Research · Large Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2016 Chevrolet ImpalaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 890 owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala. Most complaints involve engine (304) and electrical system (236). The EPA rates it 20–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
20–25mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
890
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
890 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2015 – Aug 2026
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 year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 829 |
| 2001 | 747 |
| 2002 | 808 |
| 2003 | 722 |
| 2004 | 1,073 |
| 2005 | 608 |
| 2006 | 544 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 442 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 272 |
| 2014 | 638 |
| 2015 | 301 |
| 2016 | 890 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 15 |
- Crashes reported
- 27
- Fires reported
- 6
- Injuries reported
- 18
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
304 reports5 crashes2 fires
“The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power and there was black smoke coming from the right side of the engine compartment. The contact then parked the vehicle and opened the hood, and there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
Electrical system
236 reports4 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Power train
178 reports5 crashes
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter, however the gear shifter failed to shift as intended. The contact stated after several attempts, the gear shifter shifted as intended. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars, Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl bifuel (cng)
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- 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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,500 | 354 |
| Impala Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $2,850 | 401 |
| Impala Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | $2,950 | 410 |
| Impala Bi-Fuel (CNG) Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 437 |
- 25mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 12.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Chevrolet Impala Eco eAssist 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 12.1%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2016 Impala questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Impala have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Impala problems?
Owners filed 890 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (304), electrical system (236), power train (178). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Chevrolet Impala get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Impala at 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Chevrolet Impala 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026