Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 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.
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. 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.
Driving to work approx 06:30 am. Power steering went out, managed to turn the car towards ditch to avoid oncoming vehicles. Approx 45 MPH, two lane frontage road. The car has always been rather weavy on the highway. The dealer couldn't find anything wrong until the recall for steering linkage was pointed out. Even after that, the car handled poorly and was reported to dealer. (steered poorly) reported to dealer, nothing done until after accident. Power steering pump replaced, but dealer refused admission of fault. Billed us for accident damage and replacement of powersteering pump.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving 10-15 MPH and making a left turn, there was an abnormal popping noise and the steering wheel went in a circle as the car veered of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. An independent mechanic informed the contact that the steering and engine detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired.the manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 125,015.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 12 MPH, the power steering seized while making a turn. Also, the contact mentioned that the check engine warning indicator illuminated as the engine stalled and immediately restarted. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,149.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when the steering wheel was turned left or right, it made an abnormal noise. On another occasion, when the ignition key was turned to the on position, a burning odor emitted inside the vehicle intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while turning. The contact then lost control of the steering and could not control the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a median. No one was injured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for a diagnosis. The dealer could not diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 70,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The following day after the vehicle was purchased, the speedometer stopped working. A cluster was repaired and a new steering column was installed at the cost of $465. After the cluster was replaced, the speedometer began to work. While driving between 55-70 MPH, the vehicle began making a whining sound. The whining sound could also be heard while driving at speeds between 35-45 MPH. On four occasions, the vehicle would not defrost and heat up at temperatures between 45-59 degrees. The dealer stated that nothing could be done. On three different occasions, the vehicle stalled. While parked at a gas station and twice when attempting to start the vehicle, it eventually restarted. The dealer initially stated that the failure could be due to the ignition or the starter. The contact found a nail in a tire and went to a tire shop. …
Steering complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, 10% of the model year's 609 complaints. The component named most often is column (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Impala steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.