VehicleVerdict

2013 Chevrolet Impala problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 466 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 103.6 times the median Impala year — the 2013 model ranks #14 of 52 Impala years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 177 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

466

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Impala years?

See all Impala years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Impala problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System17738%
Brakes5311%
Steering347%
Transmission337%
Engine327%
Tires & Wheels327%
Other225%
Speed Control204%
Airbags194%
Suspension174%
Fuel System102%
Visibility & Wipers61%
Lighting41%
Body & Structure31%
Driver Assistance20%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE KEYS BEING WEIGHTED COULD CAUSE THE IGNITION TO SWITCH OUT OF POSITION. *JS

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 31, 2019 · crash

Driving home on 9/3/22 I began to turn into a curve in the road at which time the brake light on dash came on and felt as though one wheel in the rear locked up.2 seconds later It caused my car to spin uncontrollable down the road and slide into ditch however I slid into a field entrance and it…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 3, 2022 · crash

I have driving on highway [XXX] heading back home to yucca valley from oceanside driving in the left lane my steering wheel locked up my vehicle swerved let into a street sign and thr vehicle proceeded to turn right swerving on the road losing control of the vehicle my airbag never deployed and my…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 13, 2025 · crash

I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR SHOWS NO MISFIRES UNTIL TODAY AND ITS THE FUEL CONTROL MODULE BUT IT RESETS AND GOES AWAY THEN BACK AGAIN LIKE ITS REMOTE CONTROL. WHILE STATIONARY BATTERY IS FAIR/ ALTERNATOR FAIR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 28, 2020 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL SEIZED, AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 11, 2016 · crash

2013 Chevrolet Impala — common questions

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 466 complaints put the 2013 model at #14 of 52 Impala years. It is one of the Impala years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Impala problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (177 complaints), brakes (53 complaints), steering (34 complaints).

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Chevrolet Impala. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Impala?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Chevrolet Impala earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.