2006 Chevrolet Impala. Consumer writes in regards to transmission problems. The consumer stated the transmission was slipping. She explained to the dealer, there was a recurring problem with the transmission. Each time, the consumer went to the dealer, she was informed they could not recreate the problem, and therefore no problem existed. Besides the transmission problem, there was a horrible ratcheting machine-gun type noise coming from behind the dash, when she changed the vent position. The loud noise lasted for about a minute and was almost ear-piercing. Also, the engine mount broke, the water pump, steering and tie rods failed, the engine burned excessive amount of oil, and the engine low oil light illuminated. The windows made a screeching sound, the sunroof would drag, the plastic headlight covered were fogged and faded. The tire pressure monitoring light was constantly on. On April 24, 2013. The consumer took the vehicle to an independent transmission shop to have them assess the same transmission slipping problem, she had been experiencing for seven years. They dropped the transmission pan, and they found fine metal, pieces of aluminum and clutch material in the pan.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer or independent repair shop on three occasions to have the tires replaced due to excessive tread wear. The contact stated that the tires were wearing excessively due to defective tie rods. The vehicle was not taken to have the tie rods repaired. The failure mileage was 6,000 and the current mileage was 31,000.

- Detroit, MI, USA

I noticed the front right tire was wearing extensively on the outside. First I checked the tire pressure and it was at the proper amount. Then I went to have the tires rotated and was told to have the alignment check by the tire serviceman. Then I went to have the tires aligned and the technician said the tie rod ends had to be replaced because they were worn out and loose. I personally observed the front wheels and they both were extreme loose. The car has been regularly serviced by the Chevrolet local dealer and only had 37,500 miles on it. I had it serviced at approximately 35,500 miles by the Chevrolet dealer. I took the car to the Chevrolet dealer, who agreed that both the tie rods ends needed replacing and that he thought they could be replaced with Chevrolet paying for them. Both the alignment technician and the Chevrolet dealer service person told me that the reason the tie rod ends were worn out was that they contained no grease fittings and further that the ones Chevrolet finally replaced the worn out ones they do not have grease fittings. This car is a 2006 Chevrolet impla. I still am going to have to replace what was the front tire(s) before this discover due to this manufacturing defect. Further, I am expecting to have to replace the current new ones which have no grease fittings within 30,000 or again risk my safety and excessive and unnecessary tire wear. I am told by service people and technicians that I can purchase aftermarket (non-General Motors tie rod ends) that would have grease fittings. This lack of grease fittings is obviously a very serious manufacturing defect, that endangers the lives of hundreds of thousands of Chevrolet Impala owners and their passengers and others on the roads. I am concerned about this what appears to me to be a manufacturing defect.

- Russellville, KY, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the outer tie rod end was defective on both the driver and passenger side tires. While driving 55-60 mph, the entire vehicle fluttered and shook when the steering wheel was turned. The dealer replaced the tie rods and there had been no further occurrences. The current and failure mileages were 15,000. Updated 11/07/07.

- Lancaster, WI, USA