Owners have filed 88 complaints
about the 2018 Chevrolet Impala with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 21 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 — 7
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Impala. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 53
10.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 61
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Chevrolet Impala
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
613.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
24.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
48.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1226.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1635.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
24.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
36.7%
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.
Nov 2017peak 6Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2018 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 201846119,385 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a problem with the rear brake system may cause gas bubbles to form in the brake fluid. This could cause a soft brake pedal feel and a reduction in brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will bleed the rear brakes.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 122,690 milesChicago, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while reversing slowly, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and continued rolling backwards. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stopped and shifted to drive(D), and with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle started to roll forward. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle. The contact steered the vehicle to the right to avoid crashing into the building. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a signpost, preventing the vehicle from driving into the restaurant. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving very slowly during the failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The center of the front bumper was dented, the center of the grill was cracked, and the hood was dented. The contact was not injured. The contact stated that the Police arrived at the scene and wrote a report however, the contact was not provided the report or the report number. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an Auto Zone and the diagnostic machine retrieved DTC for Low Voltage in the ABS module and the message “Control Module Communication BUSS Off”. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,690.
NHTSA complaint #11678344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesClairton, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
THE CAR WAS STOPPED ON A PARKING LOT EXIT RAMP. WHEN THE CAR AHEAD OF ME MOVED FORWARD I TOOK MY FOOT OF OF THE BRAKE SO I COULD MOVE FORWARD. WHEN I APPLIED THE BREAK TO STOP, THE BREAKS DID NOT WORK AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA complaint #11281643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,439 milesSAN Ramon, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
OCTOBER 10TH, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS LITERALLY AN ENTIRE CAR LENGTH BACK DRIVING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AT 50-55 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP ON THE FREEWAY. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES BUT MY CAR SLID STRAIGHT INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. IT FELT AS IF MY BRAKES WERE NOT STOPPING MY CAR. I NOTICED THIS HAPPENING BEFORE ON A MAIN STREET AND I WAS TRAVELLING AT 45 MPH BUT I DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF IT AT THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11268273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMiami, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
IN FEBRUARY 2019 I PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVY IMPALA PREMIER, UPON DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING LIKE MY 2018 CHEVY CAMARO BUT I CHUCKED IT UP TO THE CAR BEING HEAVIER AND PAID IT NO ATTENTION. FOR MONTHS I HAVE BEEN THINKING THAT MAYBE I JUST NEED TO GET USED TO THE BRAKES ON MY NEW CAR AND THAT IT WAS NOTHING. WHILE I DRIVE AT NORMAL SPEEDS (40 - 45 MPH) MY CAR SLID AN EXTRA 5- 10 FT MORE THEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO EVERY TIME. YESTERDAY WHILE BRAKING MY BRAKES JUST TOTALLY DID NOT RESPOND CAUSING ME TO HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER DRIVER. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH LITERALLY JUST TURNING OUT OF A SHOPPING PLAZA WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I STARTED TO PRESS THE BRAKES ABOUT 50 METERS AHEAD AND MY CAR DID NOT BUDGE NOR DID IT BEGIN TO STOP IT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT THE SAME SPEED UNTIL I PROMPTED TO TURN AND BRACED FOR THE COLLISION. I HIT THE BACK PASSENGER BUMPER AND THE SIDEWALK BRINGING MY CAR TO A HALT. THIS INCIDENT WHICH PROMPTED ME TO LOOK FURTHER BRUNG ME ONLINE TO SEE THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE CHEVY IMPALA BRAKES WORKING IMPROPERLY. IT SAYS THAT IT IS ON SOME IMPALAS AND I BELIEVE THAT MINE IS ONE OF THEM.
NHTSA complaint #11253560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesDetroit, MICrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I WAS DRIVING AND LADY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT RAIL ROAD TRACK AND I COULDN'T STOP I RAN INTO THE BACK OF HER
NHTSA complaint #11235345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesDetroit, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AND LADY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT RAIL ROAD TRACK AND I COULDN'T STOP I RAN INTO THE BACK OF HER
NHTSA complaint #11235345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Brewster, NY
POWER TRAIN
The transmission failed, shifting is no longer smooth. It hesitates and shakes the entire car, and the car slows down to almost a crawl uphill. I understand this is an issue with Chevrolet Impalas. So now I have an $8200 bill for a problem I was never told about, and that GM knew that it existed. So, yes, the issue has been identified, reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The warning light came on when the issue happened, so it was already too late. The issue began with just over 65,000 miles. So I have a 2018 Impala in almost perfect condition in need of an $8200 before taxes, transmission replacement. I would like some help from the NHTSA, like requiring GM to pay for the repairs. Thank You very much.
NHTSA complaint #11746623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while the A/C was activated during the summer of 2025, the A/C failed to function as intended. The contact stated that hot air was blowing through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with an EVAP leak. The leak was found on a corner near the evaporative canister. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the EVAP leak was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to a specialty shop for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to pay a nominal part of the repair. The contact declined the assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hope Mills, NC
STEERING
I was driving and parked the car at the store. After checking out I went to the car got ready to leave and started backing out and the car would not turn to the left at all. I took it to the shop and was told they do not see anything wrong with my car but a steering message is coming up.
NHTSA complaint #11716610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbine, GA
SEATS
Passenger side front seat. When occupied, airbag sensor located inside the seat is malfunctioning. My husbands safety is at risk when he's in the car. He tries moving the seat up, back, etc. Sometimes works and the airbag sensor works. We are fearing that if there were any accident or need, that his life would be in danger if the airbag didn't deploy. This shouldn't be at the consumers expense as this is a safety issue. This has been ongoing for over 6 months.
NHTSA complaint #11687573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbine, GA
AIR BAGS
Passenger side front seat. When occupied, airbag sensor located inside the seat is malfunctioning. My husbands safety is at risk when he's in the car. He tries moving the seat up, back, etc. Sometimes works and the airbag sensor works. We are fearing that if there were any accident or need, that his life would be in danger if the airbag didn't deploy. This shouldn't be at the consumers expense as this is a safety issue. This has been ongoing for over 6 months.
NHTSA complaint #11687573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesGreenwood, ME
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that recently, the driver’s side air bag deployed while the vehicle was parked and unattended overnight. Prior to the failure, the air bag warning light had illuminated while driving. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11679042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,690 milesChicago, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while reversing slowly, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and continued rolling backwards. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stopped and shifted to drive(D), and with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle started to roll forward. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle. The contact steered the vehicle to the right to avoid crashing into the building. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a signpost, preventing the vehicle from driving into the restaurant. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving very slowly during the failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The center of the front bumper was dented, the center of the grill was cracked, and the hood was dented. The contact was not injured. The contact stated that the Police arrived at the scene and wrote a report however, the contact was not provided the report or the report number. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an Auto Zone and the diagnostic machine retrieved DTC for Low Voltage in the ABS module and the message “Control Module Communication BUSS Off”. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,690.
NHTSA complaint #11678344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesJacksonville, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #11644539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,473 milesCincinnati, OH
STEERING
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to straighten the wheels while in the driveway, the contact discovered that the steering wheel was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the power steering electrical motor and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,473.
NHTSA complaint #11639349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,473 milesCincinnati, OH
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to straighten the wheels while in the driveway, the contact discovered that the steering wheel was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the power steering electrical motor and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,473.
NHTSA complaint #11639349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, IN
POWER TRAIN
I was sold a used car w/ undisclosed accidents. Had many issues within first few weeks. Had transmission cooler lines replaced after they burst. Radiator, compressor, condenser, and much more. Then the Airbag light came on. Dealership said connectors were bad. Fixed it. Light came on again.took it in to dealership. They had it for over two weeks. The GM for all the dealerships Told me the vehicle was not unsafe and told me lies. But the service girl confessed she no longer had access to my vehicle or my file and her boss and the Gm had taken over working on it. She then told me they pulled Ford model air bags from my Chevy Impala. Now the light has come on again. I do not feel safe or rust the dealership to fix it properly.
NHTSA complaint #11625701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, IN
AIR BAGS
I was sold a used car w/ undisclosed accidents. Had many issues within first few weeks. Had transmission cooler lines replaced after they burst. Radiator, compressor, condenser, and much more. Then the Airbag light came on. Dealership said connectors were bad. Fixed it. Light came on again.took it in to dealership. They had it for over two weeks. The GM for all the dealerships Told me the vehicle was not unsafe and told me lies. But the service girl confessed she no longer had access to my vehicle or my file and her boss and the Gm had taken over working on it. She then told me they pulled Ford model air bags from my Chevy Impala. Now the light has come on again. I do not feel safe or rust the dealership to fix it properly.
NHTSA complaint #11625701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, IN
ENGINE
I was sold a used car w/ undisclosed accidents. Had many issues within first few weeks. Had transmission cooler lines replaced after they burst. Radiator, compressor, condenser, and much more. Then the Airbag light came on. Dealership said connectors were bad. Fixed it. Light came on again.took it in to dealership. They had it for over two weeks. The GM for all the dealerships Told me the vehicle was not unsafe and told me lies. But the service girl confessed she no longer had access to my vehicle or my file and her boss and the Gm had taken over working on it. She then told me they pulled Ford model air bags from my Chevy Impala. Now the light has come on again. I do not feel safe or rust the dealership to fix it properly.
NHTSA complaint #11625701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
POWER TRAIN
Since vehicle purchase in 2018 there is a shifting problem with the transmission. I have paid for shifter repairs and still the problem exist. While driving the car gets stuck in gear and hard to accelerate. The issue happens at various times without warning. There has been two instances that could have led to potential accidents. Upon spraking with and researching other impala owners, this is a common problem in the 3.6 engine Chevrolet Impalas but nothing has been done. The dealer has a plan to determine but it has always cost $1500+ to the customer.
NHTSA complaint #11617470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesGainesville, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11611424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesGainesville, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11611424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
TIRES
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Assurance, Tire Size: 235/50/R18, DOT Number: MT1PJBUR2920. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that all four tires had severe tread separation and piling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tires were not yet replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11611081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
STEERING
Power steering suddenly went out when driving without any indication as to why. Took to dealership and very expensive to fix. Only had the car for 6 months
NHTSA complaint #11599577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
answers to Questions from above 1. EVAPORATOR KIT 84409864 2. Not a safety issue to my knowledge. 3. Yes, issue was diagnosed and repaired at dealership. (Receipt for work - including part numbers will be attached with supporting documents) 4. No, no one outside of the dealership. 5. No warning lights but there was the smell of coolant in the cab of the car. Due to an issue with my 2018 Chevy Impala - V6 engine, I had to have the AC evaporator core replaced due to a leak (faulty part). Searching the NHTSA website, I found the below special coverage which seems to match my vehicle perfectly including the issue for which the special coverage was issued. I filed a claim with GM but continue to be told that my vehicle is not covered by this but no reason as to why it isn't covered. *Special Coverage N182186881 - Evaporator Core Icing, Leak *Quantity Part Name Part No. *1 EVAPORATOR KIT 84409864 This is concerning as a consumer as the issue and vehicle description matches the special coverage exactly, yet GM is stating that my vehicle is not covered. This issue clearly extends beyond the number of vehicles affected that was reported. Also, being replaced with the same part (part num) does give me pause that this will be an issue again in the future, costing consumers even more money and time.
NHTSA complaint #11582997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Evaporator core is leaking and a/c system is not operative. There is an outstanding report from your office, DCS4922, that outlines this condition perfectly. This report talks about a Special Coverage Adjustment #N182186881 Evaporator Core Icing, Leak, and an estimated number of vehicles involved. Since it is an estimated number of vehicles it means that GM doesn't know exactly how many vehicles are involved. It is my position that my vehicle should be included in the Service Adjustment. General Motors will not consider repair based on my VIN. This Special coverage addresses the exact issue I am experiencing. I have visited a Chevy Impala public forum and found there are others experiencing the same issue. Any help will be appreciated.
NHTSA complaint #11552712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
WHEELS
Tire pressure sensor system receiver (part of keyless entry system) will not collect info from individual tire pressure sensors in tires. Failure of this safety system would not provide and advance warning of low tire pressure.
NHTSA complaint #11544465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tire pressure sensor system receiver (part of keyless entry system) will not collect info from individual tire pressure sensors in tires. Failure of this safety system would not provide and advance warning of low tire pressure.
NHTSA complaint #11544465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Prague, MN
POWER TRAIN
While driving or idling (car in D/M, both automatic and manual), the car will rapidly shift to park and then back to where the shifter was set, usually in a lower gear that slows the car down or prevents acceleration. The transmission or speed sensor could be an issue. This can happen in rapid succession 3-5+ times in a row, which has led to a drop in speed from 65 MPH to 40 MPH, especially dangerous at faster speeds on a highway or when deceleration is occurring more quickly, like going up a steep hill. I am unsure what indication there is for cars that are behind me, but they have had to slow down or pass me in some instances to avoid hitting me. If it happens while turning at a 2 way stop or on an entrance ramp, my car might not accelerate fast enough to merge into traffic. There have been no lights on the dash, and the dealer has not been able to identify the issue when I have taken it in.
NHTSA complaint #11526108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upland, IN
STEERING
My service stability and service power steering g drive with care warning lights came on.. I DO NOT have any power steering.. I am lucky I was NOT driving on the road when power steering failed. A SERVICE BULLERIN 19NA182 has be given to this very unsafe issue.
NHTSA complaint #11522829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, AL
STEERING
As I was driving home from my place of employment which is exactly 30 miles from where I live my Steering Assist went out and it was very hard to steer and to even stay in the lane which I was driving I managed to get the car home and did an under carriage inspection and there was no damage still kind of shaken from the power steering going out I checked for the power steering pump and the power steering fluid reserve but found out through my owner's manual that I have electronic power steering I took the car by my local Chevrolet dealer and was told it was nothing they could do because they knew nothing about how to repair such a problem the only warning lamp that I received was a message that said power steering service drive with care
NHTSA complaint #11518465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.