Common Chevrolet Impala Failures: Problems, Breakdowns And More!
If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle with more passenger and cargo space, you may want to consider a Chevrolet Impala. But do you think this car is free of the problems? Find out by reading common Chevrolet Impala faults .
Aside from its big cabin, the Impala also has a muscular engine and an easy-to-use infotainment system, making it a great choice for a daily driver. Before you buy an Impala, it will be helpful to read up on its reliability ratings to find out common problems other people have encountered with this vehicle.
How good is the Chevrolet Impala?
The Chevrolet Impala enjoys good reliability scores. Some consumers gave the model a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it fifth out of 12 cars in its segment.
The 2020 model received a 3.5 out of 5 according to surveys. Meanwhile, older models like the 2005 Impala earned a 4.4 rating from Kelley Blue Book based on consumer reviews.
As long as you follow the regular maintenance schedule, the Impala can easily go up to 150,000 miles without needing any major repairs. Regular checkups will also keep your Impala in tip-top shape, saving you time and money on repairs.
Common failures of the Chevrolet Impala
Regardless of how well you take care of your vehicle, problems can arise as mileage increases. Here are some of the common Chevrolet Impala failures by model year:
1. Transmission failure
Transmission problems have been reported in some units of the 2011 Chevy Impala. Owners report hearing a loud noise from the transmission before it misfires . They also noticed stuttering and jerking when their vehicles slow down.
Similar problems have also been reported on some 2005 and 2006 models. Stay away from units that have slippery transmissions that have difficulty shifting.
An Impala with a severe transmission problem may need to have the entire transmission replaced or rebuilt. Repairing this type of problem can cost up to $2,970.
2. Electric lock malfunction problems
Power lock problems have been reported on some units of the 2008 Chevy Impala. Your locks may work intermittently or not work at all. Replacing faulty components such as the lock assembly, actuator, or sensor appears to resolve the issue on most affected vehicles.
3. Problems with heating
Some 2007 Chevrolet Impalas have had problems with their heater working. One homeowner said his heater suddenly stopped working due to clogged lines. Mechanics speculate that low-quality antifreeze may have caused the problem.
Several owners have also noticed cold air coming from their heater vents when their vehicles are idling. There are many possible causes for a heater malfunction. Some owners had to replace a faulty thermostat, while others had to fix a leaking head gasket.
Some owners also noticed a strange odor coming from the air conditioning and/or heating vents. One owner tried to solve the problem by having his Impala detailed, but it did not solve the problem.
4. Excessive oil consumption problems
Some 2006 Impala owners have also had problems with excessive oil consumption from their engine. Drivers report not noticing any visible oil leaks, suggesting the engine was burning him up. Replacing the oil pan is a common solution for this problem.
5. Passlock issues
Passlock problems have been reported in some units of the 2002 Impala. Owners were upset because they were locked out of their vehicle, had their security and check engine lights flashing on and off, and were having difficulty starting their vehicle.
Passlock system problems can be tricky, so it’s best to have the problem diagnosed by a professional . Replacing the body control module or ignition sensor bypass appear to resolve the issue on most affected vehicles. Repairing this type of problem can cost up to $520.
6. Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
Some 2002 Chevrolet Impalas have experienced coolant leaks due to a bad intake manifold gasket. This causes frequent overheating, which can lead to more serious engine problems. This problem can be a recurring one, and some owners have had to replace the intake manifold gasket more than once. You can spend up to $820 to fix this type of problem.
To complete
As long as you are aware of the potential problems you may encounter with an Impala, purchasing this vehicle should come with little risk. Do your research and be sure to clarify everything with the seller or dealership before finalizing your purchase.
