Research · Large Cars

2016 Chevrolet Impala LimitedRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 779 owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited. Most complaints involve engine (283) and electrical system (206). The EPA rates it 22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
22mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
779
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

779 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2015 – Jul 2025
  1. Engine283
  2. Electrical system206
  3. Power train162
  4. Vehicle speed control145
  5. Service brakes76
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)74
  7. Fuel/propulsion system43
  8. Steering39
  9. Structure38

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Impala Limited model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2014619
2015288
2016779
Crashes reported
19
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
8
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

283 reports4 crashes1 fire
“Brake booster pump failed ( gm part # 12704586 ) Causing limited braking and severe damage to internal engine components, camshafts ,timing chain have been damaged This is a ongoing problem in which i have had this pump replaced at my expense several times. The problem stems brake booster pump is lubricated using the engine's oil . Booster pump has a small screen to filter oil, this filter can easily become clogged resulting in booster to run dry and grenade into top of engine. These pieces then interfer with camshafts and timing gears other components”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2025Service brakes, EngineODI 11671410

Electrical system

206 reports3 crashes
“When I put the car in park and try to turn the car off the Shift Park message comes on preventing me from cutting the car completely off. I put in back in drive or reverse then back in park it still dings and shows the message. I takes a number of repeating these steps for it to stop and turn off and this is happening every time I'm trying to turn the car off.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2025Electrical system, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11668474

Power train

162 reports3 crashes
“I am filing a complaint regarding ongoing and worsening issues with my Chevrolet vehicle, which appear to point to broader defects involving the engine and electrical systems. Months ago, while driving, the car suddenly lost power and displayed "Engine Power Reduced." I had to keep using it due to work needs. Over time, it hesitated more during acceleration and felt increasingly unsafe. When I finally brought it to a Chevrolet service center, I was told the issue involved the pistons. The vehicle also regularly shows a "Shift to Park" warning even when the gear is in Park, raising concerns about the transmission's reliability. The power loss continues, especially when going uphill — again triggering the "Engine Power Reduced" alert and dropping the speed to no more than 35 MPH. A diagnostic showed a P0302 code for a cylinder 2 misfire. The radio head unit, already replaced once under warranty, failed again after just 9 months. Prior to the worsening idle and gear issues, I also received network-related codes involving the ECM and transmission computers. Although I’ve replaced the alternator, the car still shows "Service Electric System" warnings, suggesting…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11663745
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Impala Limited
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182922$2,850410
  • Impala Limited
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    18 city · 29 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Chevrolet Impala Limited 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
11.3%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 10046
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Impala Limited questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited problems?

Owners filed 779 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (283), electrical system (206), power train (162). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited at 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Limited 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026