On december 24, 2009, after parking my 30 month old 2007 Chevrolet impala ltz on level ground at 6:30am in the morning and minus 13 degrees fahrenheit, I attended my morning workout for 1 hour. On return and after successfully starting the car I found the stick shift access button could not be pushed, despite following the recommended procedures, and the car was stuck in park. It was towed to…
2007 Chevrolet Impala powertrain problems
severe 67 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
67
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 67 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 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 67 powertrain 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.
Among the 15 model years of Chevrolet Impala in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Avoid the 2007 Impala unless you accept serious transmission and shift-lock reliability risks. Slipping transmissions, hard engagement jerks, sudden loss of power, and cars rolling backward in Park are common complaints starting under 40,000 miles, with rebuilds often failing within 20,000 miles and costing $2,000–$4,000 out of pocket.
Owners describe a constellation of transmission troubles in the 2007 Impala. The most common complaint is slipping and hard engagement: the transmission revs but doesn't move, then suddenly jerks into gear with violent force—sometimes feeling like being hit from behind. This happens from a complete stop, on grades, and during low-speed acceleration. Some owners report the torque converter failing, requiring replacement or full transmission rebuild. Shift hesitation at highway speeds (45–60 mph), chugging sensations, and loss of power are also cited.
The shift mechanism itself fails repeatedly. The shift-lock solenoid connector breaks due to a faulty ground wire, leaving cars stuck in Park with no override—a hazard in cold weather or emergencies. Shifter buttons crack, wiring harnesses corrode, and shift cables snap, sometimes requiring towing.
Equally alarming are reports of cars rolling backward or forward when parked or idling on inclines, even in Drive, because the transmission lacks hill-hold capability. One owner watched his car roll backward at 15 mph down a parking garage ramp with no brakes applied. Another was dragged by his Impala when it rolled backward unexpectedly.
In a handful of reports, the transmission failure coincided with stalling mid-drive (one at 50 mph led to a crash into a ravine with serious injuries) and reduced-engine-power warnings that capped speed at 40 mph. Owners trying to get dealer diagnosis often report the dealer cannot replicate the issue or find diagnostic codes, leaving problems unresolved across multiple visits.
Same Chevrolet Impala powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission slipping and hard engagement
Transmission RPMs rise without corresponding acceleration, then engagement occurs abruptly with violent jerking. Happens from stops, on hills, and during low-speed city driving. Some owners report torque converter failure underlying the slip.
When: From 30,000 to 121,000 miles; reported as early as first year of ownership and recurring after transmission rebuild
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs, car does not accelerate; Sudden hard jerk or kick into gear (feels like being hit from behind); Violent shake/shudder at 5–25 mph from stops; Multiple jerks in succession when accelerating from stop; Loss of control/brief steering wheel movement due to force of engagement; Slipping on inclines and hills
Codes mentioned: TCC (torque converter clutch) valve leaking, Shift solenoid code (one owner replaced solenoid, problem recurred)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid service alone (gasket replacement) did not resolve issue. Full transmission rebuild or replacement: owners cite $2,000–$4,000 labor. Some rebuilt/replaced transmissions fail again within 20,000 miles. One owner replaced torque converter after rebuild, problem recurred one day later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM covered transmission replacement under 100K powertrain warranty (one case). New transmission issued with 12,000-mile warranty. Dealer in one case installed software update to computer, claimed unable to observe problem. Other dealers: no codes found, no problem identified, no help offered.
Shift-lock solenoid/BTSI ground wire failure
Broken ground wire in shift-lock solenoid connector prevents shifter button from functioning. Car becomes stuck in Park with no way to shift without manually disassembling the console. No emergency override exists.
When: Reported at 5,000 to 109,000 miles; one at minus 13°F, one recurring after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever button cannot be depressed; Car stuck in Park; Shifter will not move despite following recommended procedures; Key stuck in ignition (related incidents); Problem recurs after repair
Codes mentioned: Broken ground wire in shift-lock solenoid connector (BTSI)
Repairs/costs cited: Rewiring ground wire: $137–$166. One owner: towed at $100, repair $137. Another: had to replace shifter wires after initial repair still left shifter acting as if it would not shift. Problem recurred in at least one case after rewiring.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM denied warranty coverage, claiming part is not powertrain. Owners noted technical service bulletin exists for this issue, indicating frequency. No recall issued.
Unintended rollback/rollaway in Park or Drive
Vehicle rolls backward or forward when parked on incline, or rolls away with key removed and car in Park. Happens because transmission lacks hill-hold function or park pawl engagement fails. Car can accelerate backward at 5–15 mph before owner regains control.
When: Reported at low mileage (5,000–9,942 miles); also at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Car rolls backward down driveway/ramp in Park with parking brake on; Car rolls forward immediately after shifted from Park without foot on brake; Car rolls backward at 5–15 mph on moderate incline/ramp; Car starts and rolls without key in ignition; Happens on slight inclines and parking lots
Repairs/costs cited: One door damage repaired by dealer at owner cost ($0–unknown). No root cause investigation performed in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated parking brake is not intended to prevent rollback (one case). No investigation offered. No recall initiated.
Transmission will not shift out of Park
Shift lever electrically locked in Park. Multiple owners cite corrosion or failure of wiring harness connecting shift mechanism to transmission controls, or BTSI solenoid malfunction. Distinct from slipping, this is a complete loss of shifter function.
When: Multiple failures at 5,000, 43,000, 112,000, and unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move from Park position; Cannot depress shift button; No response to shift attempts despite following manual procedures
Codes mentioned: Corrosion in electrical wiring harness, Failure in gear shift cable
Repairs/costs cited: Shift cable replacement or rewiring of harness. Mechanic manually shifted one vehicle into gear. One owner had to tear apart console to access manual reset. Repairs ranged from rewiring (unknown cost) to gear shift control solenoid switch replacement. One vehicle: repaired twice for corrosion, problem recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered no assistance in one case. Dealer said only that they were unfamiliar with the type of failure.
Reduced engine power/limp mode
Vehicle enters limp/reduced-power mode, capping speed at 20–40 mph. Often accompanied by 'Reduced Engine Power' message, traction control warning, or check engine light. May coincide with speedometer malfunction.
When: Reported at 65 mph on freeway, also in city driving; one case after fuel line leak day
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slows to 20–40 mph and will not exceed that speed; Engine light and traction control warning illuminate; Speedometer fluctuates or fails (0, 30, 60, 80 mph shown simultaneously); 'Reduced Engine Power' or 'Low Engine Power' message on display
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes reported (one owner: 10 different codes at once)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $4,000 for transmission replacement; transmission still slipping afterward. Speedometer replaced alongside transmission in one case. Most repairs incomplete or unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer said fuel line leak had no connection to power loss (one case). GM made no documented response.
Transmission stalling at highway speed
Engine cuts out while driving at highway speed, forcing driver to coast or restart. In one critical case, stalling caused loss of power steering/braking and crash into ravine.
When: One case at 50 mph, 73,000 miles; one case during freeway drive (65 mph area)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while moving; No restart ability while rolling; Loss of power steering and power brakes upon stall (one case); Overheating warning (one case: 'huge cloud of fog/smoke' trailing vehicle, overheat light flashing, then engine shutdown)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: vehicle destroyed in single-vehicle crash. Both occupants seriously injured (broken neck, ribs, back, foot, ankle in driver; broken collarbone, ribs, ankle and lacerated liver/spleen in passenger). Second case: at dealer awaiting diagnosis (overheating related).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification in either case; no response documented.
Shift hesitation and chugging at highway speeds
Transmission semi-engages mid-shift, then backs out, producing chugging or stuttering sensation. Occurs at 45–60 mph. One owner reports clutch cracked in half at 74,000 miles.
When: At highway speeds (45–60 mph); 74,000 miles for clutch failure
Symptoms owners cite: Semi-engagement of shift, then backing out at 45–60 mph; Chugging sensation while driving; Screech/whine noise at speeds above 60 mph; Clunking when shifting from first to second gear; Tire chirping on shift engagement
Codes mentioned: Cracked clutch (one case, replaced at 74,000 miles)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: clutch replacement at 74,000 miles (cost not stated). Vehicle in shop for transmission diagnostics (cost/outcome unknown).
Alignment and suspension issues affecting tire wear
Uneven or rapid tire wear despite repeated dealer alignments and tire balancing. Owners cite underlying suspension or geometry defect unrelated to tires themselves. Dealers perform repeated rotations, balancing, and alignments without resolving root cause.
When: Reported within first month of purchase (one case: alignment done at dealer, problem persisted)
Symptoms owners cite: Brand-new tires wearing out unevenly; Tires require rebalancing within one week of balancing; Loud road noise; Vehicle does not handle/steer responsively; Poor steering response
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors replaced (warped), tires balanced and rotated multiple times, alignments performed multiple times—problem persisted. No suspension repair documented.
Synthesized from 67 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Well my 2007 Chevrolet impala want drive or move so I don't if it's the transmission bad or not I need answer please it's leaking fluid and oil as well.
Slip in torque conversion around 30 to 45. Also, you'll be taking off from a stop and when you start to press the gas it delays, then slams into motion almost like being hit from behind. * did not know about this site. Had it to the dealer 3x, they said they found nothing wrong. It is sporatic and does not happen daily. *tr
Slip in torque conversion around 30 to 45. Also, you'll be taking off from a stop and when you start to press the gas it delays, then slams into motion almost like being hit from behind. *tr
Reduced engine power/ traction control warning/ gas line fuel leak. This car flashed a reduced engine power message while I was going 65 MPH straight away on busy city (in houston) freeway and the traction control warning light came on. My car then immediately reduced speed and would not go beyond 40 MPH. I was told that the gas line fuel leak has nothing to do with it but it seems very…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 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 powertrain problem on the 2007 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 67 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 49,011 and 112,000 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,011; a quarter make it past 112,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2007/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.