2005 Chevrolet Impala

Here’s a breakdown of common problems and complaints associated with the 2005 Chevrolet Impala, organized by category and engine/transmission configuration. The 2005 Chevrolet Impala was a popular full-size sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordability. Engine options included a 3.4L V6 producing 180 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque and a 3.8L V6 producing 200 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the car’s reliability and value for money, but common complaints revolved around electrical issues, suspension problems, and interior trim quality.

Engine

3.4L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and engine misfires.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets with updated gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor fuel economy, stalling, and a check engine light with codes related to misfires or fuel trim.
  • Solution: Replace faulty fuel injectors. Sometimes, cleaning the injectors can temporarily alleviate the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per injector (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the valve cover, burning oil smell, and visible oil on the engine.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E (Both 3.4L and 3.8L V6)

• Hard Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear, or slipping gears.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid change can help. However, often requires valve body rebuild/replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid change: $100-$200, Valve body: $500 - $1200, Rebuild/Replacement: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, stalling when coming to a stop, or unusual noises from the transmission area.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps, and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, and bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working or working intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor or regulator assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Key getting stuck in the ignition, difficulty starting the car, or the car stalling while driving.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: 05V234000
• Instrument Panel Cluster Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic gauge readings, complete failure of the instrument panel, or warning lights staying on.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument panel cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Repair: $150 - $300, Replace: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust forming on the lower body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels.
  • Solution: Repair the rust by cutting out the affected areas, welding in new metal, and painting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses become cloudy or yellowed, reducing headlight output.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlight assemblies.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Polishing: $50 - $100, Replacement: $200 - $400 (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaches from the backing and sags down.
  • Solution: Replace the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Panel Upholstery Separation
  • Description/Symptoms: The fabric or vinyl upholstery on the door panels starts to peel away from the panel.
  • Solution: Re-glue the upholstery or replace the door panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Re-gluing: $50 - $150, Replacement: $200 - $400 per panel
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Chevrolet Impala, while generally a reliable vehicle, does have some common issues owners may encounter. Engine and transmission problems, particularly intake manifold leaks, valve cover leaks, torque converter failure and hard shifting issues, can be moderate in severity and cost a significant amount to repair. Electrical issues like window and ignition switch failures are also common, while suspension issues can impact ride quality and handling. While rust is a common issue on older vehicles, headliner sagging and door panel separation are typical interior problems. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these issues before purchasing and factor in potential repair costs.