2010 Chevrolet Impala

The 2010 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and affordability. Engine options included a 3.5L V6 (211 hp, 214 lb-ft torque) and a 3.9L V6 (230 hp, 240 lb-ft torque). Both were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission (4T65E). Owners often appreciate the Impala’s reliability and smooth driving experience, but some dislike its outdated design and lower fuel economy compared to newer models.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak around the valve cover, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.9L V6

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level, needing to add oil frequently, blue smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: There is no single solution; possibilities include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or the entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor acceleration, check engine light with VVT codes.
  • Solution: Replace the VVT solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65E (Both 3.5L and 3.9L)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. This can be caused by worn clutches, valve body issues, or internal damage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, abnormal noise from the transmission area.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end instability, wandering feeling on the road, clunking noise.
  • Solution: Replace rear trailing arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light on, traction control light on, ABS not functioning properly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABS sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Key getting stuck in the ignition, car not starting, accessories turning off while driving.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: 14V047000 (Covers certain ignition switch issues but not necessarily all)
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, grinding noise, window falling into the door.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Lens Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Polish the headlight lenses or replace the headlights.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Airbag Light On
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag light illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a problem with the airbag system.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the airbag system. This may involve replacing the clock spring, seatbelt pretensioner, or other airbag components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Chevrolet Impala has some known issues across various systems. Engine issues are somewhat specific to the 3.9L V6, while transmission problems with the 4T65E affect both engine options. Suspension and electrical issues are also common. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences (headlight clouding) to potentially costly repairs (transmission rebuild). Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect the vehicle before purchasing. The ignition switch recall is an important item to verify is completed.