2018 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 2018 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
- Powertrain (other)1115.5%
- Electrical1115.5%
- Brakes811.3%
- Engine79.9%
- Steering79.9%
- Airbags68.5%
- Exterior lighting45.6%
- Driver assistance45.6%
- Interior & seats45.6%
- Fuel system34.2%
- Other / unspecified22.8%
- Visibility22.8%
- Suspension11.4%
- Tires & wheels11.4%
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire pressure sensor system receiver (part of keyless entry system) will not collect info from individual tire pressure sensors in tires. Failure of this safety system would not provide and advance warning of low tire pressure.
As I was driving home from my place of employment which is exactly 30 miles from where I live my Steering Assist went out and it was very hard to steer and to even stay in the lane which I was driving I managed to get the car home and did an under carriage inspection and there was no damage still kind of shaken from the power steering going out I checked for the power steering pump and the power steering fluid reserve but found out through my owner's manual that I have electronic power steering I took the car by my local Chevrolet dealer and was told it was nothing they could do because they knew nothing about how to repair such a problem the only warning lamp that I received was a message that said power steering service drive with care
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Check engine light did not come on when battery was bad.also brakes feel spongy and go to the floor at times,pads and rotors are good.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was sold a used car w/ undisclosed accidents. Had many issues within first few weeks. Had transmission cooler lines replaced after they burst. Radiator, compressor, condenser, and much more. Then the Airbag light came on. Dealership said connectors were bad. Fixed it. Light came on again.took it in to dealership. They had it for over two weeks. The GM for all the dealerships Told me the vehicle was not unsafe and told me lies. But the service girl confessed she no longer had access to my vehicle or my file and her boss and the Gm had taken over working on it. She then told me they pulled Ford model air bags from my Chevy Impala. Now the light has come on again. I do not feel safe or rust the dealership to fix it properly.
While driving from work the car did a quick jerk and the STABILITRAK, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON ALL AT ONCE. As I pulled into my workplace the car lost power to the engine completely while displaying ACTION REQUIRED ON THE LCD SCREEN. The brake and steering wheel became stiff and it was hard to control the vehicle. It took 10 minutes for me to regain power and control over the vehicle that again after leaving work stopped on the highway.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
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
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO NEVER BEEN HAPPIER. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT MY HEADLIGHTS THEY HAVE SERIOUS CONDENSATION IN BOTH AND THERE IS ABOUT AN INCH OR 2 OF WATER INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE IS CAUSING BAD VISIBILITY WITH LOW LIGHTING. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO KEEP THE WATER OUT AND PROVIDE HEADLIGHTS WITH PROPER AIR SO THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. HOW COME CHEVROLET DIDN'T RECALL THESE HEADLIGHTS DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND IMPROPER VENTILATION. WHAT CAN I DO BESIDES SPEND $200.00 ON 2 NEW ONES?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THE DRIVER'S AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS AND CAUSING THE ILLUMINATION TO BE REDUCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER NIMNICHT CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 1550 CASSAT AVE, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32210, (904) 387-4041, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE MECHANIC NEEDED TO DRILL HOLES INTO EACH HEADLIGHT HOUSING TO ALLOW FOR THE WATER TO PROPERLY DRAIN FROM THE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
2018 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PROBLEMS WITH IMAGE CONCERNING THE REARVIEW CAMERA DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. *AS *JS *JS
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 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.
ON 16TH JULY 2020 WHILE DRIVING BELL SOUNDS WENT OFF IN MY CAR, ON DASH AIRBAG WARNING CAME ON AND GOT AN ONSTAR ALERT THAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. ONSTAR SAID TO GET IT TO DEALERSHIP ASAP. YESTERDAY 20TH JULY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG MODULE, FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG PLATE IN SEAT AND SOMETHING ELSE AIRBAG IS WRONG. TOLD ME NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY IN WHICH SINCE IT IS A 2018 I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. THEY SAID BECAUSE HAVE 62,000 MILES IS WHY. I SAID THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT BUT SAID I WOULD NEED TO HAVE IT REPAIRED WHICH WOULD COST $1300 WITHOUT TAXES. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS AND HAVE A CASE NUMBER. HOWEVER, NOT GM NOR THE DEALERSHIP NESMITH CHEVROLET, BUICK, GMC SEEM TO FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL OR A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THEY SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I noticed lately my car has trouble starting, especially after I get gas. Anywhere I take it, no one knows what it is. Literally someone said that I’m not holding the brake down when I’m starting it. I KNOW HOW TO START MY VEHICLE! It doesn’t want to start and sounds like a broke down Saturn when I start it. It takes like 20-30 seconds to start. ALSO that AC went out, I paid $700 AT Chevy, and then the AC went out again a few months later, again no one knows why. WTF!
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
Tire pressure sensor system receiver (part of keyless entry system) will not collect info from individual tire pressure sensors in tires. Failure of this safety system would not provide and advance warning of low tire pressure.
THIS IS THE SECOND 2018 CHEVY IMPALA I'VE HAD AND THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTED. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS GRIND RIDICULOUSLY, AND I'M ONLY AT 48K MILES NOW. INITIALLY I REPORTED THIS ISSUE WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER 36K MFG WARRANTY AND NATURALLY THE DEALER FOUND NO ISSUES AND JUST LUBBED THE WHEEL AREA AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I AM PAYING A PRETTY PENNY FOR THIS 2018 CHEVY IMPALA AND WANT TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I NOTICED THIS SEEMED TO BE A REPORTED PROBLEM AND THAT CHEVY HAS IGNORED THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO PLACE THESE WHEEL BEARINGS THAT ARE SUB-PAR INTO THE VEHICLES....WHY??? I HAVEN'T HAD THIS CAR 1 YEAR YET AND I HAVE HAD MORE LUB JOBS THAT I CARE TO MENTION( LIKE EVERY MONTH). WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR AND YOU'RE GETTING READY TO BRAKE/STOP, THE SECOND YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, A HORRIBLE GRINDING SOUND EMERGES FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR, I SHOULDN'T BE FIXING A PROBLEM THAT CHEVY HAS CREATED...A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED OR BETTER YET INSTITUTED TO REMEDY THESE SICK VEHICLES, YOU WANT US TO BUY AMERICAN, WELL YOU NEED TO BUILD THEM LIKE AMERICANS..STRONG *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 WEEKS AGO NEVER BEEN HAPPIER. MY COMPLAINT IS ABOUT MY HEADLIGHTS THEY HAVE SERIOUS CONDENSATION IN BOTH AND THERE IS ABOUT AN INCH OR 2 OF WATER INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS ISSUE IS CAUSING BAD VISIBILITY WITH LOW LIGHTING. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING TO KEEP THE WATER OUT AND PROVIDE HEADLIGHTS WITH PROPER AIR SO THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. HOW COME CHEVROLET DIDN'T RECALL THESE HEADLIGHTS DUE TO POOR DESIGN AND IMPROPER VENTILATION. WHAT CAN I DO BESIDES SPEND $200.00 ON 2 NEW ONES?
WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE ON PUBLIC ROADWAY WHILE UTILIZING THE AC FUNCTION, THE AC EVAPORATOR CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED UNDER THE DASH, STARTLING THE DRIVER & PASSENGER, AND EXPOSING THEM TO HIGH LEVELS OF 1234YF REFRIGERANT IN THE ENCLOSED CABIN. THE AC SYSTEM SUBSEQUENTLY WENT INTO LOW PRESSURE MODE, RENDERING ALL AC FUNCTIONS USELESS SUCH AS DEFROSTING THE WINDSHIELD WHICH HAS CREATED SAFETY ISSUES IN ADDITION TO THE INHALATION OF THE LEAKED REFRIGERANT. THIS STYLE OF FAILURE IS COVERED UNDER SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT - N182186881 EVAPORATOR CORE ICING, LEAK FOR CERTAIN 2016-2018 IMPALA VEHICLES. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE STATES THAT THIS VIN IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A SIMILAR FAILURE ON A PART THAT SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. GM REFUSES TO COVER THIS FAILURE AND REQUESTED THAT THE CUSTOMER CONTACT THE NHTSA TO HELP RESOLVE THE MISSING VIN FROM THE SPECIAL COVERAGE. CUSTOMER IS CURRENTLY SADDLED WITH A $2300 REPAIR BILL FOR A LIFETIME PART THAT HAS FAILED IN 2.4 YEARS AND POSES AN ONGOING SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
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
THIS IS THE SECOND 2018 CHEVY IMPALA I'VE HAD AND THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTED. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS GRIND RIDICULOUSLY, AND I'M ONLY AT 48K MILES NOW. INITIALLY I REPORTED THIS ISSUE WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER 36K MFG WARRANTY AND NATURALLY THE DEALER FOUND NO ISSUES AND JUST LUBBED THE WHEEL AREA AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. I AM PAYING A PRETTY PENNY FOR THIS 2018 CHEVY IMPALA AND WANT TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I NOTICED THIS SEEMED TO BE A REPORTED PROBLEM AND THAT CHEVY HAS IGNORED THIS PROBLEM AND CONTINUES TO PLACE THESE WHEEL BEARINGS THAT ARE SUB-PAR INTO THE VEHICLES....WHY??? I HAVEN'T HAD THIS CAR 1 YEAR YET AND I HAVE HAD MORE LUB JOBS THAT I CARE TO MENTION( LIKE EVERY MONTH). WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR AND YOU'RE GETTING READY TO BRAKE/STOP, THE SECOND YOU PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, A HORRIBLE GRINDING SOUND EMERGES FROM THE FRONT END OF MY CAR, I SHOULDN'T BE FIXING A PROBLEM THAT CHEVY HAS CREATED...A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED OR BETTER YET INSTITUTED TO REMEDY THESE SICK VEHICLES, YOU WANT US TO BUY AMERICAN, WELL YOU NEED TO BUILD THEM LIKE AMERICANS..STRONG *TR
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
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Assurance, Tire Size: 235/50/R18, DOT Number: MT1PJBUR2920. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that all four tires had severe tread separation and piling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tires were not yet replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
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 .