2003 Chevrolet Impala Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 4%of 695 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Impala, 4% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased my 2003 chevy Impala in 2009. Car ran perfect when we purchased it. After 6 months the transmission started to slip. That is not the major issue. The major issue is that the car does not start all the time. Changed battery and it still does not run. It will start but only runs until you put it in gear. It then stalls out! This car has been great but is not unreliable..”
NHTSA complaint #10438887, filed 2011-12, 116,000 miles“I have been looking for a page like this for a few years now, I don't even know how I got to this one. This 2003 Impala started acting like this before the miles I place down, because I bought this car use and my warranty end, I was told I couldn't do anything (the dealer stated) when I come to a stop and then start well try to start the car hesitate and then a hard kick/punch and it would do this only at red lights, stop signs, or reverse. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450141, filed 2012-03, 99,999 miles“I was driving on the interstate anf as I was slowing down the car began downshifting rough. As I increased speed out of the exit the car was jerking and shifting very rough. The check engine light came on. It took 2 weeks to replace the transmission valve body, wiring harness, and solenoids in the transmission. This car only had 400 miles on it”
NHTSA complaint #10000028, filed 2002-12, 400 miles“I first started having this problem in october 2015. I purchased this vehicle in july 2015. I trusted this company because I seen they had great reviews. I actually trader my previous car in because it was having problems starting and also shutting off while driving. Now my current car is having probelms starting. I had my battery, alternator & starter checked, and it was good. The company I bought the car from provided warranty coverage on the vehicle. I took the car to get serviced in the beginning of october for an engine mount replacement. They replaced my engine mounts and fuel pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10808281, filed 2015-12, 46,000 miles“After several trips to the repair shop at two dearlerships for my slipping transmission on my 2003 Impala, the transmission finally failed after the warranty has expired on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10188950, filed 2007-04, 86,000 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…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 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…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
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 2003 Chevrolet Impala
264 complaintsExterior lighting
103 complaintsEngine
88 complaintsEngine cooling
80 complaintsBrakes
76 complaintsOther or unknown
41 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsFuel system
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
21 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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