2003 Chevrolet Impala: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jan 5, 2011 · Engine, Fuel system · 143,000 miles · CA

Problem started with the trans - wasn't shifting right, hard shift. Took it to rotolo chevy in fontana, ca. Dx: catalytic converter, nearly $800 to get new one only to have the car completely die on the side of the road when the tranny disintegrated. Replaced under warranty. Ever since I have had shifting difficulties - took it back a week later to be told it has a "smart adapt" in trans and needed approx 1000 miles to sync itself, now the car sputters, has a misfire code in cylinder 2, trans code. Hard starts, randomly stalls when making right turns, interior and exterior lights surge when at an idle, car constantly feels like it wants to stall - it can actually make you nauseas when sitting at a stop light because of the surging of the car. This morning the car just stalled when I was at a stop sign. All plugs, plug wires and coil pack for cylinder 2 have been replaced with no correction to how the car runs. Sounds and feels worse when you put the car into reverse, but smoothes out some when in drive. Filed complaint with bar regarding cat replacement, recommended refund to dealer for unnecessary item - dealer refuses to give money back. Told me car would never run right after the tranny was replaced because I refused to have them change the motor mounts. The car has not run right since, but a second opinion found that the mounts were ok - recommended that one of the back mounts be replaced as it was more worn than the others.

Filed Oct 21, 2007 · Steering · 500 miles · NJ

2003 chevrolet impala (I bought it new) problem turning the steering wheel and braking, I hear and feel clunking coming from the front end of the vehicle in the steering column . I also felt a vibration in the steering wheel. I had the car into the dealer 3 times. Each time the problem wet away for a month or so but returned. Each time I drive the car I hope the steering does not fail and cause an accident. No more general motors cars for me. I have bought gm since1969. I will not buy another gm car.

Filed Sep 18, 2007 · Steering · 30,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet impala. While driving between 1 and 25 MPH, the contact heard a loud clunking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. He also felt a vibration in the steering wheel. There is a technical service bulletin (01-02-32001h) regarding this same failure. The manufacturer stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The current mileage was 40,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.

Filed Aug 22, 2007 · Brakes, Steering · 52,000 miles · AE

Clunking noise in front end especially when you are in a turn. Also could feel a "thump" through the steering wheel at same time. We are stationed in germany in the air force. Took it to the opel dealer (chevy equiv. In germany) and they diagnosed it as the intermediate shaft needing to be replaced. After $300 and a long time waiting for the part, it was replaced and hasn't given us a problem since. Also have had major problem with this car "eating" brakes and rotors. Reminds me exactly of my buick regal I had with the same brake issues. After I sold the regal, I was sent info on a class action suit against gmc for the same brake issues. Both are great cars but brakes stink.

Filed Dec 9, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 55,000 miles · OH

Experiencing clunk in steering; also failed rotors.