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severe 101 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Of the 101 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
Among the 16 model years of Chevrolet Impala in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Owners have filed 101 steering complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 101 complaints per campaign.
A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
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 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 ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2007 Impala steering system shows chronic defects across multiple components. The intermediate steering shaft develops clunking or clicking noises during turns—sometimes progressing to complete steering wheel lock-up where the wheel becomes immobile for seconds at a time. Some owners report this happens before 36,000 miles; one dealership technician told an owner most shafts he's seen break before that mileage. GM has not recalled this part despite documented awareness.
Power steering problems are equally troublesome. Pumps lose effectiveness, lines leak (sometimes due to road salt corrosion under plastic sheathing), and rack-and-pinion assemblies fail repeatedly even after replacement. Owners describe having to refill power steering fluid daily in severe cases. One owner paid $830 just for rack replacement.
The rear suspension spindle rods—which GM acknowledged are defective—cause rapid inside-edge tire wear. Several owners burned through multiple tire sets in months and had wheels fall out of alignment within days despite professional service. GM recalled only police vehicles for this known defect, leaving civilian owners exposed.
Steering wheel seizure during driving is documented in multiple complaints, including one police officer who experienced four lock-ups. Dealers cannot diagnose the cause. Additionally, some vehicles experience false ABS engagement during low-speed turns and recurring traction control activation that expensive repairs (transmission, bearings, brakes) don't resolve.
Same Chevrolet Impala steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
The intermediate steering shaft develops noise (clunking or clicking) during turns, sometimes followed by temporary or complete steering wheel lock. Owners report a sensation of disconnection from the road and momentary loss of steering control. Some instances involve the steering wheel becoming immobile for seconds at a time before releasing.
When: Reported between 700 miles and 85,000 miles; some owners claim the problem is present from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or clicking noise from steering column during turns; Steering wheel temporarily locks or jams; Momentary loss of steering control; Feeling of disconnection from the road
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of steering shaft reported; one owner noted dealer said the part breaks before 36,000 miles on most units seen
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has refused to acknowledge the seriousness or issue a recall; one TSB cited (01-02-32-00101 for steering) but deemed non-applicable to some vehicles; one recall campaign 09E005000 was for aftermarket shaft only
Power steering pump loses effectiveness and turning performance. Leaks appear in power steering lines, coolers, or racks. Owners report hard steering, loss of power assist, and in some cases complete loss of steering capability. Fluid leaks range from slow seepage to rapid spraying.
When: Reported across wide mileage range from 17,000 to 175,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering effectiveness; Hard steering or difficulty turning wheel; Whining noise from steering system; Puddles of fluid under vehicle; Complete loss of power assist
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power steering pump, rack and pinion, pressure lines, or cooler; costs cited include $830 for rack replacement plus alignment; owners report needing to refill fluid daily in severe cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of power steering pump failures in other Chevy models but has not expanded recall to include Impala; manufacturer offered no assistance for vehicles outside warranty
Power steering lines develop leaks due to road salt corrosion accumulating under ribbed plastic sheathing. Additionally, unidentified wires near the power steering pump area overheat and melt their insulation, creating a fire or electrical hazard.
When: Found during seasonal vehicle inspection; wire overheating location noted behind power steering pump
Symptoms owners cite: Leaks in power steering lines; Road salt buildup and corrosion under plastic sheathing; Loss of power steering
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of corroded power steering lines required; dealer unable to identify the overheated wire or its function
Steering wheel locks completely, making it impossible to turn the wheels. Incidents occur at various speeds and sometimes without warning. Some owners report multiple episodes over the life of the vehicle. Locks may last from a few seconds to several minutes before releasing.
When: Occurs at various speeds and road conditions; one owner reported four incidents in police service; low-speed turning turns reported; high-speed highway incidents also reported
Symptoms owners cite: Complete steering wheel lock with no wheel movement possible; Inability to steer vehicle during lock event; Lock release after seconds to minutes; No warning before lock occurs in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have been unable to reproduce or diagnose the problem; multiple diagnostic tests have failed to locate cause; no repairs successful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One police officer noted dealership stated they've received multiple similar complaints on Chevy models with electric steering; dealers have not issued recalls for this issue
Defective rear spindle rods cause rapid and severe tire wear, particularly on inside edges. Tires wear to the wires within weeks of replacement even after professional alignment. Vehicles sway excessively in the rear during wet or snowy conditions, creating dangerous handling. Rear wheels slip out of alignment within days or weeks.
When: Reported from 5,000 miles onward; severe wear can occur within one month of tire replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid rear tire wear (inside edge primarily); Rear wheel misalignment recurring within days or weeks; Excessive rear sway in wet or snowy conditions; Vehicle hydroplaning or losing control in slippery conditions; Poor handling in rain, snow, or ice
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tire replacements and alignments required; costs cited around $700 for repeated tire and alignment service; one owner replaced four tire sets in four months; GM has not provided a replacement for spindle rods
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged defective rear spindle rods on 2007-2008 Impalas but failed to repair them on general public vehicles; recalled only police vehicles (approximately 23,000 out of 450,000+ affected); refuses to replace spindle rods under warranty
Steering rack and pinion systems develop leaks, often accompanied by foaming power steering fluid and whining noises. Repairs are temporary, with the same failure recurring shortly after repair attempts.
When: Reported at various mileages including 24,000 to 139,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise from steering; Knocking sound during steering wheel operation; Power steering fluid foaming; Steering fluid leaking from rack; Difficulty turning steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of rack and pinion assembly required; one owner reported rack failure recurring multiple times despite repair attempts by certified mechanic; cost estimate of $830 plus tax cited by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of issue but has not issued recall; manufacturer offered no assistance because vehicles not included in any recalls
Power steering sensor loses communication with body control module, causing steering failure. Issue emerged or worsened after power steering recall work. Multiple component replacements required (sensor replaced more than twice, then body control module replacement needed).
When: Reported at 49,900 miles; failure occurred after manufacturer recall for power steering was performed
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel veers to one side without warning; Extreme force required to turn steering wheel; Recurring steering failures; Sensor communication loss with body control module
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power steering angle sensor performed multiple times (more than twice), then body control module replacement required; dealer performed multiple diagnostic tests
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle was subject to a manufacturer recall for power steering; however, the recall repair itself may have contributed to or caused the subsequent failures
Power steering loses effectiveness intermittently, particularly in rain or wet conditions. Serpentine belt and tensioner are replaced but problem recurs. Underlying cause appears to be a manufacturing defect with the belt, tensioner, or pulley system.
When: Reported at various mileages; one owner replaced serpentine belt at low mileage and problem recurred within months
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist failure intermittently, especially in rain; Power assist coming and going quickly; Driver jerking wheel when assist returns unexpectedly; Temporary loss of power steering; Problem recurring after serpentine belt replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt and tensioner replaced; problem temporary, recurs within weeks to months
Front-end steering components including tie rods, control arms, inner and outer tie rods, sway bar links, ball joints, and front shocks wear prematurely. One owner reported a tie rod stripping out of its connector bolt. Replacement of multiple components does not resolve the underlying noise or alignment issue.
When: Reported across various mileages; one instance at 37,422-38,325 miles with knuckle joint failure; tie rod stripping reported at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or knocking noise from front end when turning; Abnormal noise when going over bumps; Front wheel lock or wheel assembly disengagement; Tie rod stripping out of connector; Persistent noise despite component replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of control arms, tie rods, sway bar links, ball joints, front shocks, and axle components; 33 parts replaced in one severe incident; multiple component replacements fail to resolve problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer blamed collision damage rather than defective part design in at least one case
Steering wheel locks or ceases operation coinciding with illumination of multiple instrument panel warning lights (Service Traction Control, Engine Reduce Power, Starting Disable Service Throttle, power steering warning light, check engine light). Vehicle may stall simultaneously with steering failure.
When: Reported at 30,000 to 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel ceases or becomes hard to turn; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Vehicle stalls when steering fails; Warning light remains intermittently; Reduced engine power warning
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic testing failed to locate cause; one instance involved rack and pinion replacement but part was unavailable; vehicle not repaired in several cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some vehicles included in NHTSA campaign 14V355000 (electrical system) but parts remain unavailable; manufacturer offered limited assistance
Front steering knuckle breaks upon moderate impact (hitting 6-inch curb at 30 mph), causing complete separation of front wheel assembly and loss of vehicle control. The knuckle fractures far too easily for a suspension component.
When: Occurred at 37,422 miles on one vehicle and at moderate impact on another
Symptoms owners cite: Steering knuckle fractures on impact; Front wheel assembly disengages from vehicle; Complete loss of steering control; Multiple suspension components damaged (33 parts in one incident)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of steering knuckle and multiple suspension components (33 parts replaced in one case); knuckle break requires major front-end reconstruction
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer claimed collision damage was the cause, not a defective part design
Anti-lock brake system engages erratically when turning at low speeds (parking, driveway, intersections), applying forced braking even though there is no actual loss of traction. The system activates regardless of weather or pavement type.
When: Occurs during low-speed turning maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engagement during turns without loss of traction; Unexpected braking force when turning; Reduction in power and forced braking during turns; Occurs in all weather and pavement conditions
Traction control system activates intermittently without legitimate cause, creating safety hazards. In some cases, the issue is misdiagnosed as transmission or brake problems, leading to unnecessary repairs.
When: Reported at various mileages; recurring intermittently over years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light coming on unexpectedly; Traction control engaging when not needed; Front wheel bearings causing false activation (diagnosed in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced transmission, brake pads, and front wheel bearings ($972 for bearings alone) in attempt to resolve the issue; problem continues to recur
Synthesized from 101 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet impala. When driving approximately 30 MPH and turning the steering column he heards a loud noise. Also the computer was not reading the tire pressure of the tire on the rear passenger side. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. The failure mileage was 27,000.
2007 impala ls steering wheel shaft. First one replaced 3500 miles second at 9500 miles now at 15500 the third one needs to be replaced. Banging noise in front chasis, steering loose, wobble effect in front wheels. Unsafe issue that GMC Chevy div will not address just replaces. No one seems to care, not gov not dealer and not gm Chevy division. What can I do? *tr
It's a meaningful issue. 101 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
Across the 90 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 31,000 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 57,283. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 92,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.