2018 Chevrolet Impala problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 88 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 19.6 times the median Impala year — the 2018 model ranks #20 of 52 Impala years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (16), electrical system (12), and transmission (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Impala years?

Impala NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Impala years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Impala problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Other	16	18%	▼ down
Electrical System	12	14%	— flat
Transmission	11	13%	— flat
Brakes	8	9%	▲ up
Steering	8	9%	— flat
Engine	7	8%	▼ down
Airbags	6	7%	▼ down
Lighting	4	5%	▼ down
Seats	3	3%	— flat
Fuel System	3	3%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	3	3%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	2	2%	▼ down
Speed Control	2	2%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	1	1%	— flat
Suspension	1	1%	▼ down
Driver Assistance	1	1%	▼ down

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

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

18V576000BrakesAugust 30, 2018 · 210,628 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“GETTING A SECOND LOOK AT AIR CONDITIONING. I WAS TOLD THE COMPRESSOR COULD BE LEAKING AS THERE HAS BEEN NO FREON FOR OVER A MONTH OR TWO. THE FREON IS 120/POUND AND COULD COST 1000, HE MENTIONED FOR FREON ALONE. THIS IS A 2018, PURCHASED LAST YEAR AND I'M DEALING WITH A COMPRESSOR ISSUE AS WELL AS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 1, 2021

“IF THE CAR HAS BEEN OPERATING FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME AN HOUR OR MORE WHEN THE AUTO STOP KICKS ON THE WHOLE CAR TURNS OFF. USUALLY AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. I HAVE TO LET IT SIT OFF FOR A COUPLE MINUTES AND RESTART AND JERKS HARD INTO GEAR. . WAS TOLD IT'S THE BATTERY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2020

“GEARS SKIPPING AND SHRUDDERING BETWEEN 2ND AND 4TH GEAR. CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED ENGINE MOUNTS REPLACES WHICH WAS A FALSE DIAGNOSE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION AND DIAGNOSING, THEY REVEALED THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR 6200$. I PAID THE 6200$ AND NOW TRANSMISSION SHIFTING…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 3, 2020

“I was driving and parked the car at the store. After checking out I went to the car got ready to leave and started backing out and the car would not turn to the left at all. I took it to the shop and was told they do not see anything wrong with my car but a steering message is coming up. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 7, 2026

“THE CAR WAS STOPPED ON A PARKING LOT EXIT RAMP. WHEN THE CAR AHEAD OF ME MOVED FORWARD I TOOK MY FOOT OF OF THE BRAKE SO I COULD MOVE FORWARD. WHEN I APPLIED THE BREAK TO STOP, THE BREAKS DID NOT WORK AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 14, 2019 · crash

2018 Chevrolet Impala — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 88 complaints put the 2018 model at #20 of 52 Impala years. It is one of the Impala years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Impala problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (16 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Impala?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Chevrolet Impala earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2018 compare to other Impala years?

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Impala problems?

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2018 Chevrolet Impala — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

What are the most common 2018 Impala problems?

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Impala have recalls?

Which Chevrolet Impala years should you avoid?

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Impala?

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