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2005 Chevrolet Impala Transmission Problems

33 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

33
Complaints
4
Crashes
Jan 2012Dec 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (33)

criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2021

While turning into your workplace parking lot, your transmission suddenly shifted into neutral and wouldn't shift back into drive, leaving your car stuck partially in the road. The car was driving normally until this happened, and you had to be towed to safety. This transmission failure could require a transmission fluid check, filter replacement, or internal transmission repair.

NHTSA #: 11398321
highPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

While driving your 2005 Chevrolet Impala, the dashboard instruments stopped working and several warning lights came on unexpectedly. At the same time, the transmission downshifted without warning and without any dashboard alert. An independent mechanic was unable to diagnose or repair the problem.

NHTSA #: 11633118
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2020

Your transmission shifts hard (roughly) once the engine warms up, even though your car only has 44,000 miles on it. The problem gets worse in stop-and-go traffic compared to highway driving. This likely requires transmission fluid inspection, filter replacement, or internal transmission service.

NHTSA #: 11374004
highPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2019

Your dashboard lights are dimming intermittently, and your power windows and mirrors have stopped working. You're also seeing the ABS and traction control warning lights staying on, with the traction control activating randomly, and your car cigarette lighter isn't working anymore. Additionally, your car requires multiple key turns to start—you may need to turn the key 2-3 times before the engine catches. These issues likely stem from electrical system problems that may require battery testing, alternator inspection, and diagnostic scanning to identify the root cause.

NHTSA #: 11191163
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2024

Your transmission shifts hard (jerks or clunks) once the engine has warmed up to operating temperature. This happens consistently after the engine reaches normal running temperature. The repair may involve checking your transmission fluid level and condition, or servicing the transmission.

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NHTSA #: 11592236
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

NHTSA #: 11019446
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2017

FROM STARTING POSITION TO SLOWING DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS AND OR JERKS INTO GEAR HEAVILY. FROM 1ST TO 2ND VERY NOTICEABLE.

NHTSA #: 10966702
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2015

BOUGHT THE CAR USED 141,000 MILES DAY AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE TRANSMISSION JERKS REALLY HARD WHEN TAKING OFF. I HEARD IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IT WILL COST $700 OR MORE TO FIX.

NHTSA #: 10786764
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2015

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND JERKS UPON TAKE OFF INTERMITTENTLY.

NHTSA #: 10783097
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AND SUDDENLY STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE AND DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THE FILTER. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA #: 10689910
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2014

AS THE ORIGINAL AND ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE, THIS IS THE SECOND ITERATION OF A CRACKED FLEX PLATE. THE FIRST EVENT AND REPAIR FOR $661.69 HAPPENED WITH 48,929 MILES. THE CRACKS APPEAR TO BEGIN AT THE CRANKSHAFT MOUNTING BOLTS AND SPREAD OUT TO THE STAMPED STEEL CUTOUTS. IT IS A 3800 SERIES II V-6 DRIVEN IN NORMAL MANNER AND WELL MAINTAINED. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPENS...CHEAP FLEXPLATE?? *TR

NHTSA #: 10663399
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Sep 2014

WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP, THE CAR JERKED INSTEAD OF TAKING OFF SMOOTHLY. THIS SEEMED TO HAPPEN AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN CAR IS SHIFTING FROM ONE GEAR TO ANOTHER EVEN THOUGH IT HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE SAFETY RISK HERE IS THAT ACCELERATION IS NOT EFFECTED AND A CAR COULD POTENTIALLY HIT YOU FROM BEHIND ESPECIALLY AT A STOP SIGN/LIGHT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10636950
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY/WIPER
CrashFiled: Mar 2014

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD HEAD WIPERS ON WIPERS QUIT FOR NO REASON COME TO THE STOP SIGN TRIED TURNING IT OFF AND ON A FEW TIMES THEN ONCE YOU TAKE OFF THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND THEN LUNGED FORWARD AND HIT THE PERSON IN FRONT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10574402
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2013

WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDAL FROM A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT, I HEAR A GRINDING/ SLIPPING SOUND AND THEN A LOUD POP AND THE CAR JERKS INTO GEAR. THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM 2 WEEKS AGO GAVE ME A 30 DAY OR 1000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR THE PAST 2 DAYS .THEY KEEP TELLING ME THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE SYMPTOM. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND HUNDREDS OF ONLINE REPORTS OF THE EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVISE ON RECOURSE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10511456
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2013

SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME. CAR WILL SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING GOING DOWN ROAD. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON. AFTER PULLING OVER IT WILL START BACK UP. HAVE BEEN PLACED ON DIAGNOSTICS MACHINE AND NO CODES ARE TRIGGERED. WE HAVE REPLACED FUEL FILTER. HAD A TUNE UP DONE. NOTHING IS WORKING AND MECHANICS CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. VERY DANGEROUS. HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. LAST TIME GOING DOWN MOUNTAIN ON A CURVE WITH NO WHERE TO PULL OVER. LUCKILY NO TRAFFIC AT THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10496100
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2012

I HAVE A CHEV. IMPALA LS 2005 IT RUNS GOOD BUT THE TRANSMISSION JERKS AND IS SHIFTING LONG. THE CHEVROLET PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THIS AND I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO REPLACE IT AT FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE WHEN THEY MADE THEM THEY KNEW AND DID NOT TELL ANYBODY UNTIL PEOPLE START COMING IN COMPLAINING ABOUT THEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10484581
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2012

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND JERKS INTERMITTENTLY. *TR

NHTSA #: 10450543
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2012

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS CHANGE HARD, MAKES SHUDDER NOISE, WILL SPEED UP AND SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. SPEEDOMETER GOES UP AND DOWN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10442860
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Filed: Dec 2011

MY SPEEDOMETER GAUGE DOESN'T WORK IT WILL GET STUCK ON 20 MPH CONSTANTLY IT NEVER READS THE CORRECT SPEED BUT MY OTHER GAUGES WORK FINE. MY TRANSMISSION SHIFTS/SLIPS HARDER THAN IT SHOULD FROM 1ST INTO 2ED AND 2ND INTO 3RD. MY HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN I PUSH ON MY WINDOW CONTROLS TO ROLL MY WINDOWS UP OR DOWN. THE HEAT ONLY BLOWS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR INCLUDING ON THE DEFROST FOR THE FRONT WINDOWS AND THE REAR WINDOW. *TR

NHTSA #: 10440497
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2011

I AM TRYING TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT A KNOWN DEFECT WITH ALL YEARS OF CHEVY IMPALAS TRANSMISSION'S FAULTY FIRST GEAR OR PRESSURE CONTROL SOLINOID ISSUES. FOR THE LAST YEAR I HAVE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH MY CAR FAILING TO ADEQUATELY SHIFT FROM STARTING OFF TO THE 30 MILE PER HOUR MARK...YOU COULD FEEL MY CAR JERK WHEN IT FINALLY SHIFTS. SO I DID WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD HELP AND HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUSH AND FILTER CHANGE WHICH ONLY SOLVED THIS ISSUE FOR NOT EVEN A WEEK. I WENT ONTO GM'S WEBSITE AND WAS READING THE FORUMS SPECIFICALLY FOR CHEVY IMPALA TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND THERE WAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE BUT NO OFFER FROM GM TO EVEN LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. MY CAR STARTED TO NOTICEABLY HAVE THIS ISSUE BEFORE EVEN HAVING 100K MILES ON IT AND RIGHT NOW I HAVE 131K MILES. I HAVE FOLLOWED THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE WITH MY CAR SINCE I TOOK OWNERSHIP IN 2006. I POSTED MY SAID ISSUE ON FACEBOOK AND ONE OF MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATES COMMENTED THAT HE WORKS AT A CHEVY DEALERSHIP (HAS FOR 13 YEARS) AND ONLY KNOWS OF THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLINOID ISSUE, SO APPARENTLY GM JUST DOESN'T WANT TO DO THEIR CUSTOMERS RIGHT BY FIXING EVEN THE KNOWN DEFECT OR FOLLOWUP WITH THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS STATED ON THEIR FORUM. I JUST PAID OFF MY CAR AND I FEEL THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY SUCH A LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO FIX A DEFECT ON THEIR PART. I ALSO ASKED A FRIEND OF MINE, THAT OWNS A CHEVY IMPALA, AND THEY TOO HAVE STARTED TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUS AS I. PLEASE ASSIST US CONSUMERS IN PROBING INTO FORESAID ISSUES. THANKS! *TR

NHTSA #: 10436496
mediumPOWER TRAIN,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2011

THE ONLY EVENT LEADING TO THE FAILURE WAS A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE INVOLVED A PULL TO THE LEFT AND EXCESSIVE HEAT BEING GENERATED FROM THE BACK LEFT TIRE. THE COMPONENT THAT FAILED ENDED UP BEING THE WHEEL BEARING. I HAD A MECHANIC REPLACE IT AND ALSO KEPT THE OLD PART. THE OLD BEARING WAS SCORCHED (THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME) AND WARPED. THE BEARING COULD HAVE LOCKED UP HAD IT NOT BEEN REPLACED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *TT

NHTSA #: 10414647
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2011

I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR IN FEBRUARY 2011. CAR HAS OPERATED FINE AND OPERATED FINE EARLIER TODAY. THIS EVENING, AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A QUICK RUN TO THE STORE, I STARTED MY CAR, PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PROCEEDED TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO REVERSE. I COULD NOT GET THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER TO MOVE OUT OF PARK. IT WAS STUCK. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION TO THIS ISSUE. NOW I'M STRANDED AT HOME WITH NO VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10395419
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2010

1. MY FUEL GAUGE QUIT WORKING AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK. ALL THE OTHER GAUGES KEPT WORKING. THE NEEDLE WAS POINTING DOWN AND WOULD MOVE AT THE BOTTOM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND OFF. I SPENT 400.00 TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WHICH APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM AS LISTED ON THE COMPLAINTS SECTION. 2. I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEV IMPALA 01/2006 WITH15,00 MILES ON IT. I STARTED TO NOTICE A BIT OF A HARD SHIFTING ON TAKE OFF, ONLY AFTER DRIVING IT IN THE CITY AFTER ABOUT THE 2ND YEAR OF DRIVING. THE PROBLEM NEVER LEFT, IN FACT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE OVER THE YEARS THAT WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR IS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND ONLY SEEMS TO DO IT IF YOU DID A A LOT OF START AND STOPPING AND YOU COULD TURN THE CAR OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR 10 MIN. OR SO THEN IT WON'T DO IT AGAIN. SOMETIMES IT WOULD GO FOR SEVERAL DAYS OR WEEKS BEFORE IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN OR WILL DO IT SEVERAL TIMES IN A ROW. WHEN I HAD THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED I HAD THEM CHECK FOR CODES AND FOUND A P1811.

NHTSA #: 10367629
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2010

2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER FROM REGARDING PROBLEMS WITH THE GM DEALERSHIP *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SOMETIMES SHIFT TOO SLOW OR TOO FAST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CONSUMER THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AAMCO TRANSMISSION AND THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM WITHIN MINUTES. GM INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THEY WOULD ONLY GIVE HIM $1000.00 TOWARD REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION. *JB

NHTSA #: 10363308
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2008

MY SPEEDOMETER IS READING 100 MPH WHEN I'M ONLY GOING 40 - 50. WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE SPEEDOMETER MAY MOVE TO 60. IT'S TAKEN UP TO 3 - 4 DAYS TO MOVE BACK DOWN TO THE 0. THEN THE SAME PROCESS WILL START ALL OVER AGAIN. THE CAR ALSO TENDS TO DRIVE SLUGGISH WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING. COULD IT BE THE SPEEDOMETER OR TRANSMISSION??? I'VE BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER IN THE DASH BUT WILL THAT PREVENT THE SLUGGISHNESS ALSO? *TR

NHTSA #: 10245646
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: May 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA. AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE IN THE DRIVE POSITION. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION IN ORDER TO GET BETTER GAS MILEAGE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 30,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,100.

NHTSA #: 10191741
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2006

2005 CHEVY IMPALA, NOT ONLY MINE BUT I'VE ALSO READ OTHERS THAT ON AN INCLINE THEY TEND TO ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN FOOT IS TAKEN OF BRAKE, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM--NOT SOMETHING THAT IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED WITH THIS VEHICLE. THANKS. *NM

NHTSA #: 10172814
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2006

THIS IS RENTAL CAR FROM ALAMO. CAR WAS PARKED AND ENGINE WAS STOPPED ON A LITTLE INCLINED ROADSIDE. ALL PEOPLE EXITED CAR. CAR WAS SUDDENLY MOVED BACKWARDS AND I HAD TO JUMP IN TO THE CAR AND APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE. CAR WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. RIGHT SIDE DOOR HIT ROAD SIGN AND CAR DAMAGED. IT CAN BE VERY VERY RISKY IF THERE WAS OTHER CARS OR PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. *NM

NHTSA #: 10154868
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2005

ON THE 2005 CHEVY IMPALA, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO ANY GEAR WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE WHEN THE IGNITION IS IN THE "ACC" POSITION AND WITHOUT THE CAR BEING STARTED. *NM

NHTSA #: 10143847
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Nov 2005

WHEN IN DRIVE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS EVEN ON SLIGHT INCLINE, ALSO ROLLS FORWARDS IN REVERSE EVEN ON SLIGHT HILL OR INCLINE, HAVE TAKEN IT TO A DEALER AND THEY SAID THIS IS NORMAL OF THESE CARS. *JB

NHTSA #: 10142604
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2005

CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING THE DESIGN OF THE 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE'S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THE CONSUMER EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE AND THE BRAKE IS RELEASED THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL BACKWARDS. AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKE IS RELEASED THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARD. *NM

NHTSA #: 10133454
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CrashFiled: Jun 2005

2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA JUMPED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED BACKWARDS. *MR THE IMPACT CAUSED THE GARAGE DOOR TO POP OPEN AND CRASH BACK DOWN AND TRAPPING THE CONSUMER INSIDE OF THE GARAGE. THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT GM SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE FROM PARK, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START THEREFORE THE CONSUMER HAD TO HOLD THE KEY FROM SEVERAL SECONDS WHILE THE STARTER ATTEMPTED TO TURN OVER AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GRIND. *SC

NHTSA #: 10126886
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: May 2005

CAR WAS RUNNING IN MY DRIVEWAY WHILE IN PARK. I WENT IN THE HOUSE BECAUSE I FOGOT MY CELL PHONE. ABOUT TWO MINUTES LATER THE CAR CRASHED THROUGH MY FENCE AND I RAN OUTSIDE AND JUMPED IN IT AS WE CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR. THE CAR HAD TO BE IN PARK BECAUSE THE DOOR OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE AND THE WHEELS WERE LOCKED SO IT DROVE STRAIGHT. IT HAS NOW BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 20 DAYS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. GM HASN'T BEEN ANY HELP AND MY INSURANCE CANNOT TOUCH THE CAR UNTIL GM INSPECTS IT. MY RENTAL RUNS OUT IN 8 DAYS.

NHTSA #: 10120589

Other 2005 Chevrolet Impala Issues