Research · Large Cars

2018 Chevrolet ImpalaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 59 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Impala. Most complaints involve power train (11) and electrical system (11). The EPA rates it 22–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
22–25mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Aug 2018
Owner complaints
59
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Free remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Aug 30, 2018NHTSA 18V576000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

59 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2017 – Jun 2026
  1. Power train11
  2. Electrical system11
  3. Steering7
  4. Engine7
  5. Service brakes7
  6. Air bags6
  7. Exterior lighting4
  8. Seats3
  9. Vehicle speed control2

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
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
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

Power train

11 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 26, 2026Power trainODI 11746623

Electrical system

11 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2023Electrical system, WheelsODI 11544465

Steering

7 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 8, 2026SteeringODI 11716610
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl
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
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Impala
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
223025$2,500360
Impala
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive
182822$2,850409
Impala
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
192822$2,850404
  • Impala
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L, SIDI
    22 city · 30 hwy · $2,500/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Impala
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV
    18 city · 28 hwy · $2,850/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Impala
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI
    19 city · 28 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
5/ 5
5 of 5
Chevrolet 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%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 12014
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

2018 Impala questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Impala have?

1 safety recall 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 2018 Chevrolet Impala problems?

Owners filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (11), electrical system (11), steering (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Chevrolet Impala get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Impala at 22–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Impala?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Chevrolet Impala 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026