Owners have filed 178 complaints
about the 2016 Chevrolet Impala with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 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 — 14
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Impala. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Chevrolet Impala
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
86.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
75.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
65.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3731.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2521.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2218.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1210.1%
150,000+ miles
21.7%
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.
Jun 2016peak 9Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2016 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 200,000 milesMagnolia, ARFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power and there was black smoke coming from the right side of the engine compartment. The contact then parked the vehicle and opened the hood, and there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!
NHTSA complaint #11529940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, GAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!
NHTSA complaint #11529940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!
NHTSA complaint #11529940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesRichmond, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and attempting to avoid an accident, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. During the crash, the contact sustained left wrist, left shoulder, and neck injuries. No medical treatment was provided. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. In addition, the contact indicated that the braking system was faulty and previously had experienced extended stopping distances and grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when pressing the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11485154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesRichmond, MOCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and attempting to avoid an accident, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. During the crash, the contact sustained left wrist, left shoulder, and neck injuries. No medical treatment was provided. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. In addition, the contact indicated that the braking system was faulty and previously had experienced extended stopping distances and grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when pressing the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11485154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 200,000 milesMagnolia, ARFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power and there was black smoke coming from the right side of the engine compartment. The contact then parked the vehicle and opened the hood, and there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesKaty, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter, however the gear shifter failed to shift as intended. The contact stated after several attempts, the gear shifter shifted as intended. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under the unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Campbellsburg, IN
POWER TRAIN
Between 25mph and 35mph transmission will " lose " gearing and start revving when I'm stuck in traffic, causing a safety concern/risk. Have to stop the car completely and let her cool down below half operating temp for the transmission to rekick into gear. Happens Everytime after driving through cities, ATF has a slight gray tinge to it but no burning smell
NHTSA complaint #11696147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wixom, MI
ENGINE
My vin should have been included in this: N182186881-01 - Special Coverage Evaporator Core Icing, Leak Revised Warranty section I have had the issue for many years due to not receiving the notice. The car leaks, hisses, smokes and does not cool at all. I was told I must only take it to them for 250 diagnostic but they also said it was a havoc reprogramming that cost the 2,500 to fix. I have a estimate from a triple a recommended mechanic that says its the evaporator coil. My miles just hit 80,000 but its been going on for years because I haven't had the money to fix it and make payments. Chevy arbitrator states the miles are low and the dealer i bought it from, Conly in Brighton Michigan, should put my vin on the recall list. They say they don't know how/will not. The arbitrator didn't give me on digit for her call back extension. I do have proof of the car having no air at 49,000 miles when a mechanic couldn't find the issue because it was to far down in the car. I don't trust taking the car to them after being diagnosed without seeing the car. BBB auto said I exceeded milage but i wouldn't have if I would have been informed asap My vin should have been in the recall. I have the same make and type of car. Why did they exclude me? I hardly drive the car and was an essential employee . everything was closed I was in the year allowed and under the miles if I would have got the notice Please help
NHTSA complaint #11639809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
STEERING
I was driving and entering [XXX] at [XXX] when my power steering went completely out! I was unable to steer my vehicle at all and was on a windy road with my children in the vehicle! I pulled to the side of the road! Shut my car off waited a couple minutes and turned it back on and the problem went away! This has happened twice now. My power steering is due to it being electrical and not a fluid issue. This is extremely dangerous as you are unable to steer the vehicle at all when this happens! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11627748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure 2nd time in car at 101,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11627156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FL
TIRES
235/50R18. Went for tire rotate and balance. Was informed that 3 of the 4 tires had tread separation and recommended replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11596302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Covina, CA
AIR BAGS
The Side Detection System Modules are preventing the vehicle blind spot system to work correctly. and the vehicle takes 5, 10, 15 + attempts to start up.
NHTSA complaint #11593751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Covina, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Side Detection System Modules are preventing the vehicle blind spot system to work correctly. and the vehicle takes 5, 10, 15 + attempts to start up.
NHTSA complaint #11593751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Covina, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The Side Detection System Modules are preventing the vehicle blind spot system to work correctly. and the vehicle takes 5, 10, 15 + attempts to start up.
NHTSA complaint #11593751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,377 milesLa Place, LA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that he noticed that there was water leaking inside the trunk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that water was leaking through both sides of the trunk lid. The dealer installed a gasket between the spoiler and the trunk lid. The contact stated that the failure later recurred. The contact noticed that the tire rim, the jack, and unknown areas of the trunk were rusted. The contact stated that upon performing a water leak inspection, he noticed that the passenger's side and the driver's side taillight assembly seals were leaking. The contact replaced the seals; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not help unless the vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that both the taillights assembly seals and the sunroof grommets were leaking. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,377.
NHTSA complaint #11574892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!
NHTSA complaint #11529940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, GAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!
NHTSA complaint #11529940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!
NHTSA complaint #11529940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
STEERING
Very hard to steer
NHTSA complaint #11500749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, IL
AIR BAGS
I recently purchased this car, and the airbag warning light will not turn off. Meaning, something is wrong with the airbags.
NHTSA complaint #11498112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noblesville, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radio/sound system malfunctioning; Radio/sound will intermittently turn on and off, at times sound will not work for days/weeks at a time. Radio/sound system is tied in with vehicles internal warning systems. When sound is not working, there is no audible notification of several safety conditions including: Seat belt not fastened; door open; turn signal on/off; Low fuel; service engine; Stabilitrack. There was no notification (audio or visual) prior to condition beginning. Symptoms began to appear about 2 months ago during routine highway driving. Vehicle has sustained no accidents and has had no aftermarket upgrades.
NHTSA complaint #11494383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
side detection fault. this is an acknowledged problem by GM but they will not fix my car.
NHTSA complaint #11494389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milwaukee, WI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
side detection fault. this is an acknowledged problem by GM but they will not fix my car.
NHTSA complaint #11494389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesRichmond, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and attempting to avoid an accident, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. During the crash, the contact sustained left wrist, left shoulder, and neck injuries. No medical treatment was provided. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. In addition, the contact indicated that the braking system was faulty and previously had experienced extended stopping distances and grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when pressing the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11485154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesRichmond, MOCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and attempting to avoid an accident, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. During the crash, the contact sustained left wrist, left shoulder, and neck injuries. No medical treatment was provided. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. In addition, the contact indicated that the braking system was faulty and previously had experienced extended stopping distances and grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when pressing the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11485154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethune, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while driving a chevy impala at night you can barley see and i drove even new models it’s still the same
NHTSA complaint #11469267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethune, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
while driving a chevy impala at night you can barley see and i drove even new models it’s still the same
NHTSA complaint #11469267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suffolk, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2016 Chevy Impala with 3.6L V6 has a design fault that causes failure of the evaporator core including leak of freon and inoperative Air Conditioning. Leak of freon and lack of air conditioning in 100 degree plus outside temps endangers the driver and passengers. Local auto service and local dealership both confirm failure of evaporator core. Issue has been identified by Chevy manufacturer and TSB issued N182186881 to cover repair/replacement at no cost to the vehicle owner. However, database is intentionally exclusive of VINs without cause or rationale. There is documented history of Chevy/GM declining to authorize service to affected vehicles on online forums and even at my local dealership. No warning. issue is Air Conditioning failure. upon first warm day in the spring, the AC blew hot air. This suggests legal dodging of addressing the issue by manufacturer. Manufacturer should honor their bulletin and verify all applicable 2016-2018 Impala with V6 are added to the database. Owners and potential owners must be informed of this issue that manufacturer has admitted to already.
NHTSA complaint #11463524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For approximately 2 months, my 2016 Impala LTZ, would display a message on the small screen in front of the driver in the dash, stating for the driver to, "press ignition button again to turn vehicle off." The worst part about it was this would happen very randomly whether I would be driving in city traffic, or be sitting in a parking lot at a local store. I took it to my local Chevrolet dealership. Five different times, because they were not able to get the occurrence to duplicate for them. They replaced the ignition, as well as other suspected parts with no resolution. Resolution. Ended up costing me over $1,200. That was the first time I took it in for this issue. The other four times didn't cost me anything because they hadn't fixed the issue. Come to find out it was a wire on the body control module that had some of the insulation sheathing removed, which then in turn caused the wire to ground out on the car's frame. Just thought I would put this out there in case anybody else goes through it because it wasn't real inconvenience.
NHTSA complaint #11459171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.