2001 Chevrolet Impala Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 57about this part
- Share
- 8%of 742 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 57 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala, 8% of the 742 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,300 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We've had numerous issues over the last few years including intermittent electrical issues, engine cutting out, engine lurching, and difficulty starting. Two particularly dangerous times were especially scary -- one time the engine cut out, without warning, while my son was driving in traffic, on a four lane road, with children in the car. The other time was when I was driving down a hill in a snow storm at night. The roads were slippery and I lost all power including the lights and power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10650892, filed 2014-10, 86,000 miles“Car rolls backward while in drive on incline. Dealer claimed that it is normal. Seems to me that it is a safety problem. Also when shifting from reverse to drive the trans will shift but when I accelerate the trans slams into gear. I have not been able to take car in to dealer as this does not happen every day. After reading other complaints about the transmissions it seems that there is a real safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10060665, filed 2004-03, 22,773 miles“Power train failure: first sign of problem was harsh shifting, had the transmission fluid and filter changed, still had same problem. Before I found the service bulletins on this problem the planetary gears got chewed up by a broken piece of metal, had to rebuild the transmission $1800. Filed complaint with GM, since I did not have it repaired at a dealer (for twice the price) they would not help. Now I have a 2001 monte carlo showing the same harsh shifting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10165501, filed 2006-08, 59,000 miles“While accelerating from a stop sign, car shook all over and I heard a loud bang. The car would not move at all. I coasted to the edge of the road where I waited for a tow truck. The dealerships service manager informed me after about a week, that my planetary gear had exploded. He also stated that the fluid filter was full of metal shavings. He stated to us that there was nothing that I could have done to prevent this from happening. My new transmission cost me $2200. This car has just 55000 miles on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10057035, filed 2004-02, 55,000 miles“Purchased 2001 Chevrolet Impala base model. I have 51,000 miles and my transmission went out on me. I had a diagnostic test which showed that there was an electrical problem within the the transmission. A new transmission had to be installed. This cost $2500. There is no reason for a car this age with this many miles to have such a problem, granted the warranty goes to 36,000 miles or 3 years whichever occurs first. I am very upset, and it basically solidified that I will never buy a GM car again.”
NHTSA complaint #10045615, filed 2003-11, 51,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
Transmission 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 2001 Chevrolet Impala
225 complaintsEngine cooling
123 complaintsSteering
76 complaintsExterior lighting
73 complaintsBrakes
70 complaintsEngine
68 complaintsAir bags
47 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsEquipment
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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