9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,810
Average Mileage:
100,300 miles
Total Complaints:
22 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. new transmission (11 reports)
  2. not sure (8 reports)
  3. repair transmission (3 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

problem #22

Jan 012013

Impala LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,313 miles

Bad enough that the transmission went but after completing their work they neglected to tighten the battery properly which cause a load of other problems with the electronic system.

- Isabel D., Port Hawkesbury, NS, Canada

problem #21

Oct 012017

Impala LT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,717 miles

We had only owned the car for a few weeks. My daughter was driving and heard an awful noise in the engine. She was able to pull the car into a parking lot, but the car would not move any further. Had to totally replace the transmission. Chevrolet - this is unacceptable performance for a car with only 86k miles. I have an old Volvo with 280k miles on its transmission and it still works great.

- Allen P., Aurora, CO, US

problem #20

Jun 022016

Impala LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

My car isn't even five years old? It wasn't bought till September 2010 and the transmission goes out? and the warrantee just expired. talk about a ripoff. What the heck this is so unacceptable, I have my car serviced regularly all service records. and the transmission just breaks... I'm beyond irritated... then I see on this thread that it has been happening from what I read to many owners of Impala's... Chevy doesn't make it's cars to last...

- Gail D., Garden Grove, CA, US

problem #19

Apr 232017

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I have owned the Impala for about 4 years, I purchased with 90,000 miles. About a month ago the transmission started making sounds that sounded like I was dragging something under the car. I had it checked out and they said the transmission needed replaced. Then yesterday the transmission completely failed. The car stopped moving, and made the sound like if you had big ricks in a large metal can and started shaking it. Both forward and reverse would not work. The car is currently sitting at the shop waiting for an expensive transmission. I do not drive the car hard, and live in the country, so no city driving. Very Disappointing. This is the first Chevy I have owned, and it will be the last.

- Jason T., Patterson, NY, US

problem #18

Mar 182017

Impala LS 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

I HAD MY CAR FOR 3 YEAR THE TRASMISSION BROKE DOWN ONLY HAD 111,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD TO GET ANOTHER TRASMISSION SEE HOW LONG IT LAST.

- Juan C., La Puente, CA, US

problem #17

Dec 212016

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

I had the same exact problem as Malissa R!! Only difference for me was I had the transmission redone at the DEALER in 2013 for my 2010 Impala. I cannot remember right now what was the issue at the time with the transmission, but they had my car for a few days to replace it. Now here I am 3 years later, needing a new transmission??? And conveniently, the warranty went out in March of 2016. This totally SUCKS!!

- ladyduval23, Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #16

Nov 162016

Impala V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,034 miles

ABOUT 5 YEARS OLD AND TRANSMISSION GOES BAD!!! REALLY ITS AN AMERICAN CAR...TRANSMISSION ON ALL CHEVY IMPALAS SHOULD OF BEEN RECALLED!!!

- artr, La Habra, CA, US

problem #15

Oct 242016

Impala LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

First sign something was wrong and I didn't catch it: Ever since I owned this car (bought it new), when I parked on a slight incline and first started the car, and then put it into reverse to back up, the shift lever would be a bit difficult to move. I never really thought too much about that. I should have seen it as a sign of things to come! I got accustomed to this "feature" of the car, and didn't think much of it. Well, at about 87,000 miles the transmission failed. I was driving about 30 mph in a residential area, when all of a sudden this awful metal crunching/scraping sound was coming from the underside of the car. It sounded like a metal can of nuts and bolts was being jostled around. I stopped the car. Rev'd the engine to check how the engine was functioning. Engine seemed quite fine. Tried to move the car again, and it made the same terrible noise and barely moved. I was able to drive the short distance to my home and park the thing. Afraid of driving it, I had it towed to my Chevrolet dealership where I purchased the car. The basic factory warranty had expired. I had purchased a 5 year/100,000 mile extended warranty. That didn't help, as the 5 years had elapsed. When the dealership told me it would be around to just under $4000 to fix it by replacing the entire transmission, I asked if the dealership or GM would help any since the car only had about 87,000 miles on it. Got no help there!!

I ended up biting the bullet and paying a lot of money to have my transmission replaced. I can't believe GM was putting out such sub-standard products for the high prices we pay. The car cost me about $25,000 and I consider that a large sum of money & expect my money's worth. Ha! Silly me. It's a shame, as I will never buy a GM car again. They have lost a customer forever. To me, this car should not have had a transmission replacement at 87,000 miles. Plus, I have religiously done all the required maintenance hoping to make it last years.

I would deem this a defect and GM should be recalling these vehicles. Especially after seeing the trouble others have had with the same model year. A well-made transmission shouldn't be going out so soon! I would have expected transmission problems to arise potentially well after 100,000 miles. Too bad GM doesn't apparently care that much about quality. They've lost me as a customer.

- coronamoose, Corona, CA, US

problem #14

Sep 212016

Impala LS 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

I HAVE A 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS. STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE FORWARD, THE CAR STOPPED PULLING. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED HOME. THE CAR WORKS PERFECTLY FINE IN REVERSE, BUT WHEN YOU PUT IT IN DRIVE, IT WILL NOT PULL. CALLED CHEVROLET AND THEY STATED THAT THE WARRANTY FOR THE DRIVETRAIN WENT OUT IN 2014.

- Malissa R., Winter Park, FL, US

problem #13

Jul 082016

Impala 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

My car's transmission quit functioning with no warning. The car has never been abused and has been well cared for. After it quit pulling, though the engine responded to the pedal, you could stop, turn the engine off and restart. At that time it would function for a short time. The transmission fluid stick indicated excessive fluid though it has never been overfilled. This is a symptom of a clogged filter. A similar incident with my 2003 Impala was resolved by replacing the fluid and filter. (This worked until I sold it 50000 miles later even though the shop said it would not help). I'll see what happens this time.

- Jim K., Winterville, GA, US

problem #12

Jan 252015

Impala V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

A fairly new car should not need a transmission. My extended coverage ended in December 2014, then, my car broke down January 2015. Not even a full month passed. My car sat for almost a year before I could afford to have it repaired. Chevy should have recalled the transmission problem...really. This will be my last Chevy..for sure!! I paid the car note while it sat and I had to rent cars. It was a mess....really!!

- bettyboopdc, District Heights, MD, US

problem #11

Oct 172015

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Vehicle just stop moving all together. No warning. I have had lots of cars with more Milage and never have transmission just stopped. So many other things wrong with car that you don't want to invest that kind of money in fixing transmission. Is to even worth it? When the value of the vehicle drops so low that you can't trade it and the transmission goes you want to scream. Many of the issues I've had so have other Chevy owners. Oil pressure switch, click clacking on dash just to name a few. Cutting off in middle of highway. When all these vehicles are having the same issues there should be some kind of concessions made by the company to offset repair costs for defective parts.

- Sandra R., Enfield, NC, US

problem #10

Nov 252015

Impala 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

Just purchased a 2010 Impala in January 2015 with 62,000 miles on it already. The car salesman assured me that the car was a very good and reliable car with one owner. I was on my way to work in the morning traffic and all of a sudden without warning my car just stop. It was still moving but when I pushed down on the gas the car would not moved. I panic. I had my 4 years old granddaughter in the car with me. I restarted the car and was only able to pull over on the highway. Called a tow company, cost me $125.

They towed the car to a near by repair shop. The problem was the Transmission. Called the Dealer where I purchased the car and they informed me that I will have to pay for the repair at an estimated cost of $2000-$3000. Even thou the car was still under the original warranty. They tow the car to their shop. I argue with them over the cost and figure that they should have to pay for it. I informed them that this was a Chevrolet manufacture problem. I should not have to be replacing a transmission in a car I just purchased. They are doing a repair not a replacement and I disagree.

I mention to them the "Implied Warranty" that's on my bill of sale and it should still be cover under the Power Tran Warranty. Then they decided that they will get Chevrolet to pay for some of the cost and I will have to pay the rest. I am very disappointed and upset. When you spend a lot of money on a car, you do not expect to do major repair within a year of purchase. How can I get them to cover the full cost of repair?

- tarpleypa, Uniontown, PA, US

problem #9

Nov 132015

Impala LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

Bought this car when I was 19. In the second owner and I take care as well as pride of my American car. I've maintained it and made sure nothing was left without attention. No warning at all no message on the dash and the car just wouldn't move forward. At first i thought I had a flat bc it sounded like I was on the rim. No flat at all. The I checked the axle but it's good. AAA guy and mechanic concluded the transmission is bad. GM counts the 5 year start from the first service due on the car. Which I wasn't a part of. I'm hoping it's still under warranty. I hope GM does the right thing and replace it or else I'm going to rethink ever buying a GM car again. I'd hate to go import. Sad day if American car companies can't get it together

- Danny G., Garden Grove, CA, US

problem #8

Sep 242015

Impala V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,203 miles

My car is 5 years old has less than 80,000 miles and I think the transmission just went out. The car will not move in drive, but will move in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Also will move in reverse. I don't understand and I'm frustrated with this. Anyone else having issues?

- sanders meadows, Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #7

Aug 012015

Impala LT 3.5L/214

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,878 miles

Replaced the shift sensor due to speedometer was acting up as well as lack of power. Metal shaving in that. We replaced it. It worked for approx. two day and then the car won't go any where unless the gas pedal is all the way down and then only jumps. Won't go forward or reverse.

Update from Aug 11, 2015: They are assisting with the repair since they towed it to the dealer. We still have to pay out of pocket but have not got that far as of yet. Glad they are nice enough to assist. Hope we can afford the difference.

- Lana K., Deltona, FL, US

problem #6

Jun 112015

Impala LT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,066 miles

I was going home from work in the middle of 3-lane rush hour traffic. With no warning, no lights coming on or anything my car began to lose acceleration, and then it just would not accelerate at all! Being a single woman with no one to call for help, I was mortified! I was surprised that no one hit me from the back. I turned off the engine, waited a few seconds and turned the back on again, and was able to go far enough down the Dallas Tollway to get to a gas station where I could help.

I called a mechanic who then picked me up and towed my car to their shop. They called me later in the evening to let me know the transmission was completed dead. I ended up having to pay $3,500 out of my pocket to get a re-manufactured transmission. This should not have happened in car that is only 5 years old.

I'm wondering if anybody has had the same or similar experience.

- pshake, Dallas, TX, US

problem #5

Apr 092015

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

At 61000 miles, I would have never expected my transmission to have issues. I was on my way to work, stopped at a red light in the left lane. The light turned green and when I stepped on the gas, the car would hardly move. Luckily someone let me into the right lane and I pulled over to the shoulder. If I shut the car off and turned it back on, I could get the car to move, but the engine was revving way too high. Pulled into a gas station and had the car towed. This occurred with absolutely no warning. I haven't had any issues with the Impala until a couple of months ago, when I had another extended warranty repair and it's almost 5 years old.

The transmission is covered under the original power train, however the decision by GM was to repair the transmission and not replace it. I was not happy with that decision. Plus, there is no extension on the warranty, although I was originally told that the repair would be warrantied for 12000 miles/12 months. That was supposedly incorrect and I'm still waiting for proof of that in writing from the dealer When I was informed of the diagnosis and the district manager's option for the repair vs. replacement, I voiced my dissatisfaction.

There was obviously a defect here and I don't think I should own the risk. The Chevy dealer in Freehold also told me they do not provide loaner cars for this type of warranty repair, even though they were going to have my car for at least a week beyond the diagnosis. When I opened a case with Chevy, that tune changed. All of a sudden, they now had a loaner car.

2 weeks later, my car was repaired. With another GM vehicle that has 180,000 miles, I was planning on keeping the Impala for a long time and replacing my Pontiac Montana with another GM car. I'm not so sure about that now. 1) The dealership's "customer advocate" never took ownership of the case I opened with Chevy, which I was told was their responsibility. 2) I should have never had to "beg" for a loaner. 3) As a representative of Chevy, you want customers to be coming back to you for all of their needs. Service managers should be trained in Customer Relations, as they are the customer facing representative of both the dealership and the manufacturer. Definite room for improvement there. 4) With all of the cars I've owned, I've never purchased an extended warranty. I don't know what made me do that with the Impala, but now I have to decide what to do when I pass the 72000 mile mark.

If I had paid for this repair/replacement, the warranty would be 12000 miles/12 months or 36000 miles/36 months, respectively. Since I had this done under the original warranty, I was told that when my extended warranty is up, I own the risk. I don't understand that logic and think the American car manufacturers need to step up their game. I want to be treated like I'm special and own the best car in the world and I'll come back for more.

- Carole R., Freehold, NJ, US

problem #4

Feb 192015

Impala Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,349 miles

I've owned this car for 2 years, without an issue. Then all of a sudden I'm going on break to the store and my car stops in middle of the road, I slide almost across the median. No indicator showing on dash, no symptoms of any transmission issues, great car until yesterday. $230 to tow to dealer insurance only paid $36. GEICO, no other choice but to pay an fixed, Chevrolet refuses to see as a recall an I've been to see plenty of sites to see hundreds with this same unexpected issue. I've tried to see even if it could be tied to the electrical issue. This is crazy

- Tauborick T., Fort Hood, TX, US

problem #3

Apr 262014

Impala LT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I take good care of my cars. Transmission was never driven hard. After 4 years, it just died in one day with no indicators. Timing stunk. Price of the repair was way too much.

- Jeff B., Roanoke, VA, US

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