1979 Chevrolet Impala problems
The Chevrolet Impala (/ɪmˈpælə, -ˈpɑːlə/) is a full-size car that was built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States.
For its debut in 1958, the Impala was distinguished from other models by its symmetrical triple taillights. The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced as a top-line Impala Sport Sedan for model year 1965, later becoming a separate series positioned above the Impala in 1966, which, in turn, remained above the Chevrolet Bel Air and the Chevrolet Biscayne. The Impala continued as Chevrolet's most popular full-sized model through the mid-1980s. Between 1994 and 1996, the Impala was revised as a 5.7-liter V8–powered version of the Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan.
In 2000, the Impala was reintroduced again as a mainstream front-wheel drive car. In February 2014, the 2014 Impala ranked No. 1 among Affordable Large Cars in U.S. News & World Report's rankings. When the 10th generation of the Impala was introduced for the 2014 model year, the 9th generation was rebadged as the Impala Limited and sold only to fleet customers through 2016. During that time, both versions were sold in the United States and Canada. The 10th-generation Impala was also sold in the Middle East and South Korea.
Social links
Common 1979 Chevrolet Impala problems
The 1979 Chevrolet Impala is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues along with their details:
- Power Lock Problems: The 2008 Impala has been reported to have power lock problems, with locks working intermittently or failing to operate completely. Replacing faulty components like the lock assembly, actuator, or sensor has been found to solve the issue in most affected vehicles.
- Heater Problems: Some 2007 Impalas have had problems with their heater, with one owner reporting that their heater suddenly stopped working due to clogged lines.
- Engine Oil Consumption: Some 2006 Impala owners have reported problems with their engine's excessive oil consumption, with drivers not noticing any visible oil leaks, suggesting that the engine is burning it. Replacing the oil pan is a common fix for this issue.
- Starting Issues: Some 1979 Impalas may have trouble starting, particularly if they have been sitting for an extended period of time. In such cases, adding fuel stabilizer to the tank and running the old gas with some Seafoam can help.
- Idling Issues: Some 1979 Impalas may experience idling issues, where the car cranks but does not stay running long enough to switch gears.
- Rare 3-Piece Rear Window: Some 1979 Impalas have a rare 3-piece rear window, which is not commonly found in other Caprice models. This feature is unique to certain 1979 Impalas and may require additional maintenance or repair.
It is important to note that not all 1979 Impalas will experience these issues, and many owners have reported positive experiences with the car. However, being aware of these common problems can help owners take preventative measures and address issues as they arise.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Impala?
Some of the most common complaints about the Chevrolet Impala include transmission failure, power lock problems, heater issues, and excessive oil consumption.
What year of Impalas are reliable?
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala was largely popular and very consistent and reliable, with only one recall related to an ignition key. Aside from 2013, the most reliable years for the Chevrolet Impala include: 2015 Chevrolet Impala. 2016 Chevrolet Impala.
What year Impala has transmission problems?
Ninth-generation Impalas have either 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 2007 Chevy Impala transmission is considered the most problematic, but the same issues extend to other years between 2006 and 2013. The most common issues with Chevrolet Impala transmissions are: Failed solenoids.
How many miles per gallon does a 1979 Impala get?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 57 fuel-ups and 9,342 miles of driving, the 1979 Chevrolet Impala gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.12 with a 0.49 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 9 outliers (13.64%) removed.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Impala?
Some of the most common complaints about the Chevrolet Impala include transmission failure, power lock problems, heater issues, and excessive oil consumption.
Is the Chevy Impala a reliable car?
Most models with more problems are older or reach higher mileage than those without them. In fact, newer Chevy Impalas receive high reliability ratings from some of the industry's top websites, including Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and RepairPal.
What year Impala is bad?
On average, you should try to stay away from used Chevy Impalas that were built before 2013. Indeed, the ninth generation Impala's first three years of production from 2006-2008 were the least reliable years of this vehicle. However, other less reliable model years of the Chevrolet Impala include: 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
What year Impala has transmission problems?
Ninth-generation Impalas have either 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 2007 Chevy Impala transmission is considered the most problematic, but the same issues extend to other years between 2006 and 2013. The most common issues with Chevrolet Impala transmissions are: Failed solenoids.
1979 Chevrolet Impala car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Impala problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Chevrolet Impala vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1979 Chevrolet Impala complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Chevrolet Impala.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE PROBLEM IS IN A NEW HITCH I JUST PURCHASED MANUFACTURED BY VALLEY INDUSTRIES, OF LODI, CALIFORNIA. KIT CAME WITH TWO 7/16" SQUARE U-BOLTS, WHICH REQUIRED DRILLING HOLES INTO THE FRAME TO INSTALL. THE INSTRUCTIONS CALLED FOR THE NUTS ON THE SQUARE U-BOLTS TO BE TIGHTEN TO A FORCE OF 55 FT.LBS. THE BOLTS PROVIDED, WILL NOT HOLD THAT FORCE. INSTEAD THEY NECKED AND BROKE AT SLIGHTLY OVER 40 FT. LBS. I FEEL THEY HAVE PROVIDED A MILD STEEL BOLT INSTEAD OF A GRADE #0, 1, OR 2. INSTEAD OF THE GRADE OF A #5 WHICH WOULD HAVE HELD THIS KIND OF FORCE. I CALLED THE MANUFACTER A COUPLE OF TIMES ABOUT THIS TODAY 11/4/02 AND FINIALLY TALKED TO ENGINEERING, WHO TOLD ME THAT ALL THE U-BOLTS ARE MILD STEEL, YOU CAN'T GET U-BOLTS IN A HARDEN STEEL, IN AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS. THEY (THE COMPANY), DIDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE BOLTS WOULD BREAK, BUT THEY WOULD SEND ME OUT SOME NEW ONES. IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT THEY KNEW ALL ALONG THAT THE GRADE OF BOLTS THEY WERE PROVIDING CAN NOT BE TORQUED DOWN TO THE 55 FT LBS. SINCE MOST PEOPLE DO NOT FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY, AND JUST TIGHTED UNTIL THEY FEEL ITS TIGHT ENOUGH. THEY GET AWAY WITH SUPPLING A LOWER QUALITY U-BOLTS THEY MAYBE TELL GOVENMENT AND SAFTEY BOARDS. THEY MAY SAVE $ .70-1.00 ON A INSTALLATION KIT SUPPLYING LOWER GRADES OF BOLTS. THIS ALONE IS NOT MUCH MONEY, BUT IF THEY DID THIS TO 100,000 HITCHES THATS NOW A LOT OF SAVING. IS THIS A SAFTEY PROBLEM? IT MAYBE, DUE TO A COUPLE OF THINGS. 1. IF THE HITCH WAS RATED AND TESTED FOR USE WITH A HIGHER GRADE BOLT, THAT IS WHAT SHOULD BE USED IN THE INSTALLATION KIT. (WOULD IT MEET A CLASS LL RATING WITH MILD STEEL BOLTS?) 2. SOME ONE MAY FOLLOW DIRECTION SUCH AS I DID BY NECKING AND SNAPING THE BOLTS, OR WORST STOP TIGHTEN WHEN THEY FELT IT NECKING LEAVING THE U-BOLT IN A WEAKED AND DAMAGED CONDITION. DT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-04
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CARBURETOR LEAKED GAS ON MANIFOLD CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-05-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED TWICE. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479650) *SKD
1979 Chevrolet Impala recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1979 Chevrolet Impala.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: THE HEADS MAY BREAK OFF THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION EVEN UNDER NO LOAD CONDITIONS. THIS IS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF BOLTS USED, HIGH INSTALLATION TORQUE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE BODY ANCHORAGE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: A CHILD COULD OPEN THE REAR SIDE COMPARTMENT DOOR AND ENTER THIS COMPARTMENT. THE CHILD COULD BECOME ENTRAPPED IF THE DOOR WERE TO CLOSE, AS IT CANNOT BE UNLATCHED FROM THE INSIDE.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL COMPARTMENT DOOR LATCH, WHICH CAN BE LATCHED WITHOUT A KEY, WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY THAT REQUIRES A KEY TO LATCH AS WELL AS LOCK THE DOOR.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE STOPLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF ACTIVATED, TO STAY ELECTRICALLY ENGAGED.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Other years of Chevrolet Impala
Are you having problems with your 1979 Chevrolet Impala?
Leave your review of 1979 Chevrolet Impala