FaultScore

Chevrolet Impala transmission problems

945 of the 15,232 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Impala are about the transmission — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2006.

945

Complaints

6%

Share of all complaints

37

Crashes

8

Fires

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year

1993 Impala 2 0.2%

Median failure at 210,100 miles

1995 Impala 4 0.4%
1996 Impala 14 1.5%
1998 Impala 1 0.1%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

1999 Impala 1 0.1%
2000 Impala 58 6.1%

Median failure at 72,469 miles

2001 Impala 58 6.1%

Median failure at 44,685 miles

2002 Impala 37 3.9%

Median failure at 73,000 miles

2003 Impala 30 3.2%

Median failure at 86,000 miles

2004 Impala 48 5.1%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

2005 Impala 52 5.5%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

2006 Impala 109 11.5%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2007 Impala 80 8.5%

Median failure at 73,000 miles

2008 Impala 92 9.7%

Median failure at 80,500 miles

2009 Impala 68 7.2%

Median failure at 97,000 miles

2010 Impala 67 7.1%

Median failure at 68,000 miles

2011 Impala 64 6.8%

Median failure at 70,300 miles

2012 Impala 27 2.9%

Median failure at 32,000 miles

2013 Impala 33 3.5%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

2014 Impala 38 4.0%

Median failure at 59,930 miles

2015 Impala 16 1.7%

Median failure at 81,680 miles

2016 Impala 16 1.7%

Median failure at 64,240 miles

2017 Impala 12 1.3%

Median failure at 88,357 miles

2018 Impala 11 1.2%

Median failure at 84,650 miles

2019 Impala 5 0.5%

Median failure at 69,935 miles

2020 Impala 2 0.2%

What owners said

2014 Chevrolet Impala Fairdale, KY

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Stabili-trak" and "Power Steering" displayed on the instrument panel, and the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission display switched from drive(D) to park(P) while driving, causing the vehicle to decelerate and stall. The rear-view camera also intermittently failed to function properly, displaying the message "Park Assist Not Available" while reversing. The contact pulled over, waited, and then restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the wheel hub, camshaft sensor, and a cylinder had previously been replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11756703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Impala Brewster, NY

POWER TRAIN

The transmission failed, shifting is no longer smooth. It hesitates and shakes the entire car, and the car slows down to almost a crawl uphill. I understand this is an issue with Chevrolet Impalas. So now I have an $8200 bill for a problem I was never told about, and that GM knew that it existed. So, yes, the issue has been identified, reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The warning light came on when the issue happened, so it was already too late. The issue began with just over 65,000 miles. So I have a 2018 Impala in almost perfect condition in need of an $8200 before taxes, transmission replacement. I would like some help from the NHTSA, like requiring GM to pay for the repairs. Thank You very much.

NHTSA complaint #11746623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Impala at 115,000 miles Katy, TX

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter, however the gear shifter failed to shift as intended. The contact stated after several attempts, the gear shifter shifted as intended. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under the unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11741316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Impala Clinton, MD

POWER TRAIN

The transmission went out while driving. Also the trunk leaks when it rains

NHTSA complaint #11736203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Impala Florence, SC

POWER TRAIN

The car will not or is slow to shift into gear. The transmission will not shift into gear..

NHTSA complaint #11727869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Impala Newburg, MO

POWER TRAIN

Transmission torque converter shuddered and did not stop after service. Had to replace entire transmission for $5870.68 repair bill.

NHTSA complaint #11714661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Chevrolet Impala Saint Louis, MO

POWER TRAIN

Jerking while picking up speed, key fob keep saying not detected, Radio feature work but stuck to basic screen I guess electrical problem Brakes is very rough not sure

NHTSA complaint #11712578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Chevrolet Impala Houston, TX

POWER TRAIN

Cars acceleration causes me to be unable to pick up speed it decelerates up hills small or latg ramps cats constantly fly pass to avoid a multi car pile up it’s very dangerous!

NHTSA complaint #11702052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Impala at 125,000 miles Lincoln, RI

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and stabili-trak warning light were illuminated. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V092000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA complaint #11697392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Impala Campbellsburg, IN

POWER TRAIN

Between 25mph and 35mph transmission will " lose " gearing and start revving when I'm stuck in traffic, causing a safety concern/risk. Have to stop the car completely and let her cool down below half operating temp for the transmission to rekick into gear. Happens Everytime after driving through cities, ATF has a slight gray tinge to it but no burning smell

NHTSA complaint #11696147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Impala Chicago, IL

POWER TRAIN

I Took My Car To Castle Villa Park On July 8 2025 And Explained To Tony That Check My Car In That It Sound As If It Was A Hub Bearing My Car Was Dropped Off At 7:00 AM Until Around 1:00PM I Was Told I Need A Tire To See If It Was My Hub Bearing Which Didn’t Make Sense To Me So I Ask For A Supervisor I Was Then Inform That They Could Tell If They Switch My Tires Later On I Was Told It Was A Tire Came Took My Car To Firestone This Sat 07/19/2025 I Was Told I Didn’t Need Tires It Is In Fact Both Of My Hub Bearing So I Paid 100.00 Diagnostic Fee To Castle And Risking My Life Driving My Car When They Knew In Fact That It Was My Hub Bearings My Car Is Under Warranty If It Wasn’t They Would Have Fixed It And Charge Me I Am Taking My Car Back Monday I Have Made Several Complaints On This Dealer And Nothing Is Happening This Is Unfair For Consumer To Take Advantage Of Customers

NHTSA complaint #11674888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Chevrolet Impala Porterville, CA

POWER TRAIN

First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't work now if automatic light control is on car shakes bad while breaking idles hard uses ALOT of gas now massive amount of heat coming off engine now with no dash light or guage saying temp is going up engine smells kind of bad after driving the car replaced transmission once couple years ago transmission maybe going out again the gear shift locks don't work it slips out of gear and into another gear effortlessly while driving and while parked without pressing the button to move the gear shift clicking or tapping noise started coming from front end only when turning left now does it while.turning and sometimes while.going straight and it's all still happening... theres more but not going into all of it now. DTC code listed 2days ago was listed as: B1000-00 Electronic Control Unit. Searched Google for code and got posts saying ECU needs replaced..updated or reprogrammed and some say BCU needs replaced..upgraded or reprogrammed. Each time I search the code I get a different reason for the code and different meaning. I have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8 with police package. Car is available for inspection anytime.

NHTSA complaint #11660121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Impala San Jose, CA

POWER TRAIN

I have push to start car. On my lunch i starting my car and I immediately notice the rpm went to 2500, which is high and it went up to 3000 and then the warning light flashed stability track error and check engine and swerving light I took a pic. I turn car off and wait a few min turned car back on and it was fine. No errors drove to get lunch and back no issues. Then on leaving work s ame thing happened but the error didn't go away. I was able to shift out of gear. Hard knocking, gear shifter light all white no clue what gear it was in I moved to another parking spot but was slow moving very delayed. Parked and now waiting for tow truck

NHTSA complaint #11656648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Chevrolet Impala at 84,000 miles Havana, FL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission was slipping and unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that the vehicle violently shuddered. The contact stated that the check engine and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle due to the shaking and shuddering and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Transmission Control Module and a wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred two more times. The contact had taken the vehicle to the same dealer, and the TCM was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11654813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Impala Palatine, IL

POWER TRAIN

I purchased this vehicle in a CHEVY DEALERSHIP in palatine, IL. [XXX]. 50k miles a chevy impala around 38k total with taxes and all. A month later I had to pay 200 for a diagnostic at the dealership to check an issue with the steering. They said nothing was wrong with it and it was just the floor mat making contact in the floor. When I returned home, I had the same issue occur AGAIN. I retook it and they wanted another 200 dollars. I complained to the seller of this vehicle, and he agreed to waive these 200 dollars. When it was rechecked, it was found out that it actually had to replace the wheel barring's on the front. It was around a 2,000$ job I have the receipts, and I actually didn't pay for anything at the time due to warranty. I also have been up to date with transmission oil, engine oil, fuel injectors, etc to keep the car running smooth. As of 01/2025 I started having issues with the transmission, the gears were very jumpy and very unsafe to drive. I called the dealership and i was told the warranty had a expire a month before. I had to call the bank to find out this telephone number since the dealership never responded back. the number I was looking for was the warranty which my contract that was given from the dealership coincidence didnt have it. I had to reach to the bank and ask for a new contract. I called them and was denied due to the time that has past and was out of luck. I took it to a mechanic for a transmission rebuilt and cost me 3,000 which im still paying off right now. It was repair around [XXX]. Now I have an issue with the power steering. I also have a check engine light now. I am in the process of taking it to the transmission job to look at it but most likely wont get fix. I now have to invest around another 1,500+ for these new jobs. I dont have that much now and its costing me a lot of headaches pain money and time and many more things. GM wont do anything about it and I still have to pay550 a month for this vehicle. IDK.HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

NHTSA complaint #11651689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Impala at 129,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the catalytic converter and transmission oil cooler hose. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.

NHTSA complaint #11647855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Impala at 128,000 miles Jacksonville, FL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA complaint #11644539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Chevrolet Impala at 200,000 miles Paducah, KY

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA complaint #11633118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Impala Sugar Land, TX

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failure 2nd time in car at 101,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11627156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Impala Mishawaka, IN

POWER TRAIN

I was sold a used car w/ undisclosed accidents. Had many issues within first few weeks. Had transmission cooler lines replaced after they burst. Radiator, compressor, condenser, and much more. Then the Airbag light came on. Dealership said connectors were bad. Fixed it. Light came on again.took it in to dealership. They had it for over two weeks. The GM for all the dealerships Told me the vehicle was not unsafe and told me lies. But the service girl confessed she no longer had access to my vehicle or my file and her boss and the Gm had taken over working on it. She then told me they pulled Ford model air bags from my Chevy Impala. Now the light has come on again. I do not feel safe or rust the dealership to fix it properly.

NHTSA complaint #11625701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Impala problems