Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving at 70 mph my car just shut off. The radio and lights stayed on. The oil and battery light came on before it just shut down. Steering locked up. When safely to side, and turned key off it starts right back up, but now traction system is off. Has gas and nothing is broken.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The failure recurred multiple times. On another occasion, the security and air bag warning lights was continuously illuminated. Also, the contact noticed that the steering column was loose which caused the vehicle to shake while driving at high speeds. The vehicle was taken the dealer for a diagnosis of the security light and the engine stalling. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000(electrical system). However, the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnosis of the steering column and the mechanic stated that the steering column was loose and needed to be repaired or tightened. …
I was driving and came to a stop at a stop sign. I was going to make a left turn, when my steering wheel locked up on me. The only warning light I got was traction control, and the ABS maintenance lights. It turned out that I had no power steering fluid in my car. I ended up having to get a new power steering pump. Then the mechanic that was working on my car called me to tell me that my rack pinion is bad. He warned me that it could go out at any time, and it's unsafe to drive. I would like this incident documented, just in case there are others that encounter the same with their cars. I do feel that the manufacturer should pay for this issue, because it not from usual wear and tear, this is a manufacturing issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when the key was turned to the start position, several warning lights illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and check engine lights were illuminated. The vehicle was started and the vehicle loss brakes and power steering functionality with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The contact was previously informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) however, the vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Air bag did not deploy causing strain of neck muscles, upper back injury, bilateral strain, contusion of multiple sites of my lower limbs bilateral. There have been several recalls on the Impala but due to negligence of GMC I am in pain my car was totaled and I have to purchase a new car. I will need assistance in price, payments, extended maintenance warranty at your cost and delivery of new vehicle to address I provide no fee also include tag payments. I contacted your complaint department last night and was told that I will be compensated in this will be taken care of as Chevrolet always takes care of their best customers.
Takata recall when going to fasten seat belt it will not fasten you have to mess with it a couple times before it will latch and sometimes will unlatch while driving. Takata recall the driver front blinker bulb has been replaced multiple times but after buying numerous bulbs it still will not work. Takata recall when turning the wheel left when I slow down to go around a curve it tightens up like the steering pump is going out but it only does it while slowing down to turn, also while driving its like the vehicle is all over the road swaying around.
We were driving off h-820 n in fortworth texas..the car could not slow down nor could we control it. We ended up hitting the guard rail in one car accident and it was a total loss. Before that, same car was serviced by ignition problem by Chevrolet dealer off 1-20 in arlington,tx..still I was experiencing same problem.
I have a 2001 Chevrolet Impala ls sedan with only 18K miles on it. It is now experiencing a 'clunking' in the steering. When I called the dealer yesterday, he said (1) it is a known problem, and (2) since I am 6 months out of warranty, repair would be at my cost! He said the problem was a minor one, some $200.00 to fix (with grease?) , not to worry about any danger, etc. Since I want the problem fixed, I made an appointment for same. Since yesterday, I have learned that this problem indeed is very serious, but that GM is ignoring it, and has not issued any recall(s) for the problem. I feel very strongly (1) that this is a dangerous situation since there are many cases of 'locked' steering resulting in crashes, (2) and that GM should fix this known problem under an 'implied warranty' scenarion. Otherwise, my Impala might indeed crash hurting or kiilling us. …
We own a 2001 Chevrolet Impala , VIN # [redacted], that was purchased new. We have been experiencing this clunk noise. The vehicle was taken in for repair, we were then advised it was the tires so we replaced the tires . This did not correct the issue. We took the vehicle back for repair and the left tie rod was replaced, this did not correct the issue. I have found that many other owners with this problem have been told it was their tires and also have had tie rods replaced. I searched the internet and found the subject TSB. I took the vehicle in for the repair called for in the TSB, lubrication of the steering intermediate shaft using lubrication kit # [redacted]. This repair lasted about 30 days. I have been advised that this is normal and since I have 38000 miles on my vehicle no coverage from Chevrolet is available. …
I took my 2001 Impala to the GM dealer at 23K miles for a noise in the steering column, at that time they said they had to replace an intermediate steering shaft plus other issues non related. At 73K they removed the shaft and lubed it and replaced left outer tie rod for $510+. At 98K my front wheel hubs were replaced and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft again and charged me $125 for the shaft and another $975+ for the rest. When I took the car back two weeks later for yet another steering problem they said it was my rack and pinion this time and charged me $1083. That was today, tonight on my way home with my wife, the car did the same thing while turning right on an exit ramp. I called 1-800-GM and they said they could not do anything for me except offer me a GM loyalty cert good for some $ off a purchase of a new GM product. …
Steering complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 76 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala, 10% of the model year's 742 complaints. The component named most often is gear box › shaft sector (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Impala steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 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 2001 Chevrolet Impala steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries to steering 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.