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Chevrolet Impala Problems

The Chevrolet Impala has been America's full-size sedan for over 60 years, offering spacious transportation at mainstream prices. With 30,366 complaints but only 16 reported deaths, the Impala is generally safe but has had reliability issues in certain generations. Fleet duty has proven the Impala's durability, though some years require careful consideration.

30,366
Total Complaints
47
Total Recalls
40
Model Years
16
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2014 2009 2008
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1958 1963 1966

Common Problem Categories

Electrical System 6,994
Engine 2,518
Steering 2,446
Air Bags 1,908
Power Train 1,876

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2020 46 0 4 0 Good
2019 66 1 12 2 Good
2018 170 1 14 0 Good
2017 268 0 12 0 Good
2016 352 0 30 14 Good
2015 858 3 26 34 Average
2014 2,026 12 62 30 Avoid
2013 932 1 62 0 Average
2012 840 3 80 12 Average
2011 1,688 2 78 16 Below Average
2010 1,470 4 60 10 Below Average
2009 2,730 4 178 30 Avoid
2008 2,406 2 160 30 Avoid
2007 1,858 1 160 30 Below Average
2006 1,604 1 182 72 Below Average
2005 1,618 1 124 40 Below Average
2004 2,750 3 160 68 Avoid
2003 1,870 2 88 90 Below Average
2002 2,152 2 102 84 Avoid
2001 1,918 2 110 174 Avoid
2000 2,256 2 146 190 Avoid
1999 8 0 0 0 Good
1998 8 0 0 2 Good
1997 4 0 0 0 Good
1996 240 0 4 4 Good
1995 128 0 2 2 Good
1994 38 0 2 0 Good
1993 12 0 0 10 Good
1987 2 0 0 0 Good
1985 2 0 0 0 Good
1983 6 0 0 0 Good
1982 4 0 0 0 Good
1981 4 0 0 4 Good
1979 4 0 0 2 Good
1977 2 0 0 0 Good
1969 10 0 0 2 Good
1967 4 0 0 0 Good
1966 8 0 0 0 Good
1963 2 0 0 0 Good
1958 2 0 0 0 Good

Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid

The 2004 Impala is the worst model year, with widespread reports of security system failures that prevented starting, transmission issues, and steering problems. The 2006-2008 Impalas had excessive oil consumption in the 3.5L V6 and electrical problems. The 2000-2005 models experienced intake manifold gasket failures on the 3.4L V6 that could cause coolant leaks and overheating. The 2014-2016 redesigned models had transmission shuddering with the 6-speed automatic and various electronic glitches. Avoid the 3.4L V6 engine entirely due to chronic gasket failures.

Best Chevrolet Impala Years

The 1977 and earlier classic Impalas are collector vehicles with simple, serviceable mechanicals. The 2009-2013 Impalas represent the refined final years of the previous generation with sorted-out issues. The 2017-2020 models showed improvement in transmission calibration and overall quality before Chevrolet discontinued the nameplate.

Frequently Asked Questions