The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving and turning into a shopping center, there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence and inspected by an independent mechanic, who discovered that the spark plugs were bent, and that the engine had seized. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Chevrolet Impala engine failure problems
140 of the 10,418 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Impala describe engine failure, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 140
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $658
- typical mileage
- 78,591
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Steering lock-up 53Stalling 19Loss of power 12No deployment 11Check engine light 10Fire or smoke 8Power steering loss 5Won't start 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P2138 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the power steering, service stabili-trak, and the check engine warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel seized briefly. The contact stated that shortly after the failure, the steering wheel unlocked, and the contact was able to continue driving safely. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact's wife was able to drive to the residence before the steering wheel seized. The "Service Power Steering, Drive with Care" messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving in the rain, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not provided.
My Engine is shaking back-and-forth and it’s a new engine not new jd byrider replaced last month and I got the same problem again today
Today, 6-12-2022, driving on US Highway 80 at 65 mph headed toward Phenix City, AL from Columbus, GA, the the engine shuddered, then the "Stabilitrack Service Light" came on, along with the check engine light, and a message for "reduced engine power." Then, the engine suddenly cut out as I was going uphill between the Riverchase Exit and the Summerville Exit. Luckily, I was driving and not my wife. I was able to glide the car back to the right shoulder of the road under ZERO power, and shut the ignition down. Cars were passing me at 65-75 mph, and I was very fortunate not to have caused an accident. After sitting there for about 5 minutes in 96 degree heat and my wife freaking out in the passenger seat, I restarted the car and eased it to the Summerville Exit, and slowly drove home, about another 6 miles. We were damn lucky not to have been hit by another car, as this happened on a what is essentially a freeway. After researching this , it seems this is a common problem being reported on this Model, the Chevy Impala. I'm sure Chevrolet knows about this...the company should be forced to recall this car model and fix it before folks start getting killed due to total engine failure...especially at a high speed like I was driving.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, both rear wheels seized and experienced a blowout. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was being serviced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V541000 (Parking Brake) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving at 10 MPH, to merge into another interstate when the steering wheel seized and the front driver's side tire blew out and caused the vehicle to hit a pole. The windshield cracked and the hood was damaged from the crash. A state trooper assisted the contact to replace the tire with a spare tire. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that he would need to pay for the vehicle to be towed to their dealer for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would contact back to provide assistance. However, no further assistance had been provided from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 194,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- 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: engine
- 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
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
- Risk
- If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 09V116000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Impala engine failure
Which Chevrolet Impala years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (14 complaints), 2009 (14 complaints) and 2007 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Chevrolet Impala?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $658 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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