NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 1,073 owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala. Most complaints involve electrical system (681) and exterior lighting (104). The EPA rates it 20–22 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Impala model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 829 |
| 2001 | 747 |
| 2002 | 808 |
| 2003 | 722 |
| 2004 | 1,073 |
| 2005 | 608 |
| 2006 | 544 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 442 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 272 |
| 2014 | 638 |
| 2015 | 301 |
| 2016 | 890 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 15 |
“Cars acceleration causes me to be unable to pick up speed it decelerates up hills small or latg ramps cats constantly fly pass to avoid a multi car pile up it’s very dangerous!”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS FAILED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE BEING OPERATED AT NIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 260,000.”
“The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to approximately 20 MPH, and the instrument panel went black. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and then lost motive power and stalled. The contact was assisted by persons nearby to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Impala Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Impala Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L, Sup Charg · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| Impala Police Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,073 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (681), exterior lighting (104), engine (72). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Chevrolet Impala at 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).