This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Impala steering problems
severe 134 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
134
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
16crashes
4fires
10injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 134 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 134 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 16 model years of Chevrolet Impala in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Chevy Impala steering system fails repeatedly across multiple critical components. Power steering hoses burst or rupture without warning, leaving drivers unable to steer—documented at speeds from 30 to 70 mph on highways and in traffic. Owners report sudden complete loss of steering assist, steering wheels that freeze solid, and vehicles veering uncontrollably into other lanes or off roadways. Several crashes and near-misses resulted, with two incidents causing injuries requiring medical attention.
Hose failures continue even after dealer repairs: one owner had identical hose failure recur within six days of replacement. Some hoses develop holes from rubbing against the frame after recall work loosens mounting brackets. Tie rod ends wear out prematurely—one case at just 37,500 miles—because GM's factory design omits grease fittings. Replacement parts from GM carry the same flaw.
Power steering pumps fail repeatedly; one owner replaced the pump four times in five to six years. Intermediate steering shafts develop loud grinding or clunking noises as early as 21,000 miles. Steering wheels become progressively stiffer, especially in cold weather, and stiffness returns days after hose or fluid replacement, suggesting internal pump or seal damage.
One vehicle fire originated in the steering wheel after a hose leak. Dealers have misdiagnosed steering noises as unrelated components requiring expensive repairs. GM issued service bulletins and some recalls but coverage gaps remain; many repairs fall outside warranty or are denied altogether.
Same Chevrolet Impala steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Hose Rupture/Burst
High-pressure and return hoses fail under normal driving conditions, causing complete loss of power steering fluid and sudden loss of steering assist. Multiple owners report hoses bursting, splitting, or developing holes.
When: Ranging from 5,000 to 114,900 miles; some failures occur within weeks of dealer repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist; Loud squealing noise under hood; Stiffness in steering wheel; Visible hydraulic fluid leaking; Steering wheel pulls or swerves without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power steering hose and flushing of system; costs range from $300–$526 at dealership. Service bulletins 060232014 and 10020769 reference this defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10020769; Service Bulletin 060232014; GM issued recall notices for power steering hose routing away from catalytic converter; some owners report dealer claims of 'no recall' despite known issue
Power Steering Pump Failure
Power steering pump fails repeatedly, requiring multiple replacements. One owner had pump replaced 4 times in 5–6 years; another experienced 6 replacements on a single vehicle.
When: Variable; one case at 51,000 miles; repeated failures occur within months of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Whining or buzzing noise from power steering system; Loss of power steering assist; Pump leaks after replacement; Progressive stiffness in steering
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power steering pump and reservoir; costs exceed warranty coverage in multiple cases; one owner paid for fourth replacement out of warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty coverage used by some owners; many replacements performed at owner expense after factory warranty expires
Rack and Pinion Seal Leaks
Input seal and spool seal in rack and pinion leak power steering fluid, causing loss of steering response. Defect persists even after warranty replacement with new components.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one case documented leak at approximately 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Moaning noise when turning at low speeds; Loud shrieking when accelerating; Hydraulic fluid leaking from bellows boot on rack and pinion; Steering becomes stiff or unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replaced under warranty; replacement unit developed identical leak within one month; replaced again under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage provided in cases documented; no recall issued
Tie Rod End Premature Wear
Tie rod ends wear out rapidly due to lack of grease fittings, causing loose front wheels and uneven tire wear. Owners and technicians report that replacement parts from GM also lack grease fittings, indicating design defect.
When: Approximately 37,500 miles; progressive wear continues on replacement parts
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive outside edge wear on front tires; Front wheels extremely loose; Worn-out tie rod ends
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod end replacement at dealership; no cost mentioned in one case due to dealer assessment of manufacturing defect; owners advised aftermarket tie rod ends with grease fittings available but require out-of-pocket purchase
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged manufacturing defect; no formal recall issued; GM replacement parts continue to lack grease fittings
Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunking/Failure
Intermediate steering shaft develops grinding, clunking, or loud popping noises. Part fails prematurely and requires replacement. Multiple design iterations exist but no recall; dealers recommend periodic greasing as maintenance item.
When: As early as 21,000 miles; one case at 39,990 miles; recurring issues after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding, clunking, or popping noise from steering column; Noise more prominent at slow speeds or when braking; Vibrations in steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Intermediate steering shaft replaced; dealers charge approximately $100 for greasing service; full replacement cost not specified in narratives but exceeds warranty coverage in multiple cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges steering column problem requiring periodic greasing at 30,000-mile intervals; classified as maintenance item, not recall, despite design iterations
Steering Wheel Seizure During Normal Driving
Steering wheel locks up suddenly without warning while vehicle is in motion at highway speeds or during turns, preventing driver from controlling direction.
When: Variable; documented at 45 mph, 50 mph, 55 mph highway speeds; one case at 148,507 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of steering control; Steering wheel locks in place; Vehicle veers or swerves uncontrollably
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs vary: rack and pinion replacement, steering gear replacement, replacement of entire power steering system; multiple cases show vehicles crashed or nearly crashed before reaching repair facility
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified in several cases where owners contacted dealership; one case involved post-crash notification of ignition switch recall (Campaign 14V355000)
Steering Stiffness/Resistance
Steering becomes progressively stiffer or harder to turn, particularly at low speeds, cold temperatures, or when braking. Issue worsens over time and may be intermittent initially.
When: Early in ownership; one case reported at 28,000 miles; progressive worsening documented over months to years
Symptoms owners cite: Hard steering at low speeds; Increased stiffness in cold weather; Steering wheel difficult to turn during turns; Stiffness returns after repair; Steering makes loud sound after fluid refill (indicating internal damage)
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering fluid refill; hose replacement; dealers and independent mechanics unable to resolve recurring issue in some cases; owners report stiffness returns days after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin referenced (060232014); GM District Specialist involvement noted in at least one case but unable to resolve problems
Power Steering System Fire
Power steering fluid leak ignites, causing vehicle fire. One case documented fire originating from steering wheel itself with sparks still visible after fire extinguished.
When: One case at 51,000 miles (hose failure); one case during morning when owner's son opened car door
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under hood or from steering area; Flames visible; Sparks from steering wheel components; Vehicle fire spreading to interior
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle fire extinguished by fire department; one vehicle deemed total loss; steering system components identified as ignition source
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or preventive notices mentioned in either case
Steering Hose Rubbing Through Frame After Recall Repair
After dealership completes recall repair for power steering hose routing, brackets come loose from frame allowing hose to rub against frame and develop holes. Hose fails again within days.
When: Occurs within days of recall completion; fluid empty within 24 hours of refill
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering suddenly goes out after repair; Hose rubbing on frame creating holes; Complete loss of power steering fluid within 24 hours of refill; Loud steering noise after fluid refill (indicating pump damage from air intake)
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replaced; brackets re-secured; however, repeated failures indicate root cause unaddressed. One owner reports pump also damaged by operating with low fluid.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair performed but design flaw in bracket security not corrected
Steering Column Noise and Vibration
Crackling, clicking, or popping noises emanate from steering column. Noises occur during turns, at low speeds, or when depressing brake pedal while steering.
When: One case at 37,000 miles; persisted for 9 months without dealer diagnosis; one case at very low speeds throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking or cracking noise from dashboard/steering column; Noise when turning steering wheel; Vibrations felt through steering; Noise more noticeable at very slow speeds and when braking
Repairs/costs cited: One case misdiagnosed as 'vent flap motor' requiring $750 repair (part cost $65, labor $685); no dealer diagnosis obtained in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 09E005000 exists for some steering issues but not all vehicles qualify; dealers claim 'normal occurrence' for model year
Synthesized from 134 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
While driving on the publicway, power steering cease to operate, steering became almost nil. This is the first time that this happen, there was no prior warning, steering just went out. Vehicle was taken in to have power steering hose replaced. *tr
My 2006 Chevrolet impala with 37000 miles on the odometer has had a cracking noise in the steering like you would get if there was a loose connection in the steering mechanism. It is noticed more at very slow speeds then at fast speed. It is also quite noticeable if you are just creeping along and tapping the brake pedal. This situation has been present for the last nine months. I have not…
Consequence: a broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning. *tr
At 9000 mi. A loud whinnying noise in the engine occurred. Dealer discovered the steering fluid was low due to a lower hose leaking at a clamp. The clamp was replaced and after a short while (about 25 mi.) the pump noise subsided. Maybe this will require a recall due to a nhsta report of a blown hose. *jb
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet impala. He discovered recall # 09e005000 (steering) for his year, make, and mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected for one full day. After the day of service he was advised that the recall did not apply to his vehicle. One week after the inspection. While driving he lost power steering without warning and crashed into a snow embankment. The…
Lost the power steering. Lose of all power steering fluid on home driveway. Had the car towed to the dealer. Dealer said a hose came off and replaced the hose and clamp. Tow truck driver knew what the problem was when he viewed the fluid on the driveway. He said he has towed seven impalas in the last month for the same problem. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 134 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 111 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 33,000 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 97,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Impala.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.