RoadVitals

1995 Chevrolet Impala Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Nov 18, 2008
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1995 Chevrolet Impala, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes814.3%
  • Tires & wheels712.5%
  • Electrical610.7%
  • Visibility58.9%
  • Suspension58.9%
  • Fuel system58.9%
  • Interior & seats35.4%
  • Seat belts23.6%
  • Transmission23.6%
  • Engine23.6%
  • Body & structure23.6%
  • Other / unspecified23.6%
  • Steering23.6%
  • Exterior lighting11.8%
  • Heating & air conditioning11.8%
  • Driver assistance11.8%
  • Airbags11.8%
  • Powertrain (other)11.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE ROTOR FRACTURED AND SENT A PIECE OF STEEL INTO EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSEMBLY DAMAGING UNIT.

NHTSA ID 542481 · filed Nov 9, 1998

THE REAR BRAKE PADS ARE WORN OUT DUE TO EXPOSURE TO THE WEATHER. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN. *AK

NHTSA ID 824328 · filed Jun 16, 1998
All 8 reports naming brakes

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RIGHT REAR B.F. GOODRICH TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND TIRE FAILED. ALSO VEHICLE LOSES 2-3 POUNDS PER WEEK BY JUST SITTING DUE TO ALUMINUM WHEEL RIMS. *AK

NHTSA ID 526316 · filed Dec 11, 1997

TIRES LOSE AIR PRESSURE IN COLD WEATHER. *AK

NHTSA ID 526313 · filed Dec 10, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BATTERY LEAKED WHEN VEHICLE HAD 15, 417 MILES ON IT, CAUSING ACID DAMAGE TO BATTERY CABLE AND STARTER, WHICH WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NOW VEHICLE HAS 39,400 MILES AND BATTERY IS LEAKING AGAIN, CAUSING DAMAGE TO BATTERY HOLD-DOWN AND PAN THAT BATTERY SITS ON. GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT ADDRESS IT.*AK

NHTSA ID 748460 · filed Jul 14, 2001

THE HORN BLOWS WHEN A BUMP IS HIT IN THE ROAD OR WHEN ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL. NLM

NHTSA ID 785233 · filed Jan 7, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HEARD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE HEATER CORE IN MY 1995 CHEVY IMPALA SS. I HAVE REPLACED IT 4 TIMES IN THE PAST 8 YEARS. THIS IS NOT INCLUDING THE ONE THAT CAME WITH THE CAR. I BOUGHT IT USED IN 2000. I CAN'T FIND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT IT ANYWHERE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10249118 · filed Nov 18, 2008

WE WERE INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THE PART WAS ON A TWO MONTH NATIONWIDE BACKORDER RAISING QUESTIONS AS TO WHETHER THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE IMPALA.

NHTSA ID 709997 · filed Aug 14, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE BACKING OUT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED. AS A RESULT, PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT END COLLAPSED. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN RECALLED IN 1996. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE EITHER THE RECALL WAS INEFFECTIVE OR THE DESIGN IS FLAWED. *NM REGARDING TO THE CONTACT'S TELEPHONE CALL THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT NO OTHER COMPLAINED HAS BEEN RECEIVED CONCERNING THE BALL JOINTS AFTER THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. THEREFORE, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE. UPDATED 06/05/2006. *AK *TS

NHTSA ID 10087334 · filed Aug 30, 2004

FRONT LOWER LEFT BALL JOINTS BROKE WHILE DRIVING, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID 895040 · filed Aug 23, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD A STALLING PROBLEM WHICH I DIAGNOSED TO THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. I REMOVED FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNIT WHICH IS LOCATED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK SUBMERGED IN GAS. I WAS ALARMED TO NOTE CHARRING AND MELTING OF INSULATION ON THE THREE WIRE HARNESS WHICH CONNECTS THE POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP, SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS SEEMS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I THEN LOGGED ONTO NHTSA TO DISCOVER AN ALARMING NUMBER OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I REPLACED COMPONENTS MYSELF AT A COST OF $375.00. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10016665 · filed Apr 28, 2003

NO SUMMARY. DT

NHTSA ID 769833 · filed Nov 18, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVERS SIDE POWER SEAT TRACK AND MOUNTING FAILED RESULTING IN MINOR INJURY TO DRIVER AND MINOR DAMAGE TO CAR WHILE BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN THE DRIVER'S SIDE OUTBOARD SEAT TRACK MOUNTING FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO FALL BACKWARDS AND MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR STRUCK A CURB WHILE REGAINING CONTROL. UPON DISASSEMBLY OF SEAT PLASTIC DEBRIS FOUND UNDER SEAT THAT APPEARS TO BE REMNANTS OF PLASTIC GUIDES/BEARINGS LOCATED BETWEEN STATIONARY AND MOVABLE SECTIONS OF THE SEAT TRACKS. FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN STEEL BRACKET RIVETED TO LOWER ALUMINUM (STATIONARY) PORTION OF THE TRACK FAILED. FAILURE APPARENTLY DUE TO A CRACK IN THE STEEL AS CRACKS WERE OBSERVED IN ALL OF THE STEEL BRACKETS ON THAT SEAT. PICTURES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

NHTSA ID 729888 · filed Sep 1, 2000

REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. *DH

NHTSA ID 502242 · filed Mar 13, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETURN TO RETRACTOR, CAUSING DRIVER TO BE WITHOUT SELF RESTRAINT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT REPAIRS WOULD BE MADE AT CONSUMER'S COSTS. *AK

NHTSA ID 858433 · filed Mar 13, 2000

REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. *DH

NHTSA ID 502242 · filed Mar 13, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. *DH

NHTSA ID 502242 · filed Mar 13, 1996

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS FAILED. *DSH

NHTSA ID 501005 · filed Jan 27, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SMELLED SMOKE FROM A/C SYSTEM, AFTER PARKING DID NOT SEE ANY SMOKE, TWO MINUTES LATER BLACK SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SMOKE STOPPED AFTER TEN MINUTES, OPEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ALL PLASTIC COMPONENTS DESTROYED.

NHTSA ID 9004724 · filed Oct 3, 2001

THERE HAS BEEN LIGHT TAPPING IN THE ENGINE WHEN COLD, TENDED TO FADE AS VEHICLE WARMS. HOWEVER, IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS THE TAPPING CONTINUES AND IS NOTICEABLE DURING ACCELERATIONS.

NHTSA ID 714175 · filed Nov 1, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. *DH

NHTSA ID 502242 · filed Mar 13, 1996

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK SWITCH LOCATION CAUSES IT TO BE HIT WHENEVER DRIVER OPENS DOOR, PRESENTING POSSIBILITY OF DRIVER BEING LOCKED OUT OF CAR. *DH

NHTSA ID 483542 · filed Aug 25, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RIGHT REAR B.F. GOODRICH TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND TIRE FAILED. ALSO VEHICLE LOSES 2-3 POUNDS PER WEEK BY JUST SITTING DUE TO ALUMINUM WHEEL RIMS. *AK

NHTSA ID 526316 · filed Dec 11, 1997

DRIVING ON HWY, READY TO MAKE TURN, VEHICLE'S WHEEL BOLTS SHEARED OFF, WHEEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE; HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. *AK

NHTSA ID 806990 · filed Jan 2, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ESTIMATED SPEEDS BETWEEN 30-45 MILES VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN W/BRAKES AND STEERING BECOMING DIFFICULT. HUTCHINS CHEV.,VA REPLACING ANOTHER PART. TT

NHTSA ID 976853 · filed Dec 20, 1995

ABS: WHEN APPLIED, BRAKES PULLS TO RIGHT/LEFT; VEHICLE HARD TO STEER; AFTER DRIVING OVER BUMP, EASY STEERING WITH A LOT OF PLAY. TT

NHTSA ID 971253 · filed Aug 29, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. *DH

NHTSA ID 502242 · filed Mar 13, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 546798 · filed Feb 20, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 15MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE IS TO TURN THE KEY OFF. THE BRAKES WILL NOT EVEN WORK AT THIS TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. *AK

NHTSA ID 815075 · filed Aug 5, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AIR BAG SERVICE INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON/STAYS ON. *SKD

NHTSA ID 482657 · filed Mar 16, 1995

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. *DH

NHTSA ID 502242 · filed Mar 13, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .