2004 Chevrolet Impala Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,074 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, 4% of the 1,074 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Security light comes on randomly, have to wait ten mins to start vehicle. Security light comes on while driving, my gas fuel gauge stopped working so I track the gas my miles .. First 20 miles struggles to go, first thought it was fuel pressure regulator to the fuel pump to tranny to alternator now it wont shift into gear and I don't know what to do one recall for the ignition is ridiculous”
NHTSA complaint #10794993, filed 2015-11, 225 miles“My car will no longer move when placed in drive or in any of the lower gears. It moves fine in reverse. The repair facility told me it was the I out drum. The only way to replace it is with a new drum that has updated specifications. There has been problems with the current input drum that has resulted in the need for an I put drum with updated specs. If there is problems with the original drum should not a recall be issued?”
NHTSA complaint #10839185, filed 2016-03, 192,000 miles“I have a 2004 Impala and I'm noticing that the transmission is going out in it I have been told that the transmission mess up a whole lot in these type of cars why is that and why did y'all not fix the problem”
NHTSA complaint #11246256, filed 2019-08, 174,456 miles“Was turning left from stop when traction light came on also ABS light and traction off switch light, now it happens in reverse and sometimes when I start the car. It makes a growling sound,if I shut off the car and restart it all the lights go out.”
NHTSA complaint #10515886, filed 2013-06, 135,000 miles“The car is shifting hard from 1st to 2nd gear and every once in a while when I slow down around a curve and then the car has to shift down and back up right away. This has been getting worse and worse and from what I have been reading, it probably isn't the transmission but with the vacuum modular or torque converter. I also had a 2005 and recently traded it in for a different vehicle, but it had the same thing with shifting hard between 1st and 2nd.”
NHTSA complaint #10472901, filed 2012-08, 79,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 13% |
| 2019 | 5 | 18% |
| 2018 | 11 | 19% |
| 2017 | 12 | 10% |
| 2016 | 16 | 14% |
| 2015 | 16 | 5% |
| 2014 | 39 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 12% |
| 2012 | 27 | 10% |
| 2011 | 64 | 13% |
| 2010 | 67 | 15% |
| 2009 | 68 | 8% |
| 2008 | 91 | 11% |
| 2007 | 80 | 13% |
| 2006 | 108 | 21% |
| 2005 | 52 | 9% |
| 2004 | 47 | 4% |
| 2003 | 30 | 4% |
| 2002 | 36 | 5% |
| 2001 | 57 | 8% |
| 2000 | 52 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 13% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala
681 complaintsExterior lighting
104 complaintsBrakes
89 complaintsEngine
72 complaintsSteering
63 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 30, 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