Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1980 Chevrolet Impala — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ACCELERATOR PUMP LEVER RETAINING PIN MAY LOOSEN AFTER REPEATED HEAVY ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COTTER PIN, TO RETAIN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP PIN, AND A SPRING CLIP THRUST WASHER ON THE ACCELERATOR PUMP LINK.
Defect
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT BRAKE PIPE AND THE ENGINE OIL PAN. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE PIPE TO CONTACT THE LEFT HAND FRONT EDGE OF THE OIL PAN, RESULTING IN WEAR AND, EVENTUALLY, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE PIPE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF BRAKES.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE, IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE.
Defect
VEHICLES MAY NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS". THE TIRE RIM SIZE WAS OMITTED ON THE EXISTING LABEL.
Remedy
THE OWNER HAS THE OPTION OF AFFIXING THE CORRECT INFORMATION LABEL HIM/HERSELF OR HAVING THE DEALER DO IT AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1980 Chevrolet Impala. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Impala years to avoid are 2004, 2009, 2008, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2017, 1996, 2018, 1995, 2019. The cleanest record among Impala years belongs to 1992.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.