2004 Chevrolet Impala

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, organized by category and engine/transmission option.

The 2004 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. Engine options included a 3.4L V6 (producing approximately 180 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.8L V6 (producing approximately 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (4T65-E). Owners often appreciate the Impala’s reliability and affordability, while common dislikes include its somewhat bland styling and average fuel economy.

Engine

3.4L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil (coolant mixing with oil).
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Often requires resurfacing the intake manifold mating surface.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the valve covers, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

• Upper and Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Failure (More common on series II 3800 engine)
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, milky oil.
  • Solution: Replace the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets with updated parts (often made of a different material to prevent future failures).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the valve covers, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, hard starting, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E (Both Engine Options)

• Hard Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, particularly between 2nd and 3rd gear. Can be more noticeable when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Could be caused by low fluid, faulty shift solenoids, or internal wear (e.g., worn clutches). Start by checking and changing the transmission fluid and filter. If the problem persists, further diagnosis is needed and may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid change $100 - $200, Solenoid replacement $300 - $600, Rebuild/Replacement $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, particularly when the torque converter is locking up. Check engine light may illuminate with TCC-related codes.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle (pair of struts/shocks)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken/Worn Stabilizer Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the suspension, particularly when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the stabilizer bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per link (usually replaced in pairs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, slow or erratic window movement.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the power locks, key fob, or door switch.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Speedometer, tachometer, or other gauges not working correctly, intermittent power loss to the cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, yellowed or cloudy headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Lens polishing $50 - $150, Headlight assembly replacement $200 - $500+ per pair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sagging Headliner
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaching from the roof.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: The 2004 Chevrolet Impala is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any car of this age, it’s prone to certain issues. Engine problems, particularly intake manifold gasket leaks on both the 3.4L and 3.8L engines, and transmission issues with the 4T65-E transmission are common. Electrical issues, such as power window and door lock failures, are also frequently reported. While the repairs aren’t typically catastrophic, the cumulative cost of addressing these issues can be significant for a used vehicle. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.