Wiring Problems of Chevrolet Impala - part 2

The rear window defogger failed to operate and a burning smell was detected by passengers. It was discovered that an electrical connector that routes the power to the rear window defogger has a defective design and overheats and burns due to improperly sized connector pins in wiring harness connector located near the passenger kick panel. The problem is also documented in a number of sites on the internet including youtube where a video of the exact failure was found to be the identical failure as in our Impala. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2007 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

During freezing rain the rear window defroster quit operating making visibility out the rear window little to none. After troubleshooting, the problem came from a wiring harness below the fusebox on the passenger side of the vehicle by the passenger foot area. The wire for the rear window defroster had melted at the point inside the connector melting the plastic,and is a fire hazard. After researching this issue, many newer Chevrolet Impalas have encountered this issue, and it should be addressed.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

Tl- the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to start and move the vehicle the vehicle would not shift out of park. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on a previous occasion. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home where an interim fix was performed in order to drive the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they diagnosed that the the wiring harness had become inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. The VIN was not available. Wh.

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact smelled burning wires. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road and the steering column was smoking. The fire department disconnected the battery. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician replaced the wiring harness and the combination switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 137,400.

See all problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

My son while driving highway speeds 60-70mph, the car display would say "reduced power" followed by "service stabillatrac", "service traction control". Shutting car down at highway speeds. Shut car off for 5-10 minutes and would b fine for a week, a month, six months!!! this has been going on intermittently for over a year!! car not under warranty and cannot afford to take to dealer every time it happens, needless to say no one drives it but me. Have not taking to dealer because research online and nothing seems to be a sure fix!! other people are replacing throttlebody,s, gas pedals, gas caps, abs sensors, various wiring harnesses, batteries, grounds, computers without any of them being a sure fix. Someone will or may have already been killed by this malfunction and unfortunately did not live to say the car did this!!!! I know from reading online forums and the such that this seems to be a very common occurance on multiple years of this model!! all of this on top of a $2 key switch fix that took how many to die before anything was done!!!.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 40 mph, smoke appeared from the air conditioning vent. The contact discovered that there was an electrical fire from the air condition vent. An independent mechanic informed the contact that he could wait for the fire to dissolve before notifying the fire department. The fire was able to dissolve and there was no police or fire report filed. There were no injuries reported. The dealer stated that the air condition resistor and connector wiring connection failed. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the ignition failed to release. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the service air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on four separate occasions where it was diagnosed that the passenger side seat belt tensioner, and the driver and passenger side seat wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. It was unknown if the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16v507000 (air bags, electrical system). The failure mileage was 93,000.

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. While traveling approximately 70 mph, the vehicle drastically decelerated without warning. The contact had to merge to the shoulder as the vehicle continued to slow down. The air bag sensor illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician reset the sensors, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the acc sensor, pedal assembly, air bag impact module, and the wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 85,056.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

Rear defroster wiring under front passenger door had smoked and small fire. Car was in motion on a city street. Was just pulling into my driveway so I pulled of fuse box cover to discover it. Wires melted. Had no fuse in there. Burned out quickly.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, the fuel and the speedometer gauge fluctuated. The message board also displayed low oil and car lowering speed before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

At first it was when backing up and turning sharp. The traction control message would come on and a grinding like sound from the front driver wheel area. Later it included the abs warning and would also occur after backing with turn and going forward at that moment. Now randomly when pulling out and the service air bag light comes on. Recently also the oil pressure low message and dummy light come on 3-4 times before stopping (and yes the oil pressure is good with correct oil, tires, pressure, brakes, sensors all check good). Best guess diagnostics is shorting in wiring harness that can not be located until it fails completely. However with grabbing with traction control when pulling out and air bag problems it is obvious this is a safety hazard.

Original owner of vehicle. Noticed sometime in August of 2013 that the rear window defogger wasn't working. Checked fuse, relay, grid connections and found incomplete circuit. Traced open circuit to a wiring harness connector behind passenger side kick panel under glove box. Found that rear window defogger wire (purple) was burned and insulation was melted. Separated the wiring harness connector to find that specific connector for this wire inside connector was also burned and melted on both sides of the connector. Concerned about fire hazard.

Rear window defrost stopped working. Replaced fuses and relay. Light comes on but defrost does not work. Investigation by owner showed wiring harness under front passenger kick panel burnt badly. Further investigation online indicates this has problem has been experienced by a large number of Impala owners. Due to the badly burn connection, passenger cabin fire could have occurred. Local chevy dealer service department denied any knowledge of similar instances. Recommend investigation.

While operating the vehicle I noticed thick white smoke coming up from under my seat, I put down the windows was able to pull off to a safe space and by that time visible fire was coming up from around the edges of the seat I hit the onstar botton told them my care was on fire they dispatched police and fire department. After the fire was extinguished the fire department said that it appeared to them that the wiring from the seat motor at shorted out and burned through the wire casing which then caught the seat I was sitting in on fire. The auto body also stated that that appeared to be what happened to them as well.

After parking the vehicle, I am unable to remove the key or turn the vehicle off so I cannot remove the key from the ignition. I found out that the wiring harness in the shifter had become worn and needed to be replaced. I replaced the harness and again not 1 year later I am having the same problem. I sent chevy an email and I am waiting for a reply.

Tl- the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle he was unable to take the key out or to turn the vehicle off. He eventually disconnected the battery. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that wiring in the shifter had become worn and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was 47,000. Dt.

My fiance was driving my car on his way to pick my children up from their grandmothers and smelled something burning. As he was trying to find a place to pull over smoke came into the vehicle near his feet and all of a sudden the car was on fire. He pulled over into a restaurant parking lot but by then the electric was out in the car so the doors were locked and he wasn't able to open the door. Good thing he had the windows down prior to the fire because that was his only escape. One of the employees brought out a fire extinguisher and tried to put it out with no luck. The fire department arrived and finally was able to put the fire out. It was determined that the fire was in the area of the fuse panel and wiring harness. My car is a total loss after just paying it off just two weeks ago! heartbreaking. I've been doing my research and was surprised to find that I'm not the only person that this had happened to. This is a safety concern and it needs to be addressed! I'm just thankful that my children were not in the car when this happened because the worst could have happened all because no one wants to do a recall! thank god there were no fatalities but who's to say the next person this happens to will be so lucky? ## VIN passed ## Chevrolet Impala 2006 ##.

While driving in heavy traffic, it just stops running. My husband puts the car in neutral and is able to start it back up again. It has done it a few times since that occurrence. This could result in a very serious situation if the car stalls in an intersection and won't restart. The car also has a security issue that prevents us, as the owner from starting it. This has been an ongoing problem from the purchase date. If you turn on the ignition and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, it will start up. We now leave the car running when filling the car with gas because we have had to sit and wait for it to restart at the pump. This could cause a very serious problem also. If you go on line, you will see numerous complaints about both of these problems. We bought this car used and knew we would be responsible for some issues, but not this, it should be a recall issue. We have had to replace the rack and pinion (very costly) all new brakes and rotors, all new tires, and some other minor issues. I feel, as do numerous other gm owners, this is a factory defect in the security system (passlock key system), causing both problems. Anyone having this problem, should be able to take the car to the dealership and they should have to fix it at no cost to the owner of the vehicle. I took it to the dealership just after we purchased it and he said he would have to replace the ignition and something else at a cost of almost $800. I am certain this can be taken care of by rerouting wiring in the security system at a very minor cost, or just resetting the computer system. Any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated.

See all problems of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

2008 chevy Impala. Right rear door lock began working intermittently. Right front followed suit shortly afterwards. Now, some 5 months later, the driver door is behaving the same way. It makes transporting my children difficult and unsafe. If there were to be an accident, the children in the back seat are not likely to have the mental capacity to remember to unlock the door which could lead to further injury or death. Wiring harness in the center console is poorly designed and located in such a way that the wiring breaks and making it so electrical safety devices do not disengage thus not letting the key be removed, the vehicle not being able to shift from park, and other failures yet to be identified.

This report is about sudden and repeated headlight electrical system failure in a 2005 Chevrolet Impala sedan, and a request for a nationwide safety recall and repair at gm expense for this issue. After getting in my 2005 Impala sedan at approximately 4:55 pm on 16 February 2012, I started up and drove out on the road then I smelled burning plastic and noticed the headlights (low beam) were out. I tried the high beams and they worked as did the left and right turn signals, the windshield wiper controls and the cruise control functioned. As darkness increased I had to hold the switch in the high beam position so I could see to drive so I could get home. From what I could determine the problem seems to be in the wiring to/from the multifunction light control switch or maybe it is the switch itself on the steering column. The fuses and relays and the all seemed to be in working order but the low beam lights still did not work. This failure is extremely dangerous and happens without warning. This is the second time this has happened to me now. With dealer parts cost for a replacement multifunction light switch at $350. 00 alone, not to mention labor costs and the criticality of lights while driving means this should be a required safety recall item. I have searched mechanical forums on this subject and there are many such occurrences documented, but gm does not seem to think there is a common problem or a reason to investigate and fix the malfunction. This problem is common knowledge at gm dealerships nationwide. Smelling burning plastic is an indication of a serious electrical problem which could lead to an onboard fire in the car in addition to causing injury and or death from a sudden light outage at night. Again, I request a nationwide safety recall and repair be initiated as it appears to be a manufacturing defect and an extreme safety issue.

See all problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the traction control and the abs light illuminated. The dealer performed a diagnostic which located a failure code at the hub bearing wire and the wiring harness. The contact also stated the transmission was rebuilt twice and the power steering rack in pinion was also replaced however the power steering rack in pinion failure re occurred the power steering fluid was leaking. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 45,000. Li.

Several types of gm vehicles (approx 2000-2008) have severe leaking and decay problems like my chevy Impala shows currently. I noticed early February 2012 when my factory speakers stopped working all together. The radio sound didn't get through, door chimes didn't work, safety and warning chimes didn't make noise, etc. A warning chime didn't signal for me to turn off my lights on a rainy day at a grocery store so that when I came back, I was stranded! this however isn't the big problem. This leak under the cowl seems to be prominent in many other vehicles and allowed gallons to enter in under my rugs, floor mats etc. , and travel all over the passenger cabin so that wires were submerged, corroded, mold grew, and airbag sensor hubs became islands. Yes my airbag sensors and wiring are submerged with water! please have gm recall this common problem to fix this! my car smells terrible inside from this (especially in the summer) and more importantly, I am worried that my airbags will malfunction. Thank you.

When starting the vehicle the dash lights do not immediately respond. Adjustment to the light/dimmer control do not make the light come on. This will go on for about 30 seconds and then the dash lights will suddenly come on. It is not safe to drive after dark, you cannot see what gear you are in, your speed is not visible, nor any of the other dash lights. It is random and not reproducible for shop to see. This also occurred with our 2007 chevy Impala, progressing to finally no dash lights and resulted in $700 repair for faulty wiring in steering column. Should be looked at for root cause and addressed at factory before release. Please, very annoying, expensive, and will cause me to not purchase again.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. While driving at approximately 45 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic. The technicians stated the wiring harness had melted and would have to be replaced. The failure occurred three different times and the repairs were performed twice. The vehicle was not repaired the third time the failure occurred. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000. Ds.

I got my car on 03/09/2011. I have been complaining to the dealership about the issues I am having with my car. It hesitates to crank, when turning I can feel a popping feeling in the steering. Very often my signal lights doesn't come on. I do a lot of highway driving back and forth to work and this is very dangerous. When hitting my breaks the car sometimes speeds up before slowing down, which can be very dangerous. There is a shortage in the wiring. The low coolant level light stays on, even though they claim they fixed some sensor switch. They also said they fixed my car from leaking break fluid, but the breaks are sounding worst everyday. I asked them if the breaks needed changing and they said it was fine. The car hesitates when taking off. I just got home from work and not even 30 minutes went by before I tried to leave out and my car would not crank. I have been complaining to the dealership since I got the car and they have procrastinated until the 30 day warranty expired. When calling today the dealership said that I would have to pay for any repairs because the warranty expired. When asking why should I have to pay for repairs, when I have been complaining about these issues since I first got the vehicle, the reply was they are not going to pay that any mind and I would still have to pay for the repairs.

See all problems of the 2002 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the wiring to the heater system that supplied power to the blower motor melted and caught fire inside the instrument panel. The heater system failed as a result of the fire. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the wiring was replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they could offer no assistance. The current and failure mileage was 108,284.

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. While the contact was driving approximately 25 mph , she began reducing speed as she approached a stop signal. The "check traction control" and the check engine warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated there was a significant reduction in the engine power to the point of almost stalling. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was contributed to the ads sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had continued to occur. The vehicle was taken a second time to the dealer where the technician performed a diagnostic testing which indicated that the failure was related to the wiring harness and not the ads sensor. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 54,000. Updated 8/2/10 the consumer also stated the rear door lock didn't work. Updated 08/09/jb.

1999-2004 Impalas have a problem, trac off, service traction system and abs lights go on. This deactivates the anti-brake system and can be very dangerous when driving on a slick road. Also without traction control your car will not accelerate, turn or brake and will skid. What happens is gm used cheap wiring or cut too short and these wires corrode. This problem is an easy fix, gm is aware of these problems but refuses to do anything about them. It would be an easy fix but the only thing about that though is that you cant just replace the wires, the wires are sealed in the hub assembly, so you have to replace the entire hub assembly. Also there is a problem with the passlock feature, passlock was created to prevent thieves from stealing your car, not to prevent you from driving it. Passlock can cause the vehicle to lose power while driving on the highway and may stall. That in itself is a major problem. I suggest you force gm to do a recall before people die because of negligence. And if they refuse to comply, just slap them with a major lawsuit.

I have a 2001 Chevrolet Impala sedan. Without warning the turn signals stop working. If I stop the car and restart it, the signals usually start working again, but for how long? the mileage is 175,000. I went online and found that gm has identified that the hazard switch is the root cause. This switch is the same switch on several models. I went to chandler Chevrolet in tappahannock , va . Gm will replace the hazard switch on the 2001 malibu (this is the same switch that is in my car). Then the service manager said up to 150,000 miles. Nhtsa investigation #peo2064 my other problem is that I have experienced right rear stop light failure. However the running tail light does work. At first the shop where I took it, reynolds garage in ottoman, va figured it was a burned out stop light element. Replacing the bulb did not bring the stop light back into service. Then we replaced the section of wiring harness. Still no luck. I left the car at the shop and mr. Reynolds spent a lot of time on it w/o solving the problem. I wonder if this right rear stop light problem is related to the failed hazard switch and its weak solder joints. Thank you for listening. William e. Steinmetz.

See all problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

I purchased a 2002 chevy Impala LS in November of 2008. The security passlock system begin acting faulty in may of 2008,faulty as in the car won't start if it's too hot outside, when u turn the ignition in the on position you hear sparks and static from the wiring when the security light is on. You have to basically perform magic to get the car to start. And the could take up too 4 hours of sitting wherever you are. Gm is practically aware of this very irritating and costly problem and should be held liable.

Bought 2000 chevy Impala on Feb 8,2009,and have had multiple really bad problems. Bad shake in front end,pulls to right really bad, has sevear cooling problems, turn signal failure more then working, gear shift problems, air bubbles backing up in coolant bottle, low coolant light always on, check engine ight always on major oil leakage under car body not on ground. Loss of coolant but no idea where its going. Serging problem in electrical system, and wiring conections and plugs not connected to anything. Icnition problems key wont stay in and can be pulled out with car running. Have replaced radiator,all hoses,all gaskets,thermistate,water pump,belts,done tuneup,oil change, done brakes,replaced sencers,battery,and other things. Im pissed and very angry with chevy and gm for all the problems they have with there vehicals and not fixing the problems.

See all problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Impala 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Impala. Three days after the vehicle was purchased, the contact felt a hard vibration in the axle and also heard a cracking noise on the driver side of the vehicle. The failure occurred while driving 40 mph. The oil light illuminated and the oil was changed at 104,000 miles. Before the oil change, the mechanic stated that the oil had never been changed and that a new rack and pinion and serpentine belt were needed. The contact also experienced electrical failure that caused the vehicle to shut off completely. The dealer would not give her a carfax report after one was requested. The powertrain was unknown. The failure mileage was 100,979 and current mileage was 105,840.

Traction control light and abs light both can come on at intermittent times. Both happen when turning into or backing out of a parking space in any sort of weather including perfectly dry cement. I have been told that this problem has lead to accidents with individuals because you don't get the full breaking power when making turns. This happens also when making slow turns around any corner. The problem is now happening almost all of the time when making turns. I have been told to replace my front hubs as well as the wiring harnesses but I have been reading up on it and have seen that none of those things have worked for anyone and the problem continues to come back after spending over $1000 dollars.

Brought to a dealer that advised the front seal was leaking they repaired it and gave the vehicle back. Then the rear defroster stopped working and she still smelled the burning. The vehicle was brought to the dealer again and they advised that the wiring harness was melted and that they were surprised that the vehicle did not catch fire. The dealer replaced the wiring and she still experienced the burning smell. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they contacted the manufacturer who advised on how to repair the issue. The contact does not feel safe driving the vehicle until the source of the problem is found. The failure mileage was 22000. Vs.

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated when driving the vehicle at any point where the engine would become warm, the engine would remain warm for approximately three hours after shutting off. The contact believed there to be a defect in the wiring of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 52,000.