Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, a speed bump was encountered and the contact lost control of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle stalled and crashed into an embankment and guardrails. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a back injury that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000(electrical system). The failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and crashed into a cement barrier. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a restaurant parking lot. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The contact stated that the failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
I tried to start my car and smelled smoke. Something under the hood of my car must have been burning because there was a distinct smell of smoke when I opened the hood. When the road service attendant tried to jump the vehicle the next day, smoke came out of the fuse box and the car would not start.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 65 MPH, a humming noise emerged from the dashboard area and all the warning indicators illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster was damaged and needed replacement. The manufacturer stated that in order to have financial help from them, the vehicle had to be taken to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to lafontaine Chevrolet in dexter, michigan where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel failed and needed replacement. The dealer declined the repairs unless paid in full. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer and was provided case number: 8-3990929035. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,594.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the key dislodged from the ignition. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle was difficult to steer due to the key not remaining in the run position. The contact would manually remove and replace the key for normal operation. The vehicle was taken to o'rielly Chevrolet located at 6160 e broadway blvd, tucson, az 85711, where it was recommended that the ignition switch be replaced however, the repair was still pending. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
During a snow storm, traveling with traffic at a safe speed. I was cut off by another vehicle because my horn failed. I was not able to alert the other driver that it was not safe to merge into my lane. Resulting in my car entering the ditch to avoid a multi-car accident. I have researched 2005 Chevy Impala horn failure, and I have found many have burned out. My mechanic states he believes it is a known issue with Chevrolet due to the placement of the horn itself, the horn is in an unprotected area, it can and will "burn" out due to rain water, snow, etc. This is a safety issue. As important as any other. The cost to replace the horn is over $200.00 with labor because of the additional labor to get to the horn.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the battery was drained due to an emergency warning light that remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. The emergency light by the radio system comes on and drains the vehicle's battery. The contact also stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound in the steering. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable while attempting to park the vehicle. The dealer performance Chevrolet (3222 beverly pike, elkins, wv 26241, [phone]) stated the diagnostic fee was $100 per hour. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 134,000. The VIN was invalid.
Had to recently replace fuel ejection and other part for fuel leaking and fumes overcoming in car. Now the speedometer, fuel and tack gauge stopped working. GM has not recalled this on the Impala and they are aware this is a problem but will not take responsibility. These issues have been a serious safety hazard for my daughter and cannot drive the car. Every Chevy dealership and parts stores think there is a recall until they look it up. Thats how much they are aware of the issues. Once again ill have to pay approx. 300.00 just for the part. Dorman oe solutions instrument cluster. How can we stop GM from getting away with this! We need help!
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 331 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, 54% of the model year's 609 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (91 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 8 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.