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
- 88
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
17% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 88 complaints
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 | 695 |
| 2004 | 1,074 |
| 2005 | 609 |
| 2006 | 524 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 441 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 272 |
| 2014 | 636 |
| 2015 | 300 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 117 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
17% · 15 reportsMost 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, 2002-10-22
Visibility
16% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing heater core and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Power train
14% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing differential unit and axle shaft.
Electrical system
13% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and wiring.
Show 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, 2014-08-25
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, 1999-11-03
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and delivery.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1996-01-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-05-31 Rear wheel separation
-
I
1999-01-13Engineering analysisClosed 2000-08-17 Coolant fires
-
R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 12 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.