Sensor and hose-related engine faults
reduced-power warnings limiting acceleration, sometimes with stalling or abnormal noise
Check engine light: On
This is the largest single cluster of engine repairs we found for this generation, spanning the oil pressure sensor, evaporative canister, resonator, coolant temperature sensor, and upper radiator and bypass hoses. NHTSA complaints include "ENGINE REDUCED" power warnings that limit acceleration, along with stalling and abnormal-noise reports. Sensor faults like these are exactly the kind of thing that trips a check-engine code, which is why we've marked the light as typically on for this one. Costs run $150 to $350 per repair, with most landing around $250–$280. It shows up throughout ownership, from around 40,000 miles out to 157,000 miles, rather than clustering at one point.
$400 – $710 (avg. $250–$280)~40,000–157,000 mi
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AC actuator failure
climate control malfunction, reported around 122,000–124,000 miles
Check engine light: Off
One documented case in the available data: the AC actuator failed around 122,000 to 124,000 miles, causing a climate-control malfunction. The owner in this case did a self-repair for $900 — we're not presenting that as a typical shop-repair cost, since DIY parts-only pricing generally runs well below what a shop would charge for labor plus parts. This is a climate-control fault, not an engine or emissions issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
122,000–124,000 mi
the $900 figure is a single owner's self-repair (parts only) — not representative of typical professional shop-labor cost.
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Power window switch failure
a power window stops responding to the switch
Check engine light: Off
One documented case: the power window switch failed around 124,000 miles, with a replacement cost of $280 — we've widened that to a $225–$310 range to reflect the normal spread in labor rates and parts sourcing. This is an electrical accessory fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$225 – $310~124,000 mi
based on a single documented case — treat as representative, not a guaranteed figure.
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Transmission pressure control solenoid failure
erratic or unusually hard shifting
Check engine light: On
A recurring transmission complaint for this generation traces to the pressure control solenoid, which causes erratic or hard shifting when it starts to fail. Solenoid faults like this commonly set a transmission-related check-engine code, which is why we've marked the light as typically on for this one. We don't yet have a repair-cost figure specific to a solenoid replacement for this vehicle — if your shifts have started feeling rougher or less predictable than usual, it's worth having the transmission checked before it progresses further.
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Ignition key stuck due to failed shifter
the key won't come out of the ignition after the car is parked
Check engine light: Off
A separate transmission-adjacent complaint pattern: the automatic transmission shifter fails — sometimes traced to broken wiring near the shifter — in a way that traps the key in the ignition even after the car is safely parked and in position. In one representative NHTSA complaint, a full transmission replacement didn't resolve the underlying shifter issue, which suggests this is a distinct fault from the pressure-control-solenoid shifting problem above rather than the same root cause. This reads as a mechanical/wiring fault rather than one that typically sets a check-engine code.
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Jolting while driving
A jolt or jerk felt while driving, not tied to shifting
Check engine light: Off
A distinct complaint from the transmission-solenoid problem above: a jolt or jerk while driving that owners describe separately from normal shift harshness.
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Check engine light due to gas cap issue
Check engine light, often resolved by tightening or replacing the gas cap
Check engine light: On
A common, low-cost check engine light cause: a loose or failing gas cap seal.
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Instrument cluster and fuel gauge malfunctions
Speedometer, gauges, or fuel gauge reading erratically
Check engine light: Off
Two related complaints: the speedometer and other gauges working erratically, and separately an erratic fuel gauge reading.
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Intermittent low oil pressure warning despite adequate oil
Low oil pressure warning light despite the oil level being fine
Check engine light: On
Owners report an intermittent low oil pressure warning even when the oil level and condition are fine — likely a sensor or wiring issue rather than an actual oil problem.
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Power steering hose leak
Power steering fluid leak, sometimes with harder steering effort
Check engine light: Off
A high-pressure power steering hose is reported to leak on this generation.
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Intake manifold gasket leak
Coolant or oil leak near the intake manifold
Check engine light: Off
An intake manifold gasket leak is reported on this generation.
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Steering clunk from upper intermediate steering shaft
Clunking noise from the steering column, especially over bumps or turning
Check engine light: Off
The same steering-shaft clunk has been documented on several other GM trucks and SUVs, and it extends to this Impala sedan as well.
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Stalling due to security system fault
Engine starts and then immediately stalls, tied to the security/anti-theft system
Check engine light: Off
A distinct stalling cause from the sensor-related stalling already on this nameplate's page — this one is tied to a security system fault rather than a sensor failure.
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Plugged catalytic converter causing loss of power
Noticeable loss of power, sometimes with a check engine light
Check engine light: On
A plugged catalytic converter is reported to cause a noticeable loss of power on this generation.
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Water pump premature failure
Coolant leak, possible overheating
Check engine light: Off
The water pump is reported to fail prematurely on this generation.
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Fuel pump failure causing stall
Engine stalls, sometimes after refueling or at highway speed
Check engine light: Off
A failed fuel pump is reported to cause stalling on this generation.
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The most notable non-recall issue on this generation is a cluster of sensor and hose-related engine faults — including reports of an "ENGINE REDUCED" power warning that limits acceleration — running $150–$350 per repair, most landing around $250–$280. If you notice reduced power or a persistent check engine light, it's worth having it looked at rather than waiting.