2006 Chevrolet Impala problems
The 2006 Chevrolet Impala has 803 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (17%) concerns steering. After that come electrical system (15%) and drivetrain & axles (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 803 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Steering 17% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 91 and 36
- Injuries and deaths
- 61 and 1
- Typical mileage
- 77,000 miles 617 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 71 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 76 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 84 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 83 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 86 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 47 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 66 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 33 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 30 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 26 |
| 200k+ miles | 15 |
What the data shows
Among the 617 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 77,000 miles. For steering specifically, the median reported mileage is about 59,000 miles (114 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 91 complaints mention a crash; 36 complaints mention a fire; 61 injuries reported; 1 death reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2006 ranks 13th most-complained-about out of 23 model years of the Chevrolet Impala with enough data (355 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. While driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel locked up and was unable to be turned. The vehicle swerved off the road and crashed into several trees, and then overturned. A police report was filed. There were three people in the vehicle at the time. The driver sustained a concussion and heavy bruising. The rear seat passengers were children and they received major cuts, which needed stitching. The vehicle was towed to a repair facility, but has not yet been diagnosed.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH in very light rain when the vehicle exhibited an abnormal clicking noise four times successively. The front end of the vehicle then seemed to drop to the ground causing the steering wheel to seize, the traction control warning light to flash and the brakes to become inoperable. The contact also stated that the air bag erroneously deployed and knocked her unconscious.
Brought to a dealer that advised the front seal was leaking they repaired it and gave the vehicle back. Then the rear defroster stopped working and she still smelled the burning. The vehicle was brought to the dealer again and they advised that the wiring harness was melted and that they were surprised that the vehicle did not catch fire. The dealer replaced the wiring and she still experienced the burning smell.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that the oil pressure indicator illuminated. Afterwards, the check engine indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was notified and provided a case number. The vehicle was still at the dealer and had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 64,000. Problem resolved by dealer.