Home · 2016 Chevrolet Impala · Complaints

What 110 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Impala

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (110)Crash / fire / injury (12)Electrical system (30)Engine (20)Airbags (16)Steering (16)Transmission & drivetrain (16)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (10)Brakes (8)Body & structure (7)Lights (7)Fuel system (5)

30 of 110 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Jun 11, 2024Electrical systemAirbagsLane Departure

The Side Detection System Modules are preventing the vehicle blind spot system to work correctly. and the vehicle takes 5, 10, 15 + attempts to start up.

NHTSA ODI 11593751

Jul 1, 2023Electrical systemBody & structureFire

When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!

NHTSA ODI 11529940

Nov 21, 2022Electrical system

Radio/sound system malfunctioning; Radio/sound will intermittently turn on and off, at times sound will not work for days/weeks at a time. Radio/sound system is tied in with vehicles internal warning systems. When sound is not working, there is no audible notification of several safety conditions including: Seat belt not fastened; door open; turn signal on/off; Low fuel; service engine; Stabilitrack. There was no notification (audio or visual) prior to condition beginning. Symptoms began to appear about 2 months ago during routine highway driving. Vehicle has sustained no accidents and has had no aftermarket upgrades.

NHTSA ODI 11494383

Nov 21, 2022Electrical systemLane Departure

side detection fault. this is an acknowledged problem by GM but they will not fix my car.

NHTSA ODI 11494389

Mar 31, 2022Electrical systemFuel system

For approximately 2 months, my 2016 Impala LTZ, would display a message on the small screen in front of the driver in the dash, stating for the driver to, "press ignition button again to turn vehicle off." The worst part about it was this would happen very randomly whether I would be driving in city traffic, or be sitting in a parking lot at a local store. I took it to my local Chevrolet dealership. Five different times, because they were not able to get the occurrence to duplicate for them. They replaced the ignition, as well as other suspected parts with no resolution. Resolution. Ended up costing me over $1,200. That was the first time I took it in for this issue. The other four times didn't cost me anything because they hadn't fixed the issue. Come to find out it was a wire on the body control module that had some of the insulation sheathing removed, which then in turn caused the wire to ground out on the car's frame. Just thought I would put this out there in case anybody else goes through it because it wasn't real inconvenience.

NHTSA ODI 11459171

Dec 6, 2021Electrical systemLane Departure

All instruments failed. After a couple restarts they came back on. Lane departure alert doesn’t work now. From a web search, I’m afraid it’s just the beginning. No, I haven’t taken it to the dealer; they charge for diagnosis. And it hasn’t been inspected. The problem doesn’t act up all the time. There are no warning lights, the system just fails. I have 50,600 miles on it. If you find what I’ve found in my web search, the cost of repair is staggering, especially for retirees. I hope you look into Chevrolet’s problem they’ve been having with the Impala.

NHTSA ODI 11442909

Nov 14, 2021SteeringElectrical systemBrakes

I parked my car at work and worked a full day Saturday the 13th of November. I go out to start my vehicle and 3 warnings appear all at once. Stabilitrak, ABS, and power steering. Reading online I’m not the only one but with only 109,xxx miles it’s kind of BS that there’s obviously an engineering flaw with these vehicles and I probably will give a few car payments worth to get this fixed. I’ve owned this vehicle since 17,xxx miles

NHTSA ODI 11440395

Oct 8, 2021Electrical systemEngine

Electrical glitches and full loss of engine power wile driving. Dealer don’t know how to fix it. Very unsafe to drive

NHTSA ODI 11436003

Aug 22, 2021SteeringElectrical system

After starting car (and sometimes put in reverse), steering appears locked and message says to get power steering serviced. After putting back in park, power steering starts working. This happened multiple times last few weeks. Took car in to Joe Johnson Chevorlet (Troy OH) for scheduled next morning service. After 2 full days of excusses why they couldn't get to our car, we picked it up and took it to independent service shop. He test drove it and steering was fine. Got car back and next day it happened multiple times again. Took it back to independent to run code, which did not give exact problem. Drove car 1 block and power steering went out turning. Then again 1 block later. It is now parked and afraid to drive it. Chevy seems not to want to work on it and independent does not know what is wrong, said it could take him up to a week to trouble shoot entire system. He hasn't got back to me yet. HELP! Also, parking brake seems to engage by itself overnight. When starting car, sometimes it is on. We never use it. This may be related.

NHTSA ODI 11430033

Jan 27, 2021Electrical systemDriver assistance

1. THE DISPLAY SCREEN WENT BLACK WHILE DRIVING USING NAVIGATION. THE FAULT WAS A DEFECTIVE HMI MODULE, GM PART # 84296482 AT A COST OF $1100 (SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT). THE SUDDEN LOSS OF THE SCREEN WAS DISCONCERTING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS SHOULD LEAD TO A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPAIR COST. 2. WHEN THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) CAUSES THE BRAKES TO BE APPLIED IT DOES SO VERY SUDDENLY AND IN THE ABS "CHATTERING" MODE EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO COLLISION DANGER. THIS PRODUCES A JOLT TO THE DRIVERS AND OCCUPANTS WHICH IS AN UNEXPECTED AND UNSAFE RESPONSE.

NHTSA ODI 11390228

Nov 23, 2020Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemSpeed control

WHEN YOU START IT THE SPEED AND RPM' S START JUMPING THE COOLANT GADGET WAVES AT YOU THEN WHEN YOU PUT IT IN REVERSE OR DRIVE IT BUMPS WHEN YOU DRIVING YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU GOING BECAUSE OF THE GADGET BOUNCING UP AND DOWN TO TOP IT OFF ITS JUMPING THE WHOLE TIME YOU DRIVING IT.

NHTSA ODI 11376063

Nov 15, 2020Electrical systemEngine

MY VEHICLE TURNED OFF SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS ONCE AS I WAS DRIVING FREEWAY SPEED APPROXIMATELY 60-65MPH ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF I ATTEMPTED TO PUT IN NATURAL AND RE START THE IGNITION AS THE VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING WITH NO POWER VEHICLE DID NOT START I MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY BREAKED TO STOP AND PLACED THE GEAR SHIFT ON PARK AND TRIED TURNING THE IGNITION ON AND STILL DID NOT TURN ON A FEW ATTEMPTS LATER CAR STARTED. ANOTHER INCIDENT I WAS DRIVING CAME TO A RED LIGHT AS I WAS WAITING FOR MY GREEN LIGHT MY CAR SHUT OFF WHILE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK I PUT THE SHIFT GEAR I TO PARK TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND CAR STARTED

NHTSA ODI 11374780

Sep 14, 2020Electrical systemBody & structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR TAILLIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK AND THE INSIDE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED WATER INTRUSION IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS MOLD AND AN ABNORMAL ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TO BE DIAGNOSED. IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS WITH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE TAILLIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPUTER IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY UNDER WATER. ADDITIONALLY, THE SPARE TIRE AND JACK WERE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE ANDERSON CHEVROLET (5333 W IRVING PARK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60641, 773-465-2000) AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

NHTSA ODI 11354956

Jul 27, 2020Electrical system

SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM HAS FAILED, CAUSING MY DASH BOARD TO STAY OFF OR FLICKER AND AT TIMES MY VEHICLE NOT STARTING.

NHTSA ODI 11341630

Apr 18, 2020Electrical system

CAR WAS GOING 80 MPH (CRUISE CONTROL) ON THE HIGHWAY, AND IT GLITCHED TURNED ON AND OFF. WE WERE GOING DOWN HILL MOTION CAR SLOWED DOWN BUT CONTINUED ROLLING. WHEN THE CAR GLITCHES BACK ON 1 MINS LATER KICKED BACK ON CAR PICKED BACK UP TO THE 80 MPH ON THE CRUISE CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11321461

Jan 21, 2020Electrical system

CONCERNING THE 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA TRUNK, THERE WERE SEVERAL OCCASIONS OF THE TRUNK BEING FOUND OPENED ON IT'S OWN WHEN NOT IN USE. RECENTLY, THE TRUNK WILL NOT CLOSE OR WILL NOT OPEN. I'VE PURCHASED FUSES TO NO AVAIL AS THEY CONTINUE TO BLOW. CONTACTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER CARE, THEY LIED AND SAID NO COMPLAINTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED ON ANY MODELS SINCE 2000. THERE ARE AT LEAST 2 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRUNK ON THE NTHSA SITE. CHEVROLET (ROB) INFORMED ME MY COMPLAINT IS NOW IN THEIR RECORDS. CONCERNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, DOORS COULD BE HEARD CLICKING WHEN NOT IN USE. MY BATTERY HAS DRAINED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO EROSION. I PURCHASED NEW CABLE WHICH WORKED FINE FOR SOME MONTHS BUT THEN HAD TO PURCHASE NEW BATTERY. THESE ARE OBVIOUS ISSUES GM SHOULD ADDRESS.

NHTSA ODI 11300883

Oct 17, 2019Electrical system

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE EVERYTHING GOES OUT YOU HAVE NO CONTROL, THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY DARK, ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, HAD NO POWER AT ALL

NHTSA ODI 11269159

Aug 31, 2019Electrical systemEngine

WENT TO START THE CAR AND THE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM WENT OUT AND IS CAUSING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN THE CAR. SIDE DETACTION, COMPUTER, IGNITION, ETC.

NHTSA ODI 11252557

Aug 29, 2019Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

CAR WOULD NOT START AND ALL OF MY SENSORS ARE GOING OFF NEEDING TO BE SERVICED. THEN IT GOES AWAY. I DROVE IT THE DAY BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. GO TO MY CAR THE NEXT DAY AND ALL OF MY SENSORS ARE ACTING UP.

NHTSA ODI 11252150

Aug 15, 2019SteeringElectrical system

THE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRIC AND IT'S JUST TURNING OFF WHEN THE CAR MAKES A TURN WITHOUT NOTICE.

NHTSA ODI 11244176

May 27, 2019Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

SIDE DETECTION MODULE IS FAILING. I RESEARCHED AFTER MY DASHBOARD WON'T TURN ON, AND AFTER READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER IMPALA OWNERS, IT IS DUE TO THE SIDE DETECTION MODULES NOT WORKING PROPERLY. APPARENTLY WHEN THE MODULES FAIL THEY CAN CAUSE ALOT OF ELECTRICAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. CHEVY OR GM IS NOT ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS, AND I DONT SEE THE NEED TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR SOMETHING THAT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM IN MOST PEOPLE'S IMPALA.

NHTSA ODI 11210103

Feb 28, 2019Electrical systemLights

THE WIRING USED IS TASTY TO SQUIRRELS AND MY RIGHT HAND BLINKER WIRING HAS BEEN CHEWED UP TWICE NOW, FIXING IT HAS COST $1000.00 EACH TIME. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AT HOME.

NHTSA ODI 11183110

Feb 11, 2019Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AT FREEDOM CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (8008 MARVIN D LOVE FWY, DALLAS, TX 75237, (972) 649-0829). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,292. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11176174

May 17, 2018Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fire

ON APRIL 2ND, 2018, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND 4:50 A.M. DRIVING ON THE 303SB ONLY ABOUT 7 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE I NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO LAG AND STALL OUT, I BEGAN TO NOTICE GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHILE TRYING TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND AFTER ALMOST BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE INTO A SAFE ARE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ON PROVIDED BY MY AUTO INSURANCE USAA. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER PROVIDED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION LETTING ME KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. IF MY OIL IS LOW MY VEHICLE TELLS ME SOMETHING, WHEN THE TIRES ARE LOW ON AIR, MY VEHICLE TELLS ME. HOW COME WHEN MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WHILE IT BEGAN STALLING OUT I STILL RECEIVED NO NOTICE? I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD I GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE SITUATION MAY HAVE ENDED A LOT WORSE. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP AS COVERED UNDER THE USAA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ENDORSEMENT THAT BEING CHEVROLET SANDS. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REP WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD HAD PRE-EXISTING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE SUCH AS OLD BATTERY ACID THAT HAD OVER TIME ATE AT THE WIRING OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO BLOW OUT. THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP. I MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN OUR CARE FOR LESS THAN A YEAR IN A HALF AND THAT WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IT CONTAINED 20,022 MILES AND THAT THE VEHICLE NOW ONLY HAD ABOUT 65,000 MILES. NONE OF THE SECURITY FEATURES EVER TURNED ON THE AUTO STOP FUNCTION DOESN'T OPERATE, THE BATTERY WAS BUILT ON TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION SAFETY ISSUE. THE IGNITION CUT OFF DEVICE DIDN'T WORK.

NHTSA ODI 11096550

May 14, 2018Electrical systemAirbagsSeats

TAKATA INFLATORS, MY AIR BAG PAT KEEPS COMING ON AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECK AND IT CONTINUES TO COME ON.

NHTSA ODI 11093704

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Working with the data? Download all 110 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Chevrolet Impala verdict →