2004 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2004 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Chevrolet Impala has 5 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Passlock Security System No-Start Condition ($150-$600 repair), Front Valve Cover Gasket Leak — Oil on Exhaust Manifold Fire Recall (15V201000), Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6) ($300-$1,000 repair), 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts ($200-$3,500 repair) and Ignition Switch Failure and Recall (NHTSA 14V-394) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010. The front passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the passenger presence sensor module.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET IMPALAS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE FRONT SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY SECURED TO THE LAP BELT ANCHOR PRETENSIONER MOUNTED TO THE SIDE OF THE SEAT NEAREST THE DOOR.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE UPPER POWER STEERING HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED SO THAT IT CAN COME IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AND/OR CONTACT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WITH THE ENGINE ON, HEAT FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MAY MELT THE POWER STEERING HOSE.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Chevrolet Impala has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Passlock Security System No-Start Condition, Front Valve Cover Gasket Leak — Oil on Exhaust Manifold Fire Recall (15V201000), Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2004 Chevrolet Impala has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Passlock Security System No-Start Condition and Front Valve Cover Gasket Leak — Oil on Exhaust Manifold Fire Recall (15V201000) and Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6) and 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts and Ignition Switch Failure and Recall (NHTSA 14V-394). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Impala issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Passlock Security System No-Start Condition, typically costs $150-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Passlock anti-theft system causes intermittent no-start conditions where the security light flashes and the fuel pump is disabled. The ignition lock cylinder contains a Hall-effect sensor that reads a resistance value; when contacts wear or corrode, the BCM detects a mismatch… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: high.
General Motors recalled 2004 Chevrolet Impalas manufactured April 8, 2003 through June 23, 2003 because the valve cover gasket may leak. Leaking engine oil can reach the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, and GM's stated consequence is an increased risk of fire — which is why t… Severity: high.
The 3.4L and 3.8L V6 engines in 2000-2005 Impalas use Dex-Cool compatible intake manifold gaskets that deteriorate over time, causing coolant to leak externally or internally into the oil. External leaks appear as dried orange coolant trails on the engine block. Internal leaks co… Repairs typically run $300-$1,000. Severity: high.
The 4T65-E automatic transmission used in the 2000-2013 Impala is one of the most failure-prone GM transmissions. Common failures include the 1-2 accumulator piston cracking (causing harsh 1-2 shift), pressure control solenoid failure (erratic shifts and slipping), and the forwar… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: high.
The 2003-2006 Impala was included in the massive GM ignition switch recall affecting millions of vehicles. The ignition switch has a weak detent spring that allows the key to slip from the "Run" position to the "Accessory" or "Off" position while driving. When this happens, the e… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
