The component is the Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) Vapor Canister Purge Valve.The internal diaphragm or solenoid of the factory-installed purge valve has worn out prematurely or became contaminated, locking it permanently into a stuck-open position.The Manifestation or (Symptoms): The stuck-open valve continuously drafts raw fuel vapor and unmetered air into the engine intake manifold. This causes an improper air-fuel mixture, resulting in:Stumbling / Failure to Start Immediately After Refueling (the engine is flooded by gas tank vapors forced in during fill-up).Rough Idling (due to a continuous vacuum leak).Illuminated Check Engine Light tracking Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0496 (High Purge Flow) or P0442. Yes, it is available for inspection. The vehicle stumbles, hesitates, and fails to restart at busy gas pumps and intersections which places drivers, passengers, and other motorists at an immediate risk of a collision. Yes, the problem has been validated by an professional auto mechanic shop. No, it has not been inspected by anyone else other than the mechanicshop to diagnose the problem, issue. The check engine light came on as I cranked the vehicle up and it started idling. No known symptoms until check engine came on prior to failing. The check engine light first appeared in May 2026 as well as the codes mentioned above.
Chevrolet Impala misfire problems
40 of the 10,418 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Impala describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2002 model year.
- owner complaints
- 40
- worst model year
- 2002
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 91,000
By model year
- 20201
- 20171
- 20153
- 20143
- 20133
- 20113
- 20102
- 20093
- 20082
- 20063
- 20053
- 20042
- 20033
- 20026
- 20002
Often reported together
Check engine light 11Stalling 8Loss of power 5Hesitation 5Won't start 2Slipping 2Oil consumption 2Harsh shifting 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0300 2P2122 1P0496 1P0442 1
What owners say
Side Blind Zone Alert (SZBA) system continues to be an issue with this vehicle. Sensing module(s) on inner left or right side of bumper cover fail due to water intrusion. When sensing module fails, "Service Side Detection System" message will appear on driver information center on instrument cluster. General Motors has previously issued a special coverage "N172097060", which is available on the federal safety agency website. As indicated in the special coverage document, if the issue is ignored, "the condition could result in the corruption of LS GMLAN that may result in the loss of some driver interface functions such as cluster, infotainment, displays, chime, and passenger presence detection (passenger airbag could be suppressed). Within approximately 30 days of the "Service Side Detection System" message, while driving, instrument cluster speedometer and tachometer went dead, and airbag warning system notification, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system all illuminated. In addition to no speedometer reading, vehicle ignition/security interlock was causing vehicle to run rough. Vehicle would not immediately restart after shutting vehicle off. This is the 4th time a SBZA sensing module has failed on this vehicle. First failure was replaced under factory warranty, second failure was replaced under special coverage N172097060, third failure was replaced out-of-pocket. Contacted General Motors/Chevrolet, and they are not interested in providing continued coverage of the issue, which is a known issue, and likely a design defect, as the design was changed for later model years.
5th cylinder misfire caused by broken valve. Also not shifting right caused by transmission solenoid
Wiring harness is defective and friction causes electrical misfires that affect the entire vehicle, from deacceleration while driving to not being able to turn over the engine to start. I've been dealing with this issue for over 4 years and gm nor any safety commission will do anything in terms of a recall. This complaint is the only recourse that I have in order to notify public of the issue. This is extremely concerning as it can cause safety hazard on road.
As many other 5.3 liter gm vehicles during this period, my car has been burning oil, fouling spark plugs, and throwing check engine lights for many years due to this all-too common issue. It is a safety hazard, and all gm vehicles with this motor issue should be recalled and fixed. It poses a serious hazard when you attempt to pull out into the road and the car sputters and misfires and you have no power because oil is seaping past the rings.
I dont understand why my car shows no misfires until today and its the fuel control module but it resets and goes away then back again like its remote control. While stationary battery is fair/ alternator fair
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine misfired and the vehicle stalled with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to david chevrolet buick located at (10225 niagara falls blvd, niagara falls, ny 14304), to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rocker arm and control valve solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
My 2014 chevy impala misfires while driving and loses and regains power while driving. I took it to a mechanic and it is the rocker arm control valve solenoids. I did some research it this is a known issue for 2014/2015 impalas and malibu's. This is very unsafe and can cause accidents. Also, this part has been on backorder for several months so owners are having to drive with check engine light on. This should be a recall.
The intake rocker arm oil control valve deteriorates and pieces get lodge in the cam cover passages. Causes vehicle to misfire and not shift properly. Happens while sitting idle or moving
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet impala. Shortly after the vehicle was purchased from a private owner, the air bag off and various other warning indicators and gauges flickered. Also, four misfires occurred. The contact was concerned that the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
- Risk
- Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- The remedy applied under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, or 15V‑201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1‑800‑442‑6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.
Recall number 15V701000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.
- Risk
- The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.
Recall number 15V201000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
- Risk
- If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 09V116000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Impala misfire
Which Chevrolet Impala years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2002 (6 complaints), 2003 (3 complaints) and 2005 (3 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix misfire or rough idle on the Chevrolet Impala?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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