Chevrolet

Impala (9th)

2000-2005 · Full-Size Sedan · 20 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.7)
4,814 NHTSA Complaints
15 Recalls
239 Fire Reports
238 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

LS1

5.7L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
3 complaints 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
1
steering
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)CHEVROLET Astro (2000-2000)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)PONTIAC Sunfire (2000-2005) +37 more

LZE

3.5L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
3 complaints 1.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
2
transmission
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (2 complaints)
Transmission Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)NISSAN Versa (2012-2019)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2007-2013)CHEVROLET Monte Carlo (2008-2008) +8 more

LU3

4.3L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
brakes
1
steering
1
fuel system
1
body
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Astro (2004-2004)CHEVROLET S-10 (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Chevy Van (2001-2001)CHEVROLET Avalanche (2002-2002)GMC Savana (2003-2025) +31 more

LP2

1.0L 3-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Also found in

PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)CHEVROLET Astro (2000-2000)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Metro (2000-2000)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)CHEVROLET S-10 (2000-2000)CHEVROLET Prizm (2000-2000)BUICK LaCrosse (2005-2009) +10 more

LGD

3.9L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

BUICK Terraza (2005-2007)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)BUICK Lucerne (2006-2011)CHEVROLET Uplander (2005-2009)BUICK LaCrosse (2005-2009)CHEVROLET Impala (2000-2005)BUICK LaCrosse (2010-2019)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)

LV6

1.8L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

SATURN Sl (2001-2001)SATURN Sc (2001-2001)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)SATURN Ls (2000-2000)SATURN Sc (2002-2002)PONTIAC Solstice (2006-2010)SATURN Sl (2002-2002) +17 more

L18

8.1L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Suburban (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Avalanche (2006-2006)CHEVROLET Silverado HD (2001-2006)GMC Savana (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Sierra (2003-2003)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)GMC S Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Tahoe (2007-2014) +44 more

LL8

4.2L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
exterior
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Exterior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET T-Series (2007-2007)GMC Suburban (2003-2003)GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2000-2000)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)GMC Savana (2002-2002)CHEVROLET S/T Blazer (2003-2003) +74 more

LR4

4.8L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET C/K Pickups (2002-2002)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)GMC S Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Pickup (2002-2002)GMC Pickup (2000-2000)SATURN Outlook (2007-2010) +61 more

L91

1.6L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Optra (2006-2006)CHEVROLET Aveo (2004-2011)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Corvette (2005-2013)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009) +16 more

LX9

3.5L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
steering
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

HYUNDAI Elantra (2011-2016)GMC L Series (2003-2003)SATURN Sl (2001-2001)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)BUICK Terraza (2005-2007)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)SATURN Sl (2002-2002) +18 more

LY7

3.6L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)CADILLAC XLR (2004-2009)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)SATURN Sky (2007-2010)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)PONTIAC Torrent (2006-2009)SATURN Outlook (2007-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003) +44 more

LNF

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 260 hp
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)SATURN Sky (2007-2010)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)PONTIAC Solstice (2006-2010)CHEVROLET Impala (2000-2005)GMC Sierra 1500 (2007-2013)GMC Sierra HD (2007-2014)CHEVROLET Cruze (2011-2019) +1 more

LZ9

3.9L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.5)
3 complaints 1.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1
fuel system
1
exterior
1
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)
Exterior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Tahoe (2007-2014)BUICK Terraza (2005-2007)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Suburban (2007-2014)SATURN Astra (2009-2009)MERCEDES-BENZ Slk-Class (2006-2006)CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016) +16 more

LG8

3.1L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.3)
7 complaints 2.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
2
exterior
2
safety systems
1
engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Exterior Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Astro (2000-2000)GMC S Series (2002-2002)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET Astro (2003-2003)CHEVROLET S-10 (2002-2002) +54 more

LM7

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.3)
6 complaints 2.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
2
engine
1
steering
1
other
1
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (2 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Suburban (2003-2003)GMC Yukon (2007-2014)CHEVROLET Avalanche (2006-2006)GMC L Series (2003-2003)CHEVROLET C4500 (2006-2006)CHEVROLET C/K Pickups (2002-2002)FORD Explorer (2011-2019)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011) +103 more

L61

2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hp
Recommended (4.2)
5 complaints 2.5 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
1
fuel system
1
other
1
interior
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)GMC L Series (2003-2003)OLDSMOBILE Aurora (2003-2003)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)SATURN Sl (2001-2001)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2004-2004)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2003-2003) +70 more

L59

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (3.9)
8 complaints 4.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
3
brakes
1
body
1
fuel system
1
transmission
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)
Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

GMC Yukon (2007-2014)CHEVROLET Avalanche (2006-2006)GMC L Series (2003-2003)SUBARU Forester (2003-2008)GMC S Series (2002-2002)CHEVROLET Tahoe (2007-2014)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003)CHEVROLET T Utility (2002-2002) +58 more

L36

3.8L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
1,919 complaints 308.8 per year
183 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
747
engine
483
cooling
233
exterior
177
brakes
175

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (747 complaints)
Engine Issues (483 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (233 complaints)

Also found in

HYUNDAI Elantra (2011-2016)GMC L Series (2003-2003)FORD Crown Victoria (2000-2011)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)CHEVROLET S-10 (2001-2001)GMC S Series (2002-2002)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)CHEVROLET Malibu (2004-2007) +63 more

LA1

3.4L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
1,751 complaints 291.8 per year Gasoline
28 fire reports 4 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
782
engine
277
exterior
215
cooling
180
brakes
152

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (782 complaints)
Engine Issues (277 complaints)
Exterior Issues (215 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)OLDSMOBILE Aurora (2003-2003)CHEVROLET Monte Carlo (2010-2010)PONTIAC Firebird (2000-2000)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)CHEVROLET Astro (2000-2000)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2004-2004)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2003-2003) +85 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Impala regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (1,538 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (764 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (414 complaints)
cooling critical
Exterior Issues (398 complaints)
exterior critical
Brakes Issues (332 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (15)

15V701000Oct 25, 2015serious
Engine & Cooling

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

15V201000Jun 3, 2015serious
Engine & Cooling

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.

14V400000Mar 6, 2014serious
Electrical System

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

09E005000Feb 16, 2009serious
Steering

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

09V116000Aug 3, 2009serious
Engine & Cooling

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

08E063000Oct 16, 2008serious
Steering

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

07E021000Dec 2, 2007serious
Fuel System, Other

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

04V090000Feb 23, 2004serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.

04V287000Jun 22, 2004serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. WITH IMPROPER TORQUE, THE CLAMP LOAD AT THE JOINT MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CALIPER BRACKET AND KNUCKLE.

03V051000Feb 13, 2003serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

02V222000Sep 7, 2002cosmetic
Air Bags

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

01V136000Apr 23, 2001serious
Fuel System

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.4L ENGINE AND NON-ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." A FUEL RETURN LINE CAN BECOME SEVERED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, RESULTING IN FUEL SPILLAGE.

00V244000Aug 28, 2000serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULES (SDM) COULD EXPERIENCE A MEMORY ERROR RESULTING IN THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING IN A CRASH SITUATION.

00V371000Nov 12, 2000serious
Air Bags

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE DRIVER SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG INFLATOR SEPARATES FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE DURING DEPLOYMENT.

00V228003Jul 7, 2000serious
Seat Belts

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala problems?

The 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala has accumulated 4,814 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Impala engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala was offered with 20 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.8L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala a good used car?

The 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 4,814 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala have?

The 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala has 4,814 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala?

There are 15 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Impala?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Impala, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 4,814 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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