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Comments
Thanks again for the good wishes, Jeff. Best also to you and your wife as you both consider her next ride. BTW - if my wife had not gone with me when I drove the Bonnie - I'd still be looking but leaning toward either Bonnie or Impala LS evenly. She was insistent on buying that Bonnie that day - oh the price we pay for marital harmony (heheheheh).
Ken
I have a 2000 Impala base, bought 5/00, now with ~11800 miles
had the clicking problem in the front end early on, but it's either gone away or I don't notice it anymore (I think it's gone away)
currently have a slight tremor in the steering column/wheel when I press the brakes at speeds over 40 mph - not that noticeable
my radio/CD/cass sounds great (other than weak AM reception)...bass is great...
is the weak stereo thing only with the LS or with certain speaker packages?
Tried the amp bypass today, there was a difference, but not enough of a difference to leave it rigged up like that. Without the bypass, I have noticed that at a higher volume level, there is more bass than there is at a lower volume level. Also there is better bass with the CD player. I put it back the way it was, didnt like the plug hanging down, and had this fear of being in the middle of a long trip and having a wire pop out and being really unhappy, crawling back in the trunk when I should be driving.
Also, the engine cradle issue.. the 2001 still has the aluminum engine cradle. Whether it has been re-enforced or modified, I dont know. I never looked at the 2000 cradle, and never had any popping or noise with either my 2000 or my 2001 Impala.
On a sweeter note. My teenage son is driving now, a used dependable vehicle. He recently went to the city to eat. It just so happened, we went to the same city to take in a flick. We were in the turn lane for a left turn. My son happened to be through eating, sitting in his vehicle scanning some tunes when he noticed a vehicle in a turn lane coming towards him. He had no clue it was us until we spotted him and pulled over to speak to him at which time he told us that he had been sitting there admiring the shiny black vehicle waiting to make a turn, thinking, "wow , what a fancy [non-permissible content removed] car and wondering what make it was". Nice compliment :-) This same boy, learned to drive in the first 2000 Impala. It was awful. The vehicle was brand new and a brand new permit driver was in the home ! How awful is that? I was a passenger a lot. Lucky him :-)
That said, I still believe the Impala is a heck of a value and a great automobile but it has some problems that require GM to step up to the plate and solve quickly before they go out of hand. The engine cradle IS A CONCERN whether that sound logical to you or not. The use of Aluminum for that type of application is new technology beign applied by GM on these cars and problems are bound to happen. Current owners and future owners should be fully aware of the fact that GM can't come up with a permament fix for the clicks and creaks some people have been experiencing. If after gathering all of the positive and negative facts you still want to go ahead and buy the Impala, that's your personal choice. If a buyer interested in the car prefers to put on hold their purchase of the Impala, more power to them. Again, the purpose of this forum is to INFORM others in a fair and balanced way about good points and negative issues, not to sugar coat facts.
Yes, there is a very good probability that GM will eventually replace my car. And no, I am not in arbitration. I am working directly with GM in this case....customer service, my dealer, my service manager and the District Manager. The Service Manager is very customer oriented and believes and supports the fact that GM should stand behind its product and do the right thing to keep the customer happy. This 35 year GM employee veteran seems to understand that it is more valuable to keep customer loyalty ($$$$) than dragging him along with a problematic product or the costly and painful process of arbitration and lemon law after which a customer is lost for good even if the customer wins the case.
I do consider myself very lucky, becuase GM and my dealer are really pulling strings along the way to keep me happy with the car...I say that's highly unusual in most cases. Neither GM or my Service Manager opposed to the idea of getting the district manager involved in my case...after all this dude has been empowered to make buyback or car replacement offers on the spot.
The dealer has had plenty of opportunity to get the car repaired. It has been 10 days since I dropped her at the dealer and today the parts hasn't arrived yet. The car probably will stay there until the end of the week or until the District Manager shows up at the dealer to look at the car and make a final decision. My service manager has been extremely attentive and a tru gentleman. My attitude towards GM and my dealer has been conducted in a strict polite business like attitude. It is incredible to see the results when you treat people correctly and politely...the world suddenly moves around you!.
For those of you that have had flawless Impala experiences all I can say...be thankful and enjoy your cars. My problems sure they could be minimal, but to me there are SIGNIFICANT. I paid a good chunk of money for this automobile and I expect no Major repairs at least during the first 2 years of ownership. Quality is the name of the game and GM is not the only one that makes cars in the real world. I am anal retentive when it comes to quality (That's my job actually)and to me a new A/C Compressor and a steering shaft in the first 11 months of ownership are not indicative of a high quality car. Yes machines do brake, and cars new or old brake too, but quality and durability is what sets apart some vehicles from others. With this I am not implying that the Impala is trash. If GM replaces the car with a new '01, I will take it and give it a second chance because I believe that I will not have the same problems in another Impala, unless of course, the engine cradle starts to act up.
I get my money's worth, nothing LESS. My hard earned cash goes to the company that can provide a quality product and quality service, simple as that.
And again I am not ranting or barking at GM or Chevy...I am conducting a business transaction called CUSTOMER SATISFACTION with ultermost respect, courtesy and following their own established procedure. Under those terms I believe GM will go out of its way to make a customer happy? Is that so wrong?
If people don't demand quality products, don't expect companies to provided them to you. GM knows that their lack of quality during the past 30 years have cost them much loyalty and much of the market share they once held. I hope they still understand and listen to their customers.
Last, leasing doesn't provide a safe heaven should you have a defective or lemon vehicle. If you have a lease car that spends more time in the shop than in the street or a car that has known safety defects, would you still keep that car? The same principles apply here...you are making payments on the car, you are entitled to enforce the warranty and any customer satisfaction remedies including legal remedies such as arbitration and lemon law. I have known close people that have gone to arbitration or lemon law on leased vehicles. leasing did not provided instant or easier relief when their vehicles proved to be troublesome. They had to take the same long and costly curve as if they had purchased the cars to recover all their deposits and monthly payments....after all who has to get stuck to a lemon for 3 or 4 years? Sorry, having myself leased cars in the past I can tell you that it doesn't make much of a difference when faced with problematic cars....relief takes as long as if you had bought it in the first place.
Perserverance wins out everytime. Its your money and you deserve to get your money's worth.
If you don't get your money's worth then you should take it elsewhere. I think the fact that GM's market share is 28% tells you that a lot of other people have done just that.
Hard to believe GM cannot fix the cradle cracking engineering-wise. This rather looks as an organization issue. Long development / testing lead time results in fixes only after two years or so after start of production. Like the Malibu / Alero brake rotors etc.
Our LS seems to be in the middle. Noise at the cradle mount bushings is all. No cracks have been seen by me or a couple of guys I work with that weld steel and aluminum on a regular basis.
I know of 2 ppl that have not bought an Impala because of the info posted here at the Edmunds bbs.
They both bought Import cars or cars built in the USA with Import names I should say. ((-;
I still have not done the amp bypass deal. I need to set up a time and just try it out. Been too busy lately.
I have been waiting for GM to come up with the official click "fix" before taking the car to the dealer. But now the clicking has stopped by itself and in its place I FEEL (no sounds...yet) a mild intermittent clunking as I turn the wheel at slow speeds. This occurs mostly on right turns - much as Nosirrahg describes in an earlier post. I also get that same feeling through the brake pedal when braking and release braking at very slow speeds.
I figured that probably a stressed cradle weld had broken and now something was loose, causing the clunky feelings. The recent posts here seem to indicate the problem is in the intermediate steering shaft. But would that account for the braking feel also? And has anyone else had the the clicking sounds disappear simultaneously with the arrival of the clunks?
Right now, I have the new clunking problem, an ongoing stalling problem at idle that occurs once or twice a month, a recurring "service vehicle soon" warning light that never leaves a code, and a relatively new (last three months) engine stuttering problem upon accelerating after a start up. The latter occurs about once or twice a week at completely random times - as far as I can tell.
I think the Impala is a great car, and I can live with the listed minor flaws, but not the clunky stuff. That literally and figuratively feels dangerous.
I am going to take the car in next week and begin what I hope is not going to be a long drawn out process. Any suggestions?
It would be interesting to know if Impala owners with vehicles built prior to 9/99 and built after 4/00 have had this issue (Specially 2001's with more than 5K miles). The problem seems to manifest itself typically between 10K to 20K miles. And contrary to what other 'gurus' might tell you, steering problems are SAFETY concerns and the steering shaft is no exception.
Take your car to the dealer and if they give you a hard time about it, request for the service manager to test drive the vehicle with you, so he can feel and recognize the clunks. Also, bring printouts of the posts found in the Impala forum that reference to the problem. Be very polite but firm about the problem. If the dealer claims that GM doesn't know about the problem, tell them that a number of Impala owners have reported the same problem over the internet. If you help your dealer with the diagnose of the problem, it will save your time and their time...again don't be afraid to let know your service manager about your problems and unsatisfaction with nagging problems in your car. Its your money after all.
Ironically, my Impala has been virtually free from engine cradle noises and engine related problems. Based on my experience with the 3800 engine, this powerplant seems to be very sensitive to fuel quality discrepancies. Ever since I switched to 89 and now 93 Premium fuel, the engine runs solid and like a champ. No stutters, rough idle, no hesitation, no check engine lights, no shutdowns, no problems. I don't know about the quality of fuel you folks up in the snow belt get, but seriously try different brands of fuel to see if the problem goes away. Still, take the car to the dealer as engine problems do compromise the safety and durability of the car.
Some posters have said here that their engine cradle popping noises have dissapeared as well over time..hummmm that sounds too akward, better have that cradle check while they replace your steering shaft.
Good luck.
Just a thought - but if it turns out that the majority are - perhaps you could collectively approach GM/Chevrolet management from the perspective of offering new quotes for the 2002 brochure based on your continued experience. (Partly tongue-in-cheek, guys)
Perhaps a joint request for engineering response would solicit some answers to this forum and the general buying public about where Chevrolet stands in its efforts to fix the well known suspension problems.
Best wishes to you all. BTW - I picked up my Bonneville last night and I absolutely love it. This in no way diminishes the Impala's attractiveness - but really - this Bonneville is a wonderful car. I'm so glad to at last have something technologically up to date and good looking - can't describe the feeling of satisfaction it imparts.
Ken
Thanks for your comments and suggestions
Ken
In the mean time, the GM District manager will be flying into Miami later this afternoon and my Service Manager will meet with him personally to ensure my continued satisfaction with GM and Chevy. He still told me that it is very likely that GM will replace the car anyway, so for sure sometime tomorrow afternoon I'll have an answer on the results of today's meeting.
I'll keep everyone posted on the results of this saga.
and then download the Acrobat PDF format US brochure. Look for me on page 16.
My 2001 Impala AS has just over 1500 miles on it. I purchased it the last weekend of September, 2000. Yes, the car only has over 1500 miles. I look forward to driving it when there is better weather. I drive an '86 Silver ado to work during the week so I don't place a lot of miles on the Impala.
May all enjoy their Impalas. Toe, I am sorry to hear the about the problem you are having with your Impala. Maybe Chevrolet will be able to repair it. May all have a great day and enjoy the ride!
Just FYI Mr. Greg Bellopatrick was in charged of the engineering and inplementation of the Y2K Impala and Montecarlo cars. Mr. Bellopatrick owes us some answers regarding the engine cradle problems and the now recently discovered intermediate steering shaft non-sense.
anyone can send a picture along and I'll put you on there
I've also noticed when braking from highway speeds (like exiting an expressway) that I feel a bit of a shimmy when applying the brakes fairly strongly (in a straight line, or in a curve). Feels like warped rotors, but since I haven't had my wheels off the car yet, I'd like to think that's not the problem. (I know, almost 15k miles and no tire rotation; but I'm not in a big hurry to prolong the life of the tires that came on the car - the sooner they wear out, the quicker I can trade up to the Michelins.)
Think this shimmy could be part of the progression of the steering shaft issue?
My suggestion to you is to get your car serviced as soon as possible. By delaying bringing the car into the dealership, the problem will only get worse not to mention your own safety and of those around you.
Heck the Metro did suck, but at least it provided me with solid transportation while the Impala was waiting to be repaired.
Again, don't delay these repairs any longer.
BTW My car will be ready to be picked up sometime tomorrow morning.
happily you will missit.
Our LS was built in 8-99, 29,700 miles now. No steering clunks or clikcking. Only the popping of the mounts for the frame cradle to the main body shell.
I saw a 2001 silver Impala LS tonight on the expressway. A guy in his mid / late 20's. I noticed that he was one of those "lane changers " to get 4 feet further in heavy freeway traffic....
((-;
Thanks for the input on the clunk problem. I am wondering if the new intermediate steering shaft you are having installed is different from the original (new and improved?). If it isn't, should we expect the same problem to recur after enough mileage has elapsed? Also, from your recent posts you indicate that outside of the clunk problem, you have not had any real problems. If so, why would GM be willing to "..likely replace the car..." based on this problem alone?
Nosirrahg -
Do you think we are the only two in the "Both Clicks and Clunks Club" or have you heard of others experiencing both problems? And do you know of any evidence that indicates the two problems are related or not related?
Build date of my LS: 11-18-99
Mileage = 14,000 approx.
More later
Cobra
Now, let's assume that the steering shaft problem only affects certain build date ranges and VIN sequences due to a manufacturing or workmanship defect and later corrected on recent build Impalas, then we can safely assume that the new part has had some sort of 'revision' therefore it will solve the problem permanently.
I guess only time will tell.
Aside from this issue, my A/C compressor failed at 7K miles and was replaced under warranty. This one appears to be more an isolated case than another widespread malady.
Case in point....only 11 months of ownership and this car has had 2 major repairs under warranty. Is that acceptable for a vehicle that we paid for $23K? I don't think so. Cars are not perfect, but 2 major repairs on a still 'new' car which has been pampered and maintained by the book are considered to be 2 red flags of things to come. As far as I am concerned GM can have this car back. It failed the quality test too soon. Sorry I am a real pain when it comes to my money and the quality of products sold to me. Ford pulled too many tricks on me years ago and I learned a very costly lesson by still believing that a defective product could somehow be fixed at the dealer..today 2 major strikes, car is out and my cash goes elsewhere. Too many good cars at the Impala's price point to choose from. However, very few or almost none can match the Impala's extensive list of goodies for the money....but quality varies greatly; however.
GM sold me the Impala as the 'Most care free car in the road'...oh well, today I am enforcing their promise and getting every pennie's count...the merchandise is not indeed as 'carefree' as they portrayed to be. IF GM offers a 'good will' offer of replacement for a new '01, I will not hesitate to give the car a second chance. Otherwise, the market place is saturated with cars...it is a buyer's market.
Today GM recalled 1.38 million full size trucks and SUVs for faulty brakes (A problem taht according to Silverado and Suburban owners GM took 2 years to publicy acknowledge it...what a victory for those pursuing getting rid of their defective trucks) I see a massive Impala/Montecarlo recall of this magnitude coming to your nearest news network very, very soon.
In the back of the owners manual are a few numbers to call for Chevy complaints, questions, etc. I contacted one to set up a problem file and I asked the rep for my build date. It took her only a couple of minutes to look it up (have your Vin# ready).
Teo -
Assuming the new steering shaft takes care of the clunking problem, but offers no guarantee of non-recurrence, GM might be prodded into offering as a solution - to keep everyone happy - a free extended warranty on that part. I vaguely think I read something similar happening some time ago.
Taylor1276 -
The problem with stuttering, as with all intermittent problems, is that the mechanics can rarely duplicate the problem and therefore do not come up with fixes. Teo's suggestion that the Impala's engine(s?) are finicky about gas quality might be the answer. Trying a higher octane and/or brand might be worth a shot.
On my previous FWD Olds 88 Royale - I failed to rotate for a long while
and the tires became what they called "scalloped".
The steering wheel vibrated at speeds over 60 and on heavy braking.
I have posted several times in the past relaying my problems with a 2000 Monte SS. I, too, had the engine cradle issue. It was in five times for repair/replacement to no avail. I travel 120 miles/day to work and back, and just didn't feel safe, although I was told that I could get in writing that is was safe(never got it, by the way).
I absolutely fell in love with this car and had to have it. My dealer let me know he had his first one coming in(this was back in October); I told him to put "sold" on it and I would be there after work. I drove it home that evening after "losing my shirt" on the trade in. But I had to have it. I see them today and still miss her terribly. I may buy another in a few years when hopefully all this is worked out. Point is, I know just how disappointed you are.
GM bought the car back. I will be happy to share my experience; however, it seems that you have an "in" with Chevy/GM and I'm sure you'll get everything you expect. I would have held out longer for a better deal, but after several months of feeling unsafe, I just had to let it go!
Sorry for being longwinded! I purchased a 2000 GP GT. Now at 13,000+ miles, I have had no problems at all. Definetly a nice vehicle with all the gadgets, reasonably priced. Same engine, good power(would have gotten the GTP if I hadn't gotten a little screwed on the buyback!)
Good luck with all! I'll keep watching for the outcome!
To be sung to tune of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"
Click, Clunk. Ticky Ticky Pop Pop.
Impala LS we love you!
Click, Clunk, Ticky Ticky Pop Pop.
Cradle flexing - what to do?
Shimmy Pop, Shimmy Pop, Shimmy Shimmy Pop Pop - new steering column's due
Pop Pop Ticky Ticky Pop Pop
Maybe we should sue .
Pop Pop Ticky Ticky Pop Pop
Impala we love you!
Have a great day all
Ken
Sorta like... wide rears shouldn't wear white. Good thing to remember with spring on it's way...
heheheheheh....
Here is what the final repair ticket says:
" Problem area: Steering/Suspension
Description: Customer states clunking noise while turning right and also clunking felt on brake pedal at low speeds or while parking
Diagnostic: Replace faulty Intermediate Steering Shaft.
Part# 26079240
Warranty claim"
For those of you that are experiencing the same exact problem, go ahead and make a printout of this post and show it to your dealer's service writer or manager if in doubt. This problem has been well documented already and GM should issue a TSB or Recall to replace these defective shafts. Don't delay, steering problems are safety problems.
According to my service manager, it is very likely that the GM Zone rep will go ahead and replace the vehicle anyway as a "Good Will" gesture in part of GM. I'll believe it when I see it. I'll keep everyone posted on any new developments.
Metro is gone, what a relief!
it does feel like warped rotors to me...
before purchasing my Impala, I leased a Malibu LS, which had a rather (in)famous warped rotor problem...
the shimmy on the Malibu's braking was MUCH bigger than the one I'm feeling now, but feels the same
on another note: my change engine oil light came at around 11k as well, right after I got an oil change...
I reset the light (multiple times) via the radio head unit, but it stills comes on when I start up the car, then goes away after a minute or so
any ideas?
I would appreciate if you can post your buyback saga. I am specially interested on details pertaining your dealership's involvement to pursue GM to buyback your Montecarlo.
Hope you are enjoying that Pontiac GP GT...sweet car. I drove one GP GT sedan and a Bonneville SE sedan last week. Very nice cars and both have distinctive characters and best of all..no aluminum engine cradles ;-)