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Research · Large Cars

2008 Chevrolet ImpalaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 810 owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala. Most complaints involve electrical system (221) and engine (134). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
19–22mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jun 2014
Owner complaints
810
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: ignition

Free remedy

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Electrical systemReported Jun 23, 2014NHTSA 14V355000

Suspension: lower arm

Free remedy

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

SuspensionReported Aug 3, 2012NHTSA 12V377000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

810 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2007 – Dec 2024
  1. Electrical system221
  2. Engine134
  3. Suspension117
  4. Steering94
  5. Vehicle speed control92
  6. Power train91
  7. Electronic stability control (esc)58
  8. Air bags50
  9. Latches/locks/linkages48

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2000829
2001747
2002808
2003722
20041,073
2005608
2006544
2007627
2008810
2009824
2010442
2011505
2012258
2013272
2014638
2015301
2016890
2017117
201859
201928
202015
Crashes reported
51
Fires reported
10
Injuries reported
44
Deaths reported
1
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

Electrical system

221 reports6 crashes6 fires
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2023Electrical system, Air bags, Unknown or otherCrash reportedODI 11542674

Engine

134 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2021Steering, EngineODI 11405806

Suspension

117 reports6 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2021Steering, SuspensionODI 11437500
All 2008 Impala problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 3.9L 6-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium 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
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182922$2,850404
Impala
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, 320/510 · Front-Wheel Drive
182922$2,850404
Impala
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L, 320-500 · Front-Wheel Drive
182821$2,950423
Impala
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162419$4,050468
  • Impala
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 29 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Impala
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, 320/510
    18 city · 29 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Impala
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.9 L, 320-500
    18 city · 28 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Impala
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L
    16 city · 24 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
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

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 5869Vehicle 2574
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

2008 Impala questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 Chevrolet Impala problems?

Owners filed 810 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (221), engine (134), suspension (117). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Impala at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026