Chevrolet Impala Reliability and Common Problems

If you’re looking for a dependable vehicle with more passenger and cargo space, you might want to consider aChevrolet Impala. Aside from its large cabin, the Impala also has a muscular engine and easy-to-use infotainment system, making it an excellent choice for a daily driver.

Before buying an Impala, it’ll be helpful to read up on its reliability ratings to find out the common issues other people have encountered with this vehicle.

Is the Chevrolet Impala Reliable?

The Chevrolet Impala enjoys good reliability scores. RepairPal gave the model a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 5th out of 12 cars in its segment. The 2020 model was given a 3.5 out of 5 by J.D. Power. Meanwhile, older models like the 2005 Impala earned a rating of 4.4 from Kelley Blue Book based on consumer reviews.

As long as you follow your regular maintenance schedule, your Impala can easily run up to 150,000 miles without needing any major repairs. Regular servicing will also keep your Impala in tip-top shape, saving you time and money on repairs.

Chevrolet Impala Common Problems

Regardless of how well you take care of your vehicle, issues may crop up as it puts on mileage. Here are some of the most common Impala problems per model year:

Transmission Failure

Transmission problems have been reported in some units of the 2011 Chevy Impala. Owners report hearing a loud noise from the transmission before it failed. They also noticed stuttering and jerking as their vehicles slowed down.

Similar problems have also been reported in some 2005 and 2006 models. Steer clear of units that have slipping transmissions and have difficulty shifting gears.

An Impala with a serious transmission problem may need to have its entire transmission replaced or rebuilt. Repair work for this type of problem may cost as much as $2,970.

Power Lock Malfunction

Power lock problems have been reported in some units of the 2008 Chevy Impala. Their locks may work intermittently or fail to operate completely. Replacing faulty components like the lock assembly, actuator, or sensor appeared to solve the issue in most affected vehicles.

Heater Issues

Some 2007 Chevrolet Impalas have had problems with the operation of their heater. One owner said his heater suddenly stopped working because of clogged lines. Mechanics speculate that low-quality antifreeze may have caused the issue.

Several owners also noticed cold air blowing from the heater vents while their vehicles were on idle. There are many possible causes for heater malfunction. Some owners had to replace their faulty thermostat, while others had to have their head gasket leak fixed.

Some owners also noticed a weird smell coming from their A/C and/or heater vents. One owner attempted to solve the issue by having his Impala detailed, but it didn’t solve the issue.

Excessive Oil Consumption

Some 2006 Impala owners have also had problems with their engine’s excessive oil consumption. Drivers report not noticing any visible oil leaks, which suggests that the engine was burning it.

Replacing the oil pan is a common fix for this issue.

Passlock Issues

Passlock problems have been reported in some units of the 2002 Impala. Owners were upset about getting locked out of their vehicle, their check engine and security lights going on and off, and experiencing difficulty starting their vehicle.

Passlock system issues can be complicated, so it’s best to have a professional diagnose the problem. Replacing the body control module or bypassing the ignition sensor appeared to solve the issue on most affected vehicles. Repairs for this type of issue can cost as much as $520.

Intake Manifold Gasket Failure

Some 2002 Chevrolet Impalas have suffered from coolant leaks due to a bad intake manifold gasket. This causes frequent overheating, which may result in more serious engine problems. This problem may recur, and some owners had to replace their intake manifold gasket more than once. You may spend as much as $820 to fix this type of issue.

As long as you’re aware of the potential issues you may encounter with an Impala, buying this vehicle should come with little risk. Do your research and make sure to clear everything with the seller or dealership before finalizing your purchase.

Get Replacement Parts for Your Chevrolet Impala

Here’s a word of advice if you want your Chevrolet Impala to last: replace broken parts as soon as possible. It might seem like a no-brainer, but people often put off replacing their faulty door lock actuators, damaged thermostats, and even malfunctioning transmission parts. Driving around with any of these is bound to not only inconvenience you but also lead to even more issues down the line. Thankfully, getting replacement parts for your Chevrolet Impala is fast and easy with CarParts.com. 

CarParts.com offers a wide selection of transmission system parts, door lock actuators, and other parts that are sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. In other words, you can rest assured your Chevy Impala is in good hands. If you’re itching to get back on the road as soon as possible, you’ll be pleased to know that CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses around the US, you can expect to receive your new parts in as fast as two business days. Just be sure to order by 12 p.m. ET.

Don’t wait until multiple systems of your Chevrolet Impala start acting up before replacing defective parts. Check out our selection of transmission systems, door lock actuators, thermostats, and more at CarParts.com today!