2006 Chevrolet Impala: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala: 1 recall, 524 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #14V355000 · 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags May not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #09E005000 · 2009 · 979 vehicles
What's wrong: 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutionstm" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Why it matters: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on February 23, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 22 mention a fire, 46 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (135): the most common themes are steering problems (119), noise or vibration (41), leaks (19).
- Electrical (124): the most common themes are electrical failure (63), stalls / loses power (22), fire / smoke (15).
- Transmission & drivetrain (108): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (60), stalls / loses power (17), noise or vibration (13).
- Engine (59): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (21), warning light on (17), electrical failure (8).
The 2006 Chevrolet Impala has 524 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 28 Impala model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 372). Complaints peaked in 2014 (107 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 74,899 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (609 complaints, 1 recalls), 2007 (627 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.9 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
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 2006 Chevrolet Impala.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Chevrolet Impala problems?
Owners have filed 524 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (135), electrical (124), transmission & drivetrain (108).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Chevrolet Impala repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.