Last updated: 2026-07-26
2020 Chevrolet Impala Reliability Report
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
15
Complaint Rate
15.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$568
Annual Fuel Cost
$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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (3)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is the last model year of the Ninth generation (2006–2016).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 8 years after the last refresh (2012).
- 9th generation Impala (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2006: Ninth generation (2006–2016) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2012: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is the last model year of the Ninth generation (2006–2016).
Should You Buy the 2020 Chevrolet Impala?
At 79/100, the 2020 Chevrolet Impala lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is the last model year of the Ninth generation (2006–2016).
Owners log 15 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
See also the 2019 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
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (6 complaints)
- −STEERING issues reported (3 complaints)
Compare 2020 Chevrolet Impala With
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)
- STEERING (3)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2020 Chevrolet Impala — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.8
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2020 Chevrolet Impala? Check its history first
Every 2020 Chevrolet Impala has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 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 2020 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 MPG
Running cost: $3,300/yr
Fuel + repair
18–19 city / 28 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 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 2020 Chevrolet Impala.
Inspect power steering for intermittent hard steering
Check for transmission fluid leaks and unusual noises
Test for rough idling and check engine light after refueling
Verify air bag deployment functionality in crash scenarios
Inspect for water leaks and mold under carpets
Ensure seatbelt and blinker sound alerts are functional
2020 Chevrolet Impala Common Problems by Component
15 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Impala report issues primarily related to the vehicle's transmission and Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). Complaints frequently mention transmission problems, such as the vehicle making noises, shaking, and failing to drive normally, with one owner noting a transmission fluid leak and another describing RPM inconsistencies. The EVAP system is also a concern, with reports of a stuck-open purge valve causing rough idling and failure to start after refueling, which poses a risk of collision, especially at busy gas stations. Safety implications are noted, including one crash linked to the EVAP issue. These problems tend to emerge at various mileage points, with one owner reporting transmission issues at under five years of vehicle age. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues and their possible impact on vehicle safety and drivability.
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering system of the 2020 Chevrolet Impala, often experiencing hard steering or a complete lack of power steering assistance. Complaints frequently mention that these issues occur intermittently, making it difficult for service technicians to diagnose, as no dashboard warnings or OBD readings are consistently present. The problems are noted at various mileages, with one owner experiencing issues as early as 5,322 miles and another at approximately 54,000 miles. Symptoms include the need for excessive force to steer, particularly when braking or attempting to park. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the unpredictable nature of the steering issues may pose a safety risk, especially if the failure occurs during driving.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Impala report issues related to the electrical system, specifically noting a lack of sound warnings for seatbelt alerts and blinkers, as well as non-functional driver side blind spot warnings. Another complaint highlights a significant leak from the air conditioner tube leading to mold growth under the carpets, which subsequently causes electrical problems. These issues are not linked to specific mileage ranges, but one owner mentions an ongoing investigation by GM without resolution. Safety implications include potential distractions from missing auditory alerts, and health concerns are raised due to mold exposure, though no crashes or fires are reported.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Impala report issues with air bag deployment in crash situations. One complaint describes a scenario where the vehicle rolled over after losing control, yet the air bags did not deploy despite the severity of the accident. Another owner mentions that during a rear-end collision, the air bags detonated but failed to fully deploy, with partial deployment observed in the steering wheel and front seat side air bags. These incidents occur at mileages around 85,000 and involve crashes, with one resulting in a reported injury. These patterns suggest potential safety implications related to the air bag system's performance during accidents.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintI Took My Car To Castle Villa Park On July 8 2025 And Explained To Tony That Check My Car In That It Sound As If It Was A Hub Bearing My Car Was Dropped Off At 7:00 AM Until Around 1:00PM I Was Told I Need A Tire To See If It Was My Hub Bearing Which Didn’t Make Sense To Me So I Ask For A Supervisor I Was Then Inform That They Could Tell If They Switch My Tires Later On I Was Told It Was A Tire Came Took My Car To Firestone This Sat 07/19/2025 I Was Told I Didn’t Need Tires It Is In Fact Both Of My Hub Bearing So I Paid 100.00 Diagnostic Fee To Castle And Risking My Life Driving My Car When They Knew In Fact That It Was My Hub Bearings My Car Is Under Warranty If It Wasn’t They Would Have Fixed It And Charge Me I Am Taking My Car Back Monday I Have Made Several Complaints On This Dealer And Nothing Is Happening This Is Unfair For Consumer To Take Advantage Of Customers
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThe contact rented a 2020 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the headlamps failed to produce adequate lighting while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,433. The VIN was not available.
When Do 2020 Chevrolet Impala Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Impala Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chevrolet Impala Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chevrolet Impala year is 2020 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2019 (79/100) and 2018 (77/100).
2020
(Current Model)
2019
2018
Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid
No Chevrolet Impala years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Chevrolet Impala maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Chevrolet Impala Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Impala reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
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 2020 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Impala?
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Impala have?
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Impala expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Chevrolet Impala without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chevrolet Impala.
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