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ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-CHEVROLET-IMPALANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2008 Chevrolet Impala problems
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala has 810 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns.
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala has 810 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 189 complaints, typically surfacing around 88,587 miles (~$850 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 2008 Impala?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Suspension: 105 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 23,000–75,000 mi
Reliability score 6.4/10 — 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 2008 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
electrical — 189 owner reports
· tends to show around 88,587 mi · ~$850 to fix
suspension — 105 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,998 mi · ~$900 to fix
steering — 94 owner reports
· tends to show around 77,013 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 80 owner reports
· tends to show around 89,688 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 88,587 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: 6.4/10 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
2008 Impala· engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet impala. While driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle jerked severely. In addition, the brakes were unresponsive. The contact pulled over to restart the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The contact…
I was driving and all of a sudden my engine light came on and a message popped on my dash board that said enging power reduced. This is about the 10th time or more that this has happened to me. After google searching the problem, there are hundreds of people having this same…
Vehicles rear end felt very loose as if didn't have control of the car. Took to dealership where purchased. Rear tires had excessive wear on inner edge. Inspected suspension and found alignment out of gm specs. Performed wheel alignment and new tires put on. The vehicle now…
My impala will completely shut down and lock up everytime it rains. I can be driving 5 MPH through a parking lot and water film on the pavement and my impala will shake, lock up and shut down. I was leaving my church parking lot to turn right onto road, my impala shut down and…
Had a problem with your 2008 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.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 810 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Chevrolet Impala is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Suspension: 105 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 23,000–75,000 mi; Reliability score 6.4/10 — 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 189 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 88,587 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 810 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 88,587 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 189 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 88,587 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 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 93,290 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 810 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/2008/Chevrolet/Impala.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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