RoadVitals

2018 Chevrolet Impala

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
59
Latest Jun 26, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Aug 30, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 59 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Impala, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and brakes categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 879 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

1 campaign 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.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Aug 30, 2018
210,628 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 18279View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 26, 2026

The transmission failed, shifting is no longer smooth. It hesitates and shakes the entire car, and the car slows down to almost a crawl uphill. I understand this is an issue with Chevrolet Impalas. So now I have an $8200 bill for a problem I was never told about, and that GM knew that it existed. So, yes, the issue has been identified, reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The warning light came on when the issue happened, so it was already too late. The issue began with just over 65,000 miles. So I have a 2018 Impala in almost perfect condition in need of an $8200 before taxes, transmission replacement. I would like some help from the NHTSA, like requiring GM to pay for the repairs. Thank You very much.

NHTSA ID
11746623
Incident
May 1, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Mar 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while the A/C was activated during the summer of 2025, the A/C failed to function as intended. The contact stated that hot air was blowing through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with an EVAP leak. The leak was found on a corner near the evaporative canister. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the EVAP leak was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to a specialty shop for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to pay a nominal part of the repair. The contact declined the assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11727989
Incident
Apr 22, 2025
Mileage
60,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 8, 2026

I was driving and parked the car at the store. After checking out I went to the car got ready to leave and started backing out and the car would not turn to the left at all. I took it to the shop and was told they do not see anything wrong with my car but a steering message is coming up.

NHTSA ID
11716610
Incident
Feb 7, 2026
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Sep 16, 2025

Passenger side front seat. When occupied, airbag sensor located inside the seat is malfunctioning. My husbands safety is at risk when he's in the car. He tries moving the seat up, back, etc. Sometimes works and the airbag sensor works. We are fearing that if there were any accident or need, that his life would be in danger if the airbag didn't deploy. This shouldn't be at the consumers expense as this is a safety issue. This has been ongoing for over 6 months.

NHTSA ID
11687573
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
Airbags
Filed Aug 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that recently, the driver’s side air bag deployed while the vehicle was parked and unattended overnight. Prior to the failure, the air bag warning light had illuminated while driving. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ID
11679042
Incident
Aug 2, 2025
Mileage
116,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 4, 2025
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while reversing slowly, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and continued rolling backwards. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stopped and shifted to drive(D), and with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle started to roll forward. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle. The contact steered the vehicle to the right to avoid crashing into the building. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a signpost, preventing the vehicle from driving into the restaurant. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving very slowly during the failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The center of the front bumper was dented, the center of the grill was cracked, and the hood was dented. The contact was not injured. The contact stated that the Police arrived at the scene and wrote a report however, the contact was not provided the report or the report number. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an Auto Zone and the diagnostic machine retrieved DTC for Low Voltage in the ABS module and the message “Control Module Communication BUSS Off”. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,690.

NHTSA ID
11678344
Incident
Jun 11, 2025
Mileage
122,690 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ID
11644539
Incident
Feb 23, 2025
Mileage
128,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to straighten the wheels while in the driveway, the contact discovered that the steering wheel was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the power steering electrical motor and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,473.

NHTSA ID
11639349
Incident
Dec 4, 2024
Mileage
26,473 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT6247B

This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

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

Chevrolet Impala by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020150049.1
2019281052.7
2018Viewing591045.3
20171160039.1
20161110041.3
20152993050.3
201463112257.3
20132701038.4
20122583051.6
20115052045.1
20104414048.6
20098245050.4
20088102151.8
20076273051.8
20065242156.2
20056094051.9
20041,0727052.8
20036948157.9
20027957260.4
200174210262.8
200081810263.4
1999400
1998200
1997100
1996881244.9
1995441143.5
1994151142.6
1993210
1992010
1991010
1987100
1985111
1984001
1983320
1982230
1981220
1980030
1979230
1978030
1977131
1976010
1974030
1973010
1972020
1971040
1969240
1968020
1967220
1966320
1965030
1963100
1958100

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.