This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Impala engine problems
severe 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 37 engine complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 37 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Impala's engine generates complaints centered on sudden loss of power, stalling, and overheating. The most common issue is "reduced engine power" — the car enters limp mode without warning while driving, cutting acceleration to 3–5 mph even in busy intersections. Check engine lights and warning messages appear, and dealers have replaced accelerator sensors, throttle bodies, and computer modules without solving it. Multiple owners report four or more dealer visits for the same failure.
Owners also describe complete engine stalls, some occurring on bumps, others during normal driving. A few extreme cases—engine fire after highway power loss, engine seizure requiring full replacement, and one owner burned by an overheated engine. Overheating is also widespread, often tied to air pockets in the cooling system and water pump leaks. The defective cooling design requires a specific service bulletin procedure to bleed properly; many mechanics don't know it.
The 5.3L engines burn oil heavily (1 quart per 1,200–1,500 miles) early in their lives. Dealers replaced PCV valve covers but the problem persists; no compression testing has been done to rule out worn piston rings. Transmission jerking at stops and rough gear engagement appear in several narratives despite fluid flushes and spark plug replacements. Finally, several owners report the engine refusing to shut off even with the key out and fuse pulled—an electrical control issue that recurs after dealer repairs.
Same Chevrolet Impala engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Reduced Engine Power / Limp Mode
Engine enters limp mode and loses power suddenly while driving at highway or city speeds. Multiple complaints describe power reduction to 3-5 mph, inability to accelerate through intersections, and stalling. Check engine light or 'reduced engine power' warning lights illuminate. Some cases linked to electrical/computer faults; others attributed to throttle body or accelerator pedal sensor issues.
When: Occurring unpredictably while driving; some failures reported in the 30k-111k mile range
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power/acceleration; Engine enters limp mode; Check engine light illuminates; 'Reduced engine power' warning message displays; Service traction control light may flash; Vehicle stalls or hesitates at stops
Codes mentioned: P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced accelerator pedal sensors, throttle bodies, computer modules in steering column, relay switches. Multiple repeat visits to dealer without resolution reported. Some dealers unable to replicate or diagnose issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not included in NHTSA Electrical System recall 14V355000 despite similar symptoms in 2011 models that did receive recall
Engine Stalling / Loss of Power While Driving
Engine suddenly stalls without warning while driving at various speeds, sometimes upon hitting bumps or uneven surfaces, or during hard braking. Vehicle can usually be restarted. Multiple recurrences reported. In at least one case, engine blew up; another case resulted in complete engine shutdown and loss of all electrical power.
When: Reported between 15k and 140k miles; some occurring within first year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Loss of power on highway; Engine will not turn off in some cases; Engine shaking uncontrollably; Vehicle overheats and shuts off suddenly; Smoke from exhaust; In one case, complete engine failure/seizure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported transmission rebuild due to suspected electrical problem; dealer could not diagnose stalling on bump issue; one case required full engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Electrical System recall 14V355000 offered, but parts unavailable in at least one case. One vehicle was pulled into recall but owner received no effective fix across 8 service visits.
Engine Fire / Thermal Runaway
Vehicle caught fire in engine compartment after loss of power on highway, destroying the car completely in 13 minutes. Owner reports GM made investigation difficult. Smoke from under hood also reported in at least two other cases, one requiring valve replacement.
When: At various mileages; complete engine fire occurred after highway power loss
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power on highway; Smoke/burning smell from under hood; Engine fire; Smoke from mufflers
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle completely destroyed; insurance payout did not cover full loan balance. One burning smell case had valve replaced by independent mechanic; problem reoccurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner attempted to notify GM; reports claim GM made investigation difficult
Excessive Oil Consumption
5.3L engines burning oil at rates of 1 quart per 1,200-1,500 miles. Problem starts early in vehicle's life, within warranty period in some cases. Dealer suspects PCV valve or oil accumulation under valve covers due to defective cooling system design. One dealer indicated this is common on same engine in Silverado pickups. Compression testing not performed by dealers to rule out worn piston rings.
When: Starts before 36k mile warranty expires; continues through 51k miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption; Check engine light for fouled spark plugs; Engine sputtering/misfiring under load; Loss of power when pulling into traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced valve covers (containing PCV valves); proposed upper engine cleaning to open oil flow ports. No compression test performed to diagnose root cause. Owner out of pocket for repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledges as common problem on same engine in other GM vehicles but offers no recall or warranty extension
Cooling System Air Pockets / Heater Malfunction
Cooling system prone to air pockets due to defective design. When air pocket develops, heater will not produce heat unless engine is revved. Heat works only during acceleration, not at idle. Requires complicated drain/refill procedure per service bulletin. Problem can reoccur every time system is opened if procedure not followed correctly. Some misdiagnosed as head gasket failure.
When: Reported in winter months primarily; can occur repeatedly throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Heater will not produce heat at idle; Heater only works when revving engine; Cooling system overheats unexpectedly; Antifreeze consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Requires drain and refill of cooling system per service bulletin. Independent mechanics unfamiliar with bulletin may misdiagnose as head gasket or incorrect antifreeze mixture. One owner had independent mechanic replace antifreeze and hoses; temporary fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevy issued service bulletin detailing procedure, indicating awareness of design defect
Water Pump Failure
Water pump failed and leaked at relatively low mileage on well-maintained vehicle. Hoses (bypass hose and bottom hose) also required replacement. One case of overheating and smoke from under hood traced to water pump leak.
When: At 55k miles on well-maintained vehicle; one case at 78.5k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump leak; Engine overheating; Smoke from under hood; Loss of coolant
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump and hoses (bypass and bottom) replaced; one owner cited repair bill of ~$470
Engine Overheating
Vehicle overheats unexpectedly while driving. In one critical case, car overheated and shut off in 5 seconds with city bus directly behind, creating dangerous traffic situation. In another case, owner suffered severe burns from hot engine when checking overheating vehicle. Overheating traced in some cases to water pump leak, in others to cooling system air pockets or electrical shutdown issues.
When: Unpredictable; reported between 78k and 115k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats unexpectedly; Loss of power due to overheat shutdown; Smoke from under hood; Check engine warning
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement performed in at least one case. Cooling system repairs attempted in others with only temporary success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for power steering hose/clamps completed on one vehicle before overheating occurred
Transmission Jerking / Harsh Engagement
Transmission jerks or lunges forward at stop lights and on inclines. Vehicle hesitates to shift into gear then jerks away. Spark plugs changed, transmission fluid changed and flushed, but problem persists and worsens. Dealer cannot find anything wrong despite multiple visits. In one case with early symptoms (18k-27k miles), transmission rebuild was performed due to suspected electrical problem.
When: Starting at low mileage (18k miles) through higher mileage; problem worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking at stop lights; Hesitation to go into gear on incline; Harsh forward lunge; Problem worsens with time
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced, transmission fluid changed and flushed—no resolution. One case: transmission rebuild performed; dealer suspected electrical cause but did not replace transmission on new car (situation unclear). Gas cap and solenoid replaced in one case.
Engine Will Not Turn Off / Continues Running
Engine remains running after key is removed from ignition. Removing fuse does not stop engine; it continues until battery dies. Problem recurs after dealer service. Prevents car from locking and may indicate deeper electrical/computer control module failure. Some tied to broader electrical recall campaign.
When: Reported in early ownership (new/used purchase) and recurring through ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running with key out; Engine will not shut off even with fuse removed; Engine runs until battery dies; Doors unlock automatically when manually locked; Car will not lock
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service attempted multiple times with recurring failures; no permanent fix documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner references recall on 'brain of car' (computer); NHTSA Electrical System recall 14V355000 may apply
Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
Oil pressure indicator illuminates. Dealer replaced oil pressure sensor, but check engine light then illuminated. Vehicle still at dealer awaiting repair at time of complaint.
When: At 64k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure indicator light illuminates; Check engine light illuminates after sensor replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure sensor replaced by dealer; subsequent check engine light suggests underlying issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number provided. Dealer reported problem resolved.
Engine Dropout / Cylinder Loss
Check engine light illuminates twice. First instance: relay switch replaced. Second instance: vehicle loses power while driving and stalls. Diagnostic testing shows engine dropped to 3 cylinders. Dealer diagnoses limp mode due to computer and electrical problems.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Loss of power; Engine stalls; Engine running on 3 cylinders
Repairs/costs cited: Relay switch replaced on first occurrence. Dealer repaired second occurrence (specific repair not detailed).
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet impala. While driving at various speeds, the check engine and "power down low" warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle would not drive at normal speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Dt: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated twice. After the first time the vehicle was taken to a dealership, where they replaced a relay switch. The second time the check engine light illuminated while the vehicle was driven. When the check engine light illuminated the vehicle lost power and the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealership for diagnostic testing.…
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 37 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 30,000 and 85,200 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 85,200. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Impala.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.