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 ↗2014 Chevrolet Impala powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Chevrolet Impala have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 62,860 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
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Impala | 56 |
| 2011 Impala | 60 |
| 2012 Impala | 20 |
| 2013 Impala | 30 |
| 2014 Impala (this page) | 36 |
| 2015 Impala | 14 |
| 2016 Impala | 15 |
| 2017 Impala | 12 |
| 2018 Impala | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 36 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 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 36 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 5 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 service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Impala report powertrain failures across transmission control, engine management, and electrical systems, often with no active diagnostic codes and dealer reluctance to repair. The most serious complaint pattern involves transmission control module (TCM) communication loss, causing the vehicle to shift erratically—including into park or reverse at highway speed—jerk violently, and stall without warning. Owners describe instances at 75 mph with children in the car. Dealers have repeatedly cleared codes and refused repair based on absent active faults, despite recurrent failures and warranty denials citing the same reasoning.
Oil control solenoid and rocker arm solenoid failures are reported as a known defect affecting 2014–2015 Impalas and Malibs, causing sudden power loss, misfiring, and surging. A critical part (GM #12633613) remains on extended backorder with no manufacturer ETA, leaving owners unable to repair and forced to drive with check engine lights.
Additional transmission issues include hard downshifts, torque converter failure, shift solenoid malfunction causing stutter or slip during acceleration, and park position failure (vehicle rolls as if in neutral). One throttle sensor failure caused sudden uncontrolled deceleration from 65 mph to 30 mph, resulting in a rear-end collision. Stabilitrak and electrical system malfunctions frequently trigger cascading warning light failures. Dealers have misdiagnosed transmission problems as the cause of stabilitrak ground faults, and grounding issues have been denied repair despite open recalls.
Same Chevrolet Impala powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Control Module Communication Loss
TCM loses communication intermittently, causing transmission to slip into limp mode or stick in single gear. Vehicle may shift erratically through multiple gears including reverse or park at highway speeds, jerk violently, stall unexpectedly, or cut off entirely. No active fault code often appears, though code U0101 is cited. Owners report dealer service advisors clearing codes to see if issue returns, and warranty companies refusing repair based on absent active codes despite problem recurrence.
When: Throughout vehicle operation, including highway speeds (75 mph reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of transmission communication; Vehicle stuck in single gear or limp mode; Erratic shifting including shift to park at speed; Violent jerking during acceleration or downshift; Engine stalls or shuts off without warning; Service stabilitrak light illuminates; Check engine light with code U0101
Codes mentioned: U0101
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement mentioned as necessary but not performed in cited cases; GM instructing dealers to clear codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM not issuing recall; warranty companies denying coverage citing absence of active diagnostic code
Oil Control Solenoid / Rocker Arm Control Valve Solenoid Failure
Engine oil control solenoid valve or rocker arm control valve solenoid fails, causing loss of engine power, instability, surging, and misfiring. Vehicle loses power while accelerating or in motion, regains power intermittently. Check engine light illuminates. Critical part (GM #12633613) is on extended backorder with no ETA from GM, leaving owners unable to repair and forced to drive with check engine light. Condition affects 2014–2015 Impala and Malibu vehicles. Owners report dealership referral of part as defective but no recall issued.
When: Occurs during acceleration and while in motion; failure documented at 25–30k miles and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power; Instability at all speeds; Engine surging; Misfiring; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of rocker arm control valve solenoid (GM part #12633613) or oil control solenoid; part on extended backorder with no manufacturer ETA; no aftermarket alternatives available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; GM refuses to provide information on part availability or confirmation of future production
Throttle Sensor Malfunction
Throttle sensor fails, causing 'Engine Power Reduced' limp mode activation. Vehicle suddenly decelerates from highway speed (65 mph) to 30 mph without warning, downshifting through all gears and nearly red-lining RPMs. One incident resulted in rear-end collision. Vehicle subsequently shakes during acceleration above 45 mph and feels unsafe to operate. Auto Zone diagnostic confirmed throttle sensor malfunction.
When: Occurred at 65 mph on interstate merge; no pre-incident mechanical issues reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning; Sudden uncontrolled deceleration from highway speed; Downshifting through all gears; Near red-line RPM conditions; Shaking during acceleration over 45 mph; Transmission feels like it may fail
Codes mentioned: Throttle sensor malfunction (Auto Zone diagnostic)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership estimate $400–$1,000 plus $100 diagnostic fee; repair not completed in cited complaint
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter fails, preventing proper shifting into gear and causing screeching sound from underneath vehicle during acceleration. Vehicle will not properly accelerate at various speeds. Replacement of torque converter performed but failure persisted after repair, indicating underlying or secondary transmission dysfunction.
When: At approximately 122,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not properly shift into gear; Vehicle will not properly accelerate; Screeching sound from underneath vehicle while accelerating
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement performed; failure persisted post-repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Transmission Shift Solenoid Failure
Transmission shifting solenoids fail, causing hard shifting, transmission stutter or slip during acceleration (especially 2nd–4th gear), delayed shifting response, and eventual inability to shift. Vehicle hesitates to accelerate or stalls during shifts. Multiple owners cite solenoid replacement as necessary repair, with costs around $1,300. Some failures occur after transmission fluid service, indicating solenoid defect rather than fluid condition.
When: Failure range from 47,000 to 122,000 miles; stutter/slip noted in city driving with frequent gear selection
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or delayed shifting; Transmission slip or stutter during acceleration; Bucking when shifting gears; Engine cutting off during shifts; Hesitation to accelerate; Potential stalling during shifts
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of transmission shift solenoids; repair cost approximately $1,300; problem persists despite transmission fluid service in some cases
Transmission Park Position Failure
Transmission fails to remain in park, causing vehicle to roll as if in neutral. Owners must engage parking brake to prevent vehicle from rolling into street, traffic, other vehicles, or pedestrians. Shift control cable malfunction cited in one case but root cause unclear in other reports.
When: While parked; no mileage specified in most complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls when in park; Vehicle behaves as if in neutral while parked; Unable to fully shift out of park or into park
Repairs/costs cited: Shift control cable repair identified in one case; repair not completed
Stabilitrak / Electronic Stability Control System Malfunction
Stabilitrak and electronic stability control systems malfunction, illuminating warning lights on instrument cluster. Some failures relate to corroded sensor from water intrusion; others to grounding issues. In one case, dealer diagnosed sensor corrosion from water leak but stated vehicle was safe to drive and quoted $1,200 repair. System failures often trigger cascade of warning lights (traction control, parking brake, check engine) and loss of vehicle control features. One owner reports 2014 recall for bad grounds on stabilitrak but dealer misdiagnosed as transmission issue; three independent transmission shops confirmed ground issue not transmission.
When: Mileage range 42,000–125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak warning light illumination; Traction control warning light; Electronic stability control malfunction; All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Loss of vehicle control features; Intermittent electrical issues
Repairs/costs cited: Water intrusion corrosion repair quoted at $1,200; grounding issue repair refused by dealer under recall 2014 despite repeated customer requests; independent shops identified ground fault as true cause, not transmission
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 2014 for stabilitrak bad grounds issued but dealer refused to perform work; GM refused to assist when contacted; owner directed to pay for additional diagnostics
Check Engine Light and Power Loss Without Replicable Codes
Check engine light illuminates accompanied by loss of engine power, power surging, or deceleration. Dealership diagnostics often cannot duplicate the issue or cannot identify root cause. Vehicles operate in limp mode with reduced power and speed limitation (15–40 mph), then regain speed. Warning lights illuminate across dashboard. Multiple restart cycles sometimes required to restore normal function.
When: Mileage 42,000–70,000 miles; failures occur at 40–60 mph highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Loss of engine power; Vehicle deceleration without driver input; Power surging or power regain cycles; Speed reduction to 15–40 mph; All dashboard warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate issue or provide diagnosis; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but did not assist or investigate
Engine Misfire and Valve Defect
Engine misfires due to broken valve or rocker arm defect. Vehicle loses power and regains power while accelerating and in motion. Check engine light illuminates. One complaint cites 5th cylinder misfire from broken valve. Part availability issue affects repair timeline significantly.
When: At approximately 115,000 miles in one case; earlier failures possible based on solenoid issues
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire; Loss of power; Power surging; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arm replacement needed; parts on backorder
Hard Downshift During Braking
Transmission downshifts hard during braking, causing vehicle to lurch forward suddenly with force similar to rear-end collision impact. Hazard at intersections, crosswalks, and pedestrian areas.
When: During braking events
Symptoms owners cite: Hard downshift during braking; Vehicle lurches forward unexpectedly; Impact-like sensation during braking
Electrical System Power Loss and Reset
Electrical system loses all power and resets while driving or when vehicle is started. One case involved corrosion inside sensor due to water intrusion. Failures cascade to disable headlights, heater, turn signals, A/C, and electronic systems. Vehicle may shut off unexpectedly after one minute of remote start operation or during driving. Restarting sometimes restores partial function but system failures persist.
When: Mileage 52,000 and beyond; onset variable
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical system loses all power; System resets while driving; Loss of headlights, heater, turn signals; A/C engages by itself; Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly; Remote start fails; All warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Water intrusion corrosion repair quoted at $1,200; repair not completed in cited case
Battery Corrosion and Cable Slippage
Battery cables slip off and corrode repeatedly, causing starter issues and engine bogging during traffic. Vehicle may not start or restart, taking hours to engage. Owner replaced battery twice before discovering corrosion was root cause. Auto Zone diagnostic incorrectly cleared battery as problem despite visible leaking fluid. Cables slip on their own over time.
When: Battery replaced year and a half prior; recurring corrosion and slippage
Symptoms owners cite: Battery cables slip off terminals; Battery terminal corrosion; Vehicle will not start; Delayed restart (hours); Engine bogging during traffic; No power condition
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement; cable terminal inspection and cleaning required; repeat corrosion despite prior replacement year and a half prior
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Car lost power and engine went out. Stability track in on.
On 12/21/16 while merging onto interstate 10 in tucson, az, the vehicle was going approximately 65 MPH when a "engine power reduced" sign popped up, the vehicle slowed down to 30 MPH without warning and shifting down through all gears nearly red lining the rpms and causing an rear-end collision. Was able to move the vehicle off the freeway and took it into local auto-zone for testing. The test…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 48,000 and 86,000 miles, with the median around 62,860. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 86,000. 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/2014/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.