MYRModel Year Report

2008 Chevrolet Impala

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Chevrolet Impala
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Impala Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 1 complaints 1987: 1 complaints 1987 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1994: 15 complaints 1995: 44 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 2000: 818 complaints 2000 2001: 742 complaints 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 694 complaints 2004: 1072 complaints 2005: 609 complaints 2005 2006: 524 complaints 2007: 627 complaints 2008: 810 complaints 2008 2009: 824 complaints 2010: 441 complaints 2010 2011: 505 complaints 2012: 258 complaints 2013: 271 complaints 2014: 632 complaints 2015: 300 complaints 2015 2016: 111 complaints 2017: 116 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 15 complaints 2020
2008: 810 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19822
19833
19840
19851
19871
19910
19920
19932
199415
199544
199688
19971
19982
19994
2000818
2001742
2002795
2003694
20041072
2005609
2006524
2007627
2008810
2009824
2010441
2011505
2012258
2013271
2014632
2015300
2016111
2017116
201859
201928
202015

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 28%

28% of complaints: electrical system — 225 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230905

Also filed under AIR BAGS and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT I HAVE A 2008 CHEVY. IMPALA. MY CRUISE WAS SET AT 52 MPH AND I APPLIED MY BRAKE TO RELEASE CRUISE AND I APPLIED MY BRAKE AGAIN I SHOULD OF BEEN GOING AT LEAST 25 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080310

Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

ENGINE 17%

17% of complaints: engine — 134 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
SUSPENSION 15%

15% of complaints: suspension — 118 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I AM INFORMING YOU OF SOME VERY SERIOUS CONCERNS IN REGARDS TO PARTS OF THE 07 AND 08 CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAVE FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENTS AS WELL AS INJURY AND GRAVE POTENTIAL FOR FATALITIES.AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING, SEAT BELTS NOT LOCKING ON IMPACT...

NHTSA ODI report, 20171027

Also filed under AIR BAGS and SEAT BELTS

I PURCHASED A 2008 IMPALA ON JANUARY 14, 2012 AND THE INNER TIRES ON THE REAR WERE WORN ALMOST TO THE METAL CORD. I SLID OFF THE ROAD ON FEBRUARY 26, 2012.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120323

Also filed under WHEELS

STEERING 12%

12% of complaints: steering — 95 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and tie rod assembly.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11%

11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 93 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2008 — complaint volume: 810
R 20120821 — suspension

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevro

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-

Campaign 12V377000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20140722 — DP (closed 20170307)

Passenger Air Bag OCS Algorithm

R 20140923 — electrical system

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

2008 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (225 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (134 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (118 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 12V377000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ▲ 2018 ▲ 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 2004 ◆ 2000 ◆ 2009

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Chevrolet Impala is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Impala?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.