2016 Chevrolet Impala Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 10, 2026 · 111 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Impala years
Far fewer complaints than other years 18th of 26 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 111 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Impala. That ranks 18th out of 26 Impala model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (30 complaints, 27%), typically at around 45,691 miles. Complaints mention 8 crashes, 4 fires, 10 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Impala (2014–2020) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2016 Chevrolet Impala problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System30 · ~45,691 mi
Unknown or Other22 · ~71,157 mi
Engine21 · ~70,000 mi
Air Bags16 · ~51,950 mi
Power Train16 · ~64,240 mi
Steering16 · ~75,000 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)10 · ~48,382 mi
Service Brakes8 · ~65,500 mi
Exterior Lighting7 · ~30,000 mi
Structure7 · ~32,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System3027%45,691——
Unknown or Other2220%71,157——
Engine2119%70,000——
Air Bags1614%51,950——
Power Train1614%64,240——
Steering1614%75,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)109%48,382——
Service Brakes87%65,500——
Exterior Lighting76%30,000——
Structure76%32,000——
Fuel/propulsion System55%84,056——
Lane Departure44%45,000——
Vehicle Speed Control44%79,000——
Seat Belts33%40,000——
Tires22%———
Forward Collision Avoidance11%43,000——
Latches/locks/linkages11%160——
Seats11%———
Suspension11%———
Visibility/wiper11%64,000——
Wheels11%44,132——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2020, with 30 complaints
2016: 4201642017: 7201772018: 122018122019: 242019242020: 302020302021: 142021142022: 9202292023: 2202322024: 5202452025: 2202522026: 220262

n = 111 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2016 Chevrolet Impala recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power and there was black smoke coming from the right side of the engine compartment. The contact then parked the vehicle and opened the hood, and…

Engine · received Aug 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756028

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the…

Power Train · received Jun 1, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11741316

Between 25mph and 35mph transmission will " lose " gearing and start revving when I'm stuck in traffic, causing a safety concern/risk. Have to stop the car completely and let her cool down below half operating temp for the transmission to rekick into gear. Happens Everytime after driving through…

Power Train · received Oct 28, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11696147

My vin should have been included in this: N182186881-01 - Special Coverage Evaporator Core Icing, Leak Revised Warranty section I have had the issue for many years due to not receiving the notice. The car leaks, hisses, smokes and does not cool at all. I was told I must only take it to them for 250…

Engine · received Jan 31, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11639809

I was driving and entering [XXX] at [XXX] when my power steering went completely out! I was unable to steer my vehicle at all and was on a windy road with my children in the vehicle! I pulled to the side of the road! Shut my car off waited a couple minutes and turned it back on and the problem went…

Steering · received Nov 27, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11627748

Other Chevrolet Impala years

← 2015 Impala · 2017 Impala →

See all Chevrolet Impala problems by year, every Chevrolet model, or the Chevrolet VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?

Owners most often report electrical system, unknown or other, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 30 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2016 Chevrolet Impala a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Impala model years, the 2016 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.