ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
2006 Chevrolet Impala
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 524 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, most frequently naming the steering, electrical and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 804 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2014 | 9 | 391 |
| Jan 2015 | 8 | 399 |
| Feb 2015 | 7 | 406 |
| Mar 2015 | 4 | 410 |
| Apr 2015 | 8 | 418 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 419 |
| Jun 2015 | 2 | 421 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 422 |
| Sep 2015 | 7 | 429 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 430 |
| Nov 2015 | 3 | 433 |
| Dec 2015 | 5 | 438 |
| Jan 2016 | 2 | 440 |
| Feb 2016 | 2 | 442 |
| Mar 2016 | 4 | 446 |
| Apr 2016 | 4 | 450 |
| May 2016 | 3 | 453 |
| Jun 2016 | 2 | 455 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 457 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 458 |
| Oct 2016 | 1 | 459 |
| Nov 2016 | 7 | 466 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 467 |
| Jan 2017 | 4 | 471 |
| Mar 2017 | 2 | 473 |
| Apr 2017 | 3 | 476 |
| May 2017 | 2 | 478 |
| Aug 2017 | 3 | 481 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 482 |
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 484 |
| Jan 2018 | 5 | 489 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 490 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 492 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 493 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 494 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 495 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 496 |
| Dec 2018 | 2 | 498 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 499 |
| Mar 2019 | 2 | 501 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 502 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 503 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 505 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 506 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 508 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 509 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 510 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 511 |
| Sep 2020 | 1 | 512 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 513 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 514 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 515 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 516 |
| Oct 2022 | 1 | 517 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 518 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 519 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 520 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 521 |
| May 2025 | 2 | 523 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 524 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Steering13517.5%
- Electrical12516.2%
- Engine8611.2%
- Powertrain (other)8310.8%
- Driver assistance526.7%
- Airbags476.1%
- Brakes354.5%
- Visibility293.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTEERING
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) INITIATED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER OF 2006 TO ADDRESS A FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE AND/OR CLAMPS THAT COULD OCCUR WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED IN VEHICLES PRIMARILY OPERATED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES THAT EXPERIENCE EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES:ALASKA, MAINE, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN AND WYOMING.AT THE TIME THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE) WAS OPENED, ONLY 1 OF THE 33 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) WAS FROM A STATE COVERED BY THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN.IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST SENT BY THE ODI, GM PROVIDED INFORMATION THAT INCLUDED 6 ALLEGED FIRES AND 1 ALLEGED MINOR CRASH POTENTIALLY RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. ONE OF THE ALLEGED FIRES IS A DUPLICATE OF A REPORT RECEIVED BY ODI.OF THE FIRE INCIDENTS, 2 OF THE 6 ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AFTER THE REMEDY DETAILED IN THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM WAS PERFORMED.ONE OF THE VEHICLES WAS TOTALED AS A RESULT OF THE INCIDENT.IT IS UNDETERMINED WHETHER THE INCIDENTS WERE RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT OR WERE A BY PRODUCT OF THE REPAIR.OF THE OTHER FOUR ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS, 1 INCIDENT INVOLVED SMOKE ONLY AND NO VISIBLE FLAMES.BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED, THE REMAINING 3 FIRE INCIDENTS WERE LOCALIZED EVENTS THAT PRIMARILY INVOLVED DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING COMPONENTS AND SURROUNDING WIRING.ALL 3 OF THESE VEHICLES WERE SUBSEQUENTLY REPAIRED.NONE OF THE ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNATTENDED.ODI IS AWARE OF 1 ADDITIONAL ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENT THAT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST RESPONSE.BASED ON THE CONSUMER'S DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT, THE FIRE WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED BY A FRIEND AND THE VEHICLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REPAIRED AT A DEALERSHIP.IN TOTAL ODI IS AWARE OF 6 ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS WHERE THE CONSUMER ALLEGED FLAMES WERE VISIBLE.ALL OF THE ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ATTENDED. ODI IS AWARE 1 MINOR CRASH ALLEGED TO BE RELATED TO A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK.THE CONSUMER ALLEGED A MINOR CRASH OCCURRED AS THE CONSUMER WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL INTO A DRIVEWAY AND HAD DIFFICULTY NEGOTIATING THE TURN DUE TO EXPERIENCING HIGH POWER STEERING EFFORTS AND STRUCK A SNOW BANK.IN A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 21, 2009, GM INFORMED ODI THAT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM WILL COMMENCE IN DECEMBER OF 2009 FOR THE ENTIRE US. AS A REMEDY THE POWER STEERING HOSE ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLES WITH V8 ENGINES AND THE POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE AND CLAMPS FOR VEHICLES WITH V6 ENGINES WILL BE REPLACED WITH UPGRADED COMPONENTS.BASED ON THE LOW FREQUENCIES AND MINOR SEVERITIES OF THE ALLEGED FIRE INCIDENTS AND CRASH,NO SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.GM'S EXPANDED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIRS TO VEHICLES EXCLUDED FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMPAIGN.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where a valve replacement was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11721945
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2025
Filed one complaint already about my car malfunctioning now on May 15 2025 I was.involved in a car accident and my airbags DID NOT DEPLOY!!!it was a front crash hit the front right side of the car and no airbag deployment
- NHTSA ID
- 11661665
- Incident
- May 15, 2025
First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't work now if automatic light control is on car shakes bad while breaking idles hard uses ALOT of gas now massive amount of heat coming off engine now with no dash light or guage saying temp is going up engine smells kind of bad after driving the car replaced transmission once couple years ago transmission maybe going out again the gear shift locks don't work it slips out of gear and into another gear effortlessly while driving and while parked without pressing the button to move the gear shift clicking or tapping noise started coming from front end only when turning left now does it while.turning and sometimes while.going straight and it's all still happening... theres more but not going into all of it now. DTC code listed 2days ago was listed as: B1000-00 Electronic Control Unit. Searched Google for code and got posts saying ECU needs replaced..updated or reprogrammed and some say BCU needs replaced..upgraded or reprogrammed. Each time I search the code I get a different reason for the code and different meaning. I have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8 with police package. Car is available for inspection anytime.
- NHTSA ID
- 11660121
- Incident
- Apr 28, 2025
While I was driving I had to stop on a hill and when I pushed the gas to accelerate it wouldn’t move the engine just revved up and hasn’t moved since just when you push on the gas and the rpm’s go up to 5-6 and it will move maybe a foot or so. There was no warning or messages that appeared before this happened and even now after it’s happens and it’s not showing any code to what’s wrong with it. It affected my safety and others because it wouldn’t move while in the middle of the road and I could have got in to a serious car accident because of it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11623738
- Incident
- Oct 28, 2024
I was driving and powersteering fluid drained and I lost control of the steering, and guide the car against the side walk. Had a mechanic change the powers steering fluid line. But now it's shooting up instead leaking down, it clogged all my spark plugs ,plus cause my cam shaft and crank shaffsensor to malfunction.,plus my belt got shredded. And now it's been over a year, and I still can't drive my car cause. It starts all over. And my front wheels are on not good arms, when crash it bent or Crack the arms.
- NHTSA ID
- 11583840
- Incident
- Mar 16, 2023
I got a P2138 code for Accelerator Pedal Sensor error. From what I have seen this is caused by the two sensors not matching. I have repaired this issue previously about 3 years ago, but it has happened again. This seems to be a common issue with GM cars of this era.
- NHTSA ID
- 11562238
- Incident
- Dec 27, 2023
5.3l v8 model needs to be added to the PI1384A campaign. recently fried my fuseblock because the relays melted. i am an ase certified technician For Firestone complete auto care, this is the exact problem that all ls4s will face.
- NHTSA ID
- 11500947
- Incident
- Dec 29, 2022
Got the car saying it needs service on the airbag
- NHTSA ID
- 11489495
- Incident
- Oct 17, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2019 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 52.7 |
| 2018 | 59 | 1 | 0 | 45.3 |
| 2017 | 116 | 0 | 0 | 39.1 |
| 2016 | 111 | 0 | 0 | 41.3 |
| 2015 | 299 | 3 | 0 | 50.3 |
| 2014 | 631 | 12 | 2 | 57.3 |
| 2013 | 270 | 1 | 0 | 38.4 |
| 2012 | 258 | 3 | 0 | 51.6 |
| 2011 | 505 | 2 | 0 | 45.1 |
| 2010 | 441 | 4 | 0 | 48.6 |
| 2009 | 824 | 5 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2008 | 810 | 2 | 1 | 51.8 |
| 2007 | 627 | 3 | 0 | 51.8 |
| 2006Viewing | 524 | 2 | 1 | 56.2 |
| 2005 | 609 | 4 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 2004 | 1,072 | 7 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2003 | 694 | 8 | 1 | 57.9 |
| 2002 | 795 | 7 | 2 | 60.4 |
| 2001 | 742 | 10 | 2 | 62.8 |
| 2000 | 818 | 10 | 2 | 63.4 |
| 1999 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1996 | 88 | 1 | 2 | 44.9 |
| 1995 | 44 | 1 | 1 | 43.5 |
| 1994 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 42.6 |
| 1993 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1992 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1991 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1987 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1985 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1984 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1983 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 1 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1971 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1969 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 1968 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1967 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1966 | 3 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1965 | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1963 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1958 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.