2018 Chevrolet Impala Reliability Score: 9.1 out of 10

59 NHTSA Complaints

1 Recalls

0 Fire Reports

6 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

9.1 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar full-size sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 17 powertrain complaints. A typical full-size sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 60.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall17 complaints against about 60 for similar vehicles

9.1

Last three years6 complaints against about 29 for similar vehicles

9.1

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

LFX - SIDI: Spark Ignited Direct injection, VVT, E85 MAX, ALUM

3.6L 6-cyl

51 complaints 28.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission

other

electrical

brakes

steering

Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Chevrolet Impala Unidentified Engine

4 complaints 4.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical

transmission

other

LCV -SIDI, DCVCP, VVT, DCVCP, E85 Max, E0-E100, Aluminum

2.5L 4-cyl

4 complaints 4.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires

exterior

electrical

engine

Same engine used in

CHEVROLET Impala (2006-2016)CHEVROLET Malibu (2008-2012)CHEVROLET Malibu (2013-2016)

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Impala, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical System: 12 owner complaints

Transmission: 11 owner complaints

Brakes: 8 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2018 Chevrolet Impala

On a used 2018 Chevrolet Impala, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (12), the transmission and drivetrain (11) and the brakes (8). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Impala about the electrical system.
Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Impala about the transmission and drivetrain.
On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Impala about the brakes.
Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Impala about the exterior lighting.
Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on the 2018 Chevrolet Impala about the wheels and tires.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2018 Chevrolet Impala

Recalls (1)

18V576000Aug 30, 2018serious

Service Brakes

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 Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (12.1% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional

All Generations

9th2000-2005 10th2006-2016 20172017 20182018 20192019 20202020

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Lexus

2001-2006

9.7/10

5 engines / 194 complaints

3 engines / 215 complaints

4 engines / 388 complaints

4 engines / 134 complaints

6 engines / 1,015 complaints

6 engines / 1,125 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala complaints?

Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the transmission and the brakes.

Is the 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala have?

NHTSA has 59 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala?

NHTSA lists 1 recall covering some 2018-2018 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Impala?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the transmission and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Impala?

The 2018 Chevrolet Impala received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (12.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 59 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.