Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
While driving on a smooth dark country road at a speed of 50 MPH time 10:35 pm I had activated the high beam headlights and approximately 10 seconds later the headlamps went off leaving only the daytime running lights on. Visibility was instantly decreased to an unsafe level without prior warning. I had immediately reactivated the low beams with the multi-function switch and the headlamps (low beam) resumed operation. Prior to this failure the high beam headlamps were not in operation for any long periods of time. This type of failure without prior warning could lead to the probability of an accident. This electrical headlamp problem should be addressed as a vehicle safety recall. I have checked on-line resources about this problem and have found several complaints of the same or similar issues with Chevrolet impalas from the 2000-2005 model years.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the headlamps failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to big bend Chevrolet Buick (located at 1424 n young blvd, chiefland, fl 32626, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact to drive the vehicle to see if the failure would recur. The contact did not heed the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact noticed that the instrument panel gauges were inoperative and displayed inaccurate readings. In addition, the windshield wipers failed sporadically, the rear passenger tail light was poorly illuminated, and the battery failed spontaneously. When the failures occured, she smelled a burning odor as if the wires were burning. The vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was unknown.
The hi beam headlights failed, which made the lo beam headlights go out when the hi beam was engaged. Repair service found a corroded "pin" in a multi-pin electrical connection.this is a "protected" connection, in the engine compartment, it has been corroded for a very long time according to the electric serviceman. He informed me the other "pins" will fail also effecting the wipers and other "necessary" safety components, because of the condition of this connector.
While driving horn sound weak and stopped working I had to take out fuse for the horn because it was just sounding off. Another important issue while driving at night low beam headlights will turn off while driving in the dark. This can cause a serious wreck especially if you are on the highway and could kill someone. Very dangerous situation. Same thing with the horn, someone can pull out in front of you and you cannot blow your horn.
Tuesday, 1/27/09, while driving on a local country road to work at 6:15 am, vehicle headlights and other exterior lights went dark. Dashboard lights stayed on, but other exterior lights went dark for 8 to 10 seconds. Same thing occurred again Monday morning, 02/02/09. No dimming or warning, lights just went off and I was driving in darkness. 02/03/09 took Impala to GM dealer to run diagnostic. They determined problem with the multifunctional high/low beam lever switch (this unit also houses the cruise control, windshield wipers, and directional light controls). Est for repairs $735.00. 02/07/09 had the unit replaced at another garage for $435.00. I kept the defective unit. Have since done research to find other people reporting this same problem occurring on other impalas ranging at least from model years 2001 thru 2005. …
This report is about sudden and repeated headlight electrical system failure in a 2005 Chevrolet Impala sedan, and a request for a nationwide safety recall and repair at GM expense for this issue. After getting in my 2005 Impala sedan at approximately 4:55 pm on 16 February 2012, I started up and drove out on the road then I smelled burning plastic and noticed the headlights (low beam) were out. I tried the high beams and they worked as did the left and right turn signals, the windshield wiper controls and the cruise control functioned. As darkness increased I had to hold the switch in the high beam position so I could see to drive so I could get home. From what I could determine the problem seems to be in the wiring to/from the multifunction light control switch or maybe it is the switch itself on the steering column. …
I own a 2005 Chevy Impala. The high beam headlights started going out a year and a half ago around July or aug. 2006. Around 75,000 miles was when the problem started and I now have 96,000 miles. At first I was able to fix it by switching back to low beam and then could switch back to high beam and they would work. In feb. 2007 I had the car into the dealer to replace the blower fan and told them what was happening. I explained that when the lights were about to go out I could hear a buzzing in the satellite radio, like a shorting noise. First I was told that I had to bring it in when it happened so they could check the problem. The only issue was that I drive 40 miles each way to work and it would happen in the middle of the trip. When I went back to pick up the car I was told that it was a multifunction switch and it was about a $500 part. …
I purchased a 2005 Chevy Impala in 2008. The first time I was driving on a state hwy, a very twisty road . I had my headlights on high, right in the middle of the first curve my headlights went out, I jumped the brake and flipped the lever back and forth and they finally came back on low beam, I almost wreaked. The second time I was on the freeway just coming into the outskirts of town, heavy traffic, I flipped the lever back and forth and the low beams came back on. I spoke with a dealer who said they had no complaints from other owners and was told there was no recall. It has happened too many times and can't be pinned to any particular times, now I drive with my lights on low all the time. I went online and found hundreds of people having the same problem. Some had to replace their whole steering column to solve the problem. I can't afford to do this, but the car isn't safe. …
Tl*-the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while he was driving down the highway at approximately 70 MPH, all of the vehicle lights (interior and exterior) failed to turn on when the sun went down and it became dark. He tried to use the high beam and low beam lights to turn them on manually. He pulled over and after several attempts, the lights turned on. In April 2010, while driving, the lights turned off again. He tried the high beam switch and the lights turned back on. He took the vehicle to the dealership but was told unless he could duplicate the problem, they could do nothing to assist him. He had not spoken with the manufacturer to-date. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was 98,947. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Headlight complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the lights of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, 8% of the model year's 609 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Impala headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.