2001 Chevrolet Impala Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year report a wide spread of problems, with electrical complaints most often cited — intermittent no-start conditions, security-system lockouts, and lighting that stops working. Cooling-system and intake-gasket leaks, steering noise, brake pulsation and transmission trouble also recur in the sample, and several complaints describe engine-compartment fires, some of which reference existing recall campaigns. Reports arrive across a broad mileage range, from under 20,000 miles to well over 200,000.

1. 1
   Engine

   Engine-compartment fire, often while parked

   • 89 complaints (12%)
   • median 130,500 mi at 11.5 yrs old (64 state mileage)
   • 68 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2001–2023

   Complaints describe smoke then flames under the hood, sometimes minutes after the car was parked and shut off, and in a few cases an explosion from the intake area at start-up. Owners report fire-department response, total loss of the vehicle, and being told by the manufacturer that the VIN was not covered by a recall. Several complaints reference oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold as the described cause. Reported from about 100,000 to over 200,000 miles, typically after the car had been parked.

   Recall 15V701000Recall 09V116000

   What to check: Ask whether recalls 09V116000 and 15V701000 were performed, and have a mechanic check for oil seepage around the valve covers and exhaust manifold.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “01 Impala 3.8. I went to start the car. There was an explosion and the engine caught fire. The intake plenum exploded when I attempted to start the car. The car was not repairable. The potential for injury is great if someone is standing near the open engine bay. The car was well maintained and in excellent condition despite the high miles.”

   NHTSA complaint #10374104, filed 2011-01, 321,000 miles

   “I drove the car to a store, parked, turned the engine off and exited the vehicle. When I got out of the car it was smoking under the hood. A short time later the car was on fire in the engine bay. I'd say flames erupted approximately 10 minutes after I exited the vehicle.”

   NHTSA complaint #11241397, filed 2019-08, 212,000 miles
2. 2
   Electrical system

   Intermittent no-start / security lockout

   • 155 complaints (21%)
   • median 104,000 mi at 9.8 yrs old (107 state mileage)
   • 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $475 (median of 14 quotes)
   • filed 2000–2021

   Owners describe turning the key and getting dash lights, radio and chimes but no crank, sometimes with the security light on. Many say waiting anywhere from a few minutes to an hour lets the car start normally, and several report the same symptom with the engine shutting off while driving. Complaints describe repeated battery and spark plug replacement, dealer diagnosis of an ignition switch or theft-deterrent fault, and in some cases no fix being found. Reported from roughly 25,000 to 200,000 miles, with many reports in the 60,000-130,000 mile range.

   Recall 14V400000

   What to check: Start the car several times from cold and after sitting, and ask whether the ignition switch recall (14V400000) was completed. Note whether the security light stays on when the key is turned.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Security system is always locking up I have to wait 10 minutes before I can start car... I also know several other Impala owners and this is a problem for them too.. It's a very big inconvenience especially when you show up to work late because of it... It is so much of a problem I will never buy another Impala and probably never purchase a chevy ever again!”

   NHTSA complaint #10608790, filed 2014-07, 155,000 miles

   “My car shuts off when driving. The security light comed on. Sometimes no power to start so I seitch keyd. There been a recall but was not properly fixed. My life is in danger driving and I replaced so many parts that was never the problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #11352471, filed 2020-09, 149,000 miles
3. 3
   Brakes

   ABS / traction control activating when not needed

   • 125 complaints (17%)
   • median 65,398 mi at 6.3 yrs old (82 state mileage)
   • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 9 quotes)
   • filed 2000–2023

   Complaints describe the ABS or traction control engaging during ordinary braking or when pulling away, with the ABS and TRAC OFF lights staying on until the car is restarted. Owners report wheel hub and sensor replacement, and in some cases the symptom returning. Others describe brake pulsation and premature rotor wear with a shaking steering wheel. Reported from about 25,000 to 175,000 miles, often noticed at low speed or in turns.

   What to check: Test-drive at low speed in a parking lot with the wheel turned, and check whether the ABS or TRAC lights come on. Ask whether front wheel hubs or sensors were replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My vehicle is having the ABS kick on in uneccessary conditions. Then the vehicles traction control will turn off and the ABS light comes on and both stay on until I turn the vehicle off. From research this seems to be a problem with this line of vehicle, both a costly fix and a common problem. Please help me address this issue.”

   NHTSA complaint #10956609, filed 2017-02, 146,000 miles

   “When braking my car assumes I'm sliding (like on ice) and I'm not--car uses ABS unnecessarily. When driving off my car assumes my wheels are spinning and unable to grip--they aren't and car uses traction control unnecessarily. Similar to a breaking throttle cable, when trying to make a left turn on a busy street, traction control being activated could be very hazardous.”

   NHTSA complaint #10521497, filed 2013-06, 175,098 miles
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Intake manifold / coolant gasket leaks

   • 109 complaints (15%)
   • median 75,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (79 state mileage)
   • 20 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $774 (median of 10 quotes)
   • filed 2001–2021

   Owners report chronic coolant loss, oil found in the coolant, and overheating that leads to replacement of the lower intake gasket, water pump and thermostat. Some describe the cooling fan running long after shutdown and a burning-oil smell. Complaints also describe a failed catalytic converter and EGR valve allowing hot gases to burn through the plastic intake manifold and melt wiring. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 80,000 miles.

   2 related service bulletins

   What to check: Check the coolant reservoir and oil filler cap for mixing or a milky appearance, and look for coolant residue around the intake manifold.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have a 2001 chevy Impala it has a completely clogged catalytic converter according to my mechanic. I contacted country chevy in warwick ny they cant help me w/o charging me because the warranty expired 1800 miles ago. I understand from there serv dept as well as numerous mechanics this is a big problem. The vehicle has no warning light for this or I may have know prior to warranty expiring. Now I have a car I paid cash for that I cant drive. I was wondering if there have been any prior complaints. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10131787, filed 2005-08, 81,000 miles

   “Dt consumer stated the thermostat went out on the vehicle. After the vehicle was shut off the engine made a loud noise, and the fan would run for about five minutes. The mechanic had found oil in the coolant. The lower intake gasket, water pump, and the thermostat were removed and replaced. The mechanic stated when going from warm temperatures to cold temperatures the engine cooling system malfunctioned. Updated 11/16/2005.”

   NHTSA complaint #10141365, filed 2005-11, 74,000 miles
5. 5
   Steering

   Steering clunk and loose feel

   • 67 complaints (9%)
   • median 39,713 mi at 4.1 yrs old (40 state mileage)
   • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2001–2023

   Owners describe a clunking noise when turning or driving slowly, a loose or wandering steering feel, and vibration through the wheel. Complaints mention the intermediate steering shaft as the source and note it being replaced or lubricated under warranty, with the noise returning. Some owners link the play to uneven tire wear and brake work. Mostly reported between about 10,000 and 45,000 miles, sometimes recurring after repair.

   What to check: With the car stationary, turn the wheel and listen for a clunk; on a test drive check for play or wandering and look at front tire wear.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I own a 2001 Chevrolet Impala with a steering problem. The dealer repaired the steering mechanism twice under warranty and now I have the same problem. The steering makes a loud clunking noise when turning, or going slow. After 3 times I have now concluded it is also causing problems with my brakes and tire wear. I get a steady vibration and the steering feels loose. I have replaced brakes, rotors and tires. Please check into this. I believe it is dangerous. It feels like I will lose control of my car. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10155318, filed 2006-04, 10,000 miles

   “Want to add my complaint to the list of complaints about noisey, poorly lubricated steering coupling shaft, on my 2001 Chevrolet Impala. I have read the GM bullitten, but feel this is going to be a potential safey concern. Many owners will not pay to have this repair performed, and as the steering shaft wears from the lack of lube, it is very likely that the shafts will begin to bind, as all other rotating shafts with lack of lubrication, eventually do. This lubrication is not listed as a recommended maintenance. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10091044, filed 2004-09, 36,572 miles

Buying note. This model year has a long record of electrical, cooling and steering complaints, and several reports of engine-compartment fires, so confirming that the open recall campaigns were performed is worthwhile. A pre-purchase inspection covering starting behavior, coolant condition, brakes and steering would help separate a well-kept car from one with pending repairs.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.