1996 Chevrolet Impala
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 44 |
| 1996 | 88 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 818 |
| 2001 | 742 |
| 2002 | 795 |
| 2003 | 694 |
| 2004 | 1072 |
| 2005 | 609 |
| 2006 | 524 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 441 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 272 |
| 2014 | 633 |
| 2015 | 300 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 116 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
17% of complaints: steering — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and pump.
Show complaint excerpts
ODOMETER DISPLAY GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY-DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS INDICATED THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE THE DASH. SOUNDS EXCESSIVE FOR A VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 42,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021022
16% of complaints: visibility — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing heater core and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
14% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit and axle shaft.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and wiring.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CRASHED INTO A DITCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140825
THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED & IMMEDIATELY THE LOCKS BEGAN ENGAGING & DISENGAGING IN RAPID SEQUENCE, THEN THERE WAS A SNAP AND I BEGAN TO SMELL BURNING WIRES. I NOTICED SMOKE RISING TO MY LEFT COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE HOOD VENTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19991103
11% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR WHEEL SEPARATION
COOLANT FIRES
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Chevrolet Impala is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Chevrolet Impala?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Impala have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.