Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2020
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is highly fragmented across generations, with no single dominant consensus.
7 problems reported (5 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentTransmission failure
Complete failure or severe slipping, particularly in high-mileage examples (e.g., over 200,000 miles).
- RecurrentEngine mechanical problems
Head gasket failures on 3.5L and 3.9L V6 engines; oil leaks; timing component failures; oil pressure issues related to switches and filter housing gaskets.
- RecurrentElectrical and starting issues
Intermittent no-start conditions with clicking noises; battery and alternator failures; systems resetting (time/date) during starting problems.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentErratic idle and stalling
Caused by faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) valves, mass airflow sensors (P0102 code), or EGR-related issues (P1404 code).
- RecurrentOil consumption and leaks
Very common, cited as a typical issue requiring regular attention.
- IsolatedIntake manifold gasket failures
Cited as a decade-long issue for GM V6 engines.
- IsolatedSuspension and steering wear
Mentioned in the context of high-mileage maintenance needs.
The version owners recommend
1994-1996 Impala SS: This generation is consistently highlighted as a desirable, powerful, and iconic collectible. The 2014+ generation is also singled out as the best modern version for its refined driving dynamics and quality.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Camry, Lexus ES350, Ford Crown Victoria, Buick Century and Ford Fusion.
Is the Impala right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is highly fragmented across generations, with no single dominant consensus. For classic models (1959, 1963, 1994-1996 SS), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, centered on iconic styling, collectibility, and performance (e.g., 409 V8, LT1 V8). For the mainstream front-wheel-drive generations (circa 2000-2016), sentiment is mixed to negative, dominated by discussions of mechanical failures, poor reliability, and high repair costs. The 2014+ generation receives isolated but strong praise for its ride, handling, and value, being described as an "underrated and forgotten car." The overwhelming majority of practical ownership discussions focus on troubleshooting persistent problems.
Positioning vs competitors
For the front-wheel-drive generations, the Impala is consistently positioned as a less reliable, higher-maintenance alternative to Japanese competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is noted for offering more space and features for the money but at the cost of long-term durability. The 1994-1996 Impala SS is positioned as a unique, powerful rear-wheel-drive sedan with no direct contemporary competitor. The 2014+ model is positioned as a high-value, spacious full-size sedan that outperforms expectations and rivals the Toyota Avalon but at a lower price point.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific trim or option recommendations. For the 2014+ generation, one source strongly recommends the model overall but does not specify a trim. For older FWD models, no preferred configurations are mentioned, only warnings.
General recommendations
For classic (1994-1996 SS) and collector models: Suitable for enthusiasts aware of model-specific issues (e.g., OptiSpark distributor problems). For mainstream FWD generations (circa 2000-2013): Not recommended for buyers prioritizing low cost of ownership and reliability; recommended only if the buyer is prepared for frequent repairs and has a budget for significant maintenance. For the 2014+ generation: Recommended as a high-value, spacious, and comfortable used family sedan. A pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised for any used example, especially higher-mileage vehicles. Owners of older models suggest setting aside a repair budget.
Remarks
The provided data covers an extremely wide date range (1959-2016) without sufficient depth for any single generation, resulting in a report based on sparse, anecdotal points. The most substantive ownership data concerns the widespread mechanical failures of the front-wheel-drive generations (early 2000s to early 2010s). The 3.8L V6 (Series II/III) is noted for its durability, while the 3.5L/3.9L V6s are associated with head gasket problems. The 2014+ generation stands out as a positive anomaly but is mentioned only in isolated commentary. The classic SS models are discussed with nostalgia but not as daily drivers. This analysis is based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions mixed with numerous off-topic references.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2014. Years to avoid: 2014, 2000Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Chevrolet Impala years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2019 | 28 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 59 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2017 | 116 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2016 | 1,683 | 0 | engine |
| 2015 | 876 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 1,255 | 12 | electrical system |
| 2013 | 272 | 1 | electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2012 | 258 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2011 | 505 | 2 | electronic stability control (esc) |
| 2010 | 441 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 824 | 5 | air bags |
| 2008 | 810 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 627 | 3 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices86 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2019 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 18V576000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 18V576000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
2015 · structurecampaign 14V489000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured May 7, 2014, to July 28, 2014. In the event of an accident, the center storage console may not stay latched. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection In Interior Impact."
2015 · air bagscampaign 15V465000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 19, 2015, equipped with front vented-heated passenger seats. Accordingly, the Automatic Occupant Sensing (AOS) system may fail to suppress the front passenger air bag if a child seat is in the front passenger seat. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2015 · parking brakecampaign 14V541000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 22, 2014, and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to September 2, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic parking brake piston actuation arm may not fully retract causing the brake pads to stay partially engaged.
2014 · air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactivecampaign 14V518000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured April 11, 2013, to June 27, 2013, and 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured May 13, 2013, to November 5, 2013. The affected vehicles may have left the factory with the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) set to "manufacturing mode."
2014 · air bagscampaign 15V465000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 19, 2015, equipped with front vented-heated passenger seats. Accordingly, the Automatic Occupant Sensing (AOS) system may fail to suppress the front passenger air bag if a child seat is in the front passenger seat. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2014 · structurecampaign 14V489000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured May 7, 2014, to July 28, 2014. In the event of an accident, the center storage console may not stay latched. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection In Interior Impact."
2014 · parking brakecampaign 15V085000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured November 15, 2012, to May 30, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic parking brake piston actuation arm may not fully retract causing the brake pads to stay partially engaged. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Systems (FMVSS) No. 135 "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2014 · steeringcampaign 14V409000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Improperly torqued fasteners may cause the steering intermediate shaft and the steering gear and/or the lower control arm and the lower ball joint to separate.
2014 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 14V092000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
2014 · parking brakecampaign 15V202000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured March 22, 2013, to May 22, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic parking brake piston actuation arm may not fully retract causing the brake pads to stay partially engaged. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Systems (FMVSS) No. 135 "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2014 · parking brakecampaign 14V541000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Cadillac XTS vehicles manufactured February 14, 2012, to August 22, 2014, and 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to September 2, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the electronic parking brake piston actuation arm may not fully retract causing the brake pads to stay partially engaged.
2014 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 14V355000
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
2014 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 14V450000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to December 20, 2013. Due to a poor electrical ground connection to the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), the affected vehicles may have a loss of power steering assist during start up or while driving.
71 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.6 V6
3.6L 6-cylinder · 305 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2013–2020