MotorDeets

Chevrolet Impala problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Impala from 1993 to 2020: 10,415 owner complaints and 65 recalls across 28 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (1073), 2009 (824), 2000 (818). Best fuel economy: 25 mpg combined (2019).

Chevrolet Impala
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical3435
Engine1263
Steering1197
Airbags956
Transmission & drivetrain930
Stability control763
Engine & cooling675
Exterior lights669

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199302–
199401519
199504419
199608819
199701–
199802–
199904–
2000781821
2001774222
2002479522
2003569522
20044107322
2005160922
2006152422
2007262722
2008281022
2009582423
2010444222
2011250523
2012325822
2013127222
20141263624
2015330025
2016011125
2017011625
201815925
201912825
202001522

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Chevrolet Impala.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Impala?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (1073), 2009 (824), 2000 (818).

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Impala had?

Across 1993–2020, NHTSA lists 65 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).