ProblemsChevrolet › 2016 Impala

2016 Chevrolet Impala Problems & Owner Complaints

110 NHTSA owner complaints
8 crash 3 fire 10 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~10.0 complaints per year on the road — ranking 8 of 11 Chevrolet Impala years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

Thinking about buying a specific Chevrolet Impala?

This page shows problems reported across all 2016 Chevrolet Impalas. Before you buy that one car, enter its VIN: get a free open-recall check, then unlock the full $19 safety report: every complaint, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for that exact vehicle.

Checking a specific 2016 Chevrolet Impala? Enter its VIN

Free recall check · optional $19 full safety report before you buy

What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 Chevrolet Impala, cited in 30 of 110 filed complaints (27%).

Engine is next (20 complaints, 18%), followed by Air Bags (16), Power Train (16), Steering (16).

Across all complaints, 8 report a crash, 3 report a fire, 10 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 5 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 110.

Electrical System 30 1 crash 2 fire 1 injury

“ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A CENTER CITY PARKING GARAGE. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 CAR LENGTHS FROM THE PARKING SPOT. I WAS BACKING MY CAR INTO THE SPOT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND I REMOVED MY SAFETY BELT AND LOWERED THE WINDOW. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED INTO THE LINED PARKING SPOT. THE CAR PROCEEDED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT FULLY DEPRESSED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND HIT THE BRAKE…”
NHTSA complaint #10927144, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take fu…”
NHTSA complaint #11529940, 2023 · fire

“ON APRIL 2ND, 2018, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND 4:50 A.M. DRIVING ON THE 303SB ONLY ABOUT 7 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE I NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO LAG AND STALL OUT, I BEGAN TO NOTICE GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHILE TRYING TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND AFTER ALMOST BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE INTO A SAFE ARE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ON PROVIDED BY MY AUTO INSURANCE USAA. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER PROVIDED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION LETTING ME KNOW THAT THE V…”
NHTSA complaint #11096550, 2018 · fire

Unknown Or Other 22 3 fire 1 injury

“I REACHED FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND SOMETHING PUNCTURED MY FINGER FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HANDLE WHICH STARTLED ME. I TRIED TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK, BUT I COULDN'T SEE ANY EXPLANATION FOR THE PUNCTURE, SO I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR AGAIN AND RECEIVED ANOTHER PUNCTURE WOUND. BY THIS TIME, MY FINGER HAD BEGUN TO BLEED QUITE A BIT BECAUSE THE PUNCTURES WERE PRETTY DEEP. AT THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BECAUSE I HAD JUST PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, AND I WAS TRYING TO EXIT MY VEHICLE”
NHTSA complaint #11316721, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take fu…”
NHTSA complaint #11529940, 2023 · fire

“2016 POLICE IMPALA WITH 63,829 CAUGHT FIRE AND IS NO LONGER USABLE. THE OFFICER PARKED AND LOCKED THE CAR UP TO DO A FOOT PATROL AROUND BUILDING 33 ON DLA RICHMOND. WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE CAR, KEYFOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR SO HE OPENED IT MANUALLY. WHEN HE OPENED THE DOOR, THE SMOKE FROM THE FIRE BILLOWED OUT, BUT THE FIRE WAS ALREADY OUT. THE DLA FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED AT THE DRIVER SEAT ELECTRIC MOTOR. MAINTENANCE RECORDS INDICATE THE SEAT MOTOR WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED/REPLACED BY HERITAGE CMA CHEVROLET ON AUGUST 24, 2018.”
NHTSA complaint #11310586, 2020 · fire

Engine 20 1 crash

“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS TURNING ON. AND THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING. I TOOK IT TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT HAS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330904, 2020 · crash

“My vin should have been included in this: N182186881-01 - Special Coverage Evaporator Core Icing, Leak Revised Warranty section I have had the issue for many years due to not receiving the notice. The car leaks, hisses, smokes and does not cool at all. I was told I must only take it to them for 250 diagnostic but they also said it was a havoc reprogramming that cost the 2,500 to fix. I have a estimate from a triple a recommended mechanic that says its the evaporator coil. My miles just hit 80,000 but its been going on for years because I haven't had the money to fix it and make payments. Che…”
NHTSA complaint #11639809, 2021

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to drive the vehicle; however, she noticed that smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe was dark blue. The contact stated that upon arriving at her residence, her husband depressed the OnStar On Demand Diagnostic button and the failure was diagnosed as an emission system failure. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11444839, 2021

Air Bags 16 3 crash 5 injury

“I WAS GOING UP THE HIGHWAY AND A MAN HIT ME FLYING OUT AN PARKING LOT AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF AND I WAS GOING 35 TO 40 MPH, AND HIT AN SUV. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT. SO NOW I HAVE HERNIATED DISK IN MY BCK AMD ALSO LENDONS OUT OF PLACE EVERYWHERE.”
NHTSA complaint #11010802, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“DRIVING ALONG A FOUR-LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH A 50 MPH LIMIT WHEN WITHOUT WARNING AN ONCOMING VEHICLE TURNED LEFT INTO ME AT AN INTERSECTION. MY ESTIMATED IMPACT SPEED WAS 35 MPH. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE OTHER CAR'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WONDER IF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CHEVROLET WERE EVEN INSTALLED. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10936840, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and attempting to avoid an accident, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. During the crash, the contact sustained left wrist, left shoulder, and neck injuries. No medical treatment was provided. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet co…”
NHTSA complaint #11485154, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 16 2 crash 1 injury

“ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A CENTER CITY PARKING GARAGE. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 CAR LENGTHS FROM THE PARKING SPOT. I WAS BACKING MY CAR INTO THE SPOT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND I REMOVED MY SAFETY BELT AND LOWERED THE WINDOW. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED INTO THE LINED PARKING SPOT. THE CAR PROCEEDED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT FULLY DEPRESSED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND HIT THE BRAKE…”
NHTSA complaint #10927144, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS TURNING ON. AND THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING. I TOOK IT TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT HAS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330904, 2020 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter, however the gear shifter failed to shift as intended. The contact stated after several attempts, the gear shifter shifted as intended. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken where it was…”
NHTSA complaint #11741316, 2026

Steering 16

“I was driving and entering [XXX] at [XXX] when my power steering went completely out! I was unable to steer my vehicle at all and was on a windy road with my children in the vehicle! I pulled to the side of the road! Shut my car off waited a couple minutes and turned it back on and the problem went away! This has happened twice now. My power steering is due to it being electrical and not a fluid issue. This is extremely dangerous as you are unable to steer the vehicle at all when this happens! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11627748, 2024

“I was driving down the road at night and attempted a right hand turn when my power steering quit. The warning light on the dash came on. I almost got rear ended by cars coming from behind. I called the previous owner to see if they had ever had this happen. They stated it had happened once. They said they turned off the ignition and waited about 1/2 hour then cranked the car and the problem was solved. That’s what I did and it worked. Since this is an intermittent problem the service tech could not help.”
NHTSA complaint #11448078, 2022

“I parked my car at work and worked a full day Saturday the 13th of November. I go out to start my vehicle and 3 warnings appear all at once. Stabilitrak, ABS, and power steering. Reading online I’m not the only one but with only 109,xxx miles it’s kind of BS that there’s obviously an engineering flaw with these vehicles and I probably will give a few car payments worth to get this fixed. I’ve owned this vehicle since 17,xxx miles”
NHTSA complaint #11440395, 2021

Before you buy this car, see its exact open recalls + full $19 report Enter the VIN of the 2016 Chevrolet Impala you're looking at, free recall check first

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 10 1 fire

“ON APRIL 2ND, 2018, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND 4:50 A.M. DRIVING ON THE 303SB ONLY ABOUT 7 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE I NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO LAG AND STALL OUT, I BEGAN TO NOTICE GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHILE TRYING TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND AFTER ALMOST BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE INTO A SAFE ARE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ON PROVIDED BY MY AUTO INSURANCE USAA. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER PROVIDED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION LETTING ME KNOW THAT THE V…”
NHTSA complaint #11096550, 2018 · fire

“SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM WARNING CAME ON AND CAR WOULD NO LONGER START. SIDE DETECTION LIGHTS STAY ON AND WON'T GO OFF. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11328683, 2020

“CAR WOULD NOT START AND ALL OF MY SENSORS ARE GOING OFF NEEDING TO BE SERVICED. THEN IT GOES AWAY. I DROVE IT THE DAY BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. GO TO MY CAR THE NEXT DAY AND ALL OF MY SENSORS ARE ACTING UP.”
NHTSA complaint #11252150, 2019

Service Brakes 8 3 crash 3 injury

“MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND AND MARKED "GOOD" FOR BRAKES BY FAIRWAY CHEVROLET DEALER IN LAS VEGAS, NV. THE BRAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T SEEM TO WORK AS DID BEFORE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE YELLOW LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES AND HELD IT SO HARD I GOT A FOOT INJURY. WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP MY VEHICLE BEFORE I COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END IS ESTIMATED OVER $6000 TO REPAIR. THE OTHER VEHICLE ONLY GOT A SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11210725, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and attempting to avoid an accident, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. During the crash, the contact sustained left wrist, left shoulder, and neck injuries. No medical treatment was provided. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet co…”
NHTSA complaint #11485154, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON 27 APRIL 2021 MY SON IN HIS 2016 IMPALA WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED AND FAILED TO STOP THE CAR BEFORE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE I ALSO HAVE A 2016 TAHOE THAT WAS RECALL (N192261050) FOR A BRAKE ISSUE. ACCOUNTS OF THE VEHICLES ACTIONS AT TIME OF INCIDENT ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH 2016 TAHOE. WHILE THE 2016 TAHOE HAS UNDERWENT RECALL REPAIR, ITS STILL NOT BRAKING NORMALLY BUT IT DOES STOP ALTHOUGH ROUGHLY. THE DRIVER OF 2016 IMPAL…”
NHTSA complaint #11414782, 2021 · crash

Exterior Lighting 7 1 crash 1 injury

“ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A CENTER CITY PARKING GARAGE. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 CAR LENGTHS FROM THE PARKING SPOT. I WAS BACKING MY CAR INTO THE SPOT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND I REMOVED MY SAFETY BELT AND LOWERED THE WINDOW. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED INTO THE LINED PARKING SPOT. THE CAR PROCEEDED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT FULLY DEPRESSED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND HIT THE BRAKE…”
NHTSA complaint #10927144, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“while driving a chevy impala at night you can barley see and i drove even new models it’s still the same”
NHTSA complaint #11469267, 2022

“WHILE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON, NOTHING IS WORKING”
NHTSA complaint #11257988, 2019

Structure 7 2 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND AND MARKED "GOOD" FOR BRAKES BY FAIRWAY CHEVROLET DEALER IN LAS VEGAS, NV. THE BRAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T SEEM TO WORK AS DID BEFORE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE YELLOW LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES AND HELD IT SO HARD I GOT A FOOT INJURY. WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP MY VEHICLE BEFORE I COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END IS ESTIMATED OVER $6000 TO REPAIR. THE OTHER VEHICLE ONLY GOT A SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11210725, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“DRIVING ALONG A FOUR-LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH A 50 MPH LIMIT WHEN WITHOUT WARNING AN ONCOMING VEHICLE TURNED LEFT INTO ME AT AN INTERSECTION. MY ESTIMATED IMPACT SPEED WAS 35 MPH. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE OTHER CAR'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WONDER IF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CHEVROLET WERE EVEN INSTALLED. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10936840, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take fu…”
NHTSA complaint #11529940, 2023 · fire

Fuel/Propulsion System 5

“On Fb 08 2022, at app 5:30 in the evening my 2016 Impala had a non-driver directed surge of speed. As I was slowing down to enter a driveway, the vehicle surged forward powerfully. I was able to press the brakes forcefully engaging the antilock mechanism. The vehicle shook as I continued to apply breaking force. It came to stop barely missing another vehicle parked in the driveway. I have no explanation for this dangerous episode. I had not used any type of automatic speed control. The car is serviced by authorized dealership: Hampton Chevrolet in Hampton VA. I was in the car with two of my g…”
NHTSA complaint #11451148, 2022

“MY CAR JUST STOPS ON MY WHILE I'M WAITING AT A LIGHT.CAR JUST SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AND IT DOESN'T TURN ON RIGHT AWAY AFTER I PUT GAS CAR SHAKES AND HAVE TO PRESS GAS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO TURN BACK ON”
NHTSA complaint #11400080, 2021

“For approximately 2 months, my 2016 Impala LTZ, would display a message on the small screen in front of the driver in the dash, stating for the driver to, "press ignition button again to turn vehicle off." The worst part about it was this would happen very randomly whether I would be driving in city traffic, or be sitting in a parking lot at a local store. I took it to my local Chevrolet dealership. Five different times, because they were not able to get the occurrence to duplicate for them. They replaced the ignition, as well as other suspected parts with no resolution. Resolution. Ended up c…”
NHTSA complaint #11459171, 2020

Lane Departure 4

“The Side Detection System Modules are preventing the vehicle blind spot system to work correctly. and the vehicle takes 5, 10, 15 + attempts to start up.”
NHTSA complaint #11593751, 2023

“side detection fault. this is an acknowledged problem by GM but they will not fix my car.”
NHTSA complaint #11494389, 2022

“All instruments failed. After a couple restarts they came back on. Lane departure alert doesn’t work now. From a web search, I’m afraid it’s just the beginning. No, I haven’t taken it to the dealer; they charge for diagnosis. And it hasn’t been inspected. The problem doesn’t act up all the time. There are no warning lights, the system just fails. I have 50,600 miles on it. If you find what I’ve found in my web search, the cost of repair is staggering, especially for retirees. I hope you look into Chevrolet’s problem they’ve been having with the Impala.”
NHTSA complaint #11442909, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 4

“WHEN YOU START IT THE SPEED AND RPM' S START JUMPING THE COOLANT GADGET WAVES AT YOU THEN WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE OR DRIVE IT BUMPS WHEN YOU DRIVING YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU GOING BECAUSE OF THE GADGET BOUNCING UP AND DOWN TO TOP IT OFF ITS JUMPING THE WHOLE TIME YOU DRIVING IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11376063, 2020

“WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE RPM GOES TO 4 OR 5 WHILE ONLY ATTEMPTING TO DO SPEED LIMING, IT STALLS AND JERKS AS IF SOMEONE IS PULLING ON THE VEHICLE AS I TRY TO ACCELERATE. ON THE EXPRESSWAY, MY VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO HIT 40MPH - 60MPH WITHOUT IT FEELING FORCED AND RPM AT 5. IT STALLS TO REVERSE SOMETIMES AND STALLS TO TAKE OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11306251, 2020

“I DRIVE A 2015 CHEVY IMPALA, 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME MY BRAKES ARE GOOD AS NEW AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THEM HOWEVER MY CAR IS STILL HAVING TROUBLE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND IT'S SCARY BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO I HAVE TWO CHILDRE BUT I ALSO LIVE IN A SNOWY STATE.”
NHTSA complaint #11288261, 2019

Seat Belts 3

“WHEN I WAS DRIVING DRIVING ON THE 91 FREEWAY GOING TO WORK AT THE SPEED, APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING ERRATICALLY LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STOP OR IT WAS STUCK IN THE WRONG GEAR. MY HUSBAND WAS TOLD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR INTO GMC WEEKS LATER THEY FINALLY DECIDED THAT WE COULD BRING THE CAR IN ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD AND THEY TEST DROVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK AND DID NOT FEEL ANY ISSUES.THAN AROUND OCTOBER I WAS DRIVING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEPT POPPING UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND MAKING A BEEPING NOISE AROUND EVERY 2-3 MINUTE…”
NHTSA complaint #11288781, 2019

“MY IMPALA AIR BAG LIGHT FREQUENTLY LIGHTS UP. THEN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT SAYS OFF EVEN WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER. AT OTHER TIMES THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT SIGN IS ON AND THE AIR BAG SIGN SAYS ON, AND THERE IS NO PASSENGER. IT HAPPENS WHEN I START THE CAR AND RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. I HAD THIS DIAGNOSED AT A CHEVY DEALER AND THE CAR NEEDS PASSENGER PRESENCE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT HARDWARE. THESE PARTS ARE EXPENSIVE. THE IMPALA HAS 41000 MILES. I BELIEVE THIS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ON AUTOMOBILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11257750, 2019

“ON MARCH 23, 2017 I WAS PUTTING ON MY SEAT BEAT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I NOTICED IT WAS NO LONGER ATTACHED TO THE SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. I NOTICED THAT THE ALUMINUM CABLE , WHICH HAS SMALLER STRANDS OF WIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT HAD TOTALLY BROKEN FROM ITS BASE. THE CABLE WAS NO LONGER USABLE, THEREFORE THE VEHICLES DRIVERS SEATBELT COULD NOT SECURE THE DRIVER. I CANNOT TELL YOU WHAT CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. POSSIBLE BAD DESIGN OF THE SEAT BELT OR METAL FATIGUE COME TO MY MIND. THE 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 25,000 MILES ON IT. THIS SEAT BELT BREAKING HAS ME VERY CONCERNED, NO…”
NHTSA complaint #10968587, 2017

Tires 2 1 crash 1 injury

“2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTION OF TIRES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY BUT, STATED THE TIRE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO THE ACCIDENT ITSELF.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11233353, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“235/50R18. Went for tire rotate and balance. Was informed that 3 of the 4 tires had tread separation and recommended replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11596302, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“1. THE DISPLAY SCREEN WENT BLACK WHILE DRIVING USING NAVIGATION. THE FAULT WAS A DEFECTIVE HMI MODULE, GM PART # 84296482 AT A COST OF $1100 (SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT). THE SUDDEN LOSS OF THE SCREEN WAS DISCONCERTING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS SHOULD LEAD TO A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPAIR COST. 2. WHEN THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) CAUSES THE BRAKES TO BE APPLIED IT DOES SO VERY SUDDENLY AND IN THE ABS "CHATTERING" MODE EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO COLLISION DANGER. THIS PRODUCES A JOLT TO THE DRIVERS AND OCCUPANTS WHICH IS AN UNEXPECTED AND UNSAFE RESPONSE.”
NHTSA complaint #11390228, 2021

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE TRUNK UNLATCHED AND OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL BONNER CHEVROLET DEALER WAS CONTACT AT 694 WYOMING AVE, KINGSTON, PA 18704, PHONE NUMBER: (570) 763-9906 WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160.”
NHTSA complaint #10992246, 2017

Seats 1

“TAKATA INFLATORS, MY AIR BAG PAT KEEPS COMING ON AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECK AND IT CONTINUES TO COME ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11093704, 2017

Suspension 1

“WATER LEAK FROM TRUNK. MOLD. DAMAGE CLOTHING CAR SEAT. THE LINE ISN'T SEALING”
NHTSA complaint #11364163, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 1

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY A LOUD EXPLOSION MADE MY PASSENGER'S AND ME GET STARTLED FOLLOWED BY A RINGING IN OUR EARS. IT CROSSED MY MIND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING SHOT AT. UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO INTERIOR DAMAGE, HOWEVER WHILE INSPECTING THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE THERE WAS DAMAGE ON THE SUNROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED IN AN UPWARDS POSITION AS IF IT HAS EXPLODED OR DAMAGE CAME FROM THE INSIDE OUT. CLOSER EXAMINATION DID NOT PROVIDE A REASON OR FOREIGN OBJECT THAT COULD HAD CREATED THE DAMAGE. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AND/OR WITH T…”
NHTSA complaint #11395344, 2021

Wheels 1 1 crash 2 injury

“MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND AND MARKED "GOOD" FOR BRAKES BY FAIRWAY CHEVROLET DEALER IN LAS VEGAS, NV. THE BRAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T SEEM TO WORK AS DID BEFORE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE YELLOW LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES AND HELD IT SO HARD I GOT A FOOT INJURY. WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP MY VEHICLE BEFORE I COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END IS ESTIMATED OVER $6000 TO REPAIR. THE OTHER VEHICLE ONLY GOT A SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11210725, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala draws about 10.0 complaints per year on the road, ranking 8 of 11 among the Chevrolet Impala model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

Before you buy this Chevrolet Impala

Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.

Related

Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

SaveVIN

Free vehicle recall & safety reports using public U.S. NHTSA data.

Uses public U.S. NHTSA data SaveVIN is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NHTSA, the U.S. government, or any vehicle manufacturer.
For official recall notices, check nhtsa.gov/recalls and register your vehicle with its manufacturer. SaveVIN alerts are best-effort and do not replace official notices.