VehicleVerdict

2008 Chevrolet Impala problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,203 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 267.3 times the median Impala year — the 2008 model ranks #3 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 63 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 303 reports (25% of the total).

1,203

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

80

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

63

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Impala years?

Impala NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impala years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Chevrolet Impala problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System30325%
Engine16013%
Suspension11810%
Steering958%
Speed Control938%
Transmission928%
Tires & Wheels676%
Airbags504%
Other484%
Latches & Locks484%
Brakes403%
Body & Structure313%
Fuel System192%
Visibility & Wipers192%
Seat Belts101%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)50%
Lighting50%

Does the 2008 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.

12V377000SuspensionAugust 3, 2012 · 36,413 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

Consequence

A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 31, 2023 · crash

“HIT A DEER ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER FENDER AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, SPUN AND UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR, WAS UNABLE TO MOVE CAR, STALLED ON HIGHWAY FOR 1 HOUR. CAR ENGINE STARTED BUT UNABLE TO MOVE. ALMOST HIT A TRUCK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, DUE TO INABILITY TO STOP AND USE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 10, 2010 · crash

“I PURCHASED A 2008 IMPALA ON JANUARY 14, 2012 AND THE INNER TIRES ON THE REAR WERE WORN ALMOST TO THE METAL CORD. I SLID OFF THE ROAD ON FEBRUARY 26, 2012. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING WAS LOOSE AND ALSO THE OUTER TIRE ROD ON THE FRONT LEFT WAS ALSO LOOSE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 26, 2012 · crash

“HIT A DEER ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER FENDER AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, SPUN AND UNABLE TO CONTROL CAR, WAS UNABLE TO MOVE CAR, STALLED ON HIGHWAY FOR 1 HOUR. CAR ENGINE STARTED BUT UNABLE TO MOVE. ALMOST HIT A TRUCK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, DUE TO INABILITY TO STOP AND USE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 10, 2010 · crash

“2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVER WAS NOT IN THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE LEFT THE VEHICLE RUNNING, IN PARK, WITH THE DOOR OPENED. HE WALKED APPROXIMATELY SIX STEPS AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, AND WHEN HE TURNED TO GO BACK TO THE VEHICLE, IT WAS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 27, 2009 · crash

2008 Chevrolet Impala — common questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,203 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 52 Impala years. It is one of the Impala years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Impala problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (303 complaints), engine (160 complaints), suspension (118 complaints).

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Chevrolet Impala. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 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.