VehicleVerdict

1996 Chevrolet Impala problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 120 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 26.7 times the median Impala year — the 1996 model ranks #19 of 52 Impala years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (16), transmission (14), and visibility & wipers (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

120

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Impala years?

Impala NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted1,375 complaints1958: 1 complaints1963: 1 complaints1965: 0 complaints1966: 4 complaints1967: 2 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 5 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 3 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 1 complaints1987: 1 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 6 complaints1994: 19 complaints1995: 64 complaints1996: 120 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 4 complaints2000: 1,128 complaints2001: 959 complaints2002: 1,077 complaints2003: 935 complaints2004: 1,375 complaints2005: 811 complaints2006: 803 complaints2007: 932 complaints2008: 1,203 complaints2009: 1,368 complaints2010: 737 complaints2011: 844 complaints2012: 422 complaints2013: 466 complaints2014: 1,018 complaints2015: 434 complaints2016: 177 complaints2017: 138 complaints2018: 88 complaints2019: 41 complaints2020: 25 complaints
Impala NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impala years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Chevrolet Impala problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1613%
Transmission1412%
Visibility & Wipers1412%
Fuel System1210%
Tires & Wheels1210%
Electrical System119%
Engine108%
Suspension98%
Brakes76%
Seat Belts54%
Other33%
Speed Control22%
Body & Structure22%
Seats11%
Lighting11%
Airbags11%

Does the 1996 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP DURING TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED 3 YEARS AGO. CHEVROLET DEALERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE BOTH DENY ANY EVIDENCE OF A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH IMPALAS ALTHOUGH THE NHTSA WEB SITE AND AN IMPALA OWNERS' WEB SITE BOTH LIST NUMEROUS OCCURRENCES OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 26, 2004

“HEATER CORE LEAKING AT 37,000 MILES COSTLY REPAIR GOT SOME ASSISTANCE AFTER I CALLED 800 NUMBER THEN WATER PUMP LEAKING AT 52,000 MILES COSTLY REPAIR AGAIN NO ASSISTANCE THEN ODOMETER LIGHT FAILED AND HAD TO REPLACE COMPLETE SPEEDOMETER HEAD AGAIN VERY COSTLY I HAVE THE POPPING SOUND IN FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“ODOMETER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER RESISTERS OPERATE AT SUCH HIGH TEMPERTURES BECAUSE OF A LACK OF VENTILATION THAT THE SOLDER JOINTS MELT CAUSING THE ODOMETER TO FAIL .I FEEL IF THESE RESISTERS COULD FALL OUT INTO THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IT COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICIAL FIRE..”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 1999

“THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING FULL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON EMPTY DUE TO A SHORT THAT HAD WELDED WIRES TOGETHER INSIDE OF THE TANK. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE'S LEFT REAR TIRE FELL OFF THE RIM, CAR WAS ABLE TO GET ON SIDE. DEALER GLUED THE TIRE BACK ON RIM. THIS IS NOT THE 1ST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

1996 Chevrolet Impala — common questions

Is the 1996 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 120 complaints put the 1996 model at #19 of 52 Impala years. It is one of the Impala years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Impala problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (16 complaints), transmission (14 complaints), visibility & wipers (14 complaints).

Does the 1996 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 Chevrolet Impala. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 Chevrolet Impala under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Impala years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.