One problem related to steering pinion shaft has been reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala based on all problems reported for the 2001 Impala.
I took my 2001 Impala to the gm dealer at 23k miles for a noise in the steering column, at that time they said they had to replace an intermediate steering shaft plus other issues non related. At 73k they removed the shaft and lubed it and replaced left outer tie rod for $510+. At 98k my front wheel hubs were replaced and they replaced the intermediate steering shaft again and charged me $125 for the shaft and another $975+ for the rest. When I took the car back two weeks later for yet another steering problem they said it was my rack and pinion this time and charged me $1083. That was today, tonight on my way home with my wife, the car did the same thing while turning right on an exit ramp. I called 1-800-gm and they said they could not do anything for me except offer me a gm loyalty cert good for some $ off a purchase of a new gm product. I have been faithful returning to the gm dealer each time with steering problems (and other issues not related) expecting a fix and over the almost 5 years and almost 100k miles and many dollars spent I have lost my faith in gm.