1G11X5S36KU1388452019 CHEVROLET ImpalaLS (1FL)
2019 CHEVROLET Impala was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 26 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2019 CHEVROLET Impala
2019 CHEVROLET Impala was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 26 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 4 injuries reported across 26 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: steering issues
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
26 owner complaints filed — top areas: Electrical (35%), Engine/Powertrain (23%), Safety Systems (15%). Common issues: steering issues. 4 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- CHEVROLET
- Model
- Impala
- Year
- 2019
- Trim / Series
- LS (1FL)
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 3.6L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Assembly
- DETROIT HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
- Base MSRP
- $28,895
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: DETROIT HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~73%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
CHEVROLET completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
SummaryGeneral 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.Read full details...
~27% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
4 injuries reported across 26 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
26 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
38% of complaints filed in Jan & Aug — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME26 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Airbags turn off when passenger is seated due to an issue with the sensor in the seat that rubs against the seat frame.
Transmission torque converter shuddered and did not stop after service. Had to replace entire transmission for $5870.68 repair bill.
Jerking while picking up speed, key fob keep saying not detected, Radio feature work but stuck to basic screen I guess electrical problem Brakes is very rough not sure
Blind spot detector is causing the driver interface to display false alarms
Last summer I was experiencing intermittent issues where the vehicle seemed to have a mind of its own while I was cruising. The steering wheel would randomly lock up as if it was forcing me to go straight on a curved road for example. It would happen a couple of more times until one day I was trying to go home from work and I saw a message indicating something along the lines of “Service: Power steering” followed by the same symptoms. I was able to temporarily remedy this by power cycling the vehicle for a couple of days until it went out completely, uttering me unable to effectively control the steering. I brought it to 2 difference dealerships and they charged me several diagnostic fees to assess that I needed a replacement power steering rack as the one in my vehicle had inexplicably short circuited. 5000 dollars later I managed to get it replaced but I notice similar issues for other vehicles by the same manufacturer within a similar span of model years being recognized in a recall for the exact same issues I was experiencing. Ive already attempted to reach out to General Motors and was given no suitable response to my claims.
My car does not alert me of no or low coolant. Nor does the symbol comes on, on the dash.
While driving, the back of the car near the tire makes a clinking noise.
Several different instances I've had my parking brake release as soon as I go to move after being parked for a long period of time. (I never set my parking brake to begin with so I don't understand why it keeps telling me it's released) Once it tells me it's been released, it's followed by a rough jersey of the car and then I'm able to move. Ever since I bought the car, there was a small shake. The dealer had to cover the front strut assemblies that were going out at the time of purchase; but since then the shake is unbelievable. I've put tires on, checked all parts of the chassis, and don't see any visible defects that would cause the shake. They have no answers or ideas of how to fix it for me. The faux metal ring around the cupholders on the center console has been cracking since the date of purchase and it finally caught on a cup and broke and has cut myself and my child several times. I had to end up ripping the trim off just to be able to use the cupholders. Lastly, the car seems like it's not gaining enough power sometimes. I keep up on services and general maintenance, and nothing seems to help. It sounds like the exhaust is leaking, and again, there are no visible defects when looking under the car.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed; however, the transmission was already shifted to park(P). The vehicle was unable to turn off. The contact disconnected the battery to turn off the vehicle and reconnected the battery to restart the vehicle. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 104,170.
The compressor is not on the recall list but for a 2019 to have it failed requiring a new one not even close to the expected 10-12 year mark. This car part can lead to other safety concerns so I believe needs review for a potential recall.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while turning left, the vehicle skidded before completing the turn. The contact also stated that there was a hole in the muffler. Additionally, the sway bar was fractured on the driver’s side. The bushing, actuator brake, and rotors were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. The VIN was not available.
Passenger side Blind Spot monitoring light consistently stays on even when no cars are next to me. Dangerous specially on the freeway. Took it to dealership said it wasnt covered. Notice the samething happening to alot of the Impala online. Please help.
It started raining and then I received a check engine light and reduced engine power light. I was unable to accelerate over 35 mph.
I WAS ON GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AND HIT A DEER , ALL THE SMOKE CAME OUT BUT MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. I'M GETTING NO RESPONSE FROM DEALER OR ANYBODY.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RECENTLY CAME ON, CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND TURNED OFF DURING AS I TURNED RIGHT AT A LIGHT, HAD ONSTAR RUN DIAGNOSTICS, CODE INVOLVED THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM, WAS ADVISED TO FILL UP WITH HIGH QUALITY FUEL, AND DRIVE WITH THE GAS CAP OFF TO CORRECT IT. I WAS TRAVELING ON A FAMILIAR HIGHWAY AT NIGHT, CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 60 MPH, FURTHER DOWN THE HIGHWAY I SEE DEER RUNNING ACROSS THE HIGHWAY, THEY ARE COMMON IN THIS AREA, I TAPPED MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN FOR THEM TO CROSS AND IMMEDIATELY THE CHECK ENGINE, ANTILOCK BRAKES, POWER STEERING, STABILITY TRACK AND BATTERY SAVER INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH AND THE CAR WOULDN'T BRAKE AS IT SHOULD RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT THAT I HAD MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO PREVENT AND COULD HAVE EASILY AVOIDED IF THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE PERFORMED NORMALLY. MAINTAINING MY VEHICLE AND KEEPING UP WITH ITS MAINTENANCE IS OF HIGH IMPORTANCE BECAUSE NOT DOING SO CAN RESULT IN SAFETY ISSUES,I TRAVEL A LOT AND IF I HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE BRAKE RECALL OR NOTIFIED OF POSSIBLE OTHER RECALLS I WOULD HAVE FOLLOWED UP AND ALLOWED GM TO FIX IT!
MY 2019 IMPALA IS EQUIPPED WITH HEATED STEERING WHEEL, IN THE PAST WEEK IT STOPPED WORKING, ONLY TO DISCOVER IT HAD A BLOWN FUSE. I CHANGED THE FUSE ONLY TO HAVE IT BLOWN A SECOND TIME. AT THIS POINT I REALIZED SOMETHING MORE INVOLVED WAS WRONG, TOOK CAR TO DEALER TO HAVE CHECKED & REPAIRED. THEY REPAIRED/ REPLACED STEERING WHEEL HEATER MODULE & FUSE. WAS WORKING DAY I PICKED UP, THE FOLLOWING DAY WAS GOING OUT AN PROCEEDED TO GET COMFORTABLE IN CAR AN TO MY DISAPPOINTMENT HEATED WHEEL AGAIN WAS NOT WORKING , CHECKED AN FOUND FUSE WAS BLOWN YET AGAIN . WILL AGAIN CHECK WITH ADVISOR AN SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT ASAP TO HAVE PROBLEM LOOKED INTO FURTHER & CORRECTED. AS OF NOW THERE ARE NO OTHER ISSUES & CAR IS DRIVABLE.
MY CAR IS EQUIPPED W/A HEATED STEERING WHEEL. ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON ONE COLD MORNING ONLY TO DISCOVER IT WAS NOT WORKING. CHECKED THE MANUAL TO LOCATE FUSE BOX FOUND FUSE WAS BLOWN, REPLACED FUSE STARTED CAR UP TO CHECK HEATED STEERING WHEEL & NOTHING. AGAIN CHECKED FUSE...BLOWN AGAIN. NOW CONCERNED OF A POSSIBLE ELECTORAL PROBLEM. CONTACTED LOCAL DEALER AN SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE CHECKED OUT FURTHERED. NO OTHER ISSUES AT THIS TIME.
2019 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.
THE 2019 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. NOW THE AC COMPRESSOR NOT GETTING ANY POWER TO IT. THE COMPRESSOR JUST START BLOWING OUT HOT AIR. THE CAR HAD 34,428 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY PUT R1234YF FREON IN IT AND MAKE SURE THE PRESSURE WAS JUST RIGHT. AND THEY TELLING ME THAT I DON'T HAVE FACTORY WARRANTY ON IT. JUST BELIEVE THAT CHEVY SHOULD FIXS THIS PROBLEM. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS. AFTER ONLY HAVING THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS. I LOVE MY CAR AND I WON;T TRADE IT FOR NOTHING ELSE. I SAVE UP $10,000 TO PUT DOWN ON MY CAR THAT I REALLY WANT. AND NOW THIS HAPPEND.
WHILE DRIVING @ 65 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYED : " POWER STEERING FAILURE, DRIVE VEHICLE WITH CAUTION ". CHANGED LANES AS AN INITIAL TEST AND CONFIRMED POWER STEERING WAS UNAVAILABLE. UNKNOWN CAUSE FOR POWER STEERING LOSS. DESPITE GREATER DIFFICULTY MAKING TURNS SAFELY DROVE VEHICLE TO ITS PRE-TROUBLE EXPECTED DESTINATION, PARKED & SHUTDOWN ENGINE. 30 MINUTES LATER RE-STARTED VEHICLE. DROVE VEHICLE AROUND PARKING LOT AND AROUND A BLOCK AT LOW SPEEDS (< 25 MPH). POWER STEERING WAS AVAILABLE AS SOON AS VEHICLE WAS RE-STARTED & REMAINED AVAILABLE DURING LOW SPEED TEST DRIVE.
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN EXITING THE FREEWAY THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF COMPLETELY NO POWER STEERING OR ELECTRICAL INDICATIONS OF PROBLEM SHOWN ON DASHBOARD. AFTER PULLING OVER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, IT TURNED BACK ON WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE HAS 35736 MILES AND THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE. THE FIRST TIME I WAS PULLING UP TO A STOP LIGHT AS I WAS WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO CHANGE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TURNED OFF, ALL POWER TRAIN AND ELECTRICAL AS WELL.
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN A RENTAL WHILE DRIVING THROUGH ILLINOIS. A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WHILE GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR, THE SEATBELTS ENGAGED SO HARD THAT IT SNAPPED THE BACK OF MY DRIVER SEAT HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT RELEASE. THE AIR BAG SIGNAL FOR THE PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER SIDES CAME ON BUT THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. PICTURES ATTACHED.
THE SOUND I'M MY CAR HAS GONE OUT 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. NO BLINKER SOUND, RADIO, NO SOUND WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPEN NOTHING. WHEN I TURN THE VOLUME UP IT DOES NOT EVEN SHOW ON THE CAR. THERE ISN'T A PEEP OF SOUND. I TOOK IT IN ONCE & OF COURSE THAT TIME IT TURNED ON THAN TURNED RIGHT BACK OFF. WE TOOK THE SPARK PLUG OUT CLEANED IT PUT IT BACK IN, IT WORKED FOR A COUPLE DAYS THAN RIGHT BACK OFF AGAIN, NO SOUND I'M THE WHOLE CAR.
THE 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
2019 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HORN ASSEMBLY PROBLEM. CONSUMER STATED THAT HORN DOES NOT SOUND WHEN PRESSING HORN ICONS ON STEERING WHEELS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONLY WAY TO ACTIVATE THE HORN IS TO PRESS THE NEAR THE AIRBAG SYMBOL WHICH IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND WAS DETERMINED TO BE OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2019 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH TO SWITCH LANES TO THE RIGHT LANE, ANOTHER DRIVER IN THE LEFT LANE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE OTHER WAY HOWEVER THE OTHER VEHICLE HIT THE VEHICLE AGAIN WHICH HAD CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE, FLIPPED MORE THAN TWICE AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURY, LEFT SIDE BODY PAINS, PROBLEMS WALKING, A NEUROLOGIST ASSESSMENT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURY AND THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK BACK PAINS AS ALL 3 RECEIVED FURTHER MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD A SOURCE INSPECT THE NON-AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TO PROVIDE A REPORT. A DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE YET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO A FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 26 total NHTSA complaints filed over 7 years, with the worst year being 2020 (10 complaints, including 1 crash report).
The amber reliability line averaged 94/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 89/100 in 2019.
Notably, despite 26 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2019, 2020, 2021) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $37,648 (~$627/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Estimated Market Value
Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP
Based on original MSRP of $28,895 with sedan depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2019 CHEVROLET Impala — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 1G11X5S36KU138845. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
CHEVROLET has been fined $35M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Delayed ignition switch recall — 124 deaths linked to defect known since 2001.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 1G11X5S36KU138845 |
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Make | CHEVROLET |
| Model | Impala |
| Trim | LS (1FL) |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.6 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | GENERAL MOTORS LLC |
| Assembly City | DETROIT HAMTRAMCK |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 1G1 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 6 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | K |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | U |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 138845 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 26 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 7/2/2026, 8:10:42 AM.