Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Impala model year (2000–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 705 complaints
51 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 816
1 recall · 655 complaints
42 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 742
5 recalls · 564 complaints
36 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 661
Best Chevrolet Impala Years to Buy
0 recalls · 12 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 12
0 recalls · 13 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 13
0 recalls · 35 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 39
Found the right year? Verify that specific Impala with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Impala — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 12 | — | — | 12 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 0 | 13 | — | — | 13 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 0 | 35 | 2 | — | 39 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 66 | 7 | — | 80 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 92 | 3 | — | 98 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 242 | 6 | — | 257 | Good |
| 2014 | 6 | 534 | 6 | — | 564 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 0 | 244 | 11 | — | 266 | Good |
| 2012 | 0 | 177 | 10 | — | 197 | Good |
| 2011 | 0 | 443 | 32 | — | 507 | Caution |
| 2010 | 1 | 400 | 16 | — | 435 | Caution |
| 2009 | 1 | 655 | 42 | — | 742 | Avoid |
| 2008 | 0 | 578 | 28 | 1 | 639 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 1 | 441 | 55 | 1 | 559 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 1 | 423 | 39 | — | 504 | Caution |
| 2005 | 2 | 437 | 21 | — | 485 | Caution |
| 2004 | 3 | 705 | 51 | — | 816 | Avoid |
| 2003 | 4 | 447 | 16 | — | 491 | Caution |
| 2002 | 3 | 578 | 31 | — | 649 | Avoid |
| 2001 | 4 | 520 | 33 | 2 | 608 | Avoid |
| 2000 | 5 | 564 | 36 | 2 | 661 | Avoid |
All 21 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Impala Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent Impala models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 12 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Impala units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Impala models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Impala should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2004 Chevrolet Impala if possible. It has 3 recalls, 705 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 816 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Impala to buy?+
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 12. It has only 0 recalls and 12 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Impala has the fewest problems?+
The 2020, 2019, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Impala Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Impala VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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