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ProblemsByVinFile / 2006-CHEVROLET-IMPALANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2006 Chevrolet Impala problems
The 2006 Chevrolet Impala has 544 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns.
The 2006 Chevrolet Impala has 544 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 134 complaints, typically surfacing around 72,169 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2006 Impala?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
12 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Steering: 134 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 33,000–97,000 mi
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2006 Chevrolet Impala? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 134 owner reports
· tends to show around 72,169 mi · ~$700 to fix
electrical — 101 owner reports
· tends to show around 84,634 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 93 owner reports
· tends to show around 88,981 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 39 owner reports
· tends to show around 91,552 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 72,169 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2006 Impala· electrical
I've had an ongoing issue since this spring with an issue on traction control and the display reporting 'reduced engine power ". I've now had the throttle body sensor and power train computer module replaced. I'll be driving at a rate of speed on the highway of apx 60mph and…
Bought 2006 impala lt used in june 2009 with 41,000 miles replaced the factory tires didn't like the way they rode. Started hearing a grinding noise that got louder with acceleration mechanic said all four tires were bad wearing on the inside. The tires only have 21,000 miles on…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet impala. While driving at various speeds, the check engine and "power down low" warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle would not drive at normal speeds. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
Engine light came on, "reduced traction control" light came on, power was drastically reduced and then "reduced engine power" light came on. Car has a problem that needs to be addressed, but cutting off power and acceleration while I'm making a turn with oncoming traffic or…
Had a problem with your 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos
A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
Fix: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5.
Common questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 544 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 12 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Steering: 134 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 33,000–97,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 134 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 72,169 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 544 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 72,169 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 134 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 72,169 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 91,552 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Impala has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 544 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Impala.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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