2006 Chevrolet Impala: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Nov 23, 2012 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · WI

In the fall of 2010, I took my 2006 chevy impala ss to a chevy dealer for an oil change. While waiting for my vehicle, I was advised by the mechanic I should have the transmission flushed. I questioned him because there was only 60k miles on the car, also, had not noticed anything while driving that would indicate that being needed. I had the flush done anyway, and, since then, the transmission began slipping from a complete stop. It wasn't bad at first, only happened once in a great while. I took the car to the same shop that flushed the transmission to check on it, only to have them tell me there was no problem and they were unable to replicate the problem. I now have 80k miles on the car and the problem is getting worse, the slip happens almost every time I accelerate from a dead stop and I also feel torque shudder while at higher speeds. I have done research and this seems to be a common issue. I am driving the car but am very nervous doing so. I feel this can be a serious safety issue not knowing when the transmission will engage or disengage.

Filed May 16, 2011 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · 00

Impala "ss" with only approximately 71,000 miles, major transmission malfunction / failure without any prior warning. Vehicle had only been serviced at gm dealership since purchased, all regular maintenance followed. Transmission slippage combined with harsh shifting, torque converter shudder, grinding noises from gears. Vehicle would alternate between not going forward or, once moving, very difficult to stop vehicle because transmission did not disengage (nearly rear ended other vehicles, had to stand on brake pedal). No warning lights nor dash indicators, but remote diagnostic via onstar confirmed transmission failure and directed for immediate repair. Valve body, pressure regular, all solenoids (rebuild) replaced under gmpp extended warranty coverage. Not even two weeks later, problems returned but worse. The federal safety agency campaign # 10021844 and tsb # 070730012c seem to address this issue. Vehicle now at gm dealership being assessed. Onstar diagnostics found no issue. Still no warning indicators, but vehicle have high RPM without any forward motion when accelerator depressed. Rpms would also bounce up and down erratically on highway at steady speed, vibrations and whining noises from transmission. Apparently this is known defect with multiple vehicles equipped with the 4t65-e transmission, but there has never been any recall. Cost of repairs for this between $4,000 and $6,000 if not under warranty. This likely effects hundreds of thousands of gm vehicles covering many model years.

Filed Feb 27, 2011 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · MD

I have a 2006 impala ss. The car was purchased used with approximately 12k miles, in early 2009 at 62k the transmission failed, stranding my family on the pa turnpike. In january 2011 at 101k we had to replace the transmission again. Luckily we purchased a gm power-train transmission and it came with a 3yr warranty. The failure symptoms were identical for each occurrence. 1st the transmission would occasionally shudder while shifting. Eventually it would shudder and predictably slip when maintaining a speed at or near 1800 RPM. This was especially noticeable driving up hills. Finally the car would not move while the engine RPM spiked when pressing the accelerator pedal. The entire failure period was around 1000 miles from the 1st sign that the transmission was having difficulty to shifting to the final failure. The transmission appears to reach very high temperatures and has a long cool off period. When replacing the power steering gear I noticed that the exhaust and engine were cool to the touch, but the transmission remained warm through out the repair. Thank for your attention in this matter.

Filed Feb 22, 2010 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · VA

Gm 2006 impala transmission failure. Upon initial operation transaxle shudders, stutters, and stalls upon acceleration demand. Failure creates an unanticipated and warning-less slow-down of my vehicle directly in front of other accelerating vehicles. A safety hazard results from possible rear-ending by following motorists that have to be unaware the car in front of them has stuttered and slowed down. It also is a problem for drivers as they cannot accelerate or pass other cars, and cannot safely or confidently evade road objects/debris/potholes. A review of this transaxle problem indicates many gm motorists share the same problems and voice the same concerns.

Filed Jan 15, 2008 · Tires · 33,000 miles · TX

Vehicle has bouncy/shuddery ride driving over 35mph. Looked at by 2 different shops, one said it was a bad tire and replaced under tire warranty, the other said it was separation of tread (bad tire). All four tires replaced with brand new tires (out of my own pocket) and the ride did not improve, then the shop says that it is "bumps in the road" even though there is a distinct difference between a bump in the road (felt from front tires and back tires) and the shudder of the vehicle.