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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train11
- Electrical system11
- Steering7
- Engine7
- Service brakes7
- Air bags6
- Exterior lighting4
- Seats3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Wheels2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Visibility/wiper2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
5
10
12
6
6
5
6
5
3
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 3 |
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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?”
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.”
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.