2001 Chevrolet Impala Problems: 4 Known Issues
2001 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Chevrolet Impala has 4 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Passlock Security System No-Start Condition ($150-$600 repair), 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts ($200-$3,500 repair), Ignition Switch Failure and Recall (NHTSA 14V-400) ($0-$0 repair) and Front Valve Cover Oil Leak Fire Hazard — 3.8L V6 Impala (Recall 09V116000). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
STEERING
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK IS MISSING THE ADHESIVE LAYER THAT BONDS THE BARRIER LAYER TO THE OUTER SHELL OF THE FUEL TANK.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010. The front passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the passenger presence sensor module.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chevrolet Impala problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2001 Chevrolet Impala has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Passlock Security System No-Start Condition, 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts, Ignition Switch Failure and Recall (NHTSA 14V-400). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Impala reliable?
The 2001 Chevrolet Impala has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Passlock Security System No-Start Condition and 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts and Ignition Switch Failure and Recall (NHTSA 14V-400) and Front Valve Cover Oil Leak Fire Hazard — 3.8L V6 Impala (Recall 09V116000). 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 $0 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 comes on and the engine is disabled. The ignition lock cylinder carries a magnet read by a Hall-effect sensor in the lock housing; when the sensor, its wiring, or the BCM connector ter… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2011 Chevrolet Impala 4T65-E Transmission Failure and Hard Shifts?
The 4T65-E automatic transmission used in the 2000-2011 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.
What is the 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala Ignition Switch Failure and Recall (NHTSA 14V-400)?
The 2000-2005 Impala was included in GM's 2014 ignition key recall 14V-400, which covered 5,877,718 vehicles across several GM models. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event can cause the ignition switch to move from the "Run" position to th… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala Front Valve Cover Oil Leak Fire Hazard — 3.8L V6 Impala (Recall 09V116000)?
GM recall 09V116000 covers 2000-2003 Chevrolet Impalas built with the 3.8L naturally aspirated V6. The problem is not the oil leak itself but where the oil ends up: under hard braking, drops of engine oil can be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and… Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.