Which Chevrolet Impala years should you avoid?

The Chevrolet Impala years to avoid are 2014 and 2000: they have the lowest Year Scores on owner complaints per year on the road, crash and fire reports, and recalls, against the model's other years. The best year is 2017. Graded from 21 model years of NHTSA data.

What are the most common Chevrolet Impala problems?

Across all years, the most-reported areas are electrical system (4,258 complaints), engine (1,831 complaints), steering (1,182 complaints).

Chevrolet Impala years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2014, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2017

21 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 22 model years, the Chevrolet Impala has 13,237 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 86 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. 2016 drew the most complaints (1,683), 2020 the fewest (15).

Model years tracked

13,237

Owner complaints

Recalls

627

Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Impala vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $10,875–$16,744.

Which Impala years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported
2020	15	0	electrical system
2019	28	1	electrical system
2018	59	1	power train
2017	116	0	engine
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
2006	544	2	steering
2005	609	4	electrical system
2004	1,071	7	electrical system
2003	721	8	electrical system
2002	809	7	electrical system
2001	750	10	electrical system
2000	856	10	electrical system
1996	108	1	steering

Highest: 2016 (1,683 complaints). Lowest: 2020 (15).

Where owners report problems

electrical system4,258

engine1,831

steering1,182

service brakes966

power train908

What owners say

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).

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.
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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impala. Individual model years are broken down above.

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