Reduced power and 'Shift to Park' messages
The 2016 Impala has the highest complaint rate of any year. 'Engine power reduced' warnings and a 'Shift to Park' message that won't clear are the top complaints.
Updated November 2026 · based on 890 owner complaints and 0 recalls
917 3.4x the Impala average
0 free to fix at a dealer
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 problems on the 2016 Impala
Top problems and what they cost
Engine power reduced
Check engine light and limp mode, often a throttle body fault.
Fix: Throttle body $300 to $600
Engine
Shift to Park message
The car will not turn off because it thinks it is not in park.
Fix: Shifter switch $300 to $600
Electrical
Recalls
No recalls for this year.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Chevrolet Impala
- Shift into park and switch off several times.This checks the shifter and parking lock. On some models a faulty switch shows "Shift to Park" or the car can roll if Park does not fully engage.178 of the 890 owner complaints about the 2016 Impala involve the shifter and transmission (20%).
- Watch for reduced power warnings.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.304 of the 890 owner complaints about the 2016 Impala involve the engine (34%).
- Ask whether the shifter was repaired.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.178 of the 890 owner complaints about the 2016 Impala involve the transmission and drivetrain (20%).
Questions
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Reduced power and 'Shift to Park' messages. The 2016 Impala has the highest complaint rate of any year. 'Engine power reduced' warnings and a 'Shift to Park' message that won't clear are the top complaints.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Impala have?
0 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Impala problems?
Engine power reduced; Shift to Park message.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.