Chevrolet Impala: best & worst years

No Chevrolet Impala model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Below is every year (2005–2020) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Chevrolet Impala year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2020 Recommended 7 On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.; Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.; Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.; Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars. Full report ↗
2016 Recommended 7 Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur.; The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars.; HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.; Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur.; The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars.; HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Service StabiliTrak / traction-control faults with reduced engine power and a shudder are widely reported, especially on 2012-2013 cars, often traced to wheel-speed sensors or ground/wiring.; Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.; Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 Service StabiliTrak / traction-control faults with reduced engine power and a shudder are widely reported, especially on 2012-2013 cars, often traced to wheel-speed sensors or ground/wiring.; Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.; Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur.; The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars.; HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.; Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.; Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.; Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.; Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.; Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.; Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Widespread electrical faults: instrument-cluster gauges read erratically or quit, the battery drains, and the ignition key can dislodge (covered by an ignition-switch recall).; The 4-speed automatic is prone to rough shifting and eventual failure at higher mileage.; The 3.4L/3.8L V6 intake-manifold gaskets can leak coolant, risking overheating and engine damage if neglected. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 4 Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.; Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.; Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 4 Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.; Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.; Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall. Full report ↗

Chevrolet Impala problems by year

2020 Chevrolet Impala Recommended

Final-year Impala and one of the best used buys in the line: very few complaints, a quiet near-premium full-size cabin, regular-fuel V6 power and proven durability to ~200k miles with above-average repair costs.

  • On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.
  • Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars.

2019 Chevrolet Impala Recommended

A refined, roomy full-size sedan with few reported problems by this year, strong crash scores and low running costs; a dependable used pick from the well-sorted later Epsilon-II run.

  • On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.
  • Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars.

2018 Chevrolet Impala Recommended

Mature 10th-gen Impala with the early electrical and steering bugs resolved, a comfortable quiet ride and above-average reliability; only the thirsty V6 and so-so handling count against it.

  • On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.
  • Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars.

2017 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Comfortable, well-equipped full-size sedan, but 3.6L V6 cars can crack the catalytic-converter/exhaust-manifold flange; otherwise reliable with reasonable upkeep.

  • On 3.6L V6 cars the catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack at the cylinder-head weld, causing exhaust leaks, fumes and check-engine codes, sometimes well under 60k miles.
  • Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars.

2016 Chevrolet Impala Recommended

One of the strongest Impala years: the 2014 launch defects are sorted, complaints are low, and you get a spacious, quiet, well-reviewed cabin with cheap maintenance.

  • Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur.
  • The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars.
  • HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced.

2015 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Good second-year 10th-gen sedan, roomy and refined, still carrying some launch-era StabiliTrak and electrical complaints though far fewer than 2014.

  • Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur.
  • The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars.
  • HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced.

2014 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Praised redesign with a premium cabin, but the launch year is the most-complained 10th-gen Impala: bad-ground StabiliTrak/traction faults and electric-power-steering failures, both recalled.

  • Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur.
  • The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars.
  • HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced.

2013 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Solid, comfortable final-generation W-body with the new 3.6L V6; main weak spots are Service-StabiliTrak/reduced-power faults and lingering electrical gremlins. Cheap to own.

  • Service StabiliTrak / traction-control faults with reduced engine power and a shudder are widely reported, especially on 2012-2013 cars, often traced to wheel-speed sensors or ground/wiring.
  • Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.
  • Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.

2012 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Roomy, comfortable 9th-gen sedan, first year of the smoother 3.6L V6; watch for StabiliTrak/traction-control faults and electrical issues, but upkeep is inexpensive.

  • Service StabiliTrak / traction-control faults with reduced engine power and a shudder are widely reported, especially on 2012-2013 cars, often traced to wheel-speed sensors or ground/wiring.
  • Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.
  • Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.

2011 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Comfortable, spacious and cheap to run, but carries the 9th-gen power-steering, electrical and airbag-sensor complaints, plus a Takata recall and vision-blocking fixed rear headrests.

  • Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.
  • Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.

2010 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Improving late-decade 9th-gen Impala, roomy and affordable, still prone to power-steering leaks, electrical faults and "Service Air Bag" sensor problems.

  • Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.
  • Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.

2009 Chevrolet Impala Caution

One of the weaker 9th-gen years: very high complaint volume led by passenger-airbag-sensor faults and electrical problems, plus power-steering failures. Inspect thoroughly; cheap to buy and run.

  • Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.
  • Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.
  • Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall.

2008 Chevrolet Impala Caution

A trouble-prone 9th-gen year with heavy electrical, suspension and steering complaints, though the roomy cabin and low ownership costs remain. Buy only after a careful inspection.

  • Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.
  • Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.
  • Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall.

2007 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Comfortable, affordable full-size sedan let down by hydraulic power-steering failures and electrical faults; durable mechanically if maintained.

  • Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.
  • Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.
  • Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall.

2006 Chevrolet Impala Caution

First year of the 9th-gen Impala (including the 5.3L V8 SS): roomy and good value, but power-steering loss and electrical gremlins are common. Low running costs.

  • Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.
  • Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.
  • Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall.

2005 Chevrolet Impala Caution

Final 8th-gen year, spacious and very cheap to buy and run, but plagued by instrument-cluster/electrical faults (ignition-switch recall) and the classic 3.8L intake-gasket and transmission concerns.

  • Widespread electrical faults: instrument-cluster gauges read erratically or quit, the battery drains, and the ignition key can dislodge (covered by an ignition-switch recall).
  • The 4-speed automatic is prone to rough shifting and eventual failure at higher mileage.
  • The 3.4L/3.8L V6 intake-manifold gaskets can leak coolant, risking overheating and engine damage if neglected.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Chevrolet models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.