Chevrolet Impala problems
544 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. No active recalls — patterns come from the complaint record.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
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 7.0/10 — around the segment average
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.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 544 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
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 7.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
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.