← New search

2008 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

665 reports with mileage · 145 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 221 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

51 crash reports10 fire reports36 injury reports

What owners actually said

810 reports
46,000 miles · Nov 18, 2014
Latches/locks/linkages

WHEN I ATTEMPT TO LOCK OR EVEN UNLOCK MY CHEVROLET WITH THE REMOTE, THE DOOR LOCKS REACT ERRATICALLY. SOMETIMES THEY ALL UNLOCK WHEN I PUSH THE REMOTE AND SOMETIMES ONLY1, 2 OR 3 WILL UNLOCK. SINCE I CARRY MY GUN IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES, MY WIFE AND I HAVE TO ALWAYS STAND BY THE CAR TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE DOORS LOCK WHEN…

Read full complaint

WHEN I ATTEMPT TO LOCK OR EVEN UNLOCK MY CHEVROLET WITH THE REMOTE, THE DOOR LOCKS REACT ERRATICALLY. SOMETIMES THEY ALL UNLOCK WHEN I PUSH THE REMOTE AND SOMETIMES ONLY1, 2 OR 3 WILL UNLOCK. SINCE I CARRY MY GUN IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES, MY WIFE AND I HAVE TO ALWAYS STAND BY THE CAR TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE DOORS LOCK WHEN USING THE REMOTE WHICH IS VERY AGGRAVATING AND THEN WE ALSO HAVE THE PROBLEM OF SOME OF THE DOOR NOT UNLOCKING WITH THE REMOTE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT OUR CHEVROLET DEALER SAID HE COULDN'T BE SURE WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I SUPPOSE THIS WILL BE ANOTHER EXPENSIVE PROBLEM TO CORRECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10658944

39,227 miles · Nov 18, 2014
StructureVisibility

I STARTED GETTING THIS CLICKING NOISE BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX ON MY 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE RIGHT SIDE TEMP DOOR ACTUATOR AND THE AIR INLET DOOR ACTUATOR. THEY REPLACED BOTH AND THE CLICKING NOISE WENT AWAY AND CONTROLS WORKED FINE AGAIN. NOW IN NOVEMBER, 2014, THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING.…

Read full complaint

I STARTED GETTING THIS CLICKING NOISE BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX ON MY 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. MY MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE RIGHT SIDE TEMP DOOR ACTUATOR AND THE AIR INLET DOOR ACTUATOR. THEY REPLACED BOTH AND THE CLICKING NOISE WENT AWAY AND CONTROLS WORKED FINE AGAIN. NOW IN NOVEMBER, 2014, THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING. FROM ALL THAT I HAVE READ THE ACTUATORS ARE MANUFACTURED WITH CHEAP PLASTIC GEARS THAT DON'T LAST. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME NATURE ON LINE. IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA, AIR CONDITIONING IN THE CAR IS A ABSOLUTE NECESSITY AND IT GETS VERY EXPENSIVE TO CONTINUE TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THIS PROBLEM WILL CERTAINLY BE A DETERMINING FACTOR WHEN I DECIDE TO BUY ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10658938

165,000 miles · Nov 17, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

AFTER GOING THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE, SERP BELT SLIPS, LOSE POWER STEERING, CANT HARDLY CONTROL CAR. IF IT HAPPENED WITH MY WIFE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC COULD BE VERY BAD. WENT TO BEARD CHEVROLET A MONTH AGO (THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SEVERAL MOS) AND WAS TOLD IT'S NORMAL, AND IN NEW CARS THEY WENT TO ELECTRIC PS BECAUSE OF IT. THAT DOES…

Read full complaint

AFTER GOING THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE, SERP BELT SLIPS, LOSE POWER STEERING, CANT HARDLY CONTROL CAR. IF IT HAPPENED WITH MY WIFE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC COULD BE VERY BAD. WENT TO BEARD CHEVROLET A MONTH AGO (THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SEVERAL MOS) AND WAS TOLD IT'S NORMAL, AND IN NEW CARS THEY WENT TO ELECTRIC PS BECAUSE OF IT. THAT DOESN'T CONSOLE ME WITH AN OTHERWISE PERFECTLY RUNNING CAR. I HAD REPLACED THE TENSIONER AND SERP BELT ALREADY BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10655420

75,341 miles · Nov 13, 2014
Unknown Or Other

THIS CAR HAD TO BE TOWED ON ABOVE DATE DUE TO INABILITY TO SHIFT OUT OF "PARK". THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE CENTER CONSOLE AND REPAIRED A BROKEN GROUND WIRE TO THE INTER-SHIFT LOCK. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $383 FOR A BROKEN WIRE NO BIGGER THAN A STRAND OF HAIR. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN OR POSSIBLY …

Read full complaint

THIS CAR HAD TO BE TOWED ON ABOVE DATE DUE TO INABILITY TO SHIFT OUT OF "PARK". THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE CENTER CONSOLE AND REPAIRED A BROKEN GROUND WIRE TO THE INTER-SHIFT LOCK. I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $383 FOR A BROKEN WIRE NO BIGGER THAN A STRAND OF HAIR. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN OR POSSIBLY NEXT TIME IT WILL BE THE KEY IGNITION WIRE THAT WILL BREAK WHICH IS FOUND IN THE SAME SOLENOID. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A FLAW IN GM MANUFACTURING OF THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. I HAVE REVIEWED HUNDREDS OF OTHER GM COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME NATURE. I DEFINITELY AGREE THAT THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED BY GM AND A RECALL IS WARRANTED. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO INCLUDE THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE'S POWER LOCKS. MY REAR POWER LOCKS WOULD NOT UNLOCK WHEN THE LOCK BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED TWICE WITHIN THE PAST 2 YEARS AND NOW THE REAR LOCKS WILL NOT OPEN AGAIN UNLESS I REACH OVER THE SEAT AND MANUALLY UNLOCK THEM MYSELF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654790

70,000 miles · Nov 10, 2014
Tires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES, SIZE P225/60R/16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES, SIZE P225/60R/16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10654003

65,000 miles · Nov 10, 2014
Electrical System

I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE AC VENT TRYING TO CLOSE WHEN I SHUT OFF THE CAR. IT MAKES A LOUD SPUTTERING CLUNKING SOUND AFTER THE CAR SHUTS OFF. I WAS TOLD IT IS THE VENT TRYING TO CLOSE AND WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE A MOTOR FOR $2-300 PLUS LABOR. ANYTIME I START THE CAR UP, IT MAKES A HIGH PITCH SQUEALING SOUND UNDER TH…

Read full complaint

I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE AC VENT TRYING TO CLOSE WHEN I SHUT OFF THE CAR. IT MAKES A LOUD SPUTTERING CLUNKING SOUND AFTER THE CAR SHUTS OFF. I WAS TOLD IT IS THE VENT TRYING TO CLOSE AND WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE A MOTOR FOR $2-300 PLUS LABOR. ANYTIME I START THE CAR UP, IT MAKES A HIGH PITCH SQUEALING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD AND STOPS WHEN I BACK OUT OF PARK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653876

150,000 miles · Nov 7, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PULLER AND POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PULLER AND POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10653243

Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2014
EngineSteering

I WAS TURNING IN MY DRIVEWAY OFF OF THE MAIN ROAD AND THE CAR SEEMED TO CUT OFF. THE FIRST THING THAT I NOTICED WAS THAT I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS I WAS TRYING TO AVOID A CEMENT POST ON THE SIDE OF MY DRIVEWAY. I GOT IT IN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE BASICALLY COASTING, AND I NOTICED SOME LIGHTS ON IN THE DASH. I PUT THE VEH…

Read full complaint

I WAS TURNING IN MY DRIVEWAY OFF OF THE MAIN ROAD AND THE CAR SEEMED TO CUT OFF. THE FIRST THING THAT I NOTICED WAS THAT I HAD TO STRUGGLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS I WAS TRYING TO AVOID A CEMENT POST ON THE SIDE OF MY DRIVEWAY. I GOT IT IN THE DRIVEWAY WHILE BASICALLY COASTING, AND I NOTICED SOME LIGHTS ON IN THE DASH. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND PROCEEDED TO START IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652663

120,000 miles · Nov 2, 2014
Steering

HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH WHEN IT FIRST DID THIS GOING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AT 5-10 MPH AND HIT A MUD PUDDLE. I TRIED TO TURN OUT ONTO THE RD AND ALMOST WENT IN DITCH BECAUSE THE CAR WOULDN'T STEER. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND A COUPLE OF TIMES THE CAR ACTUALLY SHUT OFF. SOMETIMES THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON. THIS …

Read full complaint

HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT A MONTH WHEN IT FIRST DID THIS GOING DOWN MY DRIVEWAY AT 5-10 MPH AND HIT A MUD PUDDLE. I TRIED TO TURN OUT ONTO THE RD AND ALMOST WENT IN DITCH BECAUSE THE CAR WOULDN'T STEER. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND A COUPLE OF TIMES THE CAR ACTUALLY SHUT OFF. SOMETIMES THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON. THIS IS SO VERY DANGEROUS. GLAD TO SEE IN NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651932

119,205 miles · Nov 1, 2014
Electrical System

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. I HAVE RESEARCH THE DATA AND THERE ARE SEVERAL YOU TUBE VIDEOS ON THIS SAME PROBLEM...IT IS A FAULTY WIRE (PURPLE) THAT SHIFTS WITH THE GEAR AND CAUSE THE WIRE TO BE WORN AND MAKE THE KEYS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THIS PROBLEMS HAPPENS WITH …

Read full complaint

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. I HAVE RESEARCH THE DATA AND THERE ARE SEVERAL YOU TUBE VIDEOS ON THIS SAME PROBLEM...IT IS A FAULTY WIRE (PURPLE) THAT SHIFTS WITH THE GEAR AND CAUSE THE WIRE TO BE WORN AND MAKE THE KEYS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THIS PROBLEMS HAPPENS WITH THE 2006, 2007 AND 2008 IMPALA. THIS CAUSE THE BATTERY TO DIE AND IS A SIX HUNDRED DOLLAR JOB SHOULD IT BE TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. ALSO, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR THE RECENT RECALL, THINKING THAT MAY HAVE RESOLVED THE PROBLEM...EPIC FAIL. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651852

Official recalls

2

14V355000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jun 23, 2014

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. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

12V377000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Aug 3, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP14001 · Passenger Air Bag Ocs Algorithm

Opened Jul 22, 2014 · Closed Mar 7, 2017

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

The Agency received a petition on November 14, 2013 requesting an investigation into the operation of the passenger air bag Occupant Classification System (OCS) software logic and algorithm.The petitioner states that due to this alleged defect, the passenger air bag may be suppressed at point of impact and not provided the occupant protection as needed in a crash.On July 22, 2014, NHTSA opened DP14-001 to further review the crash event and perform a more comprehensive search and analysis of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).The Agency also collected manufacturers reports on the alleged OCS issue on the subject Impala vehicles and other GM and non-GM peer vehicles.After examination of the petition and available data relating to the subject vehicle's OCS and the specific crash incident where the OCS allegedly failed to operate properly, NHTSA did not identify an issue with the MY2008 Impala involved in the subject crash, nor has it identified a safety-related defect trend existing in the OCS used in the MY 2006-2008 Impala vehicles, in GM peer vehicles or in other non-GM peer vehicles.NHTSA has concluded that further expenditure of the agency's investigative resources is not warranted. The agency accordingly has denied the petition.However, the agency will take further action if warranted by changing future circumstances. The official petition denial, as published in the Federal Register, is available in the document file for this defect petition.The single complaint and crash noted in the Failure Report above is the petitioner's VOQ (10568388) and can be reviewed online at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10568388.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

The Agency received a petition on November 14, 2013 requesting an investigation into the operation of the passenger air bag Occupant Classification System (OCS) software logic and algorithm.The petitioner states that due to this alleged defect, the passenger air bag may be suppressed at point of impact and not provided the occupant protection as needed in a crash.On July 22, 2014, NHTSA opened DP14-001 to further review the crash event and perform a more comprehensive search and analysis of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).The Agency also collected manufacturers reports on the alleged OCS issue on the subject Impala vehicles and other GM and non-GM peer vehicles.After examination of the petition and available data relating to the subject vehicle's OCS and the specific crash incident where the OCS allegedly failed to operate properly, NHTSA did not identify an issue with the MY2008 Impala involved in the subject crash, nor has it identified a safety-related defect trend existing in the OCS used in the MY 2006-2008 Impala vehicles, in GM peer vehicles or in other non-GM peer vehicles.NHTSA has concluded that further expenditure of the agency's investigative resources is not warranted. The agency accordingly has denied the petition.However, the agency will take further action if warranted by changing future circumstances. The official petition denial, as published in the Federal Register, is available in the document file for this defect petition.The single complaint and crash noted in the Failure Report above is the petitioner's VOQ (10568388) and can be reviewed online at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10568388.

Air Bags

The Agency received a petition on November 14, 2013 requesting an investigation into the operation of the passenger air bag Occupant Classification System (OCS) software logic and algorithm.The petitioner states that due to this alleged defect, the passenger air bag may be suppressed at point of impact and not provided the occupant protection as needed in a crash.On July 22, 2014, NHTSA opened DP14-001 to further review the crash event and perform a more comprehensive search and analysis of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).The Agency also collected manufacturers reports on the alleged OCS issue on the subject Impala vehicles and other GM and non-GM peer vehicles.After examination of the petition and available data relating to the subject vehicle's OCS and the specific crash incident where the OCS allegedly failed to operate properly, NHTSA did not identify an issue with the MY2008 Impala involved in the subject crash, nor has it identified a safety-related defect trend existing in the OCS used in the MY 2006-2008 Impala vehicles, in GM peer vehicles or in other non-GM peer vehicles.NHTSA has concluded that further expenditure of the agency's investigative resources is not warranted. The agency accordingly has denied the petition.However, the agency will take further action if warranted by changing future circumstances. The official petition denial, as published in the Federal Register, is available in the document file for this defect petition.The single complaint and crash noted in the Failure Report above is the petitioner's VOQ (10568388) and can be reviewed online at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10568388.