Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Chevrolet Impala problems

Owners filed 59 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Impala with NHTSA between Nov 2017 and Jun 2026. The most-cited component is power train (11).

Complaints
59
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Wheels2
  11. Fuel/propulsion system2
  12. Visibility/wiper2
  13. Fuel system, gasoline1
  14. Service brakes, hydraulic1

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20171
20185
201910
202012
20216
20226
20235
20246
20255
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Engine

7 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 16, 2024Power train, Air bags, EngineODI 11625701

Service brakes

7 reports4 crashes
“GETTING A SECOND LOOK AT AIR CONDITIONING. I WAS TOLD THE COMPRESSOR COULD BE LEAKING AS THERE HAS BEEN NO FREON FOR OVER A MONTH OR TWO. THE FREON IS 120/POUND AND COULD COST 1000, HE MENTIONED FOR FREON ALONE. THIS IS A 2018, PURCHASED LAST YEAR AND I'M DEALING WITH A COMPRESSOR ISSUE AS WELL AS VERY EXPENSIVE FREON?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 29, 2021Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11405407

Air bags

6 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2025Air bags, SeatsODI 11687573
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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