Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Impala model year (2006–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Impala Years to Avoid
0 recalls · 822 complaints
43 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 913
3 recalls · 625 complaints
56 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 751
2 recalls · 505 complaints
25 reported injuries
Top issue: SEATS
Problem score: 561
Best Chevrolet Impala Years to Buy
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
Found the right year? Verify that specific Impala with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Impala — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 109 | 129 | Good |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2013 | 1 | 270 | 297 | Good |
| 2012 | 3 | 258 | 299 | Good |
| 2011 | 2 | 505 | 561 | Caution |
| 2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2009 | 0 | 822 | 913 | Avoid |
| 2008 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Excellent |
| 2007 | 3 | 625 | 751 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Excellent |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Chevrolet Impala Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent Impala models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2020 stands out with just 0 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. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Impala should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2009 Chevrolet Impala if possible. It has 0 recalls, 822 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is AIR BAGS. The overall problem score is 913 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Impala to buy?+
The 2010 Chevrolet Impala is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Impala has the fewest problems?+
The 2010, 2014, 2015 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. 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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