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ProblemsByVin File / 2010-CHEVROLET-IMPALA NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2010 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Impala problems

441 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2010 Impala?
High-risk ownership

Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.

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.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
115 reports · fails ~84,713 mi · avg $850
severe
airbags
65 reports · fails ~87,080 mi · avg $1,100
severe
powertrain
56 reports · fails ~84,473 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
steering
42 reports · fails ~68,318 mi · avg $700
severe
cruise control
31 reports · fails ~84,625 mi · avg $600
severe
engine
27 reports · fails ~92,311 mi · avg $3,100
severe
suspension
13 reports · fails ~67,864 mi · avg $900
moderate
brakes
12 reports · fails ~40,437 mi · avg $450
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2010 Impala's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2010 Impala?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 Impala · powertrain
At 108492 mile the transmission stopped working there was no warning what so ever we were sitting at a red light and it would not go in any gear. Was towed to multistate transmission in waterford, michigan and cost $2,259.76 to be repaired I would like to be reimbursed some if…
12/31/2017 · at 108,492 mi · NHTSA ODI #11057718.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2010 Impala · electrical
2010 Chevrolet impala ignition design issue cw the consumer stated the modification was done in a timely and cost-free manner. However, the solution did not address the mechanical issue of the ignition design. *jb
2010 Impala · powertrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate and jerked forward as the electronic stability control and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the…
12/31/2014 · at 150,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669357.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2010 Impala · airbags
Got in it the airbag light came on and it read that my airbag needed to be service it stay on for about 10 minutes and I got in later and it was off
12/28/2019 · at 122,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11291774.0 · see airbags pattern →
View all 441 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2010 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.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 10V480000 October 13, 2010

Gm is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet impalas for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no

The safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, which could result in injury to the occupant.

Fix: Dealers will inspect both front safety belts for proper installation of the anchors to the pretensioners and, if necessary, reinstall the anchors. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 5, 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
severe NHTSA 16V507000 July 5, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010

If the wires are damaged, the passenger presence sensory system may fail to recognize that the passenger seat is occupied, disabling the air bag. Damage may also cause the air bag fuse to short resulting in a loss of all air bags and seat belt pretensions. Both conditions increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will double wrap the wires with anti-abrasion tape and replace damaged wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 36110.

Common questions

Is the 2010 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 441 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Impala?

The 2010 Chevrolet Impala is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 115 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 50,000–110,000 mi; Steering: 42 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 43,279–87,500 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's the most common problem on the 2010 Chevrolet Impala?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 115 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 84,713 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 84,713 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 2010 Chevrolet Impala?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 441 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Chevrolet/Impala. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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