This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Chevrolet Impala engine problems
moderate 60 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 60 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 60 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 13 model years of Chevrolet Impala in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure pattern across these 60 complaints is sudden, unpredictable loss of engine power while driving. Owners describe the "engine power reduced" warning light illuminating, then the vehicle dropping to 20–50 mph with no ability to accelerate, often on highways. Some cars stall completely and must be restarted. The failure is intermittent—can recur days later despite repairs. Owners cite multiple expensive repair attempts (throttle body, sensors, PCM reprogramming) that provide temporary relief before the problem returns.
A secondary but serious issue is the coolant crossover pipe gasket leak on 3.9L and 3.5L engines. One owner documented four separate dealership repairs and a DIY fix over six years, yet the leak returned each time despite GM's 2012 technical service bulletin promising a fix.
Other reported issues include random engine stalling (sometimes triggered by bumps in the road), secondary air injection system failure at low mileage causing emissions test failure and $1600–$2000 repair costs, AC compressor failure destroying the serpentine belt, and oil or coolant leaks from gaskets. Throughout, owners report dealers unable to diagnose intermittent problems, GM offering no recalls despite widespread online complaints, and warranty denials for out-of-coverage mileage.
Same Chevrolet Impala engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Reduced Engine Power / Power Derate - Intermittent Loss of Power
Engine deliberately enters limp mode, cutting power to 20-50 mph. Check engine and 'reduced engine power' warning lights illuminate. Occurs unpredictably during highway driving, city driving, acceleration, or deceleration. Some cars stall completely after derate; others restart and operate normally. Multiple repair attempts fail; problem recurs days or weeks later.
When: Throughout vehicle life; reported from 27k to 210k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning light illuminates; Check engine light; Service traction control light; Vehicle speed limited to 20-50 mph despite throttle input; Complete engine shutdown (intermittent); Shaking and jerking during derates; Cruise control disengages; Dangerous on highways; near-misses with other vehicles; Starter disabled warning (some cases); Service throttle disabled message
Codes mentioned: P2444 (secondary air injection system), Throttle position sensor fault, Mass air flow sensor fault, Fuel pedal/gas pedal sensor fault, Wiring harness fault (reported by dealer diagnostics), ADS sensor fault (reported by dealer)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report parts replaced: throttle body, fuel pedal sensor, mass air flow sensor, throttle position sensor, spark plugs, power control module (PCM), power train control module, computer reprogramming. None provide permanent fix. Repair costs cited: $200-$750+ per attempt. Multiple trips to dealers and independent mechanics typical.
Coolant Crossover Pipe Gasket Leak
Coolant leaks from the engine's crossover pipe gaskets. Affects 3.9L and 3.5L V6 engines. Repairs have been performed multiple times over 6+ years with no permanent solution. GM issued TSB 07-06-02-006E (March 5, 2012) to replace gaskets, but redesigned gaskets failed. Owner reports repeated repairs followed by recurrence.
When: Multiple occurrences across vehicle ownership: repairs on 1/11/2013, 3/10/2014, 11/30/2016, and 2/9/2019 (DIY); leaking again as of April 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking beneath engine; Visible leak from crossover pipe area
Repairs/costs cited: Crossover pipe gaskets replaced per GM TSB. DIY repair performed per GM technical service manual on 2/9/2019. Gasket redesign (TSB 07-06-02-006E) failed to resolve issue permanently. Dealership repairs 1/11/2013, 3/10/2014, 11/30/2016.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 07-06-02-006E: Coolant Leaking from Engine (Replace Coolant Crossover Pipe Gaskets) issued 3/5/2012. GM told owner via online chat on 4/10/2020 warranty no longer covers the leak; suggested owner visit dealership for diagnosis but refused further warranty repair.
Engine Stall During Operation
Engine stalls without warning during normal driving, acceleration, deceleration, or at traffic lights. Vehicle becomes unresponsive with loss of power steering. Some occur on gentle bumps in road; others occur randomly at various speeds. Vehicle typically restarts normally.
When: Various mileages: 27k, 35k, 38k, 40k, 61k, 80k, 97k miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering; Vehicle coasts to roadside; Intermittent stalling (1-2 times per week to occasional); Normal restart after stall; Stalling during left turns, merging onto freeway, acceleration, deceleration; Vacuum hose disconnected from power booster noted in one case
Codes mentioned: Throttle position sensor, Catalytic converter (reported), EVAP sensor (reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include throttle body replacement, throttle position sensor replacement, catalytic converter replacement (not completed), EVAP sensor replacement, power control module replacement. Mechanics unable to reproduce intermittent failures. One owner completed 5+ repair attempts without resolution.
Ignition/Engine Shutdown on Rough Road Impact
Engine and electrical system completely shut off after vehicle hits large pothole or road irregularity at 40 mph. Occurs on two separate occasions. Owner later suspects ignition defect (similar to 2006 Impala recall).
When: Approximately two years before complaint filing; two incidents roughly 3 months apart
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown; Complete electrical system shutdown; Occurred after hitting large pothole at ~40 mph; Vehicle required manual steering to roadside; Engine restarted normally after shutdown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2006 Impala recalled for ignition defect with similar symptoms. 2008 Impala has not been recalled despite similar failures.
Secondary Air Injection System Failure
Secondary air injection system fails, causing check engine light and emissions test failure. Pump located near ground is exposed to moisture. Independent mechanic confirmed pump location vulnerability.
When: Reported at 36k miles and at less than 50k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Emissions test failure; Vehicle deceleration; Engine power reduction
Codes mentioned: P2444 (secondary air injection system)
Repairs/costs cited: Secondary air injection pump replacement required. Repairs estimated $1600-$2000 for internal engine work. Code reset attempted but light returns. One vehicle previously repaired but failure persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to repair under warranty citing 3-year/30,000-mile limit (vehicle under 2 years old, under 50k miles).
AC Compressor Failure with Belt Damage
AC compressor fails and tears serpentine belt, creating loud screeching noise. Engine stalls when AC engaged. Failure repeats when AC turned on.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Loud screeching noise from engine bay; Engine stall when AC turned on; Engine stall when air flow setting changed to recirculate; Stalling repeated on subsequent AC activation
Repairs/costs cited: AC compressor and serpentine belt replacement. Dealership quote: $1200 parts and labor.
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket onto engine manifold.
When: Reported at 90k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking underneath vehicle; Valve cover gasket leak onto manifold
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover gasket replacement required
Coolant Leak from Reservoir and Gaskets
Coolant leaks from cooling reservoir and gaskets. Motor mount seals also compromised.
When: At 89k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak from cooling system; Leak from gaskets and reservoir
Repairs/costs cited: Seals on motor mount and new coolant reservoir installation required
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 mentioned reconnecting a vacuum hose after observing that it was disconnected from the power booster. Afterwards, the brakes…
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 issue with their Chevy impala. There needs to be a recall on this!!! No one should have to come out of their pocket. *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle service traction control and engine power reduced lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 100,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle decelerated independently. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the secondary air injection pump failed. The mechanic stated that the location of the pump was…
Had engine trouble with your 2008 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 engine problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 60 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 53 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 104,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 104,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2008/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.