Carlexica

2008 Chevrolet Impala: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 810 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (20% of complaints); the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2014

2
recalls
810
owner complaints
10
fire reports
71,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

One of the most complained-about Impala years (#4 of 23, age-adjusted)Weak spot: electrical system (20%)10 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 810 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)20% · 153 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)12% · 90 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)9% · 69 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)9% · 69 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)8% · 65 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)7% · 54 complaints
Dash cover crumbled and falling apart. Even though I have kept it cool and covered with a condition. It's falling down into my car fan for heating and coolingOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2024
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 sprainOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2023
When I turn the ignition key and start my car engine, I then shift the automatic transmission into "drive", but there is no forward acceleration power, and I have no idea why this is.Owner report · Power Train · May 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
The gas petal sensor is reading a code P2138 (Accelerator Petal Position Sensors 1-2 not plausible). My father has changed the petal not once but twice and erased the code but it keeps coming back. Also getting a p0172 code as well. A Cheverolet dealership has been called and the representative rushed me off phone saying there was not recall for the car. Car was taken to an Autozone and the codes were still coming up. Engine warning light goes off and on every 3 to 4 days after being cleared, then will get a reduced engine power message will appear. Messages warning lights and symptoms started 3 months ago.Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2023
While driving at highway speeds the car will act up and the engine will shut off, I get the message on the odometer display that reads, Engine power is reduced, service throttle, starter disabled. This is not a good thing to have happen while driving.Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2022
On these cars the blend doors open when your driving and fogs windows to were you can't see mostly in the winter or colder temperatures. They start to click because of the bad design of them and sometimes the clicking goes away and sometimes it doesnt and the safety risk is when the doors malfunction it fogs windows and you can't see. Car was taking to auto shop and they confirm that's the problem and the parts for the car are under $100 but over $1200 for laborOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2022
The back driver's side door of my 2008 Impala is not locked, but it cannot be opened. I've read online that this happens on other Impalas. Because this is a major safety issue, as well as a major inconvenience, these vehicles should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owners. People should be able to enter and exit through all doors of a vehicle, especially during an emergency. Because of this defect, Impalas should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owner.Owner report · Structure · Apr 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and jumping. The contact drove to his brother's residence to inspect the vehicle. The contact removed the front passenger's side tire and wheel and upon removing the hub, the engine moved. The contact was self-diagnosed that the front lower control arm was fractured. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2021
Heating and air conditioning actuators and/or blen door getting stuck so the air will not switch from cold to hot or hot to cold without pulling the glove box out and manually turning them by hand. Heater will blow hot air and then randomly switch to cold air. When it's cold outside, I cannot defrost my windows cause it gets stuck on cold air which impairs visibility.Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2021
My sway bar is broken and needs to be fixed. Like all the rest of Impalas . I'm on social security and I need someone to help please! Martin MontneyOwner report · Steering · Apr 2021

When filing, owners marked a crash in 51 of these complaints and injuries in 44 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION14V355000 · Jun 2014

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.

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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM12V377000 · Aug 2012

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.

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.

Trouble codes owners mention

OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines3.5L
Cylinders6
FuelFlexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)

How other years compare

Check your exact Impala by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

NHTSA has 810 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The most complained-about area is electrical system (20% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Impala problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,000 miles or less.

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.