2016 Chevrolet Impala problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 177 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 39.3 times the median Impala year — the 2016 model ranks #17 of 52 Impala years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (40), other (22), and engine (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
177
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
19
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2016 compare to other Impala years?
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Impala problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 40 | 23% | ▼ down |
| Other | 22 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 20 | 11% | — flat |
| Steering | 16 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 16 | 9% | — flat |
| Airbags | 16 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 8 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 6 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am…”
“2016 POLICE IMPALA WITH 63,829 CAUGHT FIRE AND IS NO LONGER USABLE. THE OFFICER PARKED AND LOCKED THE CAR UP TO DO A FOOT PATROL AROUND BUILDING 33 ON DLA RICHMOND. WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE CAR, KEYFOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR SO HE OPENED IT MANUALLY. WHEN HE OPENED THE DOOR, THE SMOKE FROM THE FIRE…”
“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS TURNING ON. AND THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING. I TOOK IT TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT HAS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR”
“THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS TURNING ON. AND THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING. I TOOK IT TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT HAS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR”
“DRIVING ALONG A FOUR-LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH A 50 MPH LIMIT WHEN WITHOUT WARNING AN ONCOMING VEHICLE TURNED LEFT INTO ME AT AN INTERSECTION. MY ESTIMATED IMPACT SPEED WAS 35 MPH. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE OTHER CAR'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WONDER IF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CHEVROLET WERE EVEN…”
2016 Chevrolet Impala — common questions
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 177 complaints put the 2016 model at #17 of 52 Impala years. It is one of the Impala years to avoid.
What are the most common 2016 Impala problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (40 complaints), other (22 complaints), engine (20 complaints).
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala.
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 2016 Chevrolet Impala?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala earned an overall rating of 5 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.