Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to approximately 20 MPH, and the instrument panel went black. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and then lost motive power and stalled. The contact was assisted by persons nearby to push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle after waiting approximately 5-10 minutes. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was awaiting diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when he was driving at 60 MPH, heat started coming through the air ducts and the vehicle was shut off without warning. The contact was able to pull over and upon lifting the hood to check the engine, flames began disbursing from the engine's manifold. The contact then grabbed a floor mat from his vehicle and extinguished the flames. The contact then restarted the vehicle and the check engine light illuminated, the contact then drove the vehicle to a parking lot. No police or fire report was filed and no injuries were reported. The dealer neither the manufacturer have been informed of the vehicle failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. Consumer stated you could observe the oil pours out the valve cover and failed to mention it was more the front gasket than back. …
After parking my car, I just happened to noticed smoke coming out from the front of car and I was fortunate enough to have a dry chemical fire extinguisher available to put out the flames. It appears that there was a valve cover oil leak that had dripped onto the exhaust manifold that caused the oil to ignite into flames. Resulting damage that I'm visually able to see was to all spark plug wires, engine coils, plastic engine cover, oil dipstick, right engine strut, wiring harness pigtail going to coil pack assembly and under hood insulation. I will not know full extent of damage until I attempt to perform the repairs myself. I have photos if someone would like to view them. Also, the mileage I listed of 99,400 is approximate, it is not exact as I am not near my car at the moment.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. Two years ago, the contact noticed that the instrument panel lights dimmed without warning. Two days later, the contact smelled a burning odor and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed a tune up. The failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was never the same after the tune up. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V400000 (electrical system) and 15V201000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 128,000. Parts distribution disconnect. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated there was a fume odor that emitted in and outside the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V201000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. VIN tool confirms part not available.
While driving down the highway I saw some smoke or steam coming from under the right dash . I didn't know what it was , so I check my gauges and every thing looked OK , I continue to driving trying to make it to my mothers house. The car cut itself off and I shift to n and roll into the driveway. I got out went into the house for a couple of min. When I return the car was smoking , I dash water on top of the hood but the smoke turn into flames that's when I called 911. Help came and was able to put the fire out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. While driving at various speeds, the contact smelled burning oil coming from the vehicle without warning. In addition, smoke emitted under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V201000 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was 116,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the engine caught fire. The contact smelled smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was not destroyed. There were no injuries sustained. The contact and her husband extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that oil leaked onto the engine and created a fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles.
Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine's front valve cover and gasket.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge.
Engine complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 106 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, 10% of the model year's 1,073 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Impala engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-701 (manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Oct 26, 2015); NHTSA recall 15V-201 (engine, Apr 6, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Impala engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 12 fires and 5 injuries to engine & cooling 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.