2008 Chevrolet Impala Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Impala, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical22119.5%
- Engine16014.1%
- Driver assistance13011.5%
- Suspension11710.3%
- Steering948.3%
- Powertrain (other)857.5%
- Other / unspecified585.1%
- Airbags504.4%
- Interior & seats494.3%
- Brakes403.5%
- Tires & wheels363.2%
- Body & structure312.7%
- Fuel system191.7%
- Visibility161.4%
- Seat belts100.9%
- Transmission60.5%
- Heating & air conditioning50.4%
- Exterior lighting40.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
car shuts off while in traffic and it says engine power reduced service traction control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND DRIVING OVER A POTHOLE, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER, STALLED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET TURNING LEFT , PEDAL STUCK BRAKES NOT WORKING AND HIT BY ON COMING CAR , FLIPPED IN AIR ABOUT A BLOCK , ROLLING OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN , NO AIR BAGS DEPLEATED, BROKEN RIBS, CONCUSSION, SKIN LACERATIONS , BRUISES,GLASS LOGGED IN PARTS OF BODY , FACE AND FEET
HAVE GONE THROUGH 2 ALTERNATORS, AND 2 BATTERIES, AIRBAGS SENSOR IS SOMETHING PROBLEMS, RATTLING WHILE DRIVING FROM UNDERNEATH VEHICLE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Q-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A-Suspension and steering effective. Any time I drive and make turns it makes like a clunking noise. You can actually feel it in the floor board. It's worse when you are driving down a not so smooth road. You can look at it as soon as possible. Q-How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A-Control arm might SNAP causing you to lose control of my vehicle and crash into other drivers. Q-Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A-Firestone has inspected my car. Q-Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A-No my vehicle has not. Q-Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A-No warning signs of any kind. This started within the last month or two.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and jumping. The contact drove to his brother's residence to inspect the vehicle. The contact removed the front passenger’s side tire and wheel and upon removing the hub, the engine moved. The contact was self-diagnosed that the front lower control arm was fractured. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.
My sway bar is broken and needs to be fixed. Like all the rest of Impalas . I'm on social security and I need someone to help please! Martin Montney
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
At a complete stop, press the gas to go and the car will not go. Kind of like its struggling to catch gear and then all of a sudden it with catch jerk hard. That's an issue for a few reasons. If you have to pull out for somewhere that traffic doesn't stop or yield, and the car is barley rolling trying to catch gear, there's the risk of getting hit. When the gear catches, and the jerk happened it's not a small jerk, i feel it's a safety hassard to small children. When my son was 4 months old it started and it jerked him pretty hard. My mother in law is the original owner and had it checked several times with no resolution.
When I turn the ignition key and start my car engine, I then shift the automatic transmission into “drive”, but there is no forward acceleration power, and I have no idea why this is.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is 1 of 2 car seats that we have, both with the same issue. The pull strap that is used to tighten the shoulder straps to secure the child in appropriately is not functioning properly. You can not pull the shoulder straps to the tightness that is required for the child to be secured properly. This is a huge safety risk to my children when we are not able to tighten them correctly. I had the car seat looked at by CPST [XXX XXX] with the City of Waite Park, and there is no user error, the straps aren't pinched anywhere. She herself was having a operating the car seat and advised us to stop using it and get it replaced. I have reached out to Evenflo and they are unwilling to fix the issue. They tell me that the car seat is "far out warranty so they cannot assist me further with the seat." I am in disbelief that they are unwilling to replace the defective seats. I do have a video of Alicia trying to tighten the straps and it shows her struggling to accomplish that. I am unable to attach them here. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2008 CHEVY IMPALA LTZ -- I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE REAR INNER TIRES WEARING DOWN TO THE CHORDS JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE. I KNOW IT'S NOT THE TIRE BRAND, ETC. AS I'VE HAD A REPUTABLE MECHANIC PUT ON TWO SETS OF TIRES. I FOUND ARTICLES ON A LAWSUIT AND THE FACT THAT GM WILL FIX THE POLICE CARS WITH THIS ISSUE, BUT NOT THE GENERAL PUBLIC'S. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS A COMMUTER CAR FOR MY SONS THAT WILL BE COLLEGE STUDENTS AND I NEED IT TO LAST. I WANT A COPY OF THE TSB #08032A THAT ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE. I JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED SO THAT I DON'T KEEP BLOWING THROUGH SETS OF TIRES IT IS GETTING RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE. MY LAST SET WAS SUPPOSED TO WEAR OUT AT 60,000 AND ONLY LASTED 20,000. I AM ACTUALLY ON MY SECOND SET, SO BASICALLY $1600 INTO TIRES ALONE, NOT TO MENTION WHAT IT'S GOING TO COST ME FOR THE SPINDLE/CAMBOR/REAR TIE RODS THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TSB MENTIONED ABOVE. GM SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS AND IT SHOULD BE A MASSIVE RECALL. THESE CARS ARE PROLIFIC IN SOCIETY. LOL....WE BAILED THEM OUT IN 2008, AND THEY WERE CRANKING OUT LEMONS THE SAME YEAR....IRONIC!! GM REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH while in cruise control, a group of birds flew out from under a ditch which caused the contact to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. As a result of the incident, the contact crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy upon impact which caused the contact's face to hit the steering wheel. The contact was later transported to the hospital via an ambulance where she was treated for a concussion. Additionally, the contact suffered several cuts and bruises to her face with additional bruising to her left leg and hip. A police report was filed; however, the report was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was not available.
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL DOOR LOCKS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE OR WITH THE INSIDE LOCK BUTTONS ON THE INTERIOR DOOR. EACH DOOR HAS TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED IN GEAR, THE DOORS WOULD AUTOMATICALLY LOCK. THE DOORS EACH HAVE TO BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE ONLY KEYHOLE ON THE CAR IS ON THE DRIVERS DOOR TO UNLOCK THE CAR. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET FOR THE YEAR MODELS 2008 AND 2009. THE PARTS ALONE ARE $450 TO $1,000. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE: 1. THE DOORS NO LONGER AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN THE CAR IS PLACED IN GEAR. AUTOMATIC LOCKS WERE MOST LIKELY LISTED ON THE WINDOW STICKER. 2. IF A CHILD IS LOCKED IN THE CAR, THE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH REMOTE AND CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. 3. NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCESS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR WITH THE KEY IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. MY CAR ONLY HAS 45,100 MILES ON IT AND THE LOCKS HAVE NOT WORKED IN OVER TWO YEARS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE TEMPERATURE EXCEEDED 85 DEGREES, THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (CHUCK FAIRBANKS CHEVROLET, DESOTO, TEXAS) WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THE WARNING LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
MY CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS TRACTION CONTROL IVE REPLACED THE WHEEL HUBS TWICE AND THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AND THEN IT RETURNS. IM TIRED OF IT BECAUSE ITS COSTLY AND I DO NOT HAVE MONEY I WORK A PART TIME JOB. ALSO THE CAR LOSES POWER IT STARTS STATING REDUCED ENGINE POWER ON MY DASH ITS DANGEROUS BECAUSE ITS DONE THIS TO ME A FEW TIMES ON THE FREEWAY.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H- Car started shaking violently while I was driving it- seemed to be coming from rear tire. Limped it home, removed driver side rear tire, and noticed substantial bulge where tread was separating. Replaced tire with another brand. Several months later, same thing happened, and removed the remaining Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H tire, the passenger side rear tire, and noticed same defect. I bought both tires Mar 15, 2021 on Amazon, but have driven car very little. Unfortunately the shop that installed them didn't note mileage on receipt but the tread looks brand new (other than the defect). Looked at amazon and noticed other customers reporting the same defect! [XXX] I think these tires are very dangerous and are going to cause somebody to get injured or worse, especially since both tires are affected by defects and other consumers are reporting the exact same issue on amazon reviews. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, SIZE: P225/55R17. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE TIRES. SPRING VALLEY GOODYEAR OF COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE TIRES. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The back driver’s side door of my 2008 Impala is not locked, but it cannot be opened. I’ve read online that this happens on other Impalas. Because this is a major safety issue, as well as a major inconvenience, these vehicles should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owners. People should be able to enter and exit through all doors of a vehicle, especially during an emergency. Because of this defect, Impalas should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owner.
WHILE IN MOTION, CAR WAS INVOLVED IN CRASH, HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER AND A FENCE AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION. HE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at highway speeds the car will act up and the engine will shut off, I get the message on the odometer display that reads, Engine power is reduced, service throttle, starter disabled. This is not a good thing to have happen while driving.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHOWED LOW LEVELS OF OIL AND POWER STEERING FLUIDS. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONVERTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I AM INFORMING YOU OF SOME VERY SERIOUS CONCERNS IN REGARDS TO PARTS OF THE 07 AND 08 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAVE FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENTS AS WELL AS INJURY AND GRAVE POTENTIAL FOR FATALITIES.AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, SEAT BELTS NOT LOCKING ON IMPACT FIRST AND FOREMOST I HAVE REQUESTED COPIES OF THE PAPERWORK THAT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE COURTS IN SOMERSET WI. THIS SHOWED EXACTLY WHAT TOOK PLACE CAUSEING AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS CONSIDERED NEGLIGENT DUE TO MEDICATIONS I WAS ON AND MY DISABILITY. THE MECHANIC GAVE ME THIS REPORT ALONG WITH INFO STATING THAT THIS WAS A HUGE PROBLEM IN FLEET POLICE VEHICALS. THE INFO STATED THAT THE POLICE VEHICALS WERE FIXED AND CHECKED HOWEVER THIS PART HAS NO RECALL OR REVISION TO CORRECT THE SAFETY ISSUES THAT WE CAN FIND. MY VEHICAL DOES HAVE HIGH MILLAGE HOWEVER IT HAS BEEN VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF THANKS TO ERICKSON OIL AND MECHANIC FRIENDS. THIS PART SNAPPING AFTER CRACKING ESILY RESULTED IN COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL AS WELL AS THE CAR LOCKING UP AND BECOMING IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER AND STOP. IT IS DISTURBING THAT THESE PARTS WERE NOT CORRECTED FROM A MANUFACTERING ASPECT (THIS WAS LOOKED AT BY A MACHINEST, AS WELL AS AN ENGINEER AND BY THE QAULITY/DIMESIONS/STRUCTURE THIS PART EASILY LOOKED DEFECTIVE) THE VISUAL AS WELL AS SKILLED APROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING DROVE US TO LOOK UP RECALLS PRIOR TO BUYING A NEW PART. WE COULD NOT FIND ANY. JUST INFO THAT THIS EXACT MAKE AND MODEL WERE PURCHASED AS FLEET VEHICALS IN 07 AND 08. PROBLEMS WITH MANY OF THESE CARS RESULTED IN PULLING ALL OF THE FLEET/GOVNT PATROL CARS IN TO BE FIXED/INVESTIGATED. HOWEVER WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A RECALL OR WARNING THAT SHOULD HAVE ALSO BEEN ISSUED TO THE PUBLIC. I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO HELP TO INVESTIGATE AND HELP GET THIS LOOKED AT AS IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT AS WELL AS BEING UNSTABLE AND FAULTY IN ANOTHER MINOR IMPACT ACCIDENT POTENTIAALY INCREASING FATALITY/INJURIES.
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY AND QUITE OFTEN. THE CHEVROLET DEALER TOLD ME THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON OR WHEN THE SEATBELT LATCH TRIGGERS THE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
LETTER FROM CONSTITUENT WHO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HER 2008 IMPALA, SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRS SHE BELIEVES WERE ALL PART OF A RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON APRIL 1, 2014, SHE HAD JUST EXITED THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY, WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RE-START AND A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASH THAT READ THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED. ON APRIL 19, 2014. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS SHE WAS DRIVING. SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RE-START, ONCE AGAIN, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THE COMPUTER WAS RE-PROGRAMMED.*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FIVE TIMES. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE POWER CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ UPDATED 01/13/15
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER CONVERTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENT. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE FROM THE AIR CONDITION VENT. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE COULD WAIT FOR THE FIRE TO DISSOLVE BEFORE NOTIFYING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS ABLE TO DISSOLVE AND THERE WAS NO POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITION RESISTOR AND CONNECTOR WIRING CONNECTION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE IGNITION FAILED TO RELEASE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.
I WAS LEAVING A HIGH SCHOOL AT NIGHT AFTER BASKETBALL GAME. CRANKED CAR AND STARTED DRIVING. ALL LIGHTS WORKING FINE. IT WAS ON AUTO LIGHTS. ABOUT FIVE MINUTES UP THE ROAD ALL OUTSIDE LIGHTS QUIT WORKING. THEY JUST STOPPED. PULLED OVER AND TURNED LIGHTS ON AND OFF....STILL NOT WORKING. SWITCHED FROM AUTO TO MANUAL HEADLIGHTS. ONLY HIGH BEAM WORKED. AND THEN ONLY LEFT SIDE. LOW BEAM NOT WORKING AT ALL. IF I TRIED TO DIM LIGHTS....THEN THEY CUT OFF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .