2004 Chevrolet Impala recalls and problems
The 2004 Chevrolet Impala has 4 safety recalls and 1,074 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Chevrolet Impala recalls
Recall 15V-701: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 engineÂs 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 15V-201: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 14V-400: Electrical System
Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Recall 04V-287: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles were produced with lower than specified torque on both front brake caliper to steering knuckle attachment bolts. With improper torque, the clamp load at the joint may not be adequate to prevent movement between the caliper bracket and knuckle.
Risk: Depending on whether one or both bolts backs out or fractures, the result can be locking of the affected wheel during braking and an abrupt steering input in the direction of the locked wheel, reduced braking and noise from the affected wheel, or severing of a brake hose, increased brake pedal travel, and reduced steering control. Reduced braking or steering control could cause a crash.
Fix: Dealers are to tighten both bolts to the specified torque. Owner notification began on june 28, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac 1-800-620-7668.
2004 Chevrolet Impala problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 693 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 110 | |
| Engine | 72 | |
| Steering | 67 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 60 | |
| Power Train | 48 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 41 | |
| Service Brakes | 37 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 36 | |
| Air Bags | 31 | |
| Unknown or Other | 30 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 19 |
Most reported parts
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 252
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 21
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 17
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 11
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch — 10
- Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 10
- Structure › Body — 10
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 9
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Chevrolet Impala complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Impala years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala: 15V-701 (engine and engine cooling), 15V-201 (engine and engine cooling), 14V-400 (electrical system), 04V-287 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (693 reports), followed by exterior lighting (110). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.