Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that her vehicle would fail to start up after multiple attempts without warning. The contact stated that while her fiance was driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning which cause him to crash into a ravine. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact and her fiance suffered minor scrapes and bruises but did not seek medical attention. A police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer was contacted about the incident and was informed that they could not pick up the vehicle to perform an investigation. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown
while waiting to make a left turn when traffic cleared I pressed the gas pedal and heard a loud grinding noise and the car would not move for 2 or 3 seconds and suddenly moved. Very dangerous. Car forums have many of the same incidents with great difficulty in resolving this problem and after several years no answers. This is life threatening issue.
While driving vehicle warning light service stabilitrak....reduced engine power comes on. Vehicle then slows and can not drive over 20 to 30 mph. This has occurred randomly at highway speeds while driving on interstate in traffic. Sudden reduction caused traffic to have to slow quickly and almost caused a collision.
Was driving home on the interstate within normal speed limit. All of a sudden hit something ran over something and the car begin to lose oil and shut off. When towed to repair shop was told the engine had a defect in it bc it threw a rod and ruined the engine. The repair shop confirmed I was not at any fault bc there was plenty of oil and all needed maintenance was update. The repair shop can't figure out why the engine would throw a rod and deemed it a defect in the engine. The car was bought with 30K miles and now its 130K. Never had any problems until this and statefarm insurance says it does not cover this situation. Will be seeking if the manufacturer will replace it, bc it happened not at any fault of mine. If anyone else have experienced this please make it known for other ppl and state how you solved it. Thks
I dont understand why my car shows no misfires until today and its the fuel control module but it resets and goes away then back again like its remote control. While stationary battery is fair/ alternator fair
My 2013 Impala ltz will suddenly decelerate to around 35 MPH and hesitate when you hit the gas. Three messages pop up, "traction control off", "engine power is reduced" and "service stabilitrak". This happened to me a few months ago and I brought it right in to global Chevy in north plainfield, nj. They fixed and it seemed fine but now happening again but this time, I almost got t-boned in an intersection. I have found this has happened to many people in many different forums. Now I need to get the vehicle to the dealer again. This should be a recall!!!!!!!! I almost got smashed and I will be making sure this is documented in as many forums as possible. This is a Chevy problem. I got charged over $650 to fix this last time!!!!!!!! I am upset as hell and not really sure what to make of this. I need to drive my kids around in this time bomb now? …
First my service ABS traction control lights came on and while making left turns a loud metal grinding noise happened and my traction control light flashed. I took it to my local mechanic he replaced the bearing and sensors which helped with the service lights but the grinding still happened. The noise and traction control light still continued while turning just not as much as before. The mechanic replaced the part twice!! Took it to my mechanic again because of the grinding and traction control flashing he drove it around and he could not make the noise happen so he could not fix or replace anything. It feels like the ABS is braking on its own for no reason while I drive my 2013 Impala ltz. My mechanics can not find the problem and it seems neither can any Impala owner or mechanic. …
I took my car to the dealership because I had a few noises from the front end. One was a clunking noise when I reached speeds of approx 25 MPH, the front end was making a popping noise, when I would back up then pull forward there was a grinding noise, and also a few times when I would make a left hand turn it was like my car was stuck for a few seconds with the motor revving, but wouldnt move. When it finally would, it would shoot forward and I almost lost control of the vehicle. When I took it to the dealer, I was told both lower control arms and the right front hub had excessive play, the front engine, rear engine, strut mount, and transmission mount were torn, the front timing cover and the steering gear rack were leaking and all needed to be replaced. So much for spending so much money for a car to reliably get me and my kids from point a to b safely. …
Car has a grinding noise and hesitates when taking a left turn from a stop. Only happens intermittently at this point. Feels like the traction control coming on for no reason. (but then I am not a mechanic) no indicator lights on the dashboard come on when it happens. It is dangerous because the car hesitates and pulling out into traffic this is an uncomfortable situation. Sometimes it May happen 5 to 6 times a day and then it stops and doesn't happen for days or weeks again. Does not seem to be related to weather conditions as it happens at all different times. Brought it to the dealer and they cannot diagnose the issue because it doesn't happen when they drive it. They checked the car and cannot find a problem. Told to bring it back if the problem persists and gets more frequent.
Service stabilitrack warning indicator lights flash and beep while all guages go to zero and back while door locks are also engaging open and closed at all speeds. Has been almost on daily basis for the last few months. Before 6 months ago would only happen occasionally.vehicle will lose acceleration for a few seconds. . This will happen several times while driving consecutive almost 10-20 times in a row. Traction control and ABS, brake assist will also have warning lights go off. Have had my car in 2 diffrent shops and spent almost $2000 and still no fix. . Chevy needs to do a better job explaining what service stabilitrack consist of. Mechanics have no clear idea what to fix. Is there a recall on this system. Any help would be much appreciated. Chevy has no answers.
Transmission complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Chevrolet Impala, 12% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Impala transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Impala transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.