2004 Chevrolet Impala: clunking or noise when steering

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 Jun 20, 2013 · Electrical · 71,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that upon starting the ignition, the fuel gauge registered an inaccurate fuel level reading. In addition, the traction control warning indicator would illuminate after driving in reverse and then in drive. The steering wheel would emit a grinding noise whenever being turned with the illumination of the traction control warning indicator. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

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.

Filed Oct 31, 2007 · Electrical · PA

Chevy 2004 impala: speed and temp gauge were reading erratically and at times stayed at a particular speed and temp which were not accurate. Gauge cluster was changed out according to a dealership. Who knows what they really did. Had vehicle in to same dealership again for intermediate steering column shaft for a knocking sound. Dealership lubricated shaft. To me, if something is making noise, this means there is contact with at least two components causing wear. I believe the shaft should have been changed out. All problems have not returned, yet. No accidents or injuries or speeding tickets either, thank god. I can guarantee you the dealership or the manufacturer of this vehicle would not pick up the cost of a speeding ticket or associated costs due to an injury or death. What I would like to know is when is someone going to step up and put some real heat on the auto industry. Does it take a death of a fellow citizen to take action? I think it's too late if that's what it takes. I don't recall the dates of either incident so the date I enter is not accurate. I could give you the phone number of the dealership to find out the actual dates, but your not looking to make waves with the industry. Please tell me I'm not wasting my time with this complaint. Please tell me there is a genuine concern at the federal safety agency. Please do not insult my intelligence. Yes I'm angry and dissatisfied with the auto industry whose aim is to live off of components breaking down so you have to bring your vehicle back in. It sure would be nice to purchase a vehicle, drive off the dealership lot and never having to return.

Filed Jul 17, 2007 · Acceleration, Electrical · 18,000 miles · FL

We bought an impala chevrolet 2004 new in 2004. There were a few problems with it. Instrument panel cluster -and speedometer gauge did not work and noises came from the instrument panel. Steering gear popped/clanking noise heard and sensed from front end. Also, seemed like something was wrong with the transmission because it did not change gears correctly, and it kind of bumped when accelerating, appeared as if engine did not want to accelerate. There was a delayed start, may be necessary to hold key in start several seconds until starting or turning back and trying again. Sometimes key locked in and won't turn. Took to dealer, but it did not do it for them. *ak on the steering gear the steering intermediate shaft was replaced on 11/19/05. Again the noise was back and on 07/17/07 the steering intermediate shaft was lubricated. On other issues repairs are to costly. Do not feel secure on vehicle these problems have been going on for the past two years.

Filed Apr 17, 2007 · Body, Tires · PA

Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2004 chevrolet impala with failure mileage 28,000 he noticed that whenever turning the steering wheel he heard a knocking noise. He took the vehicle to the dealer initially because he thought it was a steering problem. However, the technician told him that it had to do with the structure frame and members of the wheels. The contact stated that the technician replaced a rod on the tire, but it did not correct the failure. The technician told him that the vehicle was out of warranty, and that he would be responsible for the cost of all repairs. The contact already paid $150.00 in repair costs, and the failure had not been resolved. The current mileage was 30,000 miles.

Filed Dec 2, 2006 · Steering · 30,200 miles · ME

Vehicle with 34943 miles has clicking feeling in steering wheel when turning. Dealer repacked intermediate steering shaft to fix problem.

Filed Nov 10, 2006 · Steering · 49,000 miles · MI

2004 chevy impala has a clunk noise in steering column when turning.

Filed Sep 6, 2006 · Steering · MI

Used vehicle purchase - clunk in steering upon turning - but not all the time. Concerned this is a safety issue. What if steering goes out?