VehicleVerdict

2006 Chevrolet Impala problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 803 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 178.4 times the median Impala year — the 2006 model ranks #12 of 52 Impala years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 61 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (143), steering (138), and transmission (109), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

803

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

91

Crash-involved

36

Fires reported

61

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Impala years?

Impala NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 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, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impala years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Chevrolet Impala problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System14318%
Steering13817%
Transmission10914%
Engine8611%
Airbags476%
Speed Control415%
Tires & Wheels375%
Brakes364%
Visibility & Wipers314%
Other283%
Body & Structure263%
Fuel System202%
Suspension182%
Seat Belts172%
Lighting121%
Latches & Locks91%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)30%
Seats20%

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V355000Electrical SystemJune 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE CHECK BATTERY SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS ,WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT TO THE GROUND, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND STATE.POLICE SAID THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. IWAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND BARELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE THE WHOLE CAR WAS UP IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 18, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED FOOT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 30, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE IN THE PARK POSITION, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 28, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SPECIFY IF ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 1, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 24, 2014 · crash

2006 Chevrolet Impala — common questions

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 803 complaints put the 2006 model at #12 of 52 Impala years. It is one of the Impala years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Impala problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (143 complaints), steering (138 complaints), transmission (109 complaints).

Does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Chevrolet Impala. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.