Most common 2005 Chevrolet Impala problems
Share of the 609 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Impala complaints by model year
Best Impala years: 2020, 2019, 2018. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2004. Compare all years →
2005 Chevrolet Impala recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
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.
What 2005 Chevrolet Impala owners say
Electrical system all 331 →
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed a burning odor emitting from the engine compartment. In addition, the gauges provided incorrect readings, the vehicle overheated, and the ABS, check engine, and multiple other warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump and multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V201000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The failure mileage was 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine & cooling all 61 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed a burning odor emitting from the engine compartment. In addition, the gauges provided incorrect readings, the vehicle overheated, and the ABS, check engine, and multiple other warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump and multiple parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V201000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The failure mileage was 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. After shutting off the vehicle, it would restart after approximately five minutes. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash where another vehicle crashed into the rear and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and there were unknown minor injuries sustained that required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Steering all 60 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the front wheel made a noise. The contact attempted to slow down by depressing the brake pedal and heard a loud banging noise under the front end by the accelerator pedal. The contact attempted to pull the vehicle over to the shoulder of the road; however, the steering failed. The vehicle drifted into the left lane and into oncoming traffic. The vehicle crashed into a retainer wall. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. It was diagnosed that the bushing failed and the subframe separated and disconnected from the vehicle. Also, the steering failed and the entire front end of the vehicle fell apart. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
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.
2005 Chevrolet Impala engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 22 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Impala a good car?
Based on 609 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Impala rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Impala at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Impala?
The electrical system — 331 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the engine & cooling (61) and steering (60).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Impala have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Impala?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2019 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet Impala years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Impala problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 26% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.