2006 Chevrolet Impala
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 | 270 |
| 2014 | 630 |
| 2015 | 298 |
| 2016 | 110 |
| 2017 | 116 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: electrical system — 115 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CHECK BATTERY SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS ,WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT TO THE GROUND, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND STATE.POLICE SAID THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180629
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE ON JAN 1ST, WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120401
21% of complaints: steering — 111 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving and powersteering fluid drained and I lost control of the steering, and guide the car against the side walk. Had a mechanic change the powers steering fluid line.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240418
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO TURN A CORNER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED INTO A DITCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180725
15% of complaints: power train — 80 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: engine — 59 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEM
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT D
Campaign 09E005000 — check if this car was fixed
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES
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.
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.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (115 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (80 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.