This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Chevrolet Impala powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Chevrolet Impala have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 48,194 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Impala | 64 |
| 2010 Impala | 56 |
| 2011 Impala | 60 |
| 2012 Impala | 20 |
| 2013 Impala (this page) | 30 |
| 2014 Impala | 36 |
| 2015 Impala | 14 |
| 2016 Impala | 15 |
| 2017 Impala | 12 |
3crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 30 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 30 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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 powertrain 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 bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of powertrain and stability-control problems centered on left turns at low speed. Most common: grinding noise from the front end combined with traction control flashing, ABS engaging, and sudden power loss or hesitation when turning left from a stop or slow roll. This occurs around 30,000–40,000 miles but sometimes repeats through 80,000+ miles. Many say it happens multiple times daily; some report near-miss collisions. Disabling traction control temporarily stops the issue, pointing to sensor or wiring faults.
Separately, the Service Stabilitrak and Engine Power Reduced warnings trigger sudden, random deceleration to 20–35 mph at highway speeds, sometimes occurring 10–20 times during a single drive. One owner was charged $650 for a repair that didn't stick; others spent nearly $2,000 with no resolution.
Transmission troubles include jerking during shifts, delayed acceleration from stops, and rough powertrain feel. One owner faced a $3,660 transmission replacement with Chevy covering only part of it under warranty dispute. One catastrophic case: transmission shifted to Neutral at 70 mph without driver input, stalling the vehicle; another case saw the engine throw a rod at highway speed. Gear shift indicators also get blocked by the steering wheel, and in one case the transmission won't lock in Park, forcing reliance on the parking brake.
A handful report engine shutdown without warning, including one that stalled at 55 mph and crashed into a ravine.
Same Chevrolet Impala powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Traction control and ABS activation with grinding noise during left turns
Traction control light flashes, ABS engages, and a loud metal-on-metal grinding noise occurs when turning left at low speeds (backing out of driveway, 5–20 mph from stops, intersections). Multiple owners report the front end nose-diving or vehicle hesitating dangerously. Turning off traction control temporarily alleviates the symptom. Dealers found loose/bad wheel bearing hubs, replaced sensors and bearings, or found no codes and performed multi-point inspections with no action.
When: 38,860–81,205 miles; typically within first few years of ownership; often within or near warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from front end during left turns at low speed; Traction control light flashing; ABS engages unexpectedly; Vehicle hesitation or power loss during turn; Front end nose-dive on several occasions; Wobble in steering at highway speeds; Loss of acceleration during left turn from stop
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced wheel bearing hub at $350 (not covered under powertrain warranty or recall). Local mechanic replaced bearing and sensors twice with partial improvement. Dealerships unable to duplicate issue.
Unintended engine power reduction and service stabilitrak/reduced power warnings
Without warning, vehicle suddenly decelerates or loses acceleration, often to 20–35 mph. Service Stabilitrak, Engine Power Reduced, and Traction Control Off lights illuminate simultaneously. Episodes can occur 10–20 times in a row while driving, happening intermittently then escalating to daily basis. One owner reported $650 repair; another spent nearly $2,000 across two shops without resolution. Dealers unable to diagnose; some report no codes present.
When: 30,000–70,000 miles; escalating from occasional to frequent over months to years
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration to 20–35 mph; Inability to accelerate when pressing gas pedal; Service Stabilitrak warning light; Engine Power Reduced warning; Traction Control Off warning; Reduced power lasting several seconds to minutes; Gauges dropping to zero and back
Repairs/costs cited: One owner charged $650 for previous repair; issue recurred. Another spent nearly $2,000 across two shops. Mechanics report no clear understanding of what Service Stabilitrak system requires.
Grinding noise and loss of power during left turns from stop with no warning lights
While accelerating from a stopped position and turning left simultaneously, loud grinding noise from front and sudden loss of power/hesitation occur on dry pavement. Does not happen consistently enough for mechanics to reproduce. Disabling traction control prevents occurrence, suggesting a speed sensor or traction control sensor/wiring issue. One owner reported vehicle stalled in intersection while turning left at 20 mph with grinding noise but no warning lights.
When: 39,000–81,205 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise from front during acceleration and left turn from stop; Vehicle hesitation and power loss; Stalling during left turn in some cases; No warning lights in some cases; ABS/traction control lights in others
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics unable to duplicate; no codes present. Turning off traction control eliminates symptom.
ABS brake lockup during low-speed turns and parking lot maneuvers
ABS system activates unexpectedly when turning from a stopped position or at slow speeds (1–15 mph), locking up the front brakes and causing sudden braking without driver input. This occurs roughly 80% of the time when turning from a stop. Multiple owners report near-miss accidents. No warning codes apparent. Condition occurs when backing out and shifting to forward, or when making low-speed intersections turns.
When: Around 30,000–39,000 miles; recurring intermittently then increasing to frequent
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages/brakes lock up unexpectedly at low speeds; Sudden hard braking during left turn from stop; Vehicle hesitation and loss of acceleration; Near-collision incidents; Occurs 80% of time when turning from stopped position
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had traction control and ABS lights but was told no code means dealer cannot help.
Transmission shift indicator display obstruction
Gear shift indicator relocated from console between seats to bottom of speedometer, directly behind steering wheel. When driver turns steering wheel left or right, the steering wheel blocks view of shift indicator. Driver's hands also block the speedometer-mounted indicator, making it difficult to confirm actual gear position.
When: Design issue; evident when operating vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Shift indicator hidden behind steering wheel during turns; Hands block indicator view; Unable to verify gear selection
Transmission failing to stay in Park / gear slippage
Vehicle able to shift into Park position, but transmission does not actually lock in Park. Vehicle rolls away with lightest touch to gear lever, requiring use of emergency brake to keep vehicle stationary. Shift indicator does not accurately represent actual gear position.
When: Early in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not stay in Park; Lightest touch moves vehicle out of Park into Reverse; Vehicle rolls away when parked; Shift indicator misrepresents gear position
Transmission jerking, rough shifts, and delayed acceleration response
Transmission does not shift smoothly; noticeable jerk felt when gears change. Delayed response when accelerating from standstill. Powertrain feels unsmoother than competitor vehicles. One owner reported hard shifting and loss of power at highway speeds, resulting in transmission failure requiring $3,660 repair (Chevy covering $1,600 under warranty dispute). Another reported diagnostic code P0989.
When: 36,000–54,000 miles; issues noted over 4–7 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Jerk when transmission shifts gears; Delayed acceleration from standstill; Rough powertrain feel at highway speeds; Hard shifting; Loss of power at highway speed
Codes mentioned: P0989
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission replacement $3,660 (owner responsible for $2,060); Chevy responsibility $1,600 under extended warranty. Dealer/mechanic visits (7 times in one case) without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty dispute on transmission repair; transmission failure deemed partially owner responsibility despite warranty remaining.
Unintended transmission downshift and stalling at highway speed
While driving at approximately 70 mph, transmission independently shifted from Drive to Neutral without driver input, causing vehicle to stall. No warning lights illuminated before failure. After restart, vehicle resumed normally. Failure recurred three times. Dealer unable to diagnose or repair.
When: 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts to Neutral without driver input; Vehicle stalls at highway speed; No warning lights before failure; Recurrence on multiple occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose or repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Engine catastrophic failure (thrown rod) at highway speed
While driving at highway speed, vehicle struck something, began losing oil, and engine shut off. Upon inspection, repair shop determined engine threw a rod and was destroyed. All maintenance was current and oil level adequate. Repair shop confirmed no owner fault. Insurance does not cover. Owner seeking manufacturer replacement.
When: Between 30,000 miles (purchase) and 130,000 miles (failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine struck something unknown; Sudden oil loss; Engine stalled; Engine shutdown mid-drive; Catastrophic internal engine damage
Repairs/costs cited: Engine failure requiring replacement; insurance will not cover. Repair shop deemed it a manufacturing defect.
Unexpected engine shutdown and stalling while driving
Engine stalls or shuts off without warning at 10–20 mph, particularly during left turns. In one severe case, vehicle shut off at 55 mph while fiancé was driving, causing crash into ravine. Air bags did not deploy. Vehicle towed and declared total loss; dealer refused to investigate; manufacturer not notified; vehicle destroyed.
When: Unknown mileage in stall case; multiple incidents reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning at low speed; Engine shuts off at highway speed (55 mph); Vehicle stalls during left turn at intersection; Air bags fail to deploy on impact
Repairs/costs cited: Severe case resulted in total loss; vehicle destroyed before investigation possible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer declined to investigate vehicle when towed; manufacturer not notified prior to destruction.
Intermittent electrical system faults with warning light cascade
Service Stabilitrak warning, along with ABS, Brake Assist, and Check Engine lights illuminate intermittently. Door locks engage and disengage on their own. Gauges drop to zero and back. Traction control light cycles on and off. Occurs daily over months, with pattern of occurring only when car sits overnight and then shifting gears. Occurs about 10–20 consecutive times while driving. Electrical issue underlying ABS/traction control cascades.
When: 30,000–32,000 miles; escalating from occasional to almost daily over 6 months
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrak light flashing and beeping; All gauges drop to zero and reset; Door locks engaging and disengaging; Traction control light cycling; ABS and Brake Assist warning lights; Vehicle loses acceleration for several seconds repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Two different shops, nearly $2,000 spent, no fix achieved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevy has no clear answers; mechanics lack understanding of Service Stabilitrak system.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Car was hard shifting always was getting to high way speed lost power on engine warning code came on has only lower 3 gears forward no reverse now, Chevy wants me to pay 3660 them pay 1600 and call it a warrenty ,has lot left on mileage short 5months on warrenty being out not right they want old transmission also to cover their screw up
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated that when depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal noise and the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. In addition, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
Able to shift gear positions but the indicated shift position does not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. When I stop and park the vehicle, I am able to shift the lever to the "park" position, but the vehicle is not actually in park position. I currently have the emergency break on. Vehicle will not stay in park when gear is in park position. The lightest touch will knock gear…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 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 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 38,476 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 48,194. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,476; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2013/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.