Owners have filed 1,203 complaints
about the 2008 Chevrolet Impala with NHTSA between 2007 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 95
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Impala. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64
12.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 30
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2008 compares with every other Chevrolet Impala
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Rear
3539.8%
Body
1921.6%
Ignition
89.1%
Door
78.0%
AIR Conditioner
55.7%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
55.7%
Latch
55.7%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
44.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
212.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
383.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
636.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14414.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
22022.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18518.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
22923.0%
150,000+ miles
949.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2007peak 51Dec 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Chevrolet Impala
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP14001Opened 22 Jul 2014Closed 7 Mar 2017AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Passenger Air Bag OCS Algorithm
The Agency received a petition on November 14, 2013 requesting an investigation into the operation of the passenger air bag Occupant Classification System (OCS) software logic and algorithm.The petitioner states that due to this alleged defect, the passenger air bag may be suppressed at point of impact and not provided the occupant protection as needed in a crash.On July 22, 2014, NHTSA opened DP14-001 to further review the crash event and perform a more comprehensive search and analysis of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).The Agency also collected manufacturers reports on the all...
Recalls on the 2008 Chevrolet Impala
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V355000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: 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.
12V377000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2014246186,013 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: For each key, dealers will install two key rings and modify the key ring opening shape. Note: Until the correction is performed, all items should be removed from the key ring.
Recall 20122551,713 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain Chevrolet Impala police vehicles, the front control arms may fracture. If this occurs, some tire "squeal" or "chirping" may be heard when turning at low speeds. Sudden changes could occur in vehicle handling and, particularly at higher speeds, the driver may not be able to control the vehicle and a crash could occur, which may result in personal injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace both control arms.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 150,000 milesMaroa, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH while in cruise control, a group of birds flew out from under a ditch which caused the contact to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. As a result of the incident, the contact crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy upon impact which caused the contact's face to hit the steering wheel. The contact was later transported to the hospital via an ambulance where she was treated for a concussion. Additionally, the contact suffered several cuts and bruises to her face with additional bruising to her left leg and hip. A police report was filed; however, the report was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11630566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, ORCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
NHTSA complaint #11542674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, ORCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
NHTSA complaint #11542674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, ORCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
NHTSA complaint #11542674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,000 milesMilwaukie, ORCrashFire1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET TURNING LEFT , PEDAL STUCK BRAKES NOT WORKING AND HIT BY ON COMING CAR , FLIPPED IN AIR ABOUT A BLOCK , ROLLING OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN , NO AIR BAGS DEPLEATED, BROKEN RIBS, CONCUSSION, SKIN LACERATIONS , BRUISES,GLASS LOGGED IN PARTS OF BODY , FACE AND FEET
NHTSA complaint #11388632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,000 milesMilwaukie, ORCrashFire1 injured
STEERING
IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET TURNING LEFT , PEDAL STUCK BRAKES NOT WORKING AND HIT BY ON COMING CAR , FLIPPED IN AIR ABOUT A BLOCK , ROLLING OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN , NO AIR BAGS DEPLEATED, BROKEN RIBS, CONCUSSION, SKIN LACERATIONS , BRUISES,GLASS LOGGED IN PARTS OF BODY , FACE AND FEET
NHTSA complaint #11388632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesMaroa, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH while in cruise control, a group of birds flew out from under a ditch which caused the contact to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. As a result of the incident, the contact crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy upon impact which caused the contact's face to hit the steering wheel. The contact was later transported to the hospital via an ambulance where she was treated for a concussion. Additionally, the contact suffered several cuts and bruises to her face with additional bruising to her left leg and hip. A police report was filed; however, the report was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11630566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waite Park, MN
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
This is 1 of 2 car seats that we have, both with the same issue. The pull strap that is used to tighten the shoulder straps to secure the child in appropriately is not functioning properly. You can not pull the shoulder straps to the tightness that is required for the child to be secured properly. This is a huge safety risk to my children when we are not able to tighten them correctly. I had the car seat looked at by CPST [XXX XXX] with the City of Waite Park, and there is no user error, the straps aren't pinched anywhere. She herself was having a operating the car seat and advised us to stop using it and get it replaced. I have reached out to Evenflo and they are unwilling to fix the issue. They tell me that the car seat is "far out warranty so they cannot assist me further with the seat." I am in disbelief that they are unwilling to replace the defective seats. I do have a video of Alicia trying to tighten the straps and it shows her struggling to accomplish that. I am unable to attach them here. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11623770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hilo, HI
TIRES
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H- Car started shaking violently while I was driving it- seemed to be coming from rear tire. Limped it home, removed driver side rear tire, and noticed substantial bulge where tread was separating. Replaced tire with another brand. Several months later, same thing happened, and removed the remaining Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H tire, the passenger side rear tire, and noticed same defect. I bought both tires Mar 15, 2021 on Amazon, but have driven car very little. Unfortunately the shop that installed them didn't note mileage on receipt but the tread looks brand new (other than the defect). Looked at amazon and noticed other customers reporting the same defect! [XXX] I think these tires are very dangerous and are going to cause somebody to get injured or worse, especially since both tires are affected by defects and other consumers are reporting the exact same issue on amazon reviews. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11606880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
la, CA
STEERING
The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.
NHTSA complaint #11603063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
la, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.
NHTSA complaint #11603063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dash cover crumbled and falling apart. Even though I have kept it cool and covered with a condition. It's falling down into my car fan for heating and cooling
NHTSA complaint #11594362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson, GA
POWER TRAIN
At a complete stop, press the gas to go and the car will not go. Kind of like its struggling to catch gear and then all of a sudden it with catch jerk hard. That's an issue for a few reasons. If you have to pull out for somewhere that traffic doesn't stop or yield, and the car is barley rolling trying to catch gear, there's the risk of getting hit. When the gear catches, and the jerk happened it's not a small jerk, i feel it's a safety hassard to small children. When my son was 4 months old it started and it jerked him pretty hard. My mother in law is the original owner and had it checked several times with no resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11574386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, ORCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
NHTSA complaint #11542674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, ORCrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
NHTSA complaint #11542674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, ORCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
NHTSA complaint #11542674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyomissing, PA
POWER TRAIN
When I turn the ignition key and start my car engine, I then shift the automatic transmission into “drive”, but there is no forward acceleration power, and I have no idea why this is.
NHTSA complaint #11520520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison Heights, MI
POWER TRAIN
The gas petal sensor is reading a code P2138 (Accelerator Petal Position Sensors 1-2 not plausible). My father has changed the petal not once but twice and erased the code but it keeps coming back. Also getting a p0172 code as well. A Cheverolet dealership has been called and the representative rushed me off phone saying there was not recall for the car. Car was taken to an Autozone and the codes were still coming up. Engine warning light goes off and on every 3 to 4 days after being cleared, then will get a reduced engine power message will appear. Messages warning lights and symptoms started 3 months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11518381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galveston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11514960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burlington, WI
STEERING
My sway bar is broken and needs to be fixed. Like all the rest of Impalas . I'm on social security and I need someone to help please! Martin Montney
NHTSA complaint #11502385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at highway speeds the car will act up and the engine will shut off, I get the message on the odometer display that reads, Engine power is reduced, service throttle, starter disabled. This is not a good thing to have happen while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11494886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving at highway speeds the car will act up and the engine will shut off, I get the message on the odometer display that reads, Engine power is reduced, service throttle, starter disabled. This is not a good thing to have happen while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11494886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontonagon, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY
The back driver’s side door of my 2008 Impala is not locked, but it cannot be opened. I’ve read online that this happens on other Impalas. Because this is a major safety issue, as well as a major inconvenience, these vehicles should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owners. People should be able to enter and exit through all doors of a vehicle, especially during an emergency. Because of this defect, Impalas should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owner.
NHTSA complaint #11469944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On these cars the blend doors open when your driving and fogs windows to were you can't see mostly in the winter or colder temperatures. They start to click because of the bad design of them and sometimes the clicking goes away and sometimes it doesnt and the safety risk is when the doors malfunction it fogs windows and you can't see. Car was taking to auto shop and they confirm that's the problem and the parts for the car are under $100 but over $1200 for labor
NHTSA complaint #11461998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frankfort, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Heating and air conditioning actuators and/or blen door getting stuck so the air will not switch from cold to hot or hot to cold without pulling the glove box out and manually turning them by hand. Heater will blow hot air and then randomly switch to cold air. When it's cold outside, I cannot defrost my windows cause it gets stuck on cold air which impairs visibility.
NHTSA complaint #11447196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Center Line, MI
STEERING
Q-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A-Suspension and steering effective. Any time I drive and make turns it makes like a clunking noise. You can actually feel it in the floor board. It's worse when you are driving down a not so smooth road. You can look at it as soon as possible. Q-How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A-Control arm might SNAP causing you to lose control of my vehicle and crash into other drivers. Q-Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A-Firestone has inspected my car. Q-Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A-No my vehicle has not. Q-Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A-No warning signs of any kind. This started within the last month or two.
NHTSA complaint #11437500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Center Line, MI
SUSPENSION
Q-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A-Suspension and steering effective. Any time I drive and make turns it makes like a clunking noise. You can actually feel it in the floor board. It's worse when you are driving down a not so smooth road. You can look at it as soon as possible. Q-How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A-Control arm might SNAP causing you to lose control of my vehicle and crash into other drivers. Q-Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A-Firestone has inspected my car. Q-Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A-No my vehicle has not. Q-Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A-No warning signs of any kind. This started within the last month or two.
NHTSA complaint #11437500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 218,000 milesRanburne, AL
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and jumping. The contact drove to his brother's residence to inspect the vehicle. The contact removed the front passenger’s side tire and wheel and upon removing the hub, the engine moved. The contact was self-diagnosed that the front lower control arm was fractured. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
NHTSA complaint #11436758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Utica, NY
POWER TRAIN
car shuts off while in traffic and it says engine power reduced service traction control
NHTSA complaint #11418636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Utica, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
car shuts off while in traffic and it says engine power reduced service traction control
NHTSA complaint #11418636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Utica, NY
ENGINE
car shuts off while in traffic and it says engine power reduced service traction control
NHTSA complaint #11418636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.