2015 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 2015 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
- Electrical9626.1%
- Driver assistance6818.5%
- Steering4412.0%
- Airbags297.9%
- Brakes267.1%
- Exterior lighting226.0%
- Engine195.2%
- Body & structure164.3%
- Powertrain (other)154.1%
- Fuel system102.7%
- Visibility71.9%
- Seat belts61.6%
- Other / unspecified41.1%
- Suspension30.8%
- Tires & wheels10.3%
- Transmission10.3%
- Interior & seats10.3%
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
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 182,412. It was later discovered upon checking the Title that the mileage was 186,199.
I have always kept my Impala in my garage until recently I started keeping my grandson a few days a week. When I am at that home my car is parked in a driveway open to the elements. About a month after starting I notice that my car started having what I would describe as an electronic issue. The seat belt alarm would go off without me ever touching my seat belt. I have also had to replace my tail lights in my vehicle twice since this started. Then when I packed for a trip yesterday I noticed an awful smell in my trunk. I could not find the source, so I took everything out of my trunk and opened the spare tire compartment which was completely filled with water! I found a Product Bulletin on this. Chevrolet #14047. But it is NOT A RECALL. WHY IS THAT? IT IS CLEARLY AN ERROR ON THEIR PART! CAN YOU EXPLAIN PLEASE?
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am leasing the car out. I’ve been leasing it out for the last three months since March I went delinquent on one of my payments because I have my mechanic look at it and type my VIN number in and they told me that I was recall he couldn’t tell me why I was recall Two days ago, which was Saturday, June 28. The lender called me and told me that the car was recalled. I tried to call him back to discuss what can be done. I have the payment, no response and I don’t have my car and my belongings are in it.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SZBA) system continues to be an issue with this vehicle. Sensing module(s) on inner left or right side of bumper cover fail due to water intrusion. When sensing module fails, "Service Side Detection System" message will appear on driver information center on instrument cluster. General Motors has previously issued a special coverage "N172097060", which is available on NHTSA website. As indicated in the special coverage document, if the issue is ignored, "the condition could result in the corruption of LS GMLAN that may result in the loss of some driver interface functions such as cluster, infotainment, displays, chime, and passenger presence detection (passenger airbag could be suppressed). Within approximately 30 days of the "Service Side Detection System" message, while driving, instrument cluster speedometer and tachometer went dead, and airbag warning system notification, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system all illuminated. In addition to no speedometer reading, vehicle ignition/security interlock was causing vehicle to run rough. Vehicle would not immediately restart after shutting vehicle off. This is the 4th time a SBZA sensing module has failed on this vehicle. First failure was replaced under factory warranty, second failure was replaced under special coverage N172097060, third failure was replaced out-of-pocket. Contacted General Motors/Chevrolet, and they are not interested in providing continued coverage of the issue, which is a known issue, and likely a design defect, as the design was changed for later model years.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Loss of power steering
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the steering wheel started to feel loose. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving and the steering wheel tightened with the "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care," message displayed. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact called her husband to meet her for assistance. The contact's husband arrived and was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer. While at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective power steering gear module. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Side Blind Zone Alert (SZBA) system continues to be an issue with this vehicle. Sensing module(s) on inner left or right side of bumper cover fail due to water intrusion. When sensing module fails, "Service Side Detection System" message will appear on driver information center on instrument cluster. General Motors has previously issued a special coverage "N172097060", which is available on NHTSA website. As indicated in the special coverage document, if the issue is ignored, "the condition could result in the corruption of LS GMLAN that may result in the loss of some driver interface functions such as cluster, infotainment, displays, chime, and passenger presence detection (passenger airbag could be suppressed). Within approximately 30 days of the "Service Side Detection System" message, while driving, instrument cluster speedometer and tachometer went dead, and airbag warning system notification, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system all illuminated. In addition to no speedometer reading, vehicle ignition/security interlock was causing vehicle to run rough. Vehicle would not immediately restart after shutting vehicle off. This is the 4th time a SBZA sensing module has failed on this vehicle. First failure was replaced under factory warranty, second failure was replaced under special coverage N172097060, third failure was replaced out-of-pocket. Contacted General Motors/Chevrolet, and they are not interested in providing continued coverage of the issue, which is a known issue, and likely a design defect, as the design was changed for later model years.
passenger front seat presence sensor says someone is sitting in the seat even when empty. also seat belt warning light and audible alert is affected. I occasionally have four small children In the vehicle which is concerning because the airbag could go off when a child is sitting in the front seat.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am leasing the car out. I’ve been leasing it out for the last three months since March I went delinquent on one of my payments because I have my mechanic look at it and type my VIN number in and they told me that I was recall he couldn’t tell me why I was recall Two days ago, which was Saturday, June 28. The lender called me and told me that the car was recalled. I tried to call him back to discuss what can be done. I have the payment, no response and I don’t have my car and my belongings are in it.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, upon starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taking to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that unknown sensors needed to be reprogrammed and the codes were cleared. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the warning lights illuminated again, and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was not taken back to the independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic tests or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V541000 (PARKING BRAKE); and the contact related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was 162,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have always kept my Impala in my garage until recently I started keeping my grandson a few days a week. When I am at that home my car is parked in a driveway open to the elements. About a month after starting I notice that my car started having what I would describe as an electronic issue. The seat belt alarm would go off without me ever touching my seat belt. I have also had to replace my tail lights in my vehicle twice since this started. Then when I packed for a trip yesterday I noticed an awful smell in my trunk. I could not find the source, so I took everything out of my trunk and opened the spare tire compartment which was completely filled with water! I found a Product Bulletin on this. Chevrolet #14047. But it is NOT A RECALL. WHY IS THAT? IT IS CLEARLY AN ERROR ON THEIR PART! CAN YOU EXPLAIN PLEASE?
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that he became aware that water was entering through the taillights into the trunk. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the seals and both taillight gaskets to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the contact became aware that the truck was corroded. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,617.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle on several occasions. During other failures, the vehicle restarted independently while rolling forward. During one failure, the vehicle had to be towed back to the residence. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two local dealers who were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.
The contact owned a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unoccupied, the front of the vehicle had caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the local fire department. The fire department indicated that the failure may have occurred due to a mechanical malfunction of the vehicle. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Water leak into rear compartment / trunk. Health problem with fungus & smell. Inspected by car dealer.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that he became aware that water was entering through the taillights into the trunk. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the seals and both taillight gaskets to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the contact became aware that the truck was corroded. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,617.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the transmission was slipping and unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The contact stated that the vehicle violently shuddered. The contact stated that the check engine and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle due to the shaking and shuddering and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Transmission Control Module and a wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred two more times. The contact had taken the vehicle to the same dealer, and the TCM was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while the transmission was in drive(D) with the vehicle idling on an incline, the vehicle inadvertently rolled backwards. The contact indicated that the brake pedal had to be depressed to stop the vehicle from rolling backwards down the hill. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE INTAKE ROCKER ARM OIL CONTROL VALVE DETERIORATES AND PIECES GET LODGE IN THE CAM COVER PASSAGES. CAUSES VEHICLE TO MISFIRE AND NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. HAPPENS WHILE SITTING IDLE OR MOVING
P0442(EVAP SMALL LEAK) USING EVAP TOOL J-41413-200,PRESSURE TESTED THE EVAP SYSTEM WHILE PERFORMING SYSTEM SEAL.FOUND THAT THE EVAP PURGE SOLENOID IS LEAKING.PLUGGED THE EVAP PURGE SOLENOID PORT AND FOUND EVAP PRESSURE LOSS NOT PRESENT. REVIEWED TECH 685 AND 201 HISTORY.PARTS WARRANTY CAUSE:FAILED PURGE SOLENOID FAILURE INSTALLED NEW EVAP PURGE SOLENOID.RETESTED AND VERIFIED SYSTEM SEAL. GM PARTS WARRANTY LO: 4025690 1.2 0329/6579 ORIGINAL RO# 495351 58101 MILES 03/14/2019 I HAD THIS CAR IN FOR THE SAME REPAIR MARCH 14, 2019 AND AGAIN JUNE 26, 2019. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR THAT THIS PART GOES OUT SO OFTEN?
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the shade of the sunroof started to detach, and the sunroof shade started lowering from the sunroof of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Upon opening the sunroof while driving, the sunshade track bunched up and got stuck while opening. I was able to unbunch the track the get the sunshade to close, however, the fabric ripped away from the track on both sides. When the sunroof is opened, the fabric falls down into the car and completely blocks the view out of the back window. I tired putting the fabric up in the space it should roll into, but it will not stay and falls down while driving. I stopped using the sunroof for this reason. Now the fabric hangs down into the car. This happened almost a year ago. The fabric has continued to hang down further and further into the car. It is beginning to fall into the line of vision of the rear window. I used safety pins to hold it up, but it continues to hang down further. I have decided to get it fixed for this reason. It will cost almost $800 to have it repaired. This is clearly a safety hazard. I have read several forums on other owners with the same safety issue. A service repair bulletin has been issued for this problem, but it should be a safety recall.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am leasing the car out. I’ve been leasing it out for the last three months since March I went delinquent on one of my payments because I have my mechanic look at it and type my VIN number in and they told me that I was recall he couldn’t tell me why I was recall Two days ago, which was Saturday, June 28. The lender called me and told me that the car was recalled. I tried to call him back to discuss what can be done. I have the payment, no response and I don’t have my car and my belongings are in it.
passenger front seat presence sensor says someone is sitting in the seat even when empty. also seat belt warning light and audible alert is affected. I occasionally have four small children In the vehicle which is concerning because the airbag could go off when a child is sitting in the front seat.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2015 Chevrolet Impala Lt Vin# [XXX] 🔥infotainment center & Steering went out 2 years ago Greg Chevrolet in savannah MO told me $800 for infotainment unit only car only had diag code B127E car only 3 years old at the time still does not work! Earlier this year driving to work 70 mph steering goes out I almost hit car next to me had to muscle the car to side of road then warning light popped up to service power steering!! Very dangerous for me and any cars on the road with this car! Had mechanic do diagnostic it had 20 error codes he reset them car worked 1 day same thing over again. We paid the car off but still can't drive it and can't afford wheel bearing a new rack etc this car has now been parked in garage for fear of driving with no steering or info center and the wheel was mounted with tire backwards from dealership when we bought the car! Safety GM INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Front Right lower control arm w/o police right front wheel. Tpms system. This will be the second time I’ve had to replace the front lower control arm the tea PMS system does not work ABS traction control are off totally the same year of car make model everything was recalled to have this fixed but it was only with the police cars what makes you think that the ones that weren’t police cars didn’t have the same issue it cost $427.20 to fix. I also understand that my vehicle you’re making model it’s not the only one having this issue of having to replace it over and over as far as electrical something keeps moving or coming on or off in the car it’s worn down to batteries it happens at any time I can walk by the car and making the noise. I have to keep replacing the tires due to this all I know is that when you’re driving it more getting ready to turn it makes a loud crunching grinding noise it can happen at any time it’s getting harder to control the steering wheel. The cost of replacing the tires is ridiculous 2xs in a year or less. Gas let’s not even go there. Traction and stabilization always on along with brake assist and tpms front two tires stopped working. And once again it’s doing it. Not sure of exact date but before 2020
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Front Right lower control arm w/o police right front wheel. Tpms system. This will be the second time I’ve had to replace the front lower control arm the tea PMS system does not work ABS traction control are off totally the same year of car make model everything was recalled to have this fixed but it was only with the police cars what makes you think that the ones that weren’t police cars didn’t have the same issue it cost $427.20 to fix. I also understand that my vehicle you’re making model it’s not the only one having this issue of having to replace it over and over as far as electrical something keeps moving or coming on or off in the car it’s worn down to batteries it happens at any time I can walk by the car and making the noise. I have to keep replacing the tires due to this all I know is that when you’re driving it more getting ready to turn it makes a loud crunching grinding noise it can happen at any time it’s getting harder to control the steering wheel. The cost of replacing the tires is ridiculous 2xs in a year or less. Gas let’s not even go there. Traction and stabilization always on along with brake assist and tpms front two tires stopped working. And once again it’s doing it. Not sure of exact date but before 2020
Front Right lower control arm w/o police right front wheel. Tpms system. This will be the second time I’ve had to replace the front lower control arm the tea PMS system does not work ABS traction control are off totally the same year of car make model everything was recalled to have this fixed but it was only with the police cars what makes you think that the ones that weren’t police cars didn’t have the same issue it cost $427.20 to fix. I also understand that my vehicle you’re making model it’s not the only one having this issue of having to replace it over and over as far as electrical something keeps moving or coming on or off in the car it’s worn down to batteries it happens at any time he can walk by the car and making the noise. I have to keep replacing the print tires due to this all I know is that when you’re driving it more getting ready to turn it makes a loud crunching grinding noise it can happen at any time it’s getting harder to control the steering wheel
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
4 TIRE SIDEWALL DRY ROT LEADING TO A PARTIAL SIDEWALL SEPARATION ON 1 TIRE, APPROXIMATELY 1 INCH IN SIZE. THESE WERE NEW 50,000 MI TIRES ON A NEW CHEVROLET. THEY WERE REPLACED AT 48,000 MI. , THERE WAS PLENTY OF TREAD AT TIME OF REPLACEMENT. ALL 4 WERE REPLACED BY DEALER. I HAVE A PICTURE IF NEEDED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted and shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
passenger front seat presence sensor says someone is sitting in the seat even when empty. also seat belt warning light and audible alert is affected. I occasionally have four small children In the vehicle which is concerning because the airbag could go off when a child is sitting in the front seat.
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 .