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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-CHEVROLET-IMPALANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2013 Chevrolet Impala problems
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala has 270 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2013 Chevrolet Impala has 270 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 44 complaints, typically surfacing around 63,127 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Impala?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 44 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 42,000–84,255 mi
Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 34,770–85,000 mi
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★4/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 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 — 44 owner reports
· tends to show around 63,127 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 34 owner reports
· tends to show around 58,655 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 30 owner reports
· tends to show around 62,272 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 13 owner reports
· tends to show around 67,582 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 63,127 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 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
2013 Impala· electrical
"takata recall" my vehicle ignition switch has went out and my " service air bag " light has came on as well. I searched my VIN number on this site and "0 recalls" shows up as a result. However its hard to believe that the exact same problems that was once recalled are both in…
Stabilitrack and traction control will randomly fail while backing and driving. Especially with right hand steering input. Many times while driving and turing right, stanilitrack and traction control will alert failure and the input from the accelerator will cease causing slow…
Car was hard shifting always was getting to high way speed lost power on engine warning code came on has only lower 3 gears forward no reverse now, Chevy wants me to pay 3660 them pay 1600 and call it a warrenty ,has lot left on mileage short 5months on warrenty being out not…
Right side no longer gets heat and actuator has gone bad car ticks the passenger airbag light does not show on the seat belt indicator for passenger does not go out
Had a problem with your 2013 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.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Impala?
The 2013 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: 44 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 42,000–84,255 mi; Steering: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 34,770–85,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign 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 2013 Chevrolet Impala?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 44 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 63,127 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 2013 Chevrolet Impala a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 270 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 63,127 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 2013 Chevrolet Impala?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 44 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 63,127 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 63,127 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 2013 Chevrolet Impala?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 270 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.
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/2013/Chevrolet/Impala.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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