Although Chevrolet stopped making the Impala after 2019, this used car remains popular. After all, this iconic nameplate has been around since the 1950s. Whether you own an Impala now or are thinking about adding one to your garage, it’s helpful to know the typical trouble spots that plague the Chevrolet Impala.

However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all issue — car problems fluctuate between model years. For instance, the transmission troubles common to the 2006 Impala aren’t an issue for the 2008 edition. Variable factors like inadequate engineering, inferior manufacturing, and faulty components lead to ownership headaches later.

We’ve investigated the thousands of Chevy Impala owner complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to better identify what problems affect which model years.

The effort concentrated on the two most recent editions: the ninth-generation Chevrolet Impala (2006-2013) and the tenth-generation Chevrolet Impala (2014-2019). Chevy did make an Impala Limited (a carryover of the ninth generation) from 2014-2016. However, these models were mostly sold to law enforcement, rental, and taxi fleets and are excluded from the results.

In particular, this analysis looked at six major vehicle systems — the ones most likely to involve expensive repair bills:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Electrical System
• Suspension
• Brakes
• Steering

Below is a chart with the breakdown. To be fair, NHTSA doesn’t collect owner reports scientifically. What one owner might consider a “problem” is actually a normal operating condition as determined by the automaker. In other words, there’s a chance of some false reports in this data, but not enough to change the findings significantly.

The best way to analyze this data is to start with the total number of NHTSA complaints. If there are a couple hundred or more, look for concentrations of specific Chevrolet Impala problem areas. Returning to that 2006 Impala example, transmission issues account for over 20% of the 540 complaints submitted to NHTSA — a major red flag.

All ninth-generation Impalas and the 2014 and 2015 Impalas (part of the tenth generation) have at least 250 owner complaints per model year.  Among these examples, numerous problem areas account for at least 20% of the troubles for that model year. The 20% figure isn’t a fixed threshold but a general guideline for when occasional troubles become patterns. Chances are that if hundreds or dozens of Impala owners have the same problem, they’re not alone.

Ninth-Generation Chevrolet Impala Issues

Tenth-Generation Chevrolet Impala Problems

In addition to NHTSA, we looked at owner reports submitted to CarComplaints.com. While not as extensive, the information from this website provides additional insights and helps put the data in perspective. For instance, by its standards, CarComplaints calls the 2006 Impala a ‘clunker’ due to the transmission.

Why Identifying Chevrolet Impala Problems Is Useful

Knowing what issues might occur on a particular Impala is helpful to owners and prospective buyers. Targeting maintenance and servicing at known trouble spots can catch problems early when repairs tend to be less costly.

In addition, being aware of likely Impala problem areas makes purchasing an extended car warranty easier. You can get tailored coverage that safeguards against common breakdown causes. A case in point is the 2012 Chevy Impala. While powertrain protection for the engine, transmission, and drive axle is valuable, ensuring the electrical system, brakes, and steering are also covered can be even more critical.

Now that we know the typical issues Chevy Impala owners face, let’s discuss what these troubles mean and how to handle them. Depending on your skills and the problem area, you may take a DIY approach or visit a mechanic.

Engine Performance Issues

The data shows that most ninth-generation Impala model years have an elevated history of engine problems. While not an issue with every 2006-2013 Impala, there is a pattern of engine troubles involving:

• Excessive Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption can lead to poor engine lubrication, premature wear, and catastrophic failure. Worn piston rings or damaged valve seals are the most likely causes, requiring professional help. Regular oil level checks can catch this at an early stage.
• Faulty Head Gasket: Over time, the seal between the cylinder head and engine block can become damaged, resulting in overheating and possible engine damage. While repairs require an experienced mechanic, being alert to the symptoms of a bad head gasket (overheating, milky engine oil, low coolant, rough engine operation, and white exhaust smoke) is the best step an Impala owner can take.
• Reduced Engine Power: A wide array of problems can cause an engine to become less responsive. Typical causes are related to the fuel system/combustion, emission controls, and electronics. Often, this type of problem is accompanied by a check engine light. Use an OBD II scanner to begin diagnosing the situation. Simple DIY fixes include changing the air filter or replacing the spark plugs, but repairs can be complex.

Transmission Issues

The worst offender for Chevy Impala transmission troubles is the 2006 model, but those with a 2007, 2010, or 2011 edition will want to pay attention.

• Transmission Failure: Transmission failure is about as bad as it gets among significant car troubles. It’s a prime reason to move onto another car, as the repair costs are excessive. Without warranty protection, a replacement transmission costs $5,266 to $5,469 on average, according to RepairPal.
• Transmission Slippage: Several Impala model years have reported issues with a gearbox that doesn’t engage the correct gear (or any gear). In this instance, check your Impala for a transmission fluid leak. You’ll also want to ensure the fluid level is correct and that the fluid isn’t dirty and past its prime. With luck, the problem may also be tied to a bad shift solenoid, which can be replaced by a transmission specialist for substantially less than a new transmission.
• Rough Shifting: Transmission fluid issues (see above) can cause abrupt gear changes. However, other potential triggers, such as a worn sensor, are possible. More elaborate reasons include a bad torque converter or a defective gear. Both are costly to fix but better than dealing with the transmission failure.

Electrical System Failures

Electrical problems in a car can be among the most difficult to identify and usually require a knowledgeable technician. These issues are no strangers to the ninth-generation Chevy Impala and the 2014 and 2015 model years of the tenth generation.

• Defective PassLock: General Motors uses the PassLock feature to disable the fuel system and prevent theft if the wrong key is used. Impala owners have reported an issue requiring the lock housing and cylinder replacement.
• Faulty Starter: A bad starter motor is another common issue with the Chevrolet Impala. According to RepairPal, replacing it costs $383 to $621.
• Fuse-Related Issues: The NHTSA and CarComplaints data show fuse-related troubles as another electrical system issue for Impala owners. There’s no single fix, as the problem can be traced to one of many faults ranging from bad wiring to a defective fuse box.

Most Common Problems With Suspension

Suspension troubles are less common for Impala owners unless the 2007 and 2008 model years are involved. According to reports, most of these issues relate to components like control arms, spindle rods, toe links, and sway bars. This isn’t an unusual occurrence with older cars. Still, Impala owners need to be alert for steering wheel vibrations, uneven tire wear, a bouncy ride, and any unusual noises from the undercarriage.

Brake System Concerns

Curiously, the ninth-generation Impala’s last two years (2012 and 2013) are most prone to brake-related problems. This also applies to the 2014 model year, the debut of the tenth generation. The most common issue involves the stability control and traction control systems, dubbed StabiliTrak by General Motors, which uses anti-lock brake technology to prevent skidding and spin-outs. In most cases, a distinct stability control warning message will appear on the dashboard — it may say something like “Service Stabilitrak” or “Service Traction Control.” You’ll want to have the problem investigated by a professional mechanic.

Steering Problems

While steering problems have plagued many Impala model years, the 2006 and 2014 editions are especially troublesome, but for different reasons.

Not only was the 2006 Chevrolet Impala recalled for a defective steering component, but NHTSA launched an investigation for leaking power steering fluid. Both situations are potentially hazardous. Later, the 2014 Impala underwent two recalls involving the loss of power steering and a flawed steering component.

Owners of these years and all Impalas should know the signs of a steering problem. A wheel that’s difficult to turn is an obvious indicator of a steering issue, but there are other symptoms. These include a grinding or squealing noise during turning, steering wheel vibrations, oil leaks, or a car that pulls to one side when in motion. The dashboard may also have a “Service Power Steering” error message. Because of the seriousness of a steering issue, any troubles should be attended to right away.

Addressing Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

As mentioned, some common Impala issues can be resolved through official recalls. To confirm if the Chevy Impala or any car is subject to a recall, visit the NHTSA website to confirm the details. The automaker will also have this information on their website or through an authorized dealer.

Technical service bulletins (TSBs) are equally vital but less transparent to consumers. TSB details are more challenging for the average car owner to find and usually require contacting a dealer or a well-informed independent mechanic. Often called hidden recall, a TSB is a service advisory about a particular issue and doesn’t have the legal force of an official recall. Nonetheless, these notices can provide crucial information about a problem the manufacturer has discovered after production. In some instances, the automaker may provide TSB-directed repairs free of charge when the work is done through a dealer.

Investigating recalls and TSBs before spending money on repairs is always wise.

Extended Warranties: Protecting Your Chevy Impala

Like all cars, the Chevrolet Impala isn’t perfect — government records document this. Unfortunately, these trouble spots involve systems that aren’t cheap to work on. In some cases, fixing an Impala engine or transmission problems can cost as much as the car is worth. Repairs to the electrical system, suspension, brakes, and steering may also bust budgets.

Impala owners looking for protection from breakdowns and surprise repairs bills can turn to an extended warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract or auto protection plan. Endurance offers a variety of plans designed to cover vehicles like the Chevrolet Impala. Choose from a powertrain plan that safeguards the essentials or upgrade to a program with expanded coverage for the brakes, electrical system, suspension, and more. Endurance even offers plans similar to a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty with only a few exclusions.

Learn how Endurance Warranty can protect your Chevrolet Impala from common and uncommon problems. Request a FREE quote or visit the Endurance online store for instant plan and pricing information. An Endurance advisor can also review the details with you — just call (800) 253-8203 for personalized assistance!

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