2006 Impala SS Transmision FAILED!

I own a 2006 SS. LOVE the car. Since the day I bought it, have treated it with love and respect, service it on time, don't beat, use synthetic oil, and I keep it clean (and I still treat my wife better than this!). After 2 years and 4 months I have 35.5k miles, lots highway driven. Back around the mid 20k mark the dealer suggested I have the transmission serviced. I was a bit surprised, but agreed to do it, as I purchased the 90k PPP warranty plan with the car. Shortly after the service, I began to notice a "rumble", or more like a "chuggle", especially between 45 and 60 MPH. I left it with the dealer at the end of May, and they had it for a week while I was away, and when I returned they claim they found nothing. This week, the engine would rev almost 2-3k RPM's with little or no response, whether I was from a dead stop or trying to accelerate on the highway. As of yesterday, the word I got is the transmission had to be pulled. Now the amazing part: NO Check engine lights, now warnings, and not even the mechanic's diagnostic tool has determined there was or is a problem! So much for computers. I am amazed to see so little threads about Transmissions in this forum, which tells me that I am a rare case. Lucky me!

I'm surprised that you had no warnings or nothing, but the fact your transmission Packed it in does not surprise me. The 4T65E that's on the 00-08 Impalas has alot of poor quailty parts and Almost everyone i know has had problems with them. Most of the 00-05 ones seem to last at least 60K but I've noticed quite a few 06+ ones have crapped out in the 30K mark which surprises me. In fact even Mine is giving me problems but I've made it to 95K miles at least. Good luck with yours.

Ok, here's the outcome:

Internal GM Tech notice, not even available to the dealers or Mechanics, released in October of 2007 states (paraphrased) Certain vehicles with the 4T65E Transmission, VIN code C, have experienced internal failures. Should there be a Torque converter "shudder", technicians are advised to drop the pan and inspect for any "residue", and if found, REPLACE transmission. Pretty flipping huge, unpublished issue, wouldn't you say?
I'm only glad they didn't start tearing my tranny apart. So, now I have a fresh start, a newtransmission, and hopefully one that has been rid of the unknown failure.

Where did this come from, did you see this on a GM internal letterhead?

Ok, here's the outcome:

Internal GM Tech notice, not even available to the dealers or Mechanics, released in October of 2007 states (paraphrased) Certain vehicles with the 4T65E Transmission, VIN code C, have experienced internal failures. Should there be a Torque converter "shudder", technicians are advised to drop the pan and inspect for any "residue", and if found, REPLACE transmission. Pretty flipping huge, unpublished issue, wouldn't you say?
I'm only glad they didn't start tearing my tranny apart. So, now I have a fresh start, a newtransmission, and hopefully one that has been rid of the unknown failure.


this is not uncommon that GM hides failures from the vehicle owners...and other repair/mechanics that service these vehicles..torque converter failure is most likely your problem which leaves metal in filter area..what is the residue discription ???

Yes, I did in fact see the actual notice, on GM letter head, and it never went into any particular detail about the residue, it simply states "if there is any residue". Believe me, if this notice was found in MAy, I would not have had to put up with it this time. In May, they fealt the problem, but there was no info for them to go on. And GM would not lt them simply replace the tranny these days, so the notice does exist....

Yes, I did in fact see the actual notice, on GM letter head, and it never went into any particular detail about the residue, it simply states "if there is any residue". Believe me, if this notice was found in MAy, I would not have had to put up with it this time. In May, they fealt the problem, but there was no info for them to go on. And GM would not lt them simply replace the tranny these days, so the notice does exist....

I think they were hoping you would not return...........they indeed knew.....remember once out of warrantee is all yours....$$$$$$


if you could get a copy and post it here this will help others as this appears to be a common defect with this torque converter.....

Many service bulletin/TSB's and tech bulletins come across the service managers desk, I was one for 25 years with Cadillac, if someone is not paying att'n it gets lost and neither the service writer or mechanic is aware of it. It is not " secret" just no one was "watching the store" as I used to say.

Many service bulletin/TSB's and tech bulletins come across the service managers desk, I was one for 25 years with Cadillac, if someone is not paying att'n it gets lost and neither the service writer or mechanic is aware of it. It is not " secret" just no one was "watching the store" as I used to say.


these TSB notices are not sent to the owners of the affected vehicles...I have had to use pressure to get the TSB on my vehicle after a reference was made [on internet] about a problem....it took three days to receive the TSB...GM should send owners the TSB or make this info available on the internet...when vehicle is brought in you must be fully informed and these forums are a great way to learn about the problems ....not the dealership....it takes time and effort to dig out that TSB and for what, good will!!!

I will make an attempt to either get a copy of the TSB or at least the reference #. If it had been posted here when I first looked in May, things would have been clear cut and easy. I hope I can make some on else life easy.

hi guy's been reading your posts and found this one interesting, I have had a problem with my 2000 impala not having any overdrive and weird sounds from the trans.what could it be. just had a valve changed in the trans. thought i had it fixed.

hi guy's been reading your posts and found this one interesting, I have had a problem with my 2000 impala not having any overdrive and weird sounds from the trans.what could it be. just had a valve changed in the trans. thought i had it fixed.

start a new post with your issues...


your problem is most likely a rebuild of tranny..

NEWS FLASH!!! The Tech Bulletin I have been referring to is
#07-07-30-012C. I wonder if any one on this forum can find the actual Buletin and post it here.

Steve

This is all I could find.

E TRANSMISSION SLIPS, NO DRIVE/REVERSE, TCC SHUDDER, NOISE WITH TCC APPLIED. *KB UPDATED 08-15-07. *KB (DIAGNOSIS & REPLACE TRANSMISSION, IF NECESSARY).

NEWS FLASH!!! The Tech Bulletin I have been referring to is
#07-07-30-012C. I wonder if any one on this forum can find the actual Buletin and post it here.

Steve

your dealership that did the transmission replacement should have given you the TSB....did you ask the service manager ?

also I checked NHTSA on your vehicle for TSB'S with transmission failures......what I found was these 2006-07 vehicles are riddled with problems....

There are no details regarding cause of failure in this bulletin, the unit is on a exchange basis along with the convertor for product study purposes by GM powertrain engineers.

I know that the thread of this board may be a little old but I am looking at having the replace my transmission in my 2006 Impala SS AGAIN! It was replaced less than 2 years and about 40k miles ago. When I called the dealer to report that I was again having issues, they told me that the bad news was that since the previous transmission was replaced under warranty, that they replacement only had a warranty of 12 months or 12k miles. Had I paid cash for the repairs, I would have had a 36 months or 100k mile warranty! Sounds like a HUGE scam to me! It is becoming very apparent that Chevy didn't make proper adjustments to the transmission in the Impala to accomodate the larger engine and that this is something that they have known about for a while. I appreciate the memo info in here and I will be sure to use that with the dealer. I also have an e-mail in to the customer service center and my next step will be a phone call as well. They need to fix this very obvious fault in the vehicle at their own expense!

Hey There!

I am the originator of this post, and I must add that I too just had my replacement transmission fail, and am now working on my third transmission in 78k miles. The failure on the second tranny was very similar to the first, low level rumbles, slipage from a dead start. I began having trouble less than a year after the original was replaced, and constantly brought the car in and always got no trouble found, until it finally failed to a point it was un-driveable back in November 2011. My saving grace here was that I had the extended warranty, and even though the ultimate failure occured after the 5 years, my dealer did the repair under warranty because I had a long history of reporting the failure. Call GM, or Chevrolet, and tell them you will do everything in your power to never buy GM again, or your family, or friends, etc...You may at least get them to split the cost. They did this for me once on my bonneville, which was way out of warranty.

I know that the thread of this board may be a little old but I am looking at having the replace my transmission in my 2006 Impala SS AGAIN! It was replaced less than 2 years and about 40k miles ago. When I called the dealer to report that I was again having issues, they told me that the bad news was that since the previous transmission was replaced under warranty, that they replacement only had a warranty of 12 months or 12k miles. Had I paid cash for the repairs, I would have had a 36 months or 100k mile warranty! Sounds like a HUGE scam to me! It is becoming very apparent that Chevy didn't make proper adjustments to the transmission in the Impala to accomodate the larger engine and that this is something that they have known about for a while. I appreciate the memo info in here and I will be sure to use that with the dealer. I also have an e-mail in to the customer service center and my next step will be a phone call as well. They need to fix this very obvious fault in the vehicle at their own expense!

I would be happy to get a Service Request set up with you and contact the dealership to learn more about the situation. Please send me a private message with some more information, including your name and contact information (phone and address), the last 8 of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your dealership.

Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

Just joined the forum a few days ago because of the problems I was having with my second torque converter after a whopping 16,000 miles of use. Well I'm unhappy to say that I have now joined the 'Failed' Transmission Club. Dead in the water on a Sunday afternoon. Love my Impala SS and want to stay GM loyal, but it will depend on the way this is handled. Wish me luck.

Just joined the forum a few days ago because of the problems I was having with my second torque converter after a whopping 16,000 miles of use. Well I'm unhappy to say that I have now joined the 'Failed' Transmission Club. Dead in the water on a Sunday afternoon. Love my Impala SS and want to stay GM loyal, but it will depend on the way this is handled. Wish me luck.

Good morning superjimbob22,

Just sent you an email! :)

Sarah
GM Customer Service

I too have a 2006 impala ls. I bought it from Bergstrom used car dealership here in wisconsin and it was under warranty about seven months. I have done all regulated up keep on my vehicle as instructed in owners manual, regular oil changes and such. Well not at 87,500 miles I am told my the car dealership they think my transmission is slipping! Are you kidding me? I'm a single mother in college and working who went to Bergstrom because of all the good things I heard and have sacrificed a lot! To make monthly car payments just to have a reliable car and now it's going to crap with 2 1/2 years worth a payments left! It's crazy!

I too have a 2006 impala ls. I bought it from Bergstrom used car dealership here in wisconsin and it was under warranty about seven months. I have done all regulated up keep on my vehicle as instructed in owners manual, regular oil changes and such. Well not at 87,500 miles I am told my the car dealership they think my transmission is slipping! Are you kidding me? I'm a single mother in college and working who went to Bergstrom because of all the good things I heard and have sacrificed a lot! To make monthly car payments just to have a reliable car and now it's going to crap with 2 1/2 years worth a payments left! It's crazy!

I'm sorry about your transmission, Obiala1943, and I can certainly understand the tough situation you are in. If I can be of any assistance please contact me through a private message on the forum (include your name, address, VIN, and dealership).
All the best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

GM does not recommend transmission fluid servicing on a regular mileage / time basis.

owners get tricked into believing that ,this service is optional and unnecessary until the vehicle is at the 100,ooomi point , as GM / owners manual / dealerships etc state.

this delayed fluid/filter replacement causes severe damage to the internal components. fluid replacement that will ensure trouble free life would start at the 20,ooomi time line. this would be done when the vehicle is under warrantee. using the new DEXRON VI transmission fluid along with the filter. when this is serviced , if the transmission has issues the pan removal would reveal if the transmission has problems.also the first fluid servicing has the most debris , these small particles wear down the components , creating more debris .


another component with no recommended interval ,is the brake system. the brake fluid should be replaced at every brake servicing. whenever the brake pads need replacing have this fluid replaced not just bled. this will ensure that the very expensive abs valve control modulle will not fail and you have reliable stoping.

then you have the power steering fluid , this also needs replacing . usually every 6-7 years with average mileage like you have.

to compare with a toyota camry the transmissions are very much more reliable. the fluid they use is 100% synthetic and these do not create debris as they are operated. fluid replcement is recommended when 150,ooo mi is reached or the fluid has been overheated and does not have the proper color .

still owners do replace the fluid completely [fluid exchange method] well before the 100,ooomi point , to protect from any very expensive repairs...very expensive..

I have a 2006 SS Impala and after the original transmission went out in 2010 we purchased a rebuilt engine through Chevy through our extended warranty company and here we are less than 2 years later with the torque converter needing to be replaced. The warranty was only for a year or 12k miles; so what are you telling me, that we will have to put in almost $3000 every year and a half for parts that go out that GM seems to be aware of? Is there no recourse? Boy we love our SS but this is not affordable or fair.

I have a 2006 SS Impala and after the original transmission went out in 2010 we purchased a rebuilt engine through Chevy through our extended warranty company and here we are less than 2 years later with the torque converter needing to be replaced. The warranty was only for a year or 12k miles; so what are you telling me, that we will have to put in almost $3000 every year and a half for parts that go out that GM seems to be aware of? Is there no recourse? Boy we love our SS but this is not affordable or fair.


when you say chevy you mean GM correct ?

this rebuilt transmission was worked on by some half azz contractor repair shop. when the transmission fails the torque converter should be replaced. . if the clutches are burned out then this would require a new torque converter with all the lines/radiator fluid cleaned with chemicals before install .

with a one year warrantee this is typical . normally you bring in for follow up test/inspection of the transmissions performance.the cost of 3000.oo is far too much for such a poor warrantee. I am sure , very sure gm did not repair/rebuild anything. the contract repair shop did and most likely used cheap parts. very common.

with the original failing at 4yrs and how many miles ? the question is how often is the fluid/filter replaced ?

remember this is not a toyota where the fluid servicing is 140,ooomi.

gm transmissions need cleaning and filter/fluid replacements every 40,ooomi. if you put the pedal to the metal often this obviously would be required much more often.

when you say chevy you mean GM correct ?

this rebuilt transmission was worked on by some half azz contractor repair shop. when the transmission fails the torque converter should be replaced. . if the clutches are burned out then this would require a new torque converter with all the lines/radiator fluid cleaned with chemicals before install .

with a one year warrantee this is typical . normally you bring in for follow up test/inspection of the transmissions performance.the cost of 3000.oo is far too much for such a poor warrantee. I am sure , very sure gm did not repair/rebuild anything. the contract repair shop did and most likely used cheap parts. very common.

with the original failing at 4yrs and how many miles ? the question is how often is the fluid/filter replaced ?

remember this is not a toyota where the fluid servicing is 140,ooomi.

gm transmissions need cleaning and filter/fluid replacements every 40,ooomi. if you put the pedal to the metal often this obviously would be required much more often.
Sorry that I was not clear. Lake Chevrolet did the work on our transmission.

Sorry that I was not clear. Lake Chevrolet did the work on our transmission.

dealerships do not rebuild anything. remember they are part changers.

go to this dealership and ask were in the shop they do transmission rebuilding .

they take out bad and put in new from GM, or rebuilt from some repair contract.

since you were at the end of warrantee coverage they gave you a half azzed repair job.

sorry that you did not know of this , and trusting the dealership to do the right repair . under warrantee they can do anything.

when the GM warantee ends so does the repairs done at the dealership.

I have just joined this forum and find this discussion on the Chevy Impala SS very interesting. I have a 2007 Impala SS that I bought new. At approximately 120k (and after the warrenty expired I noticed that the car was shifting back and forth while going up hill on the higway. I took it to the dealer who fsaid there was nothing wrong after they test drove it and looked for error codes. When I drove it home from the dealer, the car wont shift out of second gear. I took it to a local shop that day and watched as he connected the computer and saw all of the codes roll thru it. Bottom line was to rebuild the trans. about 5k miles later I had the same problem again. Went back to the shop and he couldnt believe that the Tconvertor was fried. He then said he found out about a pressure valve that needed to be added, and rebuilt the trans again. Now 45k miles later, same problem and another rebuild. I would like to know if there is a fix for this other than convertng to a manual. Any suggestions, I intend to keep this car for some time.

I have just joined this forum and find this discussion on the Chevy Impala SS very interesting. I have a 2007 Impala SS that I bought new. At approximately 120k (and after the warrenty expired I noticed that the car was shifting back and forth while going up hill on the higway. I took it to the dealer who fsaid there was nothing wrong after they test drove it and looked for error codes. When I drove it home from the dealer, the car wont shift out of second gear. I took it to a local shop that day and watched as he connected the computer and saw all of the codes roll thru it. Bottom line was to rebuild the trans. about 5k miles later I had the same problem again. Went back to the shop and he couldnt believe that the Tconvertor was fried. He then said he found out about a pressure valve that needed to be added, and rebuilt the trans again. Now 45k miles later, same problem and another rebuild. I would like to know if there is a fix for this other than convertng to a manual. Any suggestions, I intend to keep this car for some time.

what transmission fluid is being used ?

Off hand I dont know. I did not need to add fluid myself. The dealer and the trans shop put that in. The trans shop told me that in the most recent rebuild, they put synthetic oil in.

Off hand I dont know. I did not need to add fluid myself. The dealer and the trans shop put that in. The trans shop told me that in the most recent rebuild, they put synthetic oil in.


the proper fluid to use is dexron VI. do not use any other fluid like dexron III etc...

the fluid level is very important. when the vehicle is hot/normal operating temp , and on a level parking spot check ,with the engine idling for the fluid to be in the full mark area. do not over/or under fill. too little or too much will quickly cause damage.


when rebuilding a damaged transmission the fluid system needs to be properly cleaned. also the torque converter needs replacing. this is to remove damaging particles that will cause future failures..

when the transmission is rebuilt the fluid need be checked for proper level and color condition. also follow up checks at the repair shop to ensure that the pressures are correct and that the fluid is still clean.

rebuilt transmissions sometimes need fluid exchange if the fluid starts to get contaminated with particles.

this is not to be confused with these power flush methods. using just the transmission to exchange out the dirty fluid when adding new fluid .

To be honest the transmission never leaked or lost fluid. I checked it often. The dealer or the trans shop were the only one that ever put fluid in. I would have to imagine they knew the correct type.

To be honest the transmission never leaked or lost fluid. I checked it often. The dealer or the trans shop were the only one that ever put fluid in. I would have to imagine they knew the correct type.

you would think that would be correct. problem is dexron VI the approved fluid by GM not ME ! is more costly. that means less profit.

dexron VI is required not dexron III.

I would ask them what fluid they used. make like you know nothing see what they say.

I just had to replace my transmission in my 2006 chevy impala ss, and I am barely reaching 70k miles, kept up my maintenance at the same dealership. It was replaced and since then I am still feeling some fluttering at around 42 to 60 miles. I will be bringing it back tomorrow. Of course the dealership told me to drive it for about a week and it should get better. What kind of crap is that? I guess because I am a woman they think I am crazy. I am hoping to get rid of this car as soon as it is paid off. I certainly will think twice before buying another chevy made vehicle. I have called the GM company and they offered me free oil changes for 1 year, not any rebate or help on this big $2900 transmission I had to purchase. They stated if I would have called them when my car was being fixed, they would have had the dealership tear down the transmission to see if it was something faulty with it and if not, I would have had to foot the bill to the dealership for whatever it would have cost for tearing the transmission all apart. If it would have been faulty then they would have reimbursed me. Who wants to take a chance like that. Who is it to say that they would have told me the truth if the transmission was faulty. They are all crooks and It is sad that we are getting ripped off! In the end, because they treat people this way, nothing but bad will come to the GM company and the dealerships who constantly rip people off.

your problems are common with many owners like you with these type issues.

they think you are a crazy woman because you had the dealership do this work for 2900.oo and when it works like crap did not quickly return it.

I know of many like you that would walk if GM was the only car manufacturer.

once the GM warrantee ends never go back to the dealership. they make money selling vehicles not repairing or should I say part changers is what they really are.

I would get a toyota . dealerships treat owners much better. vehicles are inspected whenever a repair/warrantee work is done. also no lies at least where I have gone.

all dealerships do charge a very large amount for the non warrantee work done. when they do poor work and have a high cost they are saying buy a new vehicle.

I would get rid of this vehicle quickly.

I'm about to take the car back to the shop to have them check the car. I will ask about the fluid type.

My transmission just failed on my 2006 impala ss. Likely I was close to my house and I was able to coast the rest of the way. I just don't understand this. I just had a computer hooked up to it and it did not mention anything about the transmission. The real kicker is I just made my last car payment for this vehicle. I have purchase 3 chevys from the same dealership (Criswell's) I can only hope they will help with the payment, or I can tell you I will never purchase a chevy again. I only have 70k miles.

My transmission just failed on my 2006 impala ss. Likely I was close to my house and I was able to coast the rest of the way. I just don't understand this. I just had a computer hooked up to it and it did not mention anything about the transmission. The real kicker is I just made my last car payment for this vehicle. I have purchase 3 chevys from the same dealership (Criswell's) I can only hope they will help with the payment, or I can tell you I will never purchase a chevy again. I only have 70k miles.

unless this is a warrantee issue do not return to the dealership. these people do not rebuild transmissions. they contract out to the lowest bidder the work.

best go to a repair shop that is well recommended in your area that offers a 1 year warrantee with periodic checks after the repair. the transmission does require DEXRON VI fluid. also the fluid/filter need be replaced after the first 30,ooomi. to remove debris from manufacturing/breakin .

if you operate in hilly areas/traffic/high heat ac on you need to replace the fluid/filter at the 40,ooomi useage amount.

if the vehicle ever overheats you will need to have the fluid replacement servicing done to replace the overheated damaged fluid.

GM may state in your owners book the fluid is good for 100,ooomi. well this is not for normal driving conditions. also the use of DEXRON III is no longer a GM fluid for your vehicle make sure it is not used. turns to acid as it gets heated over 10,ooomi. this then damages the internal components. dexronVI costs more because it is a synthetic material.the viscosity is also slightly lower. this is the recommended fluid now used by GM since 2007.

"DO NOT USE DEXRON III"

My transmission just failed on my 2006 impala ss. Likely I was close to my house and I was able to coast the rest of the way. I just don't understand this. I just had a computer hooked up to it and it did not mention anything about the transmission. The real kicker is I just made my last car payment for this vehicle. I have purchase 3 chevys from the same dealership (Criswell's) I can only hope they will help with the payment, or I can tell you I will never purchase a chevy again. I only have 70k miles.

Unless you have software/scanner that can read drivetrain GM secret codes you will not have access to these failure codes. you most likely have software that only reads engine codes.

much of the codes that could be read are GM secret codes and require $2-3,ooo to get GM to allow you to read them. larger repair shops have to pay every year to get these secret code readers/software.

A transmission repair shop must have these readers to properly diagnose vehicles along with the pressure readings.

the cost to properly repair this along with the warrantee should be around 1500-1800 including the follow up checks.

replacing the fluid several thousand miles after a repair is quite common. keep the fluid condition correct.

I have a 2007 Impala SS, and experienced the similar problems. Around 78k miles the transmission started having trouble engaging in first gear. It didn't happen all the time, but when it did, you could feel it slam into gear. I notified Freeman Mazda in Irving, TX, where I bought the vehicle used, but got no response. Over 60 days from the purchase date, the problem got worse.

I took it to the Service department, and was told that there were no computer codes, that there was no check engine light. I swore up and down that at 40, 60, and 80 mph, the transmission would shudder and the rpms would fluctuate wildly. The first go round, I was told they were unable to "replicate" the issue. On the second day of being in the shop the manager confirmed the problem, but was told there were still no codes and that I should send it to a Chevy dealership to have it looked at a second time. Eventually, the transmission failed at a stop light. I hit the gas, and the car went nowhere.

Luckily I had an extended warranty, and am currently having a new (reman.) transmission installed. Other than that, its a great ride. Black, Black leather interior, tinted windows, etc...:runaround:

I have a 2007 Impala SS, and experienced the similar problems. Around 78k miles the transmission started having trouble engaging in first gear. It didn't happen all the time, but when it did, you could feel it slam into gear. I notified Freeman Mazda in Irving, TX, where I bought the vehicle used, but got no response. Over 60 days from the purchase date, the problem got worse.

I took it to the Service department, and was told that there were no computer codes, that there was no check engine light. I swore up and down that at 40, 60, and 80 mph, the transmission would shudder and the rpms would fluctuate wildly. The first go round, I was told they were unable to "replicate" the issue. On the second day of being in the shop the manager confirmed the problem, but was told there were still no codes and that I should send it to a Chevy dealership to have it looked at a second time. Eventually, the transmission failed at a stop light. I hit the gas, and the car went nowhere.

Luckily I had an extended warranty, and am currently having a new (reman.) transmission installed. Other than that, its a great ride. Black, Black leather interior, tinted windows, etc...:runaround:

when you get it back sell quickly.

I just financed it....

I just financed it....

whenever a transmission is repaired/or replaced with a reman you must have a warranty. the repair shop will also have you periodically , bring in for checks to ensure that the repair or replacement is working correctly. this also comes with a 1 or 2 year warranty. this would include all charges.

If the shop is not giving any of these services you just might get a scrap yard unit. this has been done before !

I am on my 5th transmission replacement and I have experienced the same problems as everyone else. The bad part is that I have paid the 3K for the tranny (number 3) and had it fixed once under warranty. Now the warranty is over, it seems I'm stuck with another unwarranted bill. I have also came to the conclusion that as long as GM does nothing to modify the transmission this problem will continue. It is unfortunate that we the consumer have to pay such a price and the company knows the problem exists. Does anyone have a solution to aviod the reinstall of another faulty transmission other than BUY a Toyota?

By the way I own a 2006 Impala SS (Love the car Hate the trans)

Bignell,

If you wanted for me to check into this further with you and your dealership, please send me a direct message here on the forum with more information (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and the name of your involved dealership).

Sarah, GM Customer Service

It looks like I have become the next victim in the impala transmission fiasco... I just purchased a 2007 Impala SS 3 weeks ago. This weekend I took a 10 hour road trip and now the transmission intermittenly slips... It has happened several times over the last 2 days... The car has 78,000 miles. I haven't driven it rough and I haven't owned it long enough to even need an oil change yet... I have an appointment with the dealership on Monday. I know that the car was sold to me with a very small powertrain warranty. I guess I'll wait and see what they say

Owners and potential buyers need to look closely at what they are driving to understand some of the problem. Visit any reputable independent transmission shop and ask to look at the input drum assembly from a 4T65. Chances are they will have several in various stages of rebuild. They should also show you the reverse input shaft and reverse reaction shell. Then look at the final output sun gear shaft.

Once you observe how extremely thin and light these tubular "shafts" are constructed, and how little contact area is in their splines, you should quickly learn WHY we should not accelerate hard (and especially in reverse) and why we should ALWAYS use the parking brake when leaving the vehicle parked. You might be duly impressed that these parts actually last as long as they do under the conditions they are operated. These are not high-torque capable assemblies, and need to be used and treated accordingly.

Something even more frightening is the introduction of eight speed automatics, forcing the need for even lighter and thinner inter-stage shafts and couplings. Put something like that into a heavier vehicle behind an engine that can actually produce some torque, and don't expect the same kind of longevity you would get from a longitudal (RWD) transmission in your truck.

How is any one short of being a mechanic or transmission engineer supposed to know these things... I did my research on the make and model of the car and I didn't read anything about faulty transmissions... It wasn't until I actually searched "Impala transmission slipping" that I even learned of any problem at all. I am certainly taking this as a learning experience. I'm a computer guy, I don't claim to be "handy" by any stretch of the imagination. I change my oil, replace filters, brakes, and the occasional headlight... Everything else I leave to the professionals. This just seems like another instance of the consumer getting screwed. Sorry for the rant but its enough to drive a person crazy...

I have a 2006 Impala SS with a second failed transmission. The first went out at 49,000. Out of warranty. What made it worse was that if I had purchased the same car used from a Chevy dealer it would have had a 100,000 mile warranty not the 36,000. I had the transmission replaced and took it back about six times because it wasn't right, which took at least a week in the shop each time. It got to the point the repairman REFUSED to work on it ever again, even though it was still under his warranty. I also replaced the torque converter during one of those returns to the shop. The second one went out at 95,000. I haven't replaced it yet. It's been about six weeks now. Went out a bought a new car, a Ford Focus ST. I still like the Impala but I don't know if I should fix it again.

I took it to the dealer on Monday and of course they could not recreate the problem. They said that based on my description it was either a solenoid in the trasmission or some sensor, but without the car exhibiting the symptoms for the mechanic they would not do anything. They told me that no damage is currently happening to the transmission and they would be more than happy to fix the problem if it starts happening more. They suggested I drive it until the problem gets worse...

I find it hard to believe that the loud clunking sound I sometimes get when the transmission engages isn't causing any damage. It certainly sounds bad enough...

this repair will take about 2 weeks . the dealership is not the place to have these repairs done because they will not do what is required to repair this for the long haul.


tell them the transmission is causing continued issues as you mentioned in writting. signed by you with dates have them sign the copy for your records. tell them to call you when repaired.

you will pay to have this repaired properly the dealership is screwing you now by stalling so you need documents to support your claim in court.

the stall is what they do to all. you are lucky its not a new vehicle because they do this even then..

toyota is the number one car seller in massachusetts. this is because of these facts.

I have a 2008 Impala SS that I bought from the Chev dealer about 18 months ago with 68,000 miles. My wife an I have had chevy trucks. Anyway pretty much ever since I bought the vehicle the transmission will occassionaly slip when at a stop and accelerating. I take it to the dealer not one but about 4 times and have had the Service Manager drive with me, They can't find anything. no codes, nothing, it doesn't slip for them. I've had the trans flushed by the dealer about 12,000 miles ago. still doing it. Anyways, I contact GM and they ask if I wanted to take it to another dealer. I told them no, because it would be the same thing. Anyways it happened again about 3 months ago and off and on since. I email the Service Advisor at the dealer via email about it. They say bring it in. I told them not until it drops out. Anyways, Yesterday with 89,000 miles on the transmission it is slipping and gave me a good shutter. Take it to the dealer and both the Service Manager and Service Advisor were there. Cars goes in on Monday for them to keep until the problem shows up.
We'll see. I don't need the trans to drop dead when I'm traveling. I've had a 89 suburban that had 5 transmission replaced. Both my wife and I know all about transmissions.

It looks like I have become the next victim in the impala transmission fiasco... well after working for GM Lordstown, Ohio for 10yrs, I never thought that this loyal employee would be this disappointed with a GM product. I have a 2006 impala ( which I fell in love with) just had the transmission go out on me today, left me stranded, cold, and very pissed with my disabled mother in the car with me for 2hrs.. I have had this car to the mechanics for it slipping for the last 6 months and they can't find anything. no codes, nothing, it doesn't slip for them. Of course I am no longer under any warranty, and do not have a lot of money to fix this.... maybe I should go buy a dependable foreign car that is loyal to there consumer's. This just seems like another instance of the consumer getting screwed.

It looks like I have become the next victim in the impala transmission fiasco... well after working for GM Lordstown, Ohio for 10yrs, I never thought that this loyal employee would be this disappointed with a GM product. I have a 2006 impala ( which I fell in love with) just had the transmission go out on me today, left me stranded, cold, and very pissed with my disabled mother in the car with me for 2hrs.. I have had this car to the mechanics for it slipping for the last 6 months and they can't find anything. no codes, nothing, it doesn't slip for them. Of course I am no longer under any warranty, and do not have a lot of money to fix this.... maybe I should go buy a dependable foreign car that is loyal to there consumer's. This just seems like another instance of the consumer getting screwed.

I would buy a Toyota Avalon . nice car. good mileage. also the transmission uses no clutches and filters like GM . much more reliable than any GM of this size.

these type impalas like your are junk value. GM would go bankrupt again if the fixed them all !

I have the 1996 impala now that's before GM made crap.

Hello everyone and I am the newest member of 2006 failed transmission brigade. I purchased mine used with 22,000 miles back in 2007. The transmission went out on me at 36,000 miles. Luckily the warranty covered the cost. I loved my car so much that if I were traveling on the highway and passed by a car lot, I would stop and look at the other 06-08 Impala SS (obsessed, I know) Anyway, this morning, my SECOND transmission has went out. And I didn't notice any weird jerking and shifting until 7 days earlier. I even took the time to do a transmission fluid exchange, and of course I lost that $120. Anyway, I'm now finna spend $1,850 to get the transmission fixed. The irony about it all, I actually pay the car off this May lol. I feel like she is trying to :jerking: me of every lost penny before I'm freed from that bill:sly:

Hello everyone and I am the newest member of 2006 failed transmission brigade. I purchased mine used with 22,000 miles back in 2007. The transmission went out on me at 36,000 miles. Luckily the warranty covered the cost. I loved my car so much that if I were traveling on the highway and passed by a car lot, I would stop and look at the other 06-08 Impala SS (obsessed, I know) Anyway, this morning, my SECOND transmission has went out. And I didn't notice any weird jerking and shifting until 7 days earlier. I even took the time to do a transmission fluid exchange, and of course I lost that $120. Anyway, I'm now finna spend $1,850 to get the transmission fixed. The irony about it all, I actually pay the car off this May lol. I feel like she is trying to :jerking: me of every lost penny before I'm freed from that bill:sly:

Hello,

Please keep me posted on your repair. We are here if you have any further questions or concerns.

Amber N.
GM Customer Care

I'm afraid I might be joining this club soon. I have a 2006 Impala SS. I bought it used about 1 1/2 Years ago. I am what feels like slipping as well, it just started yesterday. I thought i was just being paranoid so I went online and first thing i found was this forum. I was gonna make an appt to take it to the dealer to have them check the car but now i'm not sure if i should take it to the dealer or to my regular mechanic.

A "regular"mechanic may not have the expertise to really diagnose a potential trans issue, if not the dealer than a reputable trans shop.