2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: External coolant weeping from intake manifold seam, often rear cylinder bank, Coolant loss with no visible external puddles (internal seepage into crankcase), Milky oil or low oil level despite no leaks, Sudden rod knock or seized engine if coolant contaminates bearings

Fix: If caught early: intake manifold gasket replacement, 4-6 hours labor. If ignored and coolant mixes with oil: complete engine rebuild or replacement required including all bearings, pistons, rings. Many shops opt for used/reman long block instead of rebuild due to labor cost. This is THE killer on these engines.

Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (gasket only) or $3,500-6,500 (engine replacement with labor)

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from cooler lines at radiator connections, Visible rust perforation on steel cooler lines near frame rail routing, Sudden transmission failure if line ruptures and fluid dumps, Pink fluid pooling under vehicle front passenger area

Fix: Replace both transmission cooler lines (they rot together). Must drop frame crossmember for access on some routing. If line fails while driving and trans runs dry even briefly, internal damage occurs requiring rebuild. 3-5 hours labor for lines only, add 12-18 hours if transmission damaged.

Estimated cost: $400-700 (lines only) or $2,000-3,200 (with transmission rebuild)

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Heavy clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible engine sag or misalignment when viewed from above, Transmission shifter cable binding or difficult shifting

Fix: Front transmission mount (torque strut) separates or tears. Straightforward replacement, 1.5-2 hours labor. Inspect all three motor mounts simultaneously as they tend to fail together on high-mileage examples.

Estimated cost: $200-350

Symptoms: Key will not turn in ignition cylinder, Key stuck in ignition, cannot remove, Intermittent no-start with no crank (steering wheel locked), Warning lights flashing, gear selector locked

Fix: GM passlock system and worn lock cylinder tumblers. Requires lock cylinder replacement and relearn procedure. Related to NHTSA recall on ignition system but not always covered. 1.5-2.5 hours labor including programming.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud whining noise when turning, especially when cold, Power steering fluid leak from pump shaft seal, Heavy steering effort intermittently, Fluid level chronically low

Fix: Pump seal failure or worn pump vanes. Power steering pump replacement with reservoir transfer. 2-3 hours labor. Inspect high-pressure hose for cracks simultaneously.

Estimated cost: $350-550

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: No-start with crank but no fuel pressure, Intermittent stalling when fuel tank below 1/4, Engine stumble or hesitation under load, Whining noise from rear seat area fuel tank

Fix: In-tank fuel pump assembly replacement. Tank must be dropped. 3-4 hours labor. Replace fuel filter simultaneously (in-line external filter on this year).

Estimated cost: $600-900