Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have seen a lot of people say that their rack and pinion has broken and they have fix it and it has broken again. The rack and pinion on my car has broken. I dont feel very comfortable with driving this car at all. They told me that the tire is about to fall off. Can you please get this fix. The car has been driving very well on the streets and highway. It has started to shake while I was on the highway. I made it home safe to be told that my rack and pinion had broke. I fear for my life if something would have happen as I was driving on the highway.
My 2000 Chevy Impala has rear end noises when driving over slight road bumps. My mechanic inspected car rear end and found both rear strut towers badly rusted, especially in trunk, with not much support for strut mounts. I was told the rear end will eventually collapse and car will not be drivable. Currently, there is very little room before strut mounts will touch both rear tires due to rusted strut towers, a definite safety concern. What I read elsewhere is that on the first 2000 new year w-body design, there is overlapping sheet metal at the top of the towers, that GM did not seal. So it's a huge moisture trap, causing rust to occur. Later years GM put in plastic shields in the wheel wells. And whether they put a sealer in where the metal panels overlap wasn't mentioned. …
Since shortly after car was purchased there is a noticeable clunking/popping noise coming from the right front of the car. This is especially heard when going over a bump. Original thought was that it was either an arm or a joint. Dealer said it was not a problem and subsequent complaints have resulted in my being told it was either "in my steering column" (which I find odd since that is on the left), or a "noise that doesn't mean anything", or "something typical to aluminum rockers", or even that it was something they heard many complaints about but it wasn't hurting anything. I have had the car since it was new in November 2000 so apparently the noise is not a safety hazard, or at least not to me, and not yet. I remain concerned and complain about it almost each time I take it in to the mechanic for any other work. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the front end of her vehicle vibrates severely. The tie rod ends, rack, transmission mounts, tires, intermediate shaft, and both axles have been replaced, but the vibration still persists. On March 6, 2009, the contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and paid $600 to have the vehicle repaired. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer informed her to take the vehicle to another dealer for diagnostic testing, which would cost $88. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Dt*: the contact stated when turning the steering wheel there was a clanking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealership in March 2004, where the rear stabilizer link and front lower control arm bushings were replaced and lubricant was applied to the steering shaft. After the repairs the noise did not completely cease, and the vehicle is currently at the dealership. The dealership has determined the steering shaft needs to be replaced. Updated 2/13/2006 -
Dt: the consumer stated while stopping at a red light a strange odor entered the vehicle followed by a loss of power steering. He managed to drive the vehicle to the dealer, where the dealer determined that vehicle was leaking power steering fluid. The dealer replaced the power steering fluid hose at the consumer expense. The consumer was told the serpentine needed to be replaced. There was damage to the suspension. Updated 01/11/06.
I have a 2000 Impala that has the rear strut towers beginning to rust out badly. There has been no incident yet as I caught this on one of my vehicles inspections. If this were to rust completely out the rear tires could come off of the car while in motion. I have tried to contact general motors, but got no response. This defect renders to car pretty much useless. Thanks for you time.
Vehicle was at dealer for left axle seal leak. Next day vibration noticed while slight right turn pressure on wheel. Returned vehicle to dealer. Couldn't find problem on lot. After testing on road for 2 mins. It was determined that transmission had total failure.
When vehicle encountered slight vibration is common highway roads surfaces, the vehicle will jump, jerk and wander from side to side, favoring the right side. The rear of the vehicle without warning will brake away and try and begin to spin first left and then right.. When road conditions are wet from mist or rain, the vehicle will constantly try to begin a right rear sliding action as if the rear of the vehicle is try to come to come around and get in front of you while in a forward motion. Speeds at which this accurs is 45 to 70 miles an hour. Loss of forward, directional control will accure, vehicle wanders back and forth. Vehicle will fishtail on wet road conditions. Very sever corner to corner tire wear. Rear tires conpletely bald. Constant tire rotation proves worthless. Vehicle will pull to right front when brakes applied. Front to rear alighnment problems. …
On May 15, 01 took vehicle to a local Chevrolet dealer in reference to the humming noise coming from my wheels. They found right front strut was bottoming out and collapsing with hitting bump and left front hub bearing was roaring. Both of these where replaced at no cost as vehicle was still under waranty. I asked about the rear wheels and was told they where fine. On this date November 05,01 only 6 months later I had to take my car back to the same dealer in my area for the same thing that should have been fixed in the first place. This time they found right rear bearing and hub was bad. This was replaced at a cost of 544.60. Due to the fact that I have an extended warranty on this vehicle I only had to pay the deductible. I should not have to have paid anything had this been fixed in the first place. …
Suspension complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Chevrolet Impala, 4% of the model year's 818 complaints. The component named most often is front (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Impala suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2000 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Chevrolet Impala suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.