Chevrolet Impala years to avoid (and the best years)

2,739 NHTSA owner complaints and 17 recalls across 11 model years, 2010 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.

2,739complaints
17recalls
130reported crashes
37reported fires
109reported injuries

Which Chevrolet Impala years should you avoid?

By NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Impala year to avoid is 2014. The typical Chevrolet Impala year has 258 complaints on file.

2014: 634 complaints, 2.5 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (35% of complaints) and the steering (22% of complaints).

What are the best Chevrolet Impala years?

The Chevrolet Impala years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2020 (15), 2019 (28) and 2018 (59). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.

NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.

Every model year

Year	Complaints	vs typical year	Recalls	Crashes	Injuries	Our read	Most reported
2020	15	0.1×	0	3	1	Few red flags	Electrical system
2019	28	0.1×	1	4	4	Few red flags	Electrical system
2018	59	0.2×	1	6	2	Few red flags	Electrical system
2017	116	0.4×	0	4	9	Few red flags	Engine
2016	111	0.4×	0	8	10	Few red flags	Electrical system
2015	300	1.2×	3	10	9	Some concerns to check	Electrical system
2014	634	2.5×	12	19	9	Approach with caution	Electrical system
2013	272	1.1×	1	16	12	Few red flags	Stability and traction control
2012	258	1.0×	3	20	16	Few red flags	Electrical system
2011	505	2.0×	2	22	25	Some concerns to check	Stability and traction control
2010	441	1.7×	4	18	12	Some concerns to check	Electrical system

Most reported problem areas

Share of the 974 complaints sorted by system, all years together.

Engine & powertrain393 (40%)
Electrical & infotainment161 (17%)
Other systems135 (14%)
Airbags & seat belts121 (12%)
Steering, suspension & tires82 (8%)

Recalls (17)

Brakes · 18V576000 · Aug 2018 · model years 2018, 2019
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V507000 · Jul 2016 · model year 2010
If the wires are damaged, the passenger presence sensory system may fail to recognize that the passenger seat is occupied, disabling the air bag. Damage may also cause the air bag fuse to short resulting in a loss of all air bags and seat belt pretensions. Both conditions increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Airbags · 15V465000 · Jul 2015 · model years 2014, 2015
If the front passenger air bag deploys with a child seat in the front passenger seat, it increases the risk of injury to the child.
Safety · 15V202000 · Apr 2015 · model year 2014
Brake pads that remain partially engaged with the rotors may cause excessive brake heat that may result in a fire.
Safety · 15V085000 · Feb 2015 · model year 2014
Brake pads that remain partially engaged with the rotors may cause excessive brake heat that may result in a fire.
Electrical system · 14V614000 · Oct 2014 · model year 2014
If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 14V541000 · Sep 2014 · model years 2014, 2015
Brake pads that remain partially engaged with the rotors may cause excessive brake heat that may result in a fire.
Airbags · 14V518000 · Aug 2014 · model year 2014
In manufacturing mode, the vehicle's air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Structure · 14V489000 · Aug 2014 · model years 2014, 2015
The storage compartment door may not remain closed in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Steering · 14V450000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 14V409000 · Jul 2014 · model year 2014
If any of the components separate, the vehicle may have a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 14V355000 · Jun 2014 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
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.
Transmission · 14V092000 · Feb 2014 · model year 2014
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Electrical system · 13V220000 · May 2013 · model year 2014
If the brake lamps flash when the vehicle is not slowing, a following driver may not adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle is in fact braking, and the brake lamps are illuminating as intended, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension · 12V377000 · Aug 2012 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 11V398000 · Aug 2011 · model year 2012
POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Seat belts · 10V480000 · Oct 2010 · model year 2010
THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.