Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My wife got into a wreck because Chevy has not recalled these issues. My 2004 Impala ABS brakes malfunctioned along with my traction control , she tried to stop at a stop sign and the brake pedal kicked up and would not let her stop she removed her foot from the brake and tried pressing the pedal back down and it kicked up kicking in the ABS and traction control not allowing her to stop and she ran into a snow bank but my insurance paid for the body work but not the mechanical problems I replaced both hubs on the front, quit doing it for a week or so and then when I drive it the traction control and ABS kicks in while im driving down the road. …
Hello, I just purchased this vehicle from a used car dealer and drove it to work two days later. I work an hour away and take the turnpike....I noticed while I was driving that the speedometer was near 90, and when I pulled into my jobs parking lot I was near 40 MPH...the parking lot's speed limit is 10 miles per hour with speedbumps so I knew something was wrong. When I got off of work my gas tank read past the full mark....I have been filling the tank every other day to prevent being stranded. I immediately called the dealer and he took a look at it. I purchased the car on 01/17/15 and today's date is 02/01/15 and I am still waiting to get the problem resolved. I've researched online and seen a lot Chevy impalas have this problem. Most notably 2001-2005 I would be eternally grateful if the matter can be resolved. Thanks, [redacted] p.s. There weren't specific options for the problems. …
Turned on my car started pushing on the gas my car made a weird vibration type sound. Came up on message board traction control after a couple times of it doing that, the ABS and tax light come on and on the message window it says system traction service. It kinda freaked me out cause I was stopped at a red light went to go hit the gas and it said traction control and I moved a little than I had to let go of gas then try again. Also have had a couple incidents where I go to break and it makes a vibration feeling on the brake and brings up traction control again. Really would like this checked out very concerned. Don't want to get in an accident cause my car fails to take off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the fuel gauge failed to provide the accurate reading level and the speedometer did not display the correct speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel gauge and the speedometer needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
When backing out of the drive way and go to accelerate the ABS/traction control engages and causes the car to stop. It also happens on the road once u come to a stop and or stop and turn onto a street or highway. Almost got rear ended a few times. I read online at its happening alot to people all over. This problem is constant ever since I bought the car. Previous ower advised me of the problem as well.
Security light comes on randomly, have to wait ten mins to start vehicle. Security light comes on while driving, my gas fuel gauge stopped working so I track the gas my miles .. First 20 miles struggles to go, first thought it was fuel pressure regulator to the fuel pump to tranny to alternator now it wont shift into gear and I don't know what to do one recall for the ignition is ridiculous
I turned the key to start the car and was driving and my gas hand,speedometer and oil indicators just fell to the bottom of the circle. Instead of showing me the amount of gas I have the red needle falls behind the "e". The same is true for the speedometer,the needle just falls to the bottom,and the cold/hot indicator is at the bottom of the panel. Isn't this an electrical problem?
Dt*: the contact stated after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse, the engine revved without warning and accelerated out of control hitting several obstacles. The vehicle was totaled. The dealer has been alerted.
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!
We bought an Impala Chevrolet 2004 new in 2004. There were a few problems with it. Instrument panel cluster -and speedometer gauge did not work and noises came from the instrument panel. Steering gear popped/clanking noise heard and sensed from front end. Also, seemed like something was wrong with the transmission because it did not change gears correctly, and it kind of bumped when accelerating, appeared as if engine did not want to accelerate. There was a delayed start, May be necessary to hold key in start several seconds until starting or turning back and trying again. Sometimes key locked in and won't turn. Took to dealer, but it did not do it for them. On the steering gear the steering intermediate shaft was replaced on 11/19/05. Again the noise was back and on 07/17/07 the steering intermediate shaft was lubricated. On other issues repairs are to costly. …
Acceleration complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, 4% of the model year's 1,073 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Impala acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 4 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 2004 Chevrolet Impala acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration 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.