2005 Chevrolet Impala
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Impala › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Chevrolet Impala. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2005 Chevrolet Impala. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Dorman IS recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. a potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
Remedy
Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. the recall began on february 23, 2009. owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5.
Dorman products IS recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos. 425-151, 425-152, and 425-153, (sold under dorman's "oe solutions" brand name), balkamp #'s 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (sold under the "napa" brand name), and platinum parts #'s 2425151, 2425152, and 2425153 manufactured during the month of september 2007. these replacement…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. the recall began on october 16, 2008. owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.
Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Owner complaints
609 complaints39 involved a crash13 involved a fire32 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Unknown or other
On XXX in [XXX], while at a complete stop, without cause or prior warning, airbags violently deployed causing property damage to the entire instrument panel and windshield, and bodily injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Power train
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle…
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Air bags
When traveling down a steep incline the front driver and passenger side airbags went off. There was no collision with anything, also there's no damage to the car aside from the airbags themselves.
- Power train
Transmission shifts hard after engine warms up.
- Unknown or other
The car shuts off while driving. Loose power steering hazardous while turning at higher speeds... dangerous for. Vehicles in front or back . The car also jumps or jolts when driving. And looses power causing severe loss of control especially when icy or snow road conditions.
- Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, suddenly there was an abnormal wind sound inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof had detached from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an…
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, suddenly there was an abnormal wind sound inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof had detached from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- Steering
The contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving at 10 mph, to merge into another interstate when the steering wheel seized and the front driver's side tire blew out and caused the vehicle to hit a pole. The windshield cracked and the hood was damaged from the crash. A state…
The contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving at 10 mph, to merge into another interstate when the steering wheel seized and the front driver's side tire blew out and caused the vehicle to hit a pole. The windshield cracked and the hood was damaged from the crash. A state trooper assisted the contact to replace the tire with a spare tire. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that he would need to pay for the vehicle to be towed to their dealer for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would contact back to provide assistance. However, no further assistance had been provided from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 194,000.
- Power train
I was on my way to work and I was trying to turn into my job and I made it about half way into the parking lot where part of my car was sti'll in the road when my car just shifted down into neutral and would not go back into drive so I ended up having to be towed into the parking lot by a young man…
I was on my way to work and I was trying to turn into my job and I made it about half way into the parking lot where part of my car was sti'll in the road when my car just shifted down into neutral and would not go back into drive so I ended up having to be towed into the parking lot by a young man that stopped to help gi've me a hand to get my car out of the road I was on a major street that gets travelse alot and it was driving just fine until I went to turn into my job and it just quit shifting period
- Power train
Transmission has hard shifting after engine warms up, only has 44,000 miles on it. Stop and go traffic seems to start the problem faster than highway driving.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the brake line was rusted and leaking brake fluid. The mechanic contacted an unknown…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the brake fluid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the brake line was rusted and leaking brake fluid. The mechanic contacted an unknown local dealer for the replacement parts. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 150,886.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the speedometer failed to read accurately. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the speedometer provided inaccurate speeds. The contact stated that the speedometer provided speeds exceeding 120 mph. A dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the speedometer failed to read accurately. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the speedometer provided inaccurate speeds. The contact stated that the speedometer provided speeds exceeding 120 mph. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the key dislodged from the ignition. Additionally, on several…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 14v400000 (electrical system) however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the key dislodged from the ignition. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle was difficult to steer due to the key not remaining in the run position. The contact would manually remove and replace the key for normal operation. The vehicle was taken to o'rielly chevrolet located at 6160 e broadway blvd, tucson, az 85711, where it was recommended that the ignition switch be replaced however, the repair was still pending. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Engine
When I go to turn on my car it does not turn on. It takes a couple tries to get the car started. On top of that problem the car IS now jolting when I accelerate. I've had the car for only a year and have taken excellent care of it and beforehand it was at a dealership. I am very concerned since I have young children going in my car and it's my transportation to make my income.
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the battery was drained due to an emergency warning light that remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. The emergency light by the radio system comes on and drains the vehicle's battery. The contact also stated that…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the battery was drained due to an emergency warning light that remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. The emergency light by the radio system comes on and drains the vehicle's battery. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound in the steering. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable while attempting to park the vehicle. The dealer performance chevrolet (3222 beverly pike, elkins, wv 26241, (304) 591-1077) stated the diagnostic fee was $100 per hour. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 134,000. The vin was invalid.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Power train · Service brakes
Hi I purchased my impala last year used and for about the first 6 months it ran fine...now electrical panel goes on the fritz dimming my lights and dashboard...power windows and mirrors not working... Also ABS light and traction lights on consistently...traction randomly activates and car lighters…
Hi I purchased my impala last year used and for about the first 6 months it ran fine...now electrical panel goes on the fritz dimming my lights and dashboard...power windows and mirrors not working... Also ABS light and traction lights on consistently...traction randomly activates and car lighters just stopped working. Something IS wrong with this specific model and it really needs to be recalled. Also turn key to start car and the car doesn't start so I do this 2-3 times to start car up...really needs to recall all 2005 impalas
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. Shortly after the vehicle was purchased from a private owner, the air bag off and various other warning indicators and gauges flickered. Also, four misfires occurred. The contact was concerned that the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I am complaining about the just purchased whic was vavoline when placed in vehicle engine thermal viscosity breakdown happened and engine block seized. Restarted after oil change same oil engine block seized. With what I'm reading and watching the third or fourth vehicle towed from the neighborhood…
I am complaining about the just purchased whic was vavoline when placed in vehicle engine thermal viscosity breakdown happened and engine block seized. Restarted after oil change same oil engine block seized. With what I'm reading and watching the third or fourth vehicle towed from the neighborhood maybe it's the motor oil. I understand that high heat breaks down rapidly with soy based lubricants. I understand you might not be able to admit this or are unaware but could you please keep on file.
- Electrical system
My instrument cluster IS completely out of wack !! None of the gauges are working and this IS a common problem that occurs in this model car . This should have definitely been a recall!!
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 50-55 mph, the headlamps failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to big bend chevrolet buick (located at 1424 n young blvd, chiefland, fl 32626, (352) 493-4263) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 50-55 mph, the headlamps failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to big bend chevrolet buick (located at 1424 n young blvd, chiefland, fl 32626, (352) 493-4263) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to drive the vehicle to see if the failure would recur. The contact did not heed the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. *Tt *tr *bf*jb
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 10-15 mph and making a left turn, there was an abnormal popping noise and the steering wheel went in a circle as the car veered of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 10-15 mph and making a left turn, there was an abnormal popping noise and the steering wheel went in a circle as the car veered of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the steering and engine detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired.the manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was 125,015.
- Engine · Power train · Service brakes · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning, braked independently, and the steering wheel was out of control and made an abnormal noise. In addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning, braked independently, and the steering wheel was out of control and made an abnormal noise. In addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact powered off the engine. Once it was restarted, the vehicle drove normally. In addition, while the gear was in park, the vehicle rolled forward independently. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 140,745. **tr consumer stated the car's battery drains quickly and when turning a loud knocking sound. Updated 11/19/18*jb
- Service brakes · Steering · Wheels
Takata recall: shuts off on it's own while driving with loss of control. Loss of steering. Loss of brakes, car shakes. Headlights dim when signaling for turns. Car began shaking with loss of control, battery, ab, and other sensor lights remain on. Odometer became exempt 2016, but seller, cache…
Takata recall: shuts off on it's own while driving with loss of control. Loss of steering. Loss of brakes, car shakes. Headlights dim when signaling for turns. Car began shaking with loss of control, battery, ab, and other sensor lights remain on. Odometer became exempt 2016, but seller, cache valley auto sales, lewiston, ut has odometer at 142,221 miles. The seller refuses to fix, or exchange for this vehicle for another vehicle.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. After the contact stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and crashed into the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. A…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. After the contact stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and crashed into the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not inspected by the insurance company or a dealer to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 68,000. **tr *tr *js
- Engine
I've replaced the battery along with new tires hoping that all the jerking would stop however they didn't! The car seems to have bad timing or not wanting to shift in right hears
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle 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 modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM 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 inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The 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 diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248778Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245891Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
- 10245890Unintended Ignition Key Rotation
Every Chevrolet Impala model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.