Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid

3 scored model years (2018–2020) · model average 78/100

No Impala year is one to avoid. Complaint counts, recalls, and the main problem areas shift between 2018 and 2020, but none falls well below the model's own average. The 2020 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2020 79/100
Model average
78/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Chevrolet Impala Problems?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: AC evaporator cores leak refrigerant under the dash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Power cuts out without warning.

POWER TRAIN

15 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

2018: Transmissions slip, shudder, skip gears and shift hard, most often around the lower gears.

STEERING

13 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Power steering assist cuts out suddenly.

AIR BAGS

12 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Nothing deploys in several serious crashes.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Most reported in 2018

2018: All four reports describe a crash where the brakes did not stop the car.

Best Chevrolet Impala Year to Buy Instead

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Chevrolet Impala

The 2020 has no recalls on record, while 2018 and 2019 each have one. The 2018 drew the most owner complaints, led by power train trouble, and the 2019 has a fire report. The 2020 has the fewest complaints of the three, though its air bag and steering reports are worth checking before you buy.

Score: 79/100 (Good)0 recalls15 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2020 Chevrolet Impala has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Impala Years by Generation

Chevrolet Impala Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chevrolet Impala years should I avoid?
None. The site analysis finds no year well below the model's own average. The 2018 drew the most complaints, with 59, so it deserves the closest inspection. The 2019 and 2020 look better on complaint counts, and the 2020 is the pick.
Which Chevrolet Impala years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints are highest on the 2018, with 11 reports. Across all years, owners describe slipping, hard shifts, and cars stuck in gear. The data does not tie the problem to a single year, so test any Impala for shifting.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Impala a good year?
It is a fair used buy, not one to avoid. Reliability is good, but it has one recall and the most owner complaints of the three years. Power train and unknown issues lead at 11 each, then electrical problems at 8. Check the transmission closely.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Yes, it is rated good and drew fewer complaints per car sold than the other years. It does have one recall and one fire report. Electrical system complaints lead, then air bags, so check warning lights and the passenger air bag sensor.
Why is the 2020 Chevrolet Impala the year to buy?
The 2020 has no recalls on record and has been on the road long enough to judge. Its complaint count is the lowest, partly because fewer were sold. Steering assist loss and air bag non-deployment reports mean you should check both before buying.

How we score every Chevrolet Impala model year

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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