Last updated: 2026-07-26

Chevrolet Impala

0 Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Impala average of 78/100

All Chevrolet Impala years score consistently around the model average of 78/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2020 79/100 and the weakest is 2018 77/100.

Verdict

All Chevrolet Impala years score consistently around the model average of 78/100 (77–79 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2020 79/100 and the weakest is 2018 77/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Chevrolet Impala Problems?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Impala model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

15 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

STEERING

13 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

AIR BAGS

12 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Most reported in 2018

Best Chevrolet Impala Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Chevrolet Impala

The 2019 Chevrolet Impala has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 28 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Impala. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (7), Air Bags (5), Unknown Or Other (4).

Score: 79/100 (Good)1 recalls28 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Chevrolet Impala year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Impala Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Chevrolet Impala Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2020 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Impala years should you avoid?
All Chevrolet Impala years in our database score consistently around the model average of 78/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Impala?
The best year for the Chevrolet Impala is 2020, with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Impala have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Impala has a total of 2 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Impala worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2020 model year, which scores 79/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 78/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Impala problems?
The most common Chevrolet Impala problems are unknown or other (21 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), power train (15 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Impala reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Impala has an average reliability score of 78/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Chevrolet Impala generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Chevrolet Impala generation is the Ninth generation (2006–2016) with an average score of 78/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Impala?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Chevrolet Impala is $568 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Impala a good used buy?
Yes, the 2020 Chevrolet Impala is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 79/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 15 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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