2000 Chevrolet Impala Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2000 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2000 Chevrolet Impala has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Passlock Security System No-Start Condition ($150-$600 repair), Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6) ($300-$1,000 repair) and 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts ($200-$3,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $150 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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On the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala, the Passlock anti-theft system causes intermittent no-start conditions where the security light flashes and the fuel pump is disabled. The ignition lock cylinder contains a Hall-effect sensor that reads a resistance value; when contacts wear or corrode, the BCM detects a mismatch and locks out fuel delivery. The problem typically worsens progressively from occasional to daily. 225+ complaints were filed for the 2002 model year alone.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Cavalier

Common Symptoms

Security/theft light flashing on dashboard
Engine cranks but will not start
No-start condition occurs more frequently over time
Car starts after waiting 10+ minutes
SECURITY telltale illuminated

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeOEM-quality starter motor for reliable engine cranking (Denso Starter Motor)
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UpgradeRemanufactured starter with gear reduction for improved cranking performance (Remy Remanufactured Starter Motor)
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UpgradeAutomotive relay replacement set for common relay failures (Bosch Automotive Relay 5-Pin 12V)
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UpgradeDigital multimeter for diagnosing fuse, relay, and module electrical faults (Innova Digital Multimeter)
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UpgradeOEM-quality replacement sensor for accurate readings and proper system function (Bosch Replacement Sensor)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $600

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Community Reported

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On the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala, the 3.4L and 3.8L V6 engines in 2000-2005 Impalas use Dex-Cool compatible intake manifold gaskets that deteriorate over time, causing coolant to leak externally or internally into the oil. External leaks appear as dried orange coolant trails on the engine block. Internal leaks contaminate the engine oil with coolant, turning it into a milky sludge that can destroy the engine bearings. This was one of the most widespread GM engine problems of the era and led to multiple class-action lawsuits.

This issue also affects: Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Audi A7, Audi Q5

Common Symptoms

Orange/pink coolant leaking on engine block
Milky or chocolate-milk colored oil on dipstick
Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
White smoke from exhaust
Overheating at idle
Sweet coolant smell from engine bay

How to Fix

Replace both intake manifold gaskets with the updated Fel-Pro design (not the original GM plastic gaskets). Parts cost $30-$80 for a quality gasket set. Labor is 4-6 hours ($400-$700) due to the need to remove the upper and lower intake manifolds, fuel rail, and wiring. If coolant has mixed with oil (milky dipstick), perform multiple oil changes in rapid succession to flush the contamination. Check the oil frequently after repair to ensure no internal damage occurred.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteIf your oil looks milky or foamy on the dipstick, STOP DRIVING immediately. Coolant-contaminated oil will destroy the engine bearings within a few hundred miles. Tow the car to a shop.
TipUse Fel-Pro updated intake manifold gaskets — NOT the original GM plastic design. The Fel-Pro gaskets use a metal carrier with improved sealing material that does not deteriorate with Dex-Cool coolant.
UpgradePremium radiator provides improved cooling capacity (Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator)
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UpgradePre-mixed coolant ready for top-off or full flush (Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze Coolant)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,000

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Community Reported

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On the 2000-2013 Chevrolet Impala 3.8L Supercharged, the 4T65-E automatic transmission used in the 2000-2013 Impala is one of the most failure-prone GM transmissions. Common failures include the 1-2 accumulator piston cracking (causing harsh 1-2 shift), pressure control solenoid failure (erratic shifts and slipping), and the forward clutch hub cracking (complete loss of forward gears). The 3.8L supercharged models are especially hard on the 4T65-E due to higher torque output. Many 4T65-E transmissions fail between 80,000-120,000 miles.

This issue also affects: Audi A4, Audi A8, Audi Q5

Common Symptoms

Harsh or banging 1-2 shift
Transmission slipping under acceleration
Loss of 3rd or 4th gear
Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive
Check engine light with transmission codes
Burnt fluid smell from dipstick

How to Fix

For early-stage issues (harsh shifts, slipping), a fluid change with ACDelco DEXRON VI and a pressure control solenoid replacement ($200-$400) may resolve the problem. Once the transmission is slipping badly or has lost a gear, a rebuild ($2,000-$3,000) or remanufactured transmission ($2,500-$3,500 installed) is required. When rebuilding, upgrade the 1-2 accumulator piston to the updated design and install a TransGo shift kit ($50) for improved durability. Change fluid every 30,000 miles to maximize the life of this transmission.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

TipChange the 4T65-E fluid every 30,000 miles with DEXRON VI — not "lifetime fill." GM stopped calling it lifetime fill because these transmissions were failing in droves. A $150 fluid change is cheap insurance against a $3,000 rebuild.
UpgradeReplacement shift solenoid to restore proper gear engagement (Dorman Transmission Shift Solenoid)
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UpgradeTransmission filter kit with gasket for fluid service after solenoid replacement (ATP Transmission Filter Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $3,500

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Community Reported

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Impala problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2000-2000 Chevrolet Impala has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Passlock Security System No-Start Condition, Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6), 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Impala reliable?

The 2000-2000 Chevrolet Impala has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Passlock Security System No-Start Condition and Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6) and 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Impala problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Impala issues range from $150 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Passlock Security System No-Start Condition, typically costs $150-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala Passlock Security System No-Start Condition?

The Passlock anti-theft system causes intermittent no-start conditions where the security light flashes and the fuel pump is disabled. The ignition lock cylinder contains a Hall-effect sensor that reads a resistance value; when contacts wear or corrode, the BCM detects a mismatch… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6)?

The 3.4L and 3.8L V6 engines in 2000-2005 Impalas use Dex-Cool compatible intake manifold gaskets that deteriorate over time, causing coolant to leak externally or internally into the oil. External leaks appear as dried orange coolant trails on the engine block. Internal leaks co… Repairs typically run $300-$1,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2000-2013 Chevrolet Impala 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts?

The 4T65-E automatic transmission used in the 2000-2013 Impala is one of the most failure-prone GM transmissions. Common failures include the 1-2 accumulator piston cracking (causing harsh 1-2 shift), pressure control solenoid failure (erratic shifts and slipping), and the forwar… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: high.

2000 Chevrolet Impala Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala: Passlock Security System No-Start Condition#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala: Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2000-2013 Chevrolet Impala: 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Impala problems?

Is the Chevrolet Impala reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Impala problems?

What is the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala Passlock Security System No-Start Condition?

What is the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.4L/3.8L V6)?

What is the 2000-2013 Chevrolet Impala 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts?