One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Impala. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Cracked cylinder head gasket is causing engine to overheat and coolant leakage, consequently creating a potential engine fire. Prior engine coolant leakage caused damage to the water pump, power steering assembly, and possibly the current head gasket defect. Prior coolant leakage onto the power steering belt caused power steering failure that required replacement of the power steering belt and engine serpentine belt. Power steering belt and engine serpentine belt were replaced sept. 1999. Water pump was replaced Nov. 2000.