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 2005 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated without warning, braked independently, and the steering wheel was out of control and made an abnormal noise. In addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact powered off the engine. Once it was restarted, the vehicle drove normally. In addition, while the gear was in park, the vehicle rolled forward independently. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 140,745. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 15 MPH, the acceleration decreased and the vehicle stalled. The battery warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to maneuver to the side of the road. After five minutes, the contact restarted the vehicle but the failure recurred. The vehicle was left on the side of the road until the next day. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the body control module was damaged and needed replacement. The vehicle was driven to another dealer for a second opinion who diagnosed that the throttle plate had carbon build-up and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 294,000.
The transmission started to develop a shudder at 140000 miles. I have taken it in multiple times to get looked at. The las resort would be to get a new transmission. This issue causes the car to not take off right away or shake pretty bad making it seem or feel that it will stop, shut down, or jam up even while driving down the road. I have read that this is a common problem with this vehicle model. It happens at stop lights, while running, and while turning. Please investigate this matter before many people waste thousands of dollars trying to investigate this issue. Thank you
Driving 2005 Chevy Impala on interstate 95 north when vehicle unexpectedly went off the road and crashed into the guardrail, vehicle bounced off of guardrail and spun around three times before coming to a stop with vehicle resting in the middle of the highway in the corresponding direction of traffic. The airbags did not deploy.the vehicle would not immediately start, but after two or three attempts, the vehicle started. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder of highway. The vehicle did not start again and had to be towed from accident scene. The vehicle was deemed a total loss.
175555 miles fuel smell and fuel loss when car is running. Rough start, some missing. Fuel filter failed at filter inlet spraying gas onto underbody of car so didn't see the fuel spill. Replaced filter and o rings.squealing belt sound at start up. Serpentine belt tensioner broke, replaced tensioner and belt. No check engine warnings, no electronic gauges I have the basic Impala model. Watched the fuel gauge drop by lines while driving and smelled gas when shut off car. Fire hazard, and engine failure if the belt broke completely..another 300$ spent
I am complaining about the just purchased whic was vavoline when placed in vehicle engine thermal viscosity breakdown happened and engine block seized. Restarted after oil change same oil engine block seized. With what I'm reading and watching the third or fourth vehicle towed from the neighborhood maybe it's the motor oil. I understand that high heat breaks down rapidly with soy based lubricants. I understand you might not be able to admit this or are unaware but could you please keep on file.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The vehicle overheated and shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked for one hour when he heard a loud boom. The vehicle then caught fire. The fire inspector stated that the fire was caused by the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. Two other vehicles parked next to the contact's vehicle also caught fire. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 64,035.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the instrument cluster would read inaccurately, the vehicle would stall at any time, and smoke could be seen entering the vehicle through the vents. The dealer diagnosed that there was a fuel pump failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified via email, but the contact did not receive a response. The failure mileage was 130,000 and the current mileage was 136,000.
Engine complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, 10% of the model year's 609 complaints. The component named most often is engine (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Impala engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 1 recall 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 2005 Chevrolet Impala engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 4 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.