Three problems related to automatic transmission park/neutral start switch have been reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Impala. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala based on all problems reported for the 2001 Impala.
Driver's left vehicle in park with engine running. Consumer got out, ran in house for a minute, and vehicle jumped out of park into reverse, and rolled backwards into a tree. Dealer has been contacted.
When key was in accessary position and without applying brakes shift lever can be moved out of park positon which was done by a 2 year old, causing vehicle to roll. Manufacturer stated that vehicles did not have a safety feature to prevent this from occurring.
When vehicle is in drive and you take your foot off of the brake it will start to roll backwards. This happens when you are sitting at a red light or sitting in your driveway. When this occurs you hit the gas and might hit the car in front of you. Or roll back and hit the car behind you. The salesman at the dealership were I got the car has had a number of complaints about this same problem, his name is john murphy. I have called the Chevrolet company to voice my problem. I am waiting to hear back from them, if you have any question feel free to call or email me and I will answer any other questions thankyou for looking into this matter.