2018 Chevrolet Impala Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 16

“answers to Questions from above 1. EVAPORATOR KIT 84409864 2. Not a safety issue to my knowledge. 3. Yes, issue was diagnosed and repaired at dealership. (Receipt for work - including part numbers will be attached with supporting documents) 4. No, no one outside of the dealership. 5. No warning lights but there was the smell of coolant in the cab of the car. Due to an issue with my 2018 Chevy Impala - V6 engine, I had to have the AC evaporator core replaced due to a leak (faulty part). Searching the NHTSA website, I found the below special coverage which seems to match my vehicle perfec…”
NHTSA complaint #11582997, 2023

“The Evaporator core is leaking and a/c system is not operative. There is an outstanding report from your office, DCS4922, that outlines this condition perfectly. This report talks about a Special Coverage Adjustment #N182186881 Evaporator Core Icing, Leak, and an estimated number of vehicles involved. Since it is an estimated number of vehicles it means that GM doesn't know exactly how many vehicles are involved. It is my position that my vehicle should be included in the Service Adjustment. General Motors will not consider repair based on my VIN. This Special coverage addresses the exact iss…”
NHTSA complaint #11552712, 2023

“Ii purchased the car new. at 3 years and 3 months the evaporator core failed dumping the Freon. I realize you stated the A/C is not a safety item but I read many complaint on this vehicle on the internet. I am a retired mechanic and the failure rate for evaporators is very low. I changed out maybe 10 in 30 years working on vehicles. This needs to be looked into and addressed by GM and corrected. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
NHTSA complaint #11456776, 2022

Electrical System 11

“Tire pressure sensor system receiver (part of keyless entry system) will not collect info from individual tire pressure sensors in tires. Failure of this safety system would not provide and advance warning of low tire pressure.”
NHTSA complaint #11544465, 2023

“As I was driving home from my place of employment which is exactly 30 miles from where I live my Steering Assist went out and it was very hard to steer and to even stay in the lane which I was driving I managed to get the car home and did an under carriage inspection and there was no damage still kind of shaken from the power steering going out I checked for the power steering pump and the power steering fluid reserve but found out through my owner's manual that I have electronic power steering I took the car by my local Chevrolet dealer and was told it was nothing they could do because they k…”
NHTSA complaint #11518465, 2023

“While driving from work the car did a quick jerk and the STABILITRAK, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON ALL AT ONCE. As I pulled into my workplace the car lost power to the engine completely while displaying ACTION REQUIRED ON THE LCD SCREEN. The brake and steering wheel became stiff and it was hard to control the vehicle. It took 10 minutes for me to regain power and control over the vehicle that again after leaving work stopped on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11477959, 2022

Power Train 11

“The transmission failed, shifting is no longer smooth. It hesitates and shakes the entire car, and the car slows down to almost a crawl uphill. I understand this is an issue with Chevrolet Impalas. So now I have an $8200 bill for a problem I was never told about, and that GM knew that it existed. So, yes, the issue has been identified, reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The warning light came on when the issue happened, so it was already too late. The issue began with just over 65,000 miles. So I have a 2018 Impala in almost perfect condition in need of an $8200 before taxes, transmi…”
NHTSA complaint #11746623, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the…”
NHTSA complaint #11644539, 2025

“Since vehicle purchase in 2018 there is a shifting problem with the transmission. I have paid for shifter repairs and still the problem exist. While driving the car gets stuck in gear and hard to accelerate. The issue happens at various times without warning. There has been two instances that could have led to potential accidents. Upon spraking with and researching other impala owners, this is a common problem in the 3.6 engine Chevrolet Impalas but nothing has been done. The dealer has a plan to determine but it has always cost $1500+ to the customer.”
NHTSA complaint #11617470, 2024

Service Brakes 8 5 crash 1 injury

“OCTOBER 10TH, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS LITERALLY AN ENTIRE CAR LENGTH BACK DRIVING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AT 50-55 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP ON THE FREEWAY. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES BUT MY CAR SLID STRAIGHT INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IT FELT AS IF MY BRAKES WERE NOT STOPPING MY CAR. I NOTICED THIS HAPPENING BEFORE ON A MAIN STREET AND I WAS TRAVELLING AT 45 MPH BUT I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF IT AT THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11268273, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while reversing slowly, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and continued rolling backwards. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stopped and shifted to drive(D), and with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle started to roll forward. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle. The contact steered the vehicle to the right to avoid crashing into the building. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and cra…”
NHTSA complaint #11678344, 2025 · crash

“THE CAR WAS STOPPED ON A PARKING LOT EXIT RAMP. WHEN THE CAR AHEAD OF ME MOVED FORWARD I TOOK MY FOOT OF OF THE BRAKE SO I COULD MOVE FORWARD. WHEN I APPLIED THE BREAK TO STOP, THE BREAKS DID NOT WORK AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11281643, 2019 · crash

Engine 7

“I was sold a used car w/ undisclosed accidents. Had many issues within first few weeks. Had transmission cooler lines replaced after they burst. Radiator, compressor, condenser, and much more. Then the Airbag light came on. Dealership said connectors were bad. Fixed it. Light came on again.took it in to dealership. They had it for over two weeks. The GM for all the dealerships Told me the vehicle was not unsafe and told me lies. But the service girl confessed she no longer had access to my vehicle or my file and her boss and the Gm had taken over working on it. She then told me they pulled Fo…”
NHTSA complaint #11625701, 2023

“While driving from work the car did a quick jerk and the STABILITRAK, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON ALL AT ONCE. As I pulled into my workplace the car lost power to the engine completely while displaying ACTION REQUIRED ON THE LCD SCREEN. The brake and steering wheel became stiff and it was hard to control the vehicle. It took 10 minutes for me to regain power and control over the vehicle that again after leaving work stopped on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11477959, 2022

“When driving on the highway at full speed my car suddenly loses power almost causing me to be hit from behind. I then get a Reduced Engine Power warning. Once I get the car off the road, I shut the engine off for a few minutes and then restart it. The car runs fine but the check engine lights remains on. This has happen 4 times this week.”
NHTSA complaint #11458634, 2022

Steering 7

“I was driving and parked the car at the store. After checking out I went to the car got ready to leave and started backing out and the car would not turn to the left at all. I took it to the shop and was told they do not see anything wrong with my car but a steering message is coming up.”
NHTSA complaint #11716610, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to straighten the wheels while in the driveway, the contact discovered that the steering wheel was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the power steering electrical motor and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,473.”
NHTSA complaint #11639349, 2024

“Power steering suddenly went out when driving without any indication as to why. Took to dealership and very expensive to fix. Only had the car for 6 months”
NHTSA complaint #11599577, 2024

Air Bags 6 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11123238, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Passenger side front seat. When occupied, airbag sensor located inside the seat is malfunctioning. My husbands safety is at risk when he's in the car. He tries moving the seat up, back, etc. Sometimes works and the airbag sensor works. We are fearing that if there were any accident or need, that his life would be in danger if the airbag didn't deploy. This shouldn't be at the consumers expense as this is a safety issue. This has been ongoing for over 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11687573, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that recently, the driver’s side air bag deployed while the vehicle was parked and unattended overnight. Prior to the failure, the air bag warning light had illuminated while driving. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11679042, 2025

Exterior Lighting 4 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING AND LADY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT RAIL ROAD TRACK AND I COULDN'T STOP I RAN INTO THE BACK OF HER”
NHTSA complaint #11235345, 2019 · crash

“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO NEVER BEEN HAPPIER. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT MY HEADLIGHTS THEY HAVE SERIOUS CONDENSATION IN BOTH AND THERE IS ABOUT AN INCH OR 2 OF WATER INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE IS CAUSING BAD VISIBILITY WITH LOW LIGHTING. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO KEEP THE WATER OUT AND PROVIDE HEADLIGHTS WITH PROPER AIR SO THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. HOW COME CHEVROLET DIDN'T RECALL THESE HEADLIGHTS DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND IMPROPER VENTILATION. WHAT CAN I DO BESIDES SPEND $200.00 ON 2 NEW ONES?”
NHTSA complaint #11414389, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THE DRIVER'S AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS AND CAUSING THE ILLUMINATION TO BE REDUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER NIMNICHT CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 1550 CASSAT AVE, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32210, (904) 387-4041, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE MECHANIC NEEDED TO DRILL HOLES INTO EACH HEADLIGHT HOUSING TO ALLOW FOR THE WATER TO PROPERLY DRAIN FROM THE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44…”
NHTSA complaint #11374542, 2020

Seats 3

“Passenger side front seat. When occupied, airbag sensor located inside the seat is malfunctioning. My husbands safety is at risk when he's in the car. He tries moving the seat up, back, etc. Sometimes works and the airbag sensor works. We are fearing that if there were any accident or need, that his life would be in danger if the airbag didn't deploy. This shouldn't be at the consumers expense as this is a safety issue. This has been ongoing for over 6 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11687573, 2025

“ON 16TH JULY 2020 WHILE DRIVING BELL SOUNDS WENT OFF IN MY CAR, ON DASH AIRBAG WARNING CAME ON AND GOT AN ONSTAR ALERT THAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. ONSTAR SAID TO GET IT TO DEALERSHIP ASAP. YESTERDAY 20TH JULY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MODULE, FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG PLATE IN SEAT AND SOMETHING ELSE AIRBAG IS WRONG. TOLD ME NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY IN WHICH SINCE IT IS A 2018 I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. THEY SAID BECAUSE HAVE 62,000 MILES IS WHY. I SAID THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT BUT SAID I WOULD NEED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED WHICH WOULD COST $1300 WITHOUT TAXE…”
NHTSA complaint #11340587, 2020

“FREIGHTED: AIRBAG WARNING ON DASH CAME ON, BELLS STARTED MAKING NOSE IN CAR AND GOT ONSTAR ALERT THAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTION TO GET IT TO DEALERSHIP ASAP. EVEN IF PUSH DISMISS BUTTON COMES BACK ON. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND GOT AN APPOINTMENT: TODAY DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS ISSUE WITH AIRBAG SENSORS IN PASSENGER SEAT AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. TELLS US IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND NO RECALLS FOR THIS. WE HAVE CALLED GM TODAY ALSO AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER”
NHTSA complaint #11340332, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“When driving on the highway at full speed my car suddenly loses power almost causing me to be hit from behind. I then get a Reduced Engine Power warning. Once I get the car off the road, I shut the engine off for a few minutes and then restart it. The car runs fine but the check engine lights remains on. This has happen 4 times this week.”
NHTSA complaint #11458634, 2022

“I noticed lately my car has trouble starting, especially after I get gas. Anywhere I take it, no one knows what it is. Literally someone said that I’m not holding the brake down when I’m starting it. I KNOW HOW TO START MY VEHICLE! It doesn’t want to start and sounds like a broke down Saturn when I start it. It takes like 20-30 seconds to start. ALSO that AC went out, I paid $700 AT Chevy, and then the AC went out again a few months later, again no one knows why. WTF!”
NHTSA complaint #11458743, 2022

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11611424, 2024

“ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) ISSUES SCENARIO 1 FIRST DAY I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. AS I WOULD IN ANY OF MY OTHER 100 + CARS I'VE OWNED, I HELD THE CRUISE CONTROL 'SET' BUTTON EXPECTING THE SPEED TO GRADUALLY DECREASE. THE IMPALA MUCH TO MY SURPRISE, WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME, WENT FROM 70 MPH TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WITHIN 7 SECS. THE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME WAS SWERVING TO AVOID CRASHING INTO ME. IT CLEARLY STATES ON PAGE 182 OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL 'REDUCING SPEED WHILE ACC IS AT A SET SPEED. 'PRESS AND HOLD SETUNTIL THE DESIRED LOWER SPEED IS REACHED, THEN RELEASE IT. WHEN YOU HO…”
NHTSA complaint #11152232, 2018

Visibility/Wiper 2

“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO NEVER BEEN HAPPIER. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT MY HEADLIGHTS THEY HAVE SERIOUS CONDENSATION IN BOTH AND THERE IS ABOUT AN INCH OR 2 OF WATER INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE IS CAUSING BAD VISIBILITY WITH LOW LIGHTING. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO KEEP THE WATER OUT AND PROVIDE HEADLIGHTS WITH PROPER AIR SO THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. HOW COME CHEVROLET DIDN'T RECALL THESE HEADLIGHTS DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND IMPROPER VENTILATION. WHAT CAN I DO BESIDES SPEND $200.00 ON 2 NEW ONES?”
NHTSA complaint #11414389, 2021

“WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE ON PUBLIC ROADWAY WHILE UTILIZING THE AC FUNCTION, THE AC EVAPORATOR CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED UNDER THE DASH, STARTLING THE DRIVER & PASSENGER, AND EXPOSING THEM TO HIGH LEVELS OF 1234YF REFRIGERANT IN THE ENCLOSED CABIN. THE AC SYSTEM SUBSEQUENTLY WENT INTO LOW PRESSURE MODE, RENDERING ALL AC FUNCTIONS USELESS SUCH AS DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD WHICH HAS CREATED SAFETY ISSUES IN ADDITION TO THE INHALATION OF THE LEAKED REFRIGERANT. THIS STYLE OF FAILURE IS COVERED UNDER SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT - N182186881 EVAPORATOR CORE ICING, LEAK FOR CERTAIN 2016-2018 IMPALA…”
NHTSA complaint #11324422, 2020

Wheels 2

“Tire pressure sensor system receiver (part of keyless entry system) will not collect info from individual tire pressure sensors in tires. Failure of this safety system would not provide and advance warning of low tire pressure.”
NHTSA complaint #11544465, 2023

“THIS IS THE SECOND 2018 CHEVY IMPALA I'VE HAD AND THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTED. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS GRIND RIDICULOUSLY, AND I'M ONLY AT 48K MILES NOW. INITIALLY I REPORTED THIS ISSUE WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER 36K MFG WARRANTY AND NATURALLY THE DEALER FOUND NO ISSUES AND JUST LUBBED THE WHEEL AREA AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I AM PAYING A PRETTY PENNY FOR THIS 2018 CHEVY IMPALA AND WANT TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I NOTICED THIS SEEMED TO BE A REPORTED PROBLEM AND THAT CHEVY HAS IGNORED THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO PLACE THESE WHEEL BEARINGS THAT ARE SUB-PAR INTO THE VEHICLES.…”
NHTSA complaint #11325605, 2019

Back Over Prevention 1

“2018 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PROBLEMS WITH IMAGE CONCERNING THE REARVIEW CAMERA DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. *AS *JS *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11206711, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“STABILITRACK AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME WITH A MESSAGE THAT SAID, 'ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED'. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY SLOWED, BUT I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN A SPEED OF 55 MPH. I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11152371, 2018

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while the A/C was activated during the summer of 2025, the A/C failed to function as intended. The contact stated that hot air was blowing through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with an EVAP leak. The leak was found on a corner near the evaporative canister. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the EVAP leak was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to a spe…”
NHTSA complaint #11727989, 2025

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK WAS CLOSED HOWEVER, FAILED TO LATCH SECURELY AND OPENED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARL BLACK CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (1110 ROBERTS BLVD NW, KENNESAW, GA 30144, (770) 424-2200) TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO THE DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF HE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,400.”
NHTSA complaint #11328169, 2018

Suspension 1

“THIS IS THE SECOND 2018 CHEVY IMPALA I'VE HAD AND THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTED. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS GRIND RIDICULOUSLY, AND I'M ONLY AT 48K MILES NOW. INITIALLY I REPORTED THIS ISSUE WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER 36K MFG WARRANTY AND NATURALLY THE DEALER FOUND NO ISSUES AND JUST LUBBED THE WHEEL AREA AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I AM PAYING A PRETTY PENNY FOR THIS 2018 CHEVY IMPALA AND WANT TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I NOTICED THIS SEEMED TO BE A REPORTED PROBLEM AND THAT CHEVY HAS IGNORED THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO PLACE THESE WHEEL BEARINGS THAT ARE SUB-PAR INTO THE VEHICLES.…”
NHTSA complaint #11325605, 2019

Tires 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Assurance, Tire Size: 235/50/R18, DOT Number: MT1PJBUR2920. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that all four tires had severe tread separation and piling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tires were not yet replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11611081, 2024