Engine Exhaust System problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Impala

My vehicle had lack of power especially on the highway. Nearly rear ended a couple of times. Took it to a transmission shop, thought that was the problem. It turned out to be a clogged catalytic converter. My car is a 2001 chevy at the time my mileage was 66,624 . The mechanic informed me that if I didn't repair it, I could damage the transmission and or engine. I had them replace it a cost of 745. 31 labor & parts. After the repair the car worked fine & happy to say it still does. Sent all necessary papers to general motors for re-imbursement under the 80,000/8 yr emissions warranty but my claim was denied! the reason was I didn't take it to a dealer but I felt it was a safety hazard to me & others. (cat converter was blocked/clogged).

At around 75,000 miles, my 2001 Impala began to lose power,particularly when accelerating. I tried fuel system cleaners, replaced fuel filter, air filter, etc. No help. Then one day a hole was blown through my intake manifold. That's right, the intake manifold. I took it to a local mechanic, because I knew I couldn't afford the gm dealership shop price, and was informed that the egr valve and catalytic converter were totally stopped up consequently trapping hot engine exhaust in the intake area with nowhere to go. The cost of parts and repairs cost me over $800. I have had many cars over the years and never had a catalytic converter completely stop up. According to my local mechanic this is a very common problem with this car model. I think gm should reimburse for this expense.

Have a Chevrolet Impala with a intake gasket leak. It is so bad it makes my young children physically sick. The turn signals have decided to only work once in a while and the locks on the doors (ours is a 4 door) are sticking - trapping us inside or keeping us locked out. Our trunk wont open at all!.