2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden metallic knocking or rod knock with no prior warning, Massive oil consumption (quart per 500 miles) leading to seizure, Coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick) from failed intake gaskets causing bearing damage, Low oil pressure light followed by immediate engine death

Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. Involves full teardown, new pistons, rings, bearings, machine work on crankshaft. Many shops recommend used/reman engine swap instead. 18-25 labor hours for rebuild, 12-16 for swap.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink milkshake fluid in radiator (trans fluid mixing with coolant), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after overheating, Coolant in transmission pan during service, Transmission failure within days if contamination not caught immediately

Fix: Requires radiator replacement (internal cooler corrodes through), complete transmission fluid flush multiple times, often new transmission if driven after contamination. External cooler addition recommended. 4-6 hours for radiator/flush, 8-12 if trans damaged.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (caught early), $2,500-4,000 (trans damaged)

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: External coolant leaks at front/rear of engine below intake, Coolant loss with no visible external puddle (internal leak into crankcase), Rough idle and misfires from coolant in cylinders, Sweet smell from exhaust, white smoke on startup

Fix: Lower intake manifold removal, gasket set replacement, coolant flush. Must use updated metal gaskets, not Dexcool-compatible plastic OEM style. 5-7 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $650-1,100

Symptoms: Key will not turn in ignition or gets stuck, Steering wheel lock engages and won't release, Key can be removed while engine running or in accessory position, Passlock security system triggers no-start condition

Fix: Ignition lock cylinder replacement requires steering column disassembly and Passlock relearn procedure. Recall 14V153 addressed some units but not all. 2-3 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $250-500

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through floorboard at idle in gear, Visible engine/trans movement when applying throttle from stop, Axle shaft angles become extreme causing CV joint wear

Fix: Replacement of transmission mount (torque strut mount also common). Simple bolt-in job but requires supporting trans weight. 1-1.5 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $180-320

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: No start with crank but no fuel pressure, Stalling at operating temperature or under load, Fuel gauge reads empty when tank is full or erratic readings, Whining noise from rear seat area when key is on

Fix: Fuel tank drop required on sedan (easier on police package with access panel). Pump and sending unit replaced as assembly. 2.5-3.5 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud clunk when turning wheel at low speeds or parking, Knocking felt through steering column over bumps, Steering feels notchy or catches at center position, More pronounced in cold weather

Fix: Intermediate shaft replacement or bearing service. GM had multiple TSBs and recalls (14V342) for this across W-body. 1.5-2 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $200-400