2020 Chevrolet Impala: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Chevrolet Impala ranged from $31,620 to $36,720 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (5)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala
- fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-chevrolet-impala-grap…
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1694132/chevrolet-impala-best-worst-years/
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/chevy-impala-years-to-avoid/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
Known issues
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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.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Scattered electrical and MyLink infotainment glitches (screen freezes, false sensor warnings) are reported, but far less common than on the 2014 launch cars.
occasional · 5 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Smooth, composed highway ride and a refined 305-hp 3.6L V6 option
- Quiet, spacious, near-premium full-size cabin that reviewers rate among the best for the price
- Large trunk and genuine room for five adults
- Reliability improves markedly from the 2016 model year on
- Strong used value and good crash-test/safety scores
Cons
- Thirsty V6 and an underpowered-feeling base 2.5L four
- Big and heavy with numb, uninvolving handling
- Launch-year (2014) bad-ground StabiliTrak and electric-power-steering failures
- 3.6L V6 catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack
- Discontinued after 2020, a consideration for long-term parts and resale
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | $31,620 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premier | $36,720 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-chevrolet-impala-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,200–2,300/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala
- insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/chevrolet-insurance/chevrolet-impala-car-i…
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2020 Chevrolet Impala have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
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.
How much did the 2020 Chevrolet Impala cost new?
Between $31,620 and $36,720 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Impala expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.