Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Chevrolet Impala Reliability Report
The 2019 Chevrolet Impala rates good for reliability, but owners report electrical faults and power steering that cuts out while driving.
Recalls
1
Complaints
28
Complaint Rate
6.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$568
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400–$2,750
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
The strongest of the three scored Impala years, with one brake recall and complaints led by electrical faults.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
- AIR BAGS (5)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 7 years after the 2012 facelift refresh.
- Year 14 in the Ninth generation (2006–2016) (2006–2020).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 9th generation Impala (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2006: Ninth generation (2006–2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2012: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 7 years after the 2012 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Impala?
Good reliability puts this full-size sedan well above average among 2019 sedans, and it is the best of the three Impala years scored. It earned 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $568 model-wide, under the $590 class figure. The 2018 and 2020 model years rate about the same.
Complaints spread across several systems. Electrical faults lead, such as a heated steering wheel fuse that keeps blowing and an AC compressor that lost power and blew hot air at 52,000 miles. Some owners report power steering cutting out, at times with the engine and electrical system shutting down, with repeat stalls by 35,736 miles. Several crash reports say air bags did not deploy. One federal recall covers the hydraulic service brakes.
Ask the seller for proof that the brake recall was done. Review records for steering, stalling, and transmission work, and make sure the air bag warning light stays off on a test drive.
Compared to the 2020 Chevrolet Impala, which scored the same. See also the 2018 Chevrolet Impala for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$22 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize cars
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (13%)
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Electrical faults show up in several unrelated forms (7 complaints)
- −AIR BAGS: Nothing deploys in several serious crashes (5 complaints)
Compare 2019 Chevrolet Impala With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
- AIR BAGS (5)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2019 Chevrolet Impala carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
6.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 19.1
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Chevrolet Impala Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Impala. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Buying a used 2019 Chevrolet Impala? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Impala, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Chevrolet Impala NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 12.1%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet ImpalaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$568
vs $590 avg for fullsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Chevrolet Impala Resale Value
The Chevrolet Impala is estimated to retain about 47.2% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Chevrolet Impala model overall and is not specific to the 2019 model year.
- Value Retained
- 47.2%
- Depreciation
- 52.8%
- Listings Analyzed
- 118
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Chevrolet Impala depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
22–25 MPG
Running cost: $2,950–$3,300/yr
Fuel + repair
18–22 city / 28–29 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Impala 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 19 | 28 | 22 | $2,750 |
| Impala 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 | 28 | 22 | $2,750 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Chevrolet Impala.
Turn on the heated steering wheel, confirm it warms, and ask whether its fuse or heater module has been replaced.
Run the AC on max and confirm the compressor engages and blows cold air.
Seat an adult passenger and confirm the passenger air bag stays on and no air bag warning light shows.
Drive at highway speed and watch for a power steering warning, stiff steering, or a sudden stall.
Accelerate gently from a stop and feel for transmission shudder or jerking.
Shift into Park and turn the car off, checking for a false "Shift to Park" message.
Watch the blind spot lights on an empty road for false alerts.
Listen for rear clinking and feel for shaking at speed, then inspect the sway bar and struts.
2019 Chevrolet Impala Common Problems by Component
28 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaintsSafety-relatedElectrical faults show up in several unrelated forms. The heated steering wheel quits because its fuse keeps blowing, and in one case it failed again a day after the dealer replaced the heater module. Other reports describe the passenger blind spot light staying on with no car nearby, the AC compressor losing power and blowing hot air at 52,000 miles, and all audio, including turn signal sounds, cutting out repeatedly. One crash report describes a stall and then weak braking, with the ABS, power steering, and stability control warnings lit.
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedNothing deploys in several serious crashes. Three crash reports describe no deployment, including deer strikes at highway speed and a rollover into a tree that left three people injured. In one deer strike the air bag warning lights came on, but the bags still stayed put, and in another the car was totaled. The other complaints describe a passenger air bag warning light that stays lit, and a passenger air bag that switches off with someone seated. That second report blames a seat sensor rubbing against the seat frame.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsAC compressor failure is the main theme here, with owners reporting compressors that fail early and need replacement. In one report, the needed Design 2 compressor connector is unavailable from every supplier tried, so the repair stalls on parts. Other complaints describe the blind spot system showing false alarms on the driver display, and a dash that gives no warning when coolant is low or empty. None of these reports involve a crash or injury.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsTransmission and drivability faults lead this category. Reports describe a torque converter shudder that continued after service and ended in a full transmission replacement costing $5870.68. Another failure shows a "Shift to Park" message while the car is already in Park, so the car will not turn off without disconnecting the battery. It happens repeatedly, and the dealer did not diagnose it. Other owners describe jerking under acceleration, and a check engine light with reduced engine power that limited speed to 35 mph after rain.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsPower steering cuts out while driving. Sometimes it is part of a full shutdown of the engine and electrical system while leaving a freeway or waiting at a light, with repeat stalls reported by 35,736 miles. Other reports describe a "Power Steering Failure" warning at 65 mph, and steering that locks up on curves before failing completely. Restarting the car often brings power assist back for a while. Diagnosis can be costly, with repeated dealer diagnostic fees reported. Losing assist at speed is a loss-of-control risk.
SUSPENSION (3 complaints)
SUSPENSION
3 complaintsA clinking noise from the rear near a tire and a persistent shake are the common symptoms. In one report the shake got worse even after the dealer replaced the front strut assemblies, and the car jerks roughly when the parking brake releases on its own after sitting. At about 129,000 miles, one car skidded during a left turn with a fractured driver's side sway bar and failed brake parts, and no warning lights came on.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint2019 IMPALA PREMIER AND THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT IS FULL OF CONDENSATION. ITS HAS NOT DRIED IN THE SUN OR DRIVING WITH HEADLIGHTS ON. IM TOLD THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT HOUSING WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $800. ITS CAUSING THAT LIGHT NOT TO ILLUMINATE AS BRIGHT AS THE DRIVER SIDE.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintSafety-relatedTHE CAR WAS 2 MONTHS OLD WITH 2800 MILES AND IT BEGAN SMOKING AFTER DRIVING 20 MINUTES ON THE HIGHWAY,WHEN AN ODOR BEGAN, STABILITRAC LIGHT CAME ON, POWER-STEERING FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT, AND ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN AND MELT
Best & Worst Chevrolet Impala Years
Best Chevrolet Impala Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2020
2019
(Current Model)
2018
Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid
No Chevrolet Impala years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 77 and 79 across 3 scored model years.
Chevrolet Impala Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 79/100 | Good |
Chevrolet Impala Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Impala?
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Impala have power steering problems?
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Impala better than the 2018 or 2020?
Don’t buy a 2019 Chevrolet Impala without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Chevrolet Impala
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Chevrolet Impala does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on complaint severity (72/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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