This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Impala brakes problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with a spongy brake pedal after a hydraulic brake component was disconnected or replaced. The brake lines between the master cylinder and the antilock brake system module are routed higher than the master cylinder. If air enters the system it will travel to this high point if the system is opened for a repair. The technician will need to perform an automated bleed procedure using the scan tool to ensure all the air is purged out of the hydraulic system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report that front brake rotors on the 2006 Impala warp prematurely and cause dangerous steering wheel vibration, particularly during downhill driving or extended braking. The problem shows up between 12,000 and 55,000 miles. One owner who had rotors resurfaced watched the symptom return within a year. A Chevrolet dealer told one owner the soft metal rotors are normal, but private repair shops have refused to resurface them, calling them junk. Multiple owners report they must replace rotors repeatedly over short intervals—one owner replaced them every six months due to overheating.
Brake performance fails in wet conditions, with at least one owner unable to stop during rain and another losing braking power in snow. The ABS system is unreliable; owners report the warning light coming back on after sensor replacement and the system failing to engage during emergency stops on wet pavement.
A parking brake has failed to hold after Chevrolet service, requiring additional repairs. One owner reports rear rotors fractured at 26,000 miles.
Warranty coverage for brakes is limited to 7,500 miles, not the full 36,000-mile warranty. One dealer refused to replace brake pads until wear dropped below 3mm, even though the owner reported grinding noise and inability to stop in rain at 12,269 miles.
Same Chevrolet Impala brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Front rotor warping and pulsation
Front brake rotors warp prematurely, causing steering wheel vibration when brakes are applied, especially during downhill driving or extended braking. The rotors are alleged to be made of softer metal than required. Brakes pulsate and lose effectiveness. The problem recurs shortly after rotor resurfacing or replacement.
When: Between 12,000 and 55,000 miles; can occur within months of ownership or after previous repair
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel wobble or excessive vibration when braking; Brake pulsation; Difficulty steering while braking; Rotor discoloration from heat; Reduced braking effectiveness
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor resurfacing, rotor replacement. Private shops have refused to resurface rotors, stating they are poor quality.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet dealer stated the soft rotors are normal; Manufacturer refused warranty coverage beyond 7,500 miles on brakes despite 36,000 mile warranty; one owner received cash settlement after six dealer repair attempts failed.
Brake pads losing friction in wet conditions
Brake pads lose braking power during rain or wet weather, causing extended stopping distances and pulsation. Dealer identified moisture exposure as the cause but refused to replace pads until wear was less than 3mm; owner's pads measured 5mm at 12,412 miles.
When: At approximately 12,269 miles during rainy driving
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent brake pulsation in wet weather; Vehicle does not stop when pedal pressure applied; Loud grinding noise; Abnormal vibration when braking in rain
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated pads and rotors would only be serviced if pad wear measured less than 3mm; owner's pads were 5mm.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refused to repair vehicle until it met minimum repair requirement (less than 3mm pad wear), despite severe symptoms
Rear rotor fracture
Rear brake rotors fracture prematurely at low mileage.
When: At 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear rotor fracture
ABS system malfunction and warning light
ABS warning light illuminates repeatedly. Multiple ABS sensor replacements and brake shoe replacement do not resolve the issue. ABS fails to engage during emergency braking on wet pavement and in snow.
When: Can occur at any mileage; one owner had sensors replaced three times
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light comes on repeatedly; ABS does not engage during emergency braking; No indication light when ABS fails; Growling noise when brakes applied; Foul smell from defrost vents; Defrost malfunction preceding ABS light
Repairs/costs cited: ABS sensors replaced three times; brake shoes replaced; problem persists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim problem is fixed after service, but symptoms return
Parking brake failure
Parking brake loses holding power and fails to secure vehicle. Chevrolet service has attempted two repairs with temporary success; brake fails again within months.
When: After service by Chevrolet, failure within couple of months
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake will not hold vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Serviced by Chevrolet twice
Brake slip and reduced stopping power
Owner reports brakes slip and feel unreliable during normal driving, with concern they may not work when needed.
When: Unspecified timing on newer vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes slip; Concern brakes may not engage
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 12,269 and 26,549 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,269; a quarter make it past 26,549. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Impala.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.