Chevrolet Impala Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)
Avoid the 2010, 2011, and 2014 Chevrolet Impala, which carry the highest complaint index scores (80, 90, and 100) out of 2,740 total complaints across 11 model years. The 2018-2020 model years are the best choices, each scoring 20 or below with far fewer recalls.
- Model years
- 11
- 2010–2020
- NHTSA complaints
- 2,740
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Crashes reported
- 130
- Fires reported
- 37
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Impala Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chevrolet Impala problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Avoid | 80 | 440 | 18 | 3 | 4 | Electrical System | 22 | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 90 | 505 | 22 | 5 | 2 | Engine | 22 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 70 | 258 | 20 | 5 | 3 | Brakes | 22 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Caution | 50 | 272 | 16 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 22 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 100 | 636 | 19 | 8 | 12 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 60 | 300 | 10 | 11 | 3 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Good | 40 | 111 | 8 | 4 | 0 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 30 | 116 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Best | 20 | 59 | 6 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Best | 10 | 28 | 4 | 1 | 1 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Best | 0 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
Impala years to avoid: what went wrong
2014 Chevrolet Impala Index 100 · 636 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2014 Impala is the worst year in this range, with 636 complaints and the highest complaint index of 100. Electrical System complaints dominate at 253 (40%, 60,000-mile median), with Brakes close behind at 171 complaints (27%, 63,500 miles) and Steering at 140 complaints (22%, 69,000 miles). Owners described brakes seizing unexpectedly at various speeds and steering loss on curves at highway speed. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for this year, the most of any Impala model year, including electronic parking brake reprogramming and airbag seat-sensor calibration issues.
2014 electrical system problems →2014 brakes problems →2014 steering problems →
2011 Chevrolet Impala Index 90 · 505 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2011 Impala recorded 505 complaints, the second-highest complaint index at 90. Engine problems led with 174 complaints (34%, 68,000-mile median), followed closely by Brakes at 169 complaints (33%, 69,189 miles). Electrical System issues added 99 complaints and Structure & Body concerns 85, largely tied to rear headrests obstructing visibility during reverse driving. Owners also reported airbags failing to deploy during crashes, resulting in injuries. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this year: the ignition key-ring/airbag issue and the police-package front lower control arm fracture recall.
2011 engine problems →2011 brakes problems →2011 electrical system problems →
2010 Chevrolet Impala Index 80 · 440 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2010 Impala logged 440 complaints and a complaint index of 80, ranking third worst of the eleven years covered. Electrical System issues topped the list at 137 complaints (31%), with median failure mileage around 80,000. Engine problems followed at 122 complaints (77,000-mile median), then Brakes at 112 complaints (74,000 miles) and Airbags at 101 complaints. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes and steering/brake unresponsiveness at highway speeds. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, covering airbag wiring wear near the front passenger seat, key-ring interference with the ignition switch, and front lower control arm fractures on police-package vehicles.
2010 electrical system problems →2010 engine problems →2010 brakes problems →
Most common Chevrolet Impala problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System804 (29%)
- Brakes733 (27%)
- Engine561 (20%)
- Steering383 (14%)
- Other333 (12%)
- Airbags295 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain292 (11%)
- Structure & Body183 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires182 (7%)
- Fuel System101 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Chevrolet Impala should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2010, 2011, and 2014 Impala are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 80, 90, and 100 respectively — the highest among the 11 model years covered.
- What is the best year for the Chevrolet Impala?
- The 2018, 2019, and 2020 Impala are the best years, with complaint indexes of 20, 10, and 0 and only 59, 28, and 15 total complaints respectively.
- Is the 2014 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
- The 2014 Impala has the highest complaint index (100) of any Impala year in this dataset, with 636 complaints and 12 recall campaigns, mostly tied to the Electrical System and Brakes.
- What is the most common problem area across all Impala years?
- Electrical System issues are the most reported problem across all years, accounting for 804 complaints (29%) out of 2,740 total complaints, followed by Brakes at 733 complaints (27%).
- Does the Chevrolet Impala have brake recalls?
- Yes. The 2014 Impala had two separate brake-related recalls (15V202000 and 15V085000) covering electronic parking brake software issues.