The most common problem Chevrolet drivers report is air conditioning issues, but Chevy models can also have rough shifting, a sticking ignition key, fuel pump failure, and fast oil consumption.
Any car owner knows that at some point, your vehicle will have mechanical issues. Parts can wear out and break down over time, but some issues seem to be specific to certain makes and models.
If you drive a Chevrolet or plan to buy one, Jerry
, the super app for car insurance
that also provides car repair
content, has you covered. We put together this guide on common Chevrolet problems and what to know before you get in the car. We'll also show you how to save on Chevrolet car insurance costs
.
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What are the most common Chevrolet problems?
As a division of General Motors, Chevrolet is one of the most recognized vehicle manufacturers in the world. They sell a wide range of vehicle types and have a high degree of reliability, but that doesn’t mean that they’re free from problems. There are several Chevrolet models with some serious mechanical issues. Here are some of the most common problems:
The 2005 Chevrolet Impala
has had the most issues, with four major recalls and a whopping 603 complaints lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Compare that with the Silverado 2500
or Bolt
, which were rated Chevy’s most reliable vehicles. The table below has the five Chevrolet models with the most issues, based on the current 2022 models on the market with a list of their common mechanical problems.
| | J.D. Power reliability rating | | |
---|
| | | Transmission failure, power lock malfunction, heater issues, excessive oil consumption, Passlock failure, intake manifold gasket failure | |
| | | Flimsy wheel wells, frequent Check Engine Light, battery issues, excessive oil consumption, A/C compressor issues, lower control arm rattling | |
| | | Transmission and drivetrain problems, engine misfire, loss of power steering, key stuck in the ignition, soft brake pedal, fuel level sensor failure, malfunctioning A/C blower | 2004, 2005, 2015, 2016, 2018 |
| | | Fuel pump failure, faulty distributor, fuel gauge issues, transmission failure, ABS failure, gas cap issues | |
| | | Loss of engine power, Passlock failure, transmission failure, turn signal failure, power door lock problems, headlight issues, CD player failure, power steering malfunction, cracked intake manifold gasket, broken front coil spring | 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016 |
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Most common Chevrolet Impala problems
Average annual repair cost: $568
CarComplaints.com complaints: 4,768
Several Impala model years have transmission problems. Drivers reported they noticed their Impala stuttering and jerking—plus a loud noise before the transmission failed. Most Impalas had to have complete transmission replacements, which is an expensive undertaking. A complete transmission replacement for an Impala can be as much as $2,970!
Impalas also seem to have frequent power lock issues. Sometimes the locks work off and on, but other times they fail. Most vehicles required replacements for the faulty components, but the good news is that the replacements seemed to fix the issue.
Most common Chevrolet Equinox problems
Average annual repair cost: $537
CarComplaints.com complaints: 2,612
Like almost all Chevrolet models on our list, the Equinox
seems to consume oil at an alarming rate. Many owners complained that their Equinox burned through oil so quickly that the only indication they had of a problem was when their engine stalled and then stopped working altogether. Most units didn’t have any oil leaks, so the Equinox was just burning the oil off too quickly. The Equinox has also been plagued by battery issues, with several interior components failing and the SUV refusing to start, especially in cold weather.
Most common Chevrolet Colorado problems
Average annual repair cost: $599
CarComplaints.com complaints: 785
The Chevrolet Colorado
seems to have the longest list of most costly mechanical issues, not least of which is transmission problems. Many drivers complained their Colorado had a serious shifting delay—sometimes more than three seconds before getting into gear! There have also been reports of transmission slipping. Colorado owners have also reported engine misfires along with several instances of loss of power steering. All of the Colorado’s issues can be extremely dangerous and should be fixed as quickly as possible.
Most common Chevrolet Blazer problems
Average annual repair cost: $431
CarComplaints.com complaints: 642
Several model years of the Chevrolet Blazer
experience fuel pump failure. Without a good supply of fuel from the tank, most Blazers will either stall or refuse to start at all, incurring some high repair bills to fix. Some Blazers also experience serious transmission issues, (the worst offender being the 2000 model) making driving the vehicle dangerous. Owners have reported the transmission slipping gears, refusing to go in reverse, and even failing. In most cases, the transmission had to be completely rebuilt or replaced.
Most common Chevrolet Malibu problems
Average annual repair cost: $532
CarComplaints.com complaints: 4,601
The most common Chevrolet Malibu
complaint is the loss of engine power. Owners have noticed the reduced engine power along with excessive vibrations and strange noises coming from under the hood. In almost all instances, the Malibu needed a complete engine overhaul to solve the issue. And like several other models on our list, the Malibu also suffers from transmission issues. In higher mileage vehicles especially, the transmission is prone to complete failure, jerking, and rough gear changes. Fixing the transmission issues on the Malibu can cost as much as $3,260!
Are Chevrolet cars reliable?
Unfortunately for this American car company, Asian auto manufacturers like Honda
and Toyota
completely blow Chevrolet out of the water in terms of reliability. Although there are some great individual Chevrolet models, their overall scores from experts like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power are all over the place. Repair Pal gives Chevrolet an overall 3.5 out of 5 for reliability (20th out of all 32 car brands). While the frequency of issues with Chevrolet models is on par with the averages of other manufacturers, 15% of those repairs are for severe to catastrophic problems compared to 12% from other brands.
The least reliable Chevrolet model: 2005 Impala
Most common problem: Transmission issues
The 2005 Chevrolet Impala has a host of transmission issues—all the way from rough shifting to complete transmission failure. Since most serious transmission issues can only be fixed with a complete replacement or rebuild, owning a 2005 Impala can get costly very quickly.
The most reliable Chevrolet model: 2021 Bolt EV
Most common problem: Electrical issues
One of the first electric vehicles to hit the market, the 2021 Chevy Bolt EV
comes in as one of Chevrolet’s most reliable models. The zippy electric car has earned high ratings with J.D. Power and Consumer Reports and has few complaints with the NHTSA. How to buy hassle-free car insurance
Owning a Chevrolet might come with some headaches, but shopping for affordable car insurance
doesn’t have to. Just download Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, and you’ll have personalized quotes in under a minute. If Chevrolet’s transmission track record makes you sweat, Jerry's customer support can help you shop for policies that will cover major repair bills—with premiums that won’t destroy your budget. Jerry is partnered with over 50 of the nation’s top providers, so you know you’re getting the best coverage at a great rate.
Just how great of a rate? The average Jerry customer saves $800+ every year on their insurance premiums, which is more than the average yearly repair costs for Chevrolets.
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is the future of car insurance! I downloaded the app, entered the information, picked my insurance rate, and paid my fee. I even switched insurance providers easily! Jerry saved me $182/month so quickly!” —Paulina F.
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