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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-CHEVROLET-IMPALA NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2005 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Impala problems

608 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Impala?
Avoid — the steering

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
293 reports · fails ~84,505 mi · avg $850
moderate
steering
60 reports · fails ~81,427 mi · avg $700
severe
engine
42 reports · fails ~105,928 mi · avg $3,100
severe
lighting
39 reports · fails ~76,829 mi · avg $250
moderate
powertrain
33 reports · fails ~92,810 mi · avg $2,500
severe
brakes
28 reports · fails ~46,615 mi · avg $450
severe
airbags
21 reports · fails ~84,996 mi · avg $1,100
severe
fuel system
21 reports · fails ~83,523 mi · avg $1,200
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2005 Impala's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2005 Impala?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Impala · engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet impala. While driving 15 MPH, the acceleration decreased and the vehicle stalled. The battery warning indicator illuminated. The contact had to maneuver to the side of the road. After five minutes, the contact restarted the vehicle but the…
12/31/2015 · at 294,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10817178.0 · see engine pattern →
2005 Impala · electrical
2005 Chevy impala. First had an electrical problem with the ABS brake system. Traction control feature would engage whenever the brake was applied. This occurred at 30,000 miles. Dealer warranted this. At about 80,000 miles the display panel indicated erroneous problems, ie.…
12/31/2011 · at 82,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10441956.0 · see electrical pattern →
2005 Impala · brakes
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet impala. While driving 50 MPH, the contact heard a bumping sound when she depressed the brake pedal. She was able to continue driving the vehicle at the time. The dealer resurfaced the rear disc brakes and rotors and removed and installed…
12/31/2007 · at 14,297 mi · NHTSA ODI #10213257.0 · see brakes pattern →
2005 Impala · powertrain
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the…
12/30/2024 · at 200,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11633118.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 608 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2005 Chevrolet Impala? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 08E063000 October 17, 2008

Dorman products is recalling 3,900 intermediate steering shafts dorman part nos

If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the steering shafts free of charge. The recall began on october 16, 2008. Owners may contact dorman toll free at 1-800-523-2492.
severe NHTSA 07E021000 March 12, 2007

Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos

Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.

Fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on april 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 608 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Chevrolet Impala has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2005 Chevrolet Impala?

On the NHTSA data, the 2005 Chevrolet Impala is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 5 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Steering: 60 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 37,517–119,759 mi; Engine: 42 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 50,000–140,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Chevrolet Impala?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 293 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 84,505 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 84,505 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Impala has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Chevrolet Impala?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 608 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Chevrolet/Impala. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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