The best Impala years to buy are 2018 and 2019. Avoid the 2014 and 2016: power steering, side blind zone faults, and 'Shift to Park' and reduced power messages give them the most complaints.
Best years: 20182019 Years to avoid: 20142016
Every Impala year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known Impala problems
Year by year
| Year | Complaints | Per 100k sold | Recalls | Top issue | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 151 | 0 | Other | Few reports |
| 2019 | 28 | 62 | 1 | Electrical | Good buy |
| 2018 | 59 | 104 | 1 | Other | Good buy |
| 2017 | 117 | 154 | 0 | Other | Good year |
| 2016 | 890 | 917 | 0 | Engine | Skip this year |
| 2015 | 300 | 257 | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2014 | 638 | 455 | 12 | Electrical | Skip this year |
| 2013 | 272 | 173 | 1 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Good year |
| 2012 | 258 | 152 | 3 | Electrical | Good year |
About the Impala
The Impala was Chevrolet's full-size sedan until 2020. The 2014 redesign had power steering and blind spot system complaints, and the 2016 drew a large number of 'engine power reduced' and 'Shift to Park' complaints. The last few years are the most trouble-free.
- 2014-2020: Tenth generation. 2014 and 2016 drew the most complaints; 2017-2019 much better.
Impala warranty extensions and special coverage
Carmakers sometimes extend the warranty on a part that fails too often, or pay for a fix outside a recall. These notices come from the dealer bulletins Chevrolet files with NHTSA. 2,733 Impala bulletins are on file in total.
Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the evaporative emissions purge valve to not fully close.
Special Coverage.
18186 - Customer Satisfaction Program.
N182186881 01 - Special Coverage Adjustment.
N192210240 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Certain vehicles shown above, may have a condition that could cause the evaporative emissions purge valve to not fully close.
14588c - special coverage (revised labor time).
14588b - special coverage (revised to add 2016 my Chevrolet Impala).
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module.
26180 01 Customer Satisfaction Program.
14588 - special coverage.
Ask a dealer to check a specific car by VIN. Extensions usually have a time or mileage limit.
Government investigations into the Impala
NHTSA opens an investigation when complaints point to a possible safety defect. Some end in a recall and some close without one.
Audit query AQ17002 · 2014 · opened Mar 2017, closed May 2020
NHTSA opened AQ17-002 to determine whether BiCal Chevrolet of Valley Stream, New York (BiCal) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C.
Preliminary evaluation PE14010 · 2014 · opened Apr 2014, closed Nov 2014 · led to recall 14V541000
On April 15, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE14-010 based on two complaints alleging incidents of sudden/severe uncommanded braking resulting in rear impact collisions in model year (MY) 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles.ODI analyzed all complaints related to allegations...
Impala vs rivals
Questions
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Impala?
2018 and 2019. The best Impala years to buy are 2018 and 2019. Avoid the 2014 and 2016: power steering, side blind zone faults, and 'Shift to Park' and reduced power messages give them the most complaints.
Which Chevrolet Impala years should I avoid?
2014, 2016. These drew far more owner complaints per car sold than the Chevrolet Impala average.
What does 'Shift to Park' mean on a Chevy Impala?
A worn switch in the shifter makes the car think it is not in park, so it will not turn off or lock. GM extended coverage on the shifter for some cars. A repair costs about $300 to $600 out of warranty.
Based on 2,577 complaints filed by owners with U.S. safety regulators for model years 2012 to 2020, and U.S. sales by calendar year. How we score.