1996 Chevrolet Impala Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 13%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Impala, 13% of the 88 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Odometer instrument cluster resisters operate at such high tempertures because of a lack of ventilation that the solder joints melt causing the odometer to fail .I feel if these resisters could fall out into the instrument cluster it could cause an electricial fire..”
NHTSA complaint #730154, filed 2000-09“Starting in the 1990 model year, GM has been improperly installing differential cover gaskets that do not have the lubricating holes!! If you do not change this gasket to one that has the proper holes, your outer axle bearings, as well as the axles themselves, will be destroyed by around 70k miles. The damaged (under lubricated) bearings will wear grooves in the axle shafts, requiring that they also be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #702713, filed 1999-01“Starting in the 1990 model year, GM has been improperly installing diffrential cover gaskets that do not have the lubricating holes!!! If you do not change this gasket to one that has the proper holes, your outer axle bearings, as well as the axles themselves, will be destroyed ty around 70k miles. The damaged (under lubricated) bearings will wear grooves in the axle shafts, requiring that they also be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #701958, filed 1999-01“Alternator suddently stopped working. Dash board light doesn't allow consumer to see the speed. He doesn't know how fast he is going. Also, when applying brake and gas pedals headlights go dim. When he releases gas and brake pedals, headlights are full force.”
NHTSA complaint #855976, filed 2000-02“General motors improperly installed differential cover gaskets that do not have lubricating holes, which could cause the outer axle bearings/axle shaft to be damaged around 70000 miles. The damaged bearings could potentially wear grooves in the axle shafts. If not fixed, the metal bits from damaged outer bearings could also damage the inner bearings/pinion bearings, as well as causing the spider gears ti wear into the differential, causing rear end failure which could result in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #523382, filed 1998-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 13% |
| 2019 | 5 | 18% |
| 2018 | 11 | 19% |
| 2017 | 12 | 10% |
| 2016 | 16 | 14% |
| 2015 | 16 | 5% |
| 2014 | 39 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 12% |
| 2012 | 27 | 10% |
| 2011 | 64 | 13% |
| 2010 | 67 | 15% |
| 2009 | 68 | 8% |
| 2008 | 91 | 11% |
| 2007 | 80 | 13% |
| 2006 | 108 | 21% |
| 2005 | 52 | 9% |
| 2004 | 47 | 4% |
| 2003 | 30 | 4% |
| 2002 | 36 | 5% |
| 2001 | 57 | 8% |
| 2000 | 52 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 13% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Impala
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology