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Chevrolet Impala transmission failure problems

111 of the 10,418 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Impala describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2006 model year.

owner complaints
111
worst model year
2006
typical repair cost reported
$2,500
typical mileage
62,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Transmission · NY

The transmission failed, shifting is no longer smooth. It hesitates and shakes the entire car, and the car slows down to almost a crawl uphill. I understand this is an issue with Chevrolet Impalas. So now I have an $8200 bill for a problem I was never told about, and that GM knew that it existed. So, yes, the issue has been identified, reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The warning light came on when the issue happened, so it was already too late. The issue began with just over 65,000 miles. So I have a 2018 Impala in almost perfect condition in need of an $8200 before taxes, transmission replacement. I would like some help from the federal safety agency, like requiring GM to pay for the repairs. Thank You very much.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Transmission · MD

The transmission went out while driving. Also the trunk leaks when it rains

Filed May 10, 2025 · Lights, Transmission · CA

First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't work now if automatic light control is on car shakes bad while breaking idles hard uses ALOT of gas now massive amount of heat coming off engine now with no dash light or guage saying temp is going up engine smells kind of bad after driving the car replaced transmission once couple years ago transmission maybe going out again the gear shift locks don't work it slips out of gear and into another gear effortlessly while driving and while parked without pressing the button to move the gear shift clicking or tapping noise started coming from front end only when turning left now does it while.turning and sometimes while.going straight and it's all still happening... theres more but not going into all of it now. DTC code listed 2days ago was listed as: B1000-00 Electronic Control Unit. Searched Google for code and got posts saying ECU needs replaced..updated or reprogrammed and some say BCU needs replaced..upgraded or reprogrammed. Each time I search the code I get a different reason for the code and different meaning. I have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8 with police package. Car is available for inspection anytime.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Transmission · 128,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2024 · Transmission · TX

Transmission failure 2nd time in car at 101,000 miles

Filed Aug 28, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · 98,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Transmission · 151,343 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and ascending a grade, the vehicle lost forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle revved but failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that she shifted the vehicle into reverse (R) and drove back down the hill. The contact stated that the transmission failure was intermittent at first but had gradually become a recurring failure. The contact stated that at the first failure there were no warning lights; however, in the later failures the transmission overheated warning light would become illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure the transmission had begun to jerk and hesitate. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,343.

Filed Oct 7, 2023 · Transmission · OH · 1 injury

The Transmission failed, yes it is available for inspection upon request The car was jerking extremely hard from 1st to second gear. Doing damage to my back. The car has been confirmed by a dealership. The vehicle is set to be inspected by the manufacturer on 10-16-2023 There was leaking from the transmission coolant lines. 01-31-2023

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · FL

The stabilitrak notification appeared on my dashboard while driving on the highway, which immediately caused the car to slow down. It was a hazard as I had to maneuver over 4 lanes on a highway at high speed to move to safety. This issue has occurred three times and is currently on the fourth as the vehicle is at the Chevrolet dealer. It is going on three weeks on my fourth return in 6 months with no current feedback. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer each time for this exact issue which has occurred every 6 months after the initial repair, my vehicle was there for approximately three months as they stated I needed to replace the transmission. Six months from that date the issue occurred again and it was replaced as it was under warrant. The third time I had to pay for the repair as the dealer stated some sensors needed to be replaced. Now six months later again, it is at the dealer and I am waiting for the response. Each time this issue occurred, I was traveling at high speeds which almost resulted in accidents that I somehow managed to avoid. There were no other warning signs that this issue was going to occur. It just happens spontaneously. I have seen several complaints about this issue with Chevrolet made by mother customers going back as far as 2012 to no resolution but thousands of dollars spent with no real solution/answers.

Filed Feb 7, 2022 · Transmission · SC

I have a 2018 Chevrolet Premier Impala that has started skipping gears at 1st and 2nd while driving. The vehicle shudders when it changes gears. Took vehicle to dealer who informed me that the transmission needs to be replaced already. I haven't received any dash messages or vehicle warnings prior to noticing the transmission problem. I always kept the car properly serviced by the dealer for all routine maintenance requirements. I am the original owner of this vehicle. The car has under 100,000 miles. Dealer informs me that it will take at least a week before they can possibly get new transmission for vehicle. I may be without vehicle for at least 2 weeks minimum.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 21, 2014 · 355 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick owners at 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC owners at 1‑800‑462‑8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

Recall number 14V092000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Impala transmission failure

Which Chevrolet Impala years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2006 (21 complaints), 2001 (17 complaints) and 2011 (13 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Chevrolet Impala?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,500 (median of 17 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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