Chevrolet Impala Common Problems

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent transmission issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Impala, including failures and rough shifting. Common symptoms include hesitation, jerking, shuddering, and slipping, often accompanied by a lack of acceleration and unusual noises. Complaints typically emerge around 65,000 to 100,000 miles, with some owners facing costly repairs. Safety implications are noted, as several owners describe scenarios where sudden deceleration or gear shifts could lead to potential accidents, particularly in traffic or on highways. Used car buyers should be aware of these transmission concerns when considering this model.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report frequent issues with the air conditioning system in the 2018 Chevrolet Impala, particularly involving evaporator core leaks and refrigerant loss. Complaints often describe the air conditioning becoming inoperative, with some mentioning a noticeable smell of coolant or refrigerant inside the cabin. Several owners indicate that these problems arise within three years of ownership, with one mentioning a failure at 3 years and 3 months. Safety implications are noted in instances where refrigerant leaks into the cabin, potentially impairing visibility due to defrosting issues. Additionally, some owners express concerns about the backup camera and forward collision alert system not functioning as expected, which could affect driving safety.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Impala. Commonly mentioned problems include the failure of the tire pressure sensor system and issues with the vehicle's battery and electrical shutdowns, with some vehicles experiencing unexpected power loss while driving. Multiple owners describe incidents where the car's electrical system shuts down, leading to loss of lighting and engine power, sometimes occurring after prolonged operation or when attempting to use the auto stop feature. Complaints also highlight problems with side detection sensors and keyless entry systems. Some reports indicate safety implications, such as loss of control due to sudden power outages while driving, though no crashes or fires are mentioned. These issues have been reported by owners shortly after purchase, sometimes within eight months, suggesting potential early-life reliability concerns for used car buyers.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Impala. A common problem involves the heated steering wheel, where multiple owners describe repeated fuse blowouts, rendering the feature non-functional despite attempts to replace the fuse. Some owners also mention problems with the blind spot monitoring system showing false positives, and a few note issues with the car's sound system, which intermittently fails to produce any sound. One owner reports a significant safety incident involving multiple system failures, including the power steering and brakes, leading to a crash and injury. These issues are reported at varying mileage, with some occurring shortly after purchase, indicating potential concerns for used car buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

STEERING

Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Impala frequently report sudden loss of power steering, often without warning or prior indication of issues. Common symptoms include the steering wheel becoming inoperable or stiff, accompanied by warning messages such as "Power Steering, Drive with Care" or "Service Stability." Complaints suggest that these issues occur at various mileage points, including as early as 26,473 miles and around 74,000 miles. There are no reports of crashes or fires, but the sudden loss of steering assist poses a potential safety risk, especially if it occurs while the vehicle is in motion. Buyers should be aware of the potential need for costly repairs related to the power steering electrical motor and gear.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Impala report issues primarily related to the vehicle's transmission and Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). Complaints frequently mention transmission problems, such as the vehicle making noises, shaking, and failing to drive normally, with one owner noting a transmission fluid leak and another describing RPM inconsistencies. The EVAP system is also a concern, with reports of a stuck-open purge valve causing rough idling and failure to start after refueling, which poses a risk of collision, especially at busy gas stations. Safety implications are noted, including one crash linked to the EVAP issue. These problems tend to emerge at various mileage points, with one owner reporting transmission issues at under five years of vehicle age. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues and their possible impact on vehicle safety and drivability.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

AIR BAGS

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2019 Chevrolet Impala, particularly concerning non-deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention the airbag warning light being illuminated, even when no one is seated in the passenger seat, raising concerns about sensor reliability. In several cases, airbags fail to deploy during significant collisions, including one incident where the vehicle flipped and resulted in three injuries. These issues are noted in vehicles with mileage as low as 9,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with multiple crashes reported and instances of injury due to airbag non-deployment.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

AIR BAGS

Owners report persistent issues with the airbag system in the 2018 Chevrolet Impala, particularly involving the passenger seat airbag sensor malfunctioning, which can intermittently fail to detect an occupant. Complaints frequently mention airbag warning lights illuminating and audible alerts advising immediate service, with some owners noting that these issues are not covered under warranty despite the vehicle's age and mileage, often around 62,000 miles. One report involves a crash where the airbags did not deploy, resulting in injury, highlighting a potential safety risk. Additionally, there is an instance where the driver's side airbag deployed without cause while the vehicle was parked. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be aware of airbag sensor and deployment issues, particularly in vehicles with higher mileage.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports