven the car several times after she has told me it happened again and had our mechanic look at it also. Also have had the instrument panel gauges not working properly for 2 years now and haven't been able to figure out why, we think there is a short somewhere in the electrical system but have not been able to pin point it. The chrome plate aluminum alloy rims the chrome has been flaking off since the car was 2 years old and we now have to keep refilling the tires with air at least once a week. Have gone to the dealer a couple of times but get a run around that its not a problem with the car. I have talked to a gentleman who also has the only other 2004 impala ss in our town and he has the same problems as we have had and gotten same response from our local dealer where we both bought our cars from. My impala ss at this time has just over 80,000 miles on it and in addition to problems mentioned above we had to have power steering pump, rack in pinion and alternator replaced and looking like the rack in pinion is going out again as I write this. I've become very disappointed with chevrolet over this car.

Filed Oct 10, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 105,000 miles · TN · crash

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right and traveled into a ditch. As a result, the vehicle rolled over and the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact received the federal safety agency campaign number 14v00000 (electrical system) and believed the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Oct 8, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 297,336 miles · MO · crash · 2 injuries

Chevrolet impala 2004, traveling on a 4 lane divided highway, at 65mph, using cruise control, 2 adult passengers using seatbelts, driver saw truck entering the intersection from the drivers right side. The driver accelerated and swerved to avoid a collision. The impala was struck by the truck. Skid marks were made on the highway by the tires of the impala from the impact to where the impala stopped and the engine stopped. The driver worked to put the car into park to restart the impala in order to move the impala to a safer position on the highway, out of the lanes of traffic. Upon stopping the driver turned off the ignition key to the off position. The key was not on a key ring. The key had been removed from the fob and key ring upon receiving the safety recall notice, gm recall 14350. The hazard blinkers were turned on. The driver and passenger moved to the adjacent frontage road. The driver of the truck called the local police. The driver of the impala called 911. A police report was made. Pictures were taken of the damage to both vehicles and the skid marks on the highway, made by the impala. No skid marks were visible along the path traveled by the truck. The impala hazard blinkers were turned off. The driver attempted to start the impala. The impala did not start. The passenger worked to start the impala, the dash lights did not turn on, the head lights did not turn on. A witness moved a vehicle into position to facilitate a "jump start", the impala started, the security warning light was illuminated. The impala was driven a short distance and parked, odometer reading 297336. Arrangements for repair have yet to be determined.

Filed Sep 29, 2014 · Steering · 100,000 miles · AZ

While driving straight power steering failed, had to man handle. Was driving thru flooded road.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Airbags, Brakes · VA · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver lost control of the vehicle due to the wet road surface. The driver failed to bring the vehicle to a stop and the steering and brakes seized. As a result, the driver crashed into an embankment and a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained neck, head, and back injuries and medical attention was received. A police report was filed and the vehicle was destroyed. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system), but it was not confirmed if the vehicle was included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Airbags, Brakes · 84,725 miles · TX · crash

@ 65mph traffic came to a slow down,I had plenty of space 2 stop if I had 2 in my lane. I applied the brakes & the wheels locked up & was skidding out of control,it surged into the lane left of me & the rear slid over where I was sideways. I tried to control my steering but it would not respond,then it went into the lane right of me nearly missing a truck it shot over to the right lane and was now on the shoulder where I still had no control of any steering at all.then the car slammed into a concrete retaining wall and finely the car stopped.the air bags driver and passenger never inflated. Damage to the front end was a total loss including the hood,both right and left side fenders had crunched, the driver and passenger doors bent then the battery died.I already replaced a battery three weeks ago from some kind of electrical system was malfunctioning.

Filed Jul 7, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 179,000 miles · WI · fire

I have had issues with lights for the past 6 months. First started out where if I had my bright lights on every now and again all my lights would go off while driving. The bright lights wouldn't stay on so had to hold to keep them on. Then it came a period of time where all my lights would not work. On friday, june 27th 2014, I was at work and happened to look out the window and noticed my lights were on. Went outside to see if car was dead. When I got in the car I could see that my steering column was smoking (on fire) coming from the turn signal switch. The bright lights had stuck to on somehow and this is why I could see that my llights were on. I unhooked the battery and the smoking stopped. When I went to hook battery back up there wasn't any more smoking but my windshield wipers were going as fast as they could and I couldn't switch or do anything to make them stop. The hazards or all my lights were blinking on/off repeatedly. Nothing I could do to stop. As of now I'm driving without any fuse to the wipers and the lights work during the daytime but will not work at all after dark. I've been told the part that is needed to replace this is a multi-functional switch. However, this is going to cost $800 to replace. Many complaints out there about the same thing happening to same year/make/model car and no recall??

Filed Jun 23, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 202,000 miles · MN · crash

My 2004 impala has the ABS light on. It sounds and feels like the ABS is coming on while driving. The steering felt odd. I was right by my house so I shut it off and turned back on and drove it the block home. I tried driving it around the block the next day and the same thing happened. I am finding many people posting the same thing on the intranet. Many crashes.I called chevy and we read / located the same recall, from 6/14/04 #04049. We in turn called the dealership, and after many days, calls, finally got my car in. They just called saying there is no recall on my specific impala. It is doing exactly what all the other people/crash victims talk about. I called chevy back and they said it goes by state. I guess I am suppose to drive it until it crashes and there is an injury/death before they decide that there are more impala's out there with the same problem that need the recall. I am at wits end and don't know what to do now. My car is at the dealership. I am having an estimate done on doing what the recall stated to do and will then call chevy back to try to push the matter higher up the chain.

Filed May 7, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 1 miles · MA

I was driving my 2004 impala when I hit a pot hole. I tried to turn and hit the brakes and nothing worked. I slammed on my emergency brake and after a while I realized the car had shut off completely. A month later my boyfriend had the same experience driving it.

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Airbags, Body · 8 miles · IL · crash · 2 injuries

We where ran into on driver side no airbag came out we have had lots of steering problems. As of today there is still problems with the steering wheel engine light stays on and we just wont drive on highway at all.

Filed Apr 21, 2014 · Steering · 50,000 miles · FL

The intermediate shaft is defective and clunks when turning and low speeds.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 130,000 miles · MO

After listening to a radio report on npr describing the problem with gm ignition switch recalls I decided to test my own car for related problems. As I pulled into my driveway I tapped on the key while it was in the ignition and the key switched from on to acc mode. This resulted in my car engine shutting off, power steering loss, assisted brake malfunction, battery warning light, and the airbag light came on. All of these problems happened exactly as the radio report said they would with a faulty ignition switch. Over the last 3 years my brother in-law and I have been having various problems with our ignitions and now I believe all these problems may be caused by the defect which gm has recently reported. I have contacted the gm recall hotline and reported my car model and VIN. They informed me that there is nothing they can do since they have not received enough reports linked to the impala. I would appreciate the recall list being expanded to include the impala if possible. At least the years of 2003 and 2004.

Filed Feb 25, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 110,000 miles · FL

The traction control turns on very frequently without control,lightappear claim that the traction system need services and some other time the sinf of the ABS I constantly push the tracking system off when is on but do not respond at oll. This causes the car to make a grinding noise. When braking the car makes a grinding noise and car is not stopping it feels like it's locking up and my steering going from left to right in sliding way to . In a sudden stop needing to be made is at great risk of a accident, already was close to pass over a peaton that was mad at me and hit my car in the back because of this problem that I tray to correct but is a manufacture defect to resolve as some as yesteryears,y hope that nobody are kill already,but I will hold starting with "gm chevrolet"responsible for anything who happened to me and family.

Filed Dec 20, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 70,000 miles · TX

Well I'm so tired of repairing the same problem .this ABS issues are driving me crazy I mean I already replaced the [xxx] computer the bearings the cable that sends the signal and still this problem is going on in since 2009. Ever since 2009 is ridiculous and dangerous I mean is a matter of time before this issue becomes an accident I mean I'm driving fine and all of a sudden the [xxx] car acts all stupid the brakes don't even work fine because the ABS system makes them push back to you and then it makes your car pull to the right for no reason it so annoying I'm a hard working person I have invested a lot of money into my car for gmc to sell me a dangerous car I also had to get another motor because the original would shake when ever you would accelerate but I just want to get this dangerous issue fixed please make them repair my car because sooner or later my wife or me are going to have an accident....thank you *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 23, 2013 · Brakes, Steering · 76,000 miles · TN

Car makes a popping noise from steering. The car started shifting hard occasionally but then goes away. The steering will get tight then really loose. Car feels unsafe to drive. Especially over a bumpy road feels like you have loose wheels. The car only has 78,800 miles on it. This is insane and I will never again buy a chevrolet! I have kids and feel unsafe driving my car with them in it! I wrecked this vehicle when I tried to apply brakes and the wheels squealed but did not lock up nor did it stop! Brakes are fine and in good condition not sure why it wont stop. Has happened 5-8 times and car slides! Thank god we didn't get severely injured! Impala's should be taken off the market if u ask me.

Filed Jan 25, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 120,135 miles · NY · fire

First at buying my chevy impala it had 115,000mi on it already but desperately needed a car being a single mother. After having the car a little over a month the fuel injectors blew where my car would no longer start. Got it fixed. Next I had to keep putting power steering fluid in (once every week) went to a mechanic, he said my power steering is going to eventually go.. Next 2 months after that my car caught on fire through the lighter. Electrical. Called the fire dept. They had to cut the wires and pull the fuse. 2 months after that, my transmission blew. Just like that. I was driving on the high way and approached an accident. After coming to a complete stop tried to pick speed back up and it wouldn't go anymore than 15 MPH. I pulled off to a rest area, sat there for 30mins. Reversed out of the parking lot, put it in drive, it wouldn't budge... Not to mention a month after buying the car. The turn signals,, brake lights, cruise control, flashers all worked when they wanted too and not when I needed it too. Came close to a few people running in the back of me due to back lights not working.. And my temp, gauge, speedometer and gas gauge do not work. Id be in park with a full tank of gas, it says im going 80mph and gas is empty.. Hate this car with a passion.. Very dangerous car...would never recommend this car to anyone....

Filed Jul 9, 2012 · Steering · 92,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that a clunking sound emitted from the steering column while driving over bumps or while turning. The failure recurred at various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. An authorized dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 09e005000 (steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · TX · crash · 1 injury

1) tried to slow car down. Car would not turn nor halt. Ended up hitting the vehicle in front of me. Restored it 100%. 2) a year later, had 3 brand new rack and pinion's replaced in one month. Had the vehicle checked out. The a-frame is in excellent shape and so is the area surrounding the rack and pinon. Have pictures and mechanics as proof. 3) called the chevy company & was told that the car was manufactured in wisconsin. They claim they saw no reason to help with the rack & pinion as those cars were recall-free. 4) car leans towards oncoming traffic at times (this started after each rack and pinion was replaced). There is also a 2 o'clock and 10 o'clock dead zone in the steering column. Steering used to feel a bit normal. It was not like this until I had a new rack and pinion put on. Twice (in between) the boot would excessively leak (as did the original from chevy). 5) when I turn the wheel out of the driveway, the car makes kick drumming grinding sounds. Was told this was normal. It is irritating though. 6) the car didn't even hit it's 5th year (being new) before it started to rust paint off the top of its roof. I live where there is no snow or coast, and extremely little ice. 7) the check engine light never goes off. Had it checked. Was told it was fine. 8) was driving right next to a cop going down a steep hill when the speedometer stuck at 10 MPH. I crossed my fingers that I wasn't speeding since I kept my speed next to the officer. Replaced. 9) combo turning signal & cruise broke off the steering for no reason during a turn. Replaced. 10) locks me out off & on for no reason. 11) this car is my baby as it was one of the last thing I got that was my mother's before she died. It is also my first car that has seen me through (and still) my college years. It is very sentimental to me for those reasons. My dream is to keep this car even when it's a classic.

Filed Jan 21, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 78,000 miles · GA

Clicking noise in front end whenever I turn right. Jacked up off the ground there is no noise when in gear and turning right. Is it steering or suspension problem. Replaced both cv joints and hubs. Still clicking.

Filed Aug 21, 2010 · Steering · OK

2004 impala, clunking noise in steering. Seems to be a common problem with this model. It has progressively gotten worse. Now I have slightly loose steering with noticeable play in the steering. Thanks for standing behind known manufacturing problems gm! Will be my last gm automobile.

Filed Mar 31, 2010 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NY

Steering rack,fixed on 8/27/09 on 3/29/10 cannot steer to left, limited on right twice turning to left car could not almost had accident with on coming cars and parked cars car towed to my mechanic,says work was done on this, to take back to them. Had to tow to dealers. Was the steering rack once more.

Filed Jan 27, 2010 · Steering · 89,210 miles · FL

2004 chevrolet impala power steering locks making driver unable to turn car during rain or driving through puddles. Started out happening only a second or two, but got progressively worse. Several times, engine cut off, or I had to cut it off to be able to restore power steering. Had it "fixed" by dealer who replaced cluster. It did it again the very next rain. No accident but a "near miss" because I could not get out of the way of a construction site dump truck. I was told I was driving through puddles too fast. I live in florida, and there is a lot of rain and poor drainage. Other cars going speed limit were not having this problem. It is very dangerous, as I drive a carpool of four children to school. I am sure a manufacture problem, since I saw other similar complaints on twitter *cn

Filed Jan 8, 2010 · Steering · 68,103 miles · MA

Clunking noise from steering column. I know it is the intermediate steering shaft again. It was replaced in nov. 2007 and has recurred 20,000 miles later in nov. 2009. Dealer trying to make me pay for it again.

Filed Dec 28, 2008 · Steering · NJ

Own 2004 chevrolet impala. Had vehicle inspected for pulsating feel in steering shaft in 10-10-2005,08-31-06,01-24-07 and finally 12-27-08. Steering shaft was lubricated on 08-31-06 for insufficient lubrication. Now chevrolet dealer says I need to replace the intermediate steering shaft after my warranty has expired! Please refer to the federal safety agency campaign id number 08e063000 component: steering. Thank you for your attention into this matter.

Filed Dec 8, 2008 · Steering · 21,000 miles · MI

Began noticing clicking in steering during turns. My 2004 had approximately 21,000 miles on it at that time. Took it to dealer who test drove it and commented that chevrolet has had an on-going problem with the steering shaft. A fix would cost over $300. I wrote several letters to gm asking why I was asked to pay for repairs on an item they sold knowing it was defective. They eventually offered to pay half the cost of the repairs. I had it repaired by the dealer at a cost of around $140. After describing it to friends who also owned chevy's (trucks) they commented that theirs was doing the same thing. Made us wonder why a recall wasn't ordered..

Filed Jun 27, 2008 · Electrical, Steering · 98,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 50 MPH and decelerating, the contact observed that the speedometer was providing inaccurate readings. The failure occurs frequently and without warning. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer. In addition, the steering wheel makes a loud clunking noise when making a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no malfunctions were found with the steering wheel. The failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 103,000.

Filed Jun 26, 2008 · Acceleration, Electrical · 98,000 miles · AL

The speedometer started getting stuck about six months ago. For about eight months I have noticed that when I turn the steering wheel I hear a noise in the front of the car, like a knock or something. Also within the last couple of months I have also smelled gas when I first start the car , my husband could not see any leakage or anything until last week. It was leaking from the fuel regulator valve. Now the transmission is starting to shift hard sometimes. I haven't had the money to get it all checked out by the manufacturer but I was wondering if there have been any complaints on any of these things. Also I can hear a whistling sound when I press the accelerator. And my husband just informed me that he bought a regulator valve for it and some o rings because something is leaking antifreeze slightly. Can you help please!!!!!!!!

Filed Feb 21, 2008 · Steering · 25,000 miles · NC

There is a clicking sound coming from the steering column when turning ...started after about 25,000 miles......it always occurs, everytime, and is very annoying.

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