2005 Chevrolet Impala Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 331about this part
- Share
- 54%of 609 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 331 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, 54% of the 609 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I tried to start my car and smelled smoke. Something under the hood of my car must have been burning because there was a distinct smell of smoke when I opened the hood. When the road service attendant tried to jump the vehicle the next day, smoke came out of the fuse box and the car would not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11040267, filed 2017-10, 160,000 miles“I noticed a strange smell like melting plastic coming from my passenger side dashboard under the glove compartment. Took it straight to the dealer. They discovered my back window defrost shorted out the fuse box on the passenger side. Completely melted it and ruined the box. If I had waited any longer it probably would have started a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10564310, filed 2014-02, 109,000 miles“The speedometer malfunctions. This incident is the third I've experienced in the last year. I researched this and found the problem to be widespread for 2000-2005 Chevrolet impalas. The speedometer registers 95-110 MPH all of the time from a complete stop to a slow roll. This is very dangerous because a faulty speedometer reading can and will lead to accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10592968, filed 2014-05, 74,711 miles“My 2005 chevy Impala intermittently fails to start. It will restart after waiting about 15-20 minutes. This is a similar problem (potential safety issue) I had with a previously owned 2000 Impala, and other frustrated Impala owners express online. Certified technicians are unable to pin point the cause and GM customer service was not helpful when contacted on the matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10608245, filed 2014-07, 120,000 miles“Internal security system fails without notice, car wont start. Security light stays on or flashes. Car still wont start. It can be hours or even days before this problem resets and car starts and works. But then will soon fail as soon as the vehicle is shut off. Has coasted me several jobs, loss work hours, and extra money I spent on starter, but came to find out it was the security feature chevy put in, I'm not the only one who has been having this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11232605, filed 2019-07, 99,000 milesRelated recalls
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings…Covers: Chevrolet Impala 2000–2005, Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 11000162Apr 30, 2024The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10244214Sep 21, 2023This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10239102Jun 29, 2023The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 10225615Oct 19, 2022This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.
- 10222776Sep 16, 2022The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 10198890May 25, 2021This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 20% |
| 2019 | 9 | 32% |
| 2018 | 11 | 19% |
| 2017 | 15 | 13% |
| 2016 | 30 | 27% |
| 2015 | 96 | 32% |
| 2014 | 221 | 35% |
| 2013 | 52 | 19% |
| 2012 | 58 | 22% |
| 2011 | 95 | 19% |
| 2010 | 132 | 30% |
| 2009 | 224 | 27% |
| 2008 | 221 | 27% |
| 2007 | 128 | 20% |
| 2006 | 124 | 24% |
| 2005 | 331 | 54% |
| 2004 | 681 | 63% |
| 2003 | 264 | 38% |
| 2002 | 305 | 38% |
| 2001 | 225 | 30% |
| 2000 | 187 | 23% |
| 1996 | 11 | 13% |
| 1995 | 6 | 14% |
| 1994 | 5 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
52 complaintsBrakes
49 complaintsExterior lighting
49 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsEngine cooling
31 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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