What 59 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Impala

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.

NHTSA ODI 11746623

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while the A/C was activated during the summer of 2025, the A/C failed to function as intended. The contact stated that hot air was blowing through the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with an EVAP leak. The leak was found on a corner near the evaporative canister. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the EVAP leak was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to a specialty shop for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered to pay a nominal part of the repair. The contact declined the assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11727989

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.

NHTSA ODI 11716610

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.

NHTSA ODI 11687573

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that recently, the driver’s side air bag deployed while the vehicle was parked and unattended overnight. Prior to the failure, the air bag warning light had illuminated while driving. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679042

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while reversing slowly, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed and continued rolling backwards. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stopped and shifted to drive(D), and with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle started to roll forward. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle. The contact steered the vehicle to the right to avoid crashing into the building. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and crashed into a signpost, preventing the vehicle from driving into the restaurant. The contact stated that the vehicle was driving very slowly during the failure. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The center of the front bumper was dented, the center of the grill was cracked, and the hood was dented. The contact was not injured. The contact stated that the Police arrived at the scene and wrote a report however, the contact was not provided the report or the report number. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was also taken to an Auto Zone and the diagnostic machine retrieved DTC for Low Voltage in the ABS module and the message “Control Module Communication BUSS Off”. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,690.

NHTSA ODI 11678344

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with an abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while in reverse(R), the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11644539

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to straighten the wheels while in the driveway, the contact discovered that the steering wheel was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the power steering electrical motor and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,473.

NHTSA ODI 11639349

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.

NHTSA ODI 11625701

Since vehicle purchase in 2018 there is a shifting problem with the transmission. I have paid for shifter repairs and still the problem exist. While driving the car gets stuck in gear and hard to accelerate. The issue happens at various times without warning. There has been two instances that could have led to potential accidents. Upon spraking with and researching other impala owners, this is a common problem in the 3.6 engine Chevrolet Impalas but nothing has been done. The dealer has a plan to determine but it has always cost $1500+ to the customer.

NHTSA ODI 11617470

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but was inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ODI 11611424

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Assurance, Tire Size: 235/50/R18, DOT Number: MT1PJBUR2920. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine service, it was discovered that all four tires had severe tread separation and piling. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The tires were not yet replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11611081

Power steering suddenly went out when driving without any indication as to why. Took to dealership and very expensive to fix. Only had the car for 6 months

NHTSA ODI 11599577

answers to Questions from above 1. EVAPORATOR KIT 84409864 2. Not a safety issue to my knowledge. 3. Yes, issue was diagnosed and repaired at dealership. (Receipt for work - including part numbers will be attached with supporting documents) 4. No, no one outside of the dealership. 5. No warning lights but there was the smell of coolant in the cab of the car. Due to an issue with my 2018 Chevy Impala - V6 engine, I had to have the AC evaporator core replaced due to a leak (faulty part). Searching the NHTSA website, I found the below special coverage which seems to match my vehicle perfectly including the issue for which the special coverage was issued. I filed a claim with GM but continue to be told that my vehicle is not covered by this but no reason as to why it isn't covered. *Special Coverage N182186881 - Evaporator Core Icing, Leak *Quantity Part Name Part No. *1 EVAPORATOR KIT 84409864 This is concerning as a consumer as the issue and vehicle description matches the special coverage exactly, yet GM is stating that my vehicle is not covered. This issue clearly extends beyond the number of vehicles affected that was reported. Also, being replaced with the same part (part num) does give me pause that this will be an issue again in the future, costing consumers even more money and time.

NHTSA ODI 11582997

The Evaporator core is leaking and a/c system is not operative. There is an outstanding report from your office, DCS4922, that outlines this condition perfectly. This report talks about a Special Coverage Adjustment #N182186881 Evaporator Core Icing, Leak, and an estimated number of vehicles involved. Since it is an estimated number of vehicles it means that GM doesn't know exactly how many vehicles are involved. It is my position that my vehicle should be included in the Service Adjustment. General Motors will not consider repair based on my VIN. This Special coverage addresses the exact issue I am experiencing. I have visited a Chevy Impala public forum and found there are others experiencing the same issue. Any help will be appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11552712

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.

NHTSA ODI 11544465

While driving or idling (car in D/M, both automatic and manual), the car will rapidly shift to park and then back to where the shifter was set, usually in a lower gear that slows the car down or prevents acceleration. The transmission or speed sensor could be an issue. This can happen in rapid succession 3-5+ times in a row, which has led to a drop in speed from 65 MPH to 40 MPH, especially dangerous at faster speeds on a highway or when deceleration is occurring more quickly, like going up a steep hill. I am unsure what indication there is for cars that are behind me, but they have had to slow down or pass me in some instances to avoid hitting me. If it happens while turning at a 2 way stop or on an entrance ramp, my car might not accelerate fast enough to merge into traffic. There have been no lights on the dash, and the dealer has not been able to identify the issue when I have taken it in.

NHTSA ODI 11526108

My service stability and service power steering g drive with care warning lights came on.. I DO NOT have any power steering.. I am lucky I was NOT driving on the road when power steering failed. A SERVICE BULLERIN 19NA182 has be given to this very unsafe issue.

NHTSA ODI 11522829

As I was driving home from my place of employment which is exactly 30 miles from where I live my Steering Assist went out and it was very hard to steer and to even stay in the lane which I was driving I managed to get the car home and did an under carriage inspection and there was no damage still kind of shaken from the power steering going out I checked for the power steering pump and the power steering fluid reserve but found out through my owner's manual that I have electronic power steering I took the car by my local Chevrolet dealer and was told it was nothing they could do because they knew nothing about how to repair such a problem the only warning lamp that I received was a message that said power steering service drive with care

NHTSA ODI 11518465

While driving from work the car did a quick jerk and the STABILITRAK, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON ALL AT ONCE. As I pulled into my workplace the car lost power to the engine completely while displaying ACTION REQUIRED ON THE LCD SCREEN. The brake and steering wheel became stiff and it was hard to control the vehicle. It took 10 minutes for me to regain power and control over the vehicle that again after leaving work stopped on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11477959

Check engine light did not come on when battery was bad.also brakes feel spongy and go to the floor at times,pads and rotors are good.

NHTSA ODI 11474404

When driving on the highway at full speed my car suddenly loses power almost causing me to be hit from behind. I then get a Reduced Engine Power warning. Once I get the car off the road, I shut the engine off for a few minutes and then restart it. The car runs fine but the check engine lights remains on. This has happen 4 times this week.

NHTSA ODI 11458634

I noticed lately my car has trouble starting, especially after I get gas. Anywhere I take it, no one knows what it is. Literally someone said that I’m not holding the brake down when I’m starting it. I KNOW HOW TO START MY VEHICLE! It doesn’t want to start and sounds like a broke down Saturn when I start it. It takes like 20-30 seconds to start. ALSO that AC went out, I paid $700 AT Chevy, and then the AC went out again a few months later, again no one knows why. WTF!

NHTSA ODI 11458743

Ii purchased the car new. at 3 years and 3 months the evaporator core failed dumping the Freon. I realize you stated the A/C is not a safety item but I read many complaint on this vehicle on the internet. I am a retired mechanic and the failure rate for evaporators is very low. I changed out maybe 10 in 30 years working on vehicles. This needs to be looked into and addressed by GM and corrected. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11456776

I have a 2018 Chevrolet Premier Impala that has started skipping gears at 1st and 2nd while driving. The vehicle shudders when it changes gears. Took vehicle to dealer who informed me that the transmission needs to be replaced already. I haven't received any dash messages or vehicle warnings prior to noticing the transmission problem. I always kept the car properly serviced by the dealer for all routine maintenance requirements. I am the original owner of this vehicle. The car has under 100,000 miles. Dealer informs me that it will take at least a week before they can possibly get new transmission for vehicle. I may be without vehicle for at least 2 weeks minimum.

NHTSA ODI 11450878