8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$620
Average Mileage:
111,850 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. replaced catalytic converter (3 reports)
  3. replace catalytic converter (1 reports)
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problem #7

Nov 062014

Impala V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,137 miles

Very nice car, but there should be a lemon law in Canada. This 2003 was new when we bought it the computer was a recall and never fixed and now have 100000 km and it makes noise like a transport, very annoying. Seems like the catalytic converter is gone, what do I do with my lemon, other then lemonade. Anyone has a cheap converter for me?

- miseastlink, Chelmsford, Ontario, Canada

problem #6

Sep 012010

Impala 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,000 miles

EGR SYSTEM PLUGS UP HAVE TO TAKE COMPLETELY APART TO CLEAN HAD TO DO THIS 4 TIMES ALLREADY AND HAS CLOGGED UP FOR THE 5TH TIME

- ransalot7, South Bend, IN, US

problem #5

Sep 192010

Impala 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,633 miles

I have a 2003 Impala 3.8L that has developed a problem with the catalytic converter. The tell-tale signs are all there:

1. Sluggish Acceleration 2. Won't downshift to lower gear to pass or when going uphill (i.e. no power)

I spoke with Chevy Customer Assistance (1-800-630-2438) and they told me that my SPECIFIC car is not covered. Are you kidding me?!?!? This is a very common problem with this car and when I called them they said it's only for specific vehicles. The 2001-2002 impala's are covered, but not mine! There are people with 2004 Impala's that have gotten this covered too (an otherwise $725 repair from the dealer)

My only shot at this is to use the EPA law that was passed that protects consumers against auto defects that affect emissions (which includes the catalytic converter). Here is a link to the document: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr95fs.txt

Here is the letter that was sent out saying it was covered http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i85/gemstonian/Cat_Letter.jpg

I don't know if this is going to work, I'll come back and update this if it does. I don't have my hopes up. If this is not covered this is my last GM car. They're lucky they're not out of business right now, we (the taxpayers) own most of GM, like over 60%!!! And they have the nerve to deny my claim??!?!?! Seriously?!?

- john5246, Lisle, IL, US

problem #4

Aug 252009

Impala LS 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

My 2003 Impala had been rock solid up until this month. I got a check engine light about the beginning of the month, and noticed that when i pressed the gas pedal over half way, the RPM's revved up but I was getting no acceleration. I'd have to baby the gas pedal to make the car shift and slowly accelerate. I was panicking thinking the transmission was going out, I already had a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix lose the O/D cylinder right at 100k. I got the car to AutoZone and had them run a check, and it was reported as Cylinder 2 misfire.

I bought some plugs and wires, and went to my father in law's to get the tuneup done. After the tuneup completed, the issue was still there, and now was getting worse. In addition to pathetic acceleration, just driving the car 10 minutes it was slowly beginning to overheat. I took it to a mechanic my FIL recommended in town, and the guy diagnosed it as a plugged catalytic converter. I didn't even believe him at first, but the explanation that the misfire in cylinder 2 may have allowed non ignited fuel to plug the filter in the converter made sense and i was desperate. He sent me to an exhaust shop that replaced the converter, and exhaust pipe which was almost rusted through, for 185 out the door. Combined with the 150 for plugs/wires, this finally solved the issue.

Im posting this to hopefully save someone else this massive troubleshooting and PITA issue. Since the work has been done, everything has worked great.

- guzmand19, Shawnee, KS, US

problem #3

May 222009

Impala 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Do not buy a Chevy Impala...they run like sh*t and cost the hell out of you.

- rdavenport08tx, Meridian, TX, US

problem #2

Apr 222009

Impala 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,876 miles

Extremely slow off the mark, had to floor it to get anywhere. Garage found a couple of issues, MAF sensor, still poor performer, ended up cat was plugged. Recommended all oxygen sensors be replaced as well mileage was high and pointless to screw up a new cat based on what he's seen on GMs of late.

- nomoregm, Ottawa, ON, Canada

problem #1

Mar 012009

Impala LS 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles

Would not accelerate, bogged down. We replace several sensors, EGR valve. Finally paid someone to check out the car. Finally saw online to disconnect EGR and see if it runs. Which we did, so that means it must be a plugged up catalytic converter.

We took to Muffler shop and they replaced the cat converter for $200. Now it runs great. The check engine light keeps coming on I guess because we did not use brand parts. We just tape over the light. Car runs great now with new Cat Converter.

- Gail P., Lakeland, FL, US