2004 Chevrolet Impala Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 7%of 1,073 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,784miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the engine of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, 7% of the 1,073 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,784 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 11 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11388766, filed 2021-01, 130,000 miles“Please help. I have a 2004 chevy Impala. It has the GM passlock. The security light comes on the message board and sometimes the car will not start. The car has left me stranded about 25 times. I'm afraid one day it will be an emergency and my car is going to leave me stranded. This is a very common among Impala and other GM vehicles. This should be a recall asap. Thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #10633137, filed 2014-09, 140,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10586994, filed 2014-05, 1 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11325138, filed 2020-05, 116 miles“While driving down the highway I saw some smoke or steam coming from under the right dash . I didn't know what it was , so I check my gauges and every thing looked ok , I continue to driving trying to make it to my mothers house. The car cut itself off and I shift to n and roll into the driveway. I got out went into the house for a couple of min. When I return the car was smoking , I dash water on top of the hood but the smoke turn into flames that's when I called 911. Help came and was able to put the fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #10822441, filed 2016-01, 132,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2019 | 2 | 7% |
| 2018 | 7 | 12% |
| 2017 | 21 | 18% |
| 2016 | 21 | 19% |
| 2015 | 19 | 6% |
| 2014 | 56 | 9% |
| 2013 | 30 | 11% |
| 2012 | 40 | 16% |
| 2011 | 125 | 25% |
| 2010 | 88 | 20% |
| 2009 | 179 | 22% |
| 2008 | 134 | 17% |
| 2007 | 77 | 12% |
| 2006 | 59 | 11% |
| 2005 | 30 | 5% |
| 2004 | 71 | 7% |
| 2003 | 88 | 13% |
| 2002 | 75 | 9% |
| 2001 | 68 | 9% |
| 2000 | 71 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala
681 complaintsExterior lighting
104 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsSteering
63 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsVehicle speed control
41 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology