Own a Chevrolet Impala in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Chevrolet Impala for model years 2005 to 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Impala owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 6,936 owner complaints on file for the Impala and 23 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (1,962), engine (1,172), steering (870).
Most-Reported Chevrolet Impala Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Impala (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1,962 | 28% | |
| Engine | 1,172 | 16% | |
| Steering | 870 | 12% | |
| Power Train | 856 | 12% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 781 | 11% | |
| Air Bags | 725 | 10% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 670 | 9% | |
| Service Brakes | 449 | 6% |
Electrical System
1,962 of the 6,936 complaints (28%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Engine
1,172 of the 6,936 complaints (16%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Steering
870 of the 6,936 complaints (12%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Chevrolet Impala Complaints by Model Year
The Impala model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2009, 2008. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 608 | |
| 2006 | 544 | |
| 2007 | 627 | |
| 2008 | 810 | |
| 2009 | 824 | |
| 2010 | 442 | |
| 2011 | 505 | |
| 2012 | 258 | |
| 2013 | 272 | |
| 2014 | 637 | |
| 2015 | 300 | |
| 2016 | 890 | |
| 2017 | 117 | |
| 2018 | 59 | |
| 2019 | 28 | |
| 2020 | 15 |
Most Common Chevrolet Impala Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Impala. The most-cited is P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), mentioned in 36 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P2138 | Throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation Failing accelerator pedal sensor or throttle sensor; can cause reduced power. | 36 |
| P2122 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 10 |
| P2135 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 4 |
| P1811 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 3 |
| P0601 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 3 |
| C0242 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 3 |
| U0101 | Lost communication with transmission control module Wiring, battery or module power fault. | 3 |
| C056D | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 3 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Chevrolet Impala Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the Impala in these model years, most often involving steering, electrical system, air bags. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2018 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 18V576000): General 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...
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V507000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010.
- 2015 recall, Air Bags (campaign 15V465000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 19, 2015, equipped with front vented-heated passenger seats.
- 2015 recall, Parking Brake (campaign 15V085000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured November 15, 2012, to May 30, 2014.
- 2015 recall, Parking Brake (campaign 15V202000): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured March 22, 2013, to May 22, 2014.
- 2014 recall, Electrical System (campaign 14V400000): This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Impala, 393 involved a crash, 103 involved a fire, 341 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Chevrolet Impala Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Chevrolet will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Impala that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Impala owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Chevrolet Impala, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Chevrolet Impala Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Chevrolet Impala repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Chevrolet Impala FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet Impala?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Chevrolet Impala are electrical system (1,962), engine (1,172), steering (870). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Impala model years have the most complaints?
The Impala model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016, 2009, 2008. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Chevrolet Impala?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Chevrolet Impala, the codes cited most often are P2138 (throttle or pedal position sensor voltage correlation), P2122 (powertrain code), P2135 (powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Chevrolet Impala have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Impala across model years 2005 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Chevrolet Impala in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Chevrolet vehicles including the Impala, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Chevrolet Impala?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Chevrolet Impala in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Chevrolet Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.