Chevrolet Impala research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Impala is a roomy, comfortable full-size sedan with a big trunk. The 2011-2013 models are simple and inexpensive, and 2012-2013 gained a 300-hp V6 with a 6-speed automatic. The redesigned 2014-2020 Impala is far more modern and stylish, with a 196-hp four-cylinder or 305-hp V6, and 2016 and later add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Many were fleet and rental cars, so history reports matter.
Model years covered: 2011–2020. The Impala was discontinued after the 2020 model year; the last car was built February 27, 2020. There are no 2021 or later Impalas.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Spacious cabin and large trunk
- Smooth comfortable highway ride
- Strong 3.6 liter V6
- Low used prices
- Smartphone integration 2016 and later
- Widely available parts
Things to know before you buy
- Many were fleet or rental cars
- Ignition key recall on 2011 2014 ninth generation
- 2014 has several first year recalls
- 2014 2016 includes fleet impala limited
- Discontinued after 2020
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 9 (2006–2016)
The ninth-generation Impala (2006-2013 retail, continued as the fleet-only Impala Limited through 2016) is a W-body front-drive sedan. 2011 models use a 211-hp 3.5L or 230-hp 3.9L V6 with a 4-speed automatic; for 2012 every car moved to a 300-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic. It offered the last front bench seat in a Chevrolet sedan.
Buyer takeaway: Cheap, roomy transportation. Prefer 2012-2013 for the stronger, more efficient V6 and 6-speed; confirm the ignition key-ring recall and check fleet history.
Generation 10 (2014–2020)
The tenth-generation Impala (2014-2020) shares its Epsilon II platform with the Cadillac XTS and Buick LaCrosse. Engines are a 196-hp 2.5L four, a 305-hp, 264 lb-ft 3.6L V6 and, for 2014 only, a 2.4L eAssist mild hybrid, all with a 6-speed automatic. 2015 added 4G LTE and a Bi-Fuel CNG option, 2016 added CarPlay and Android Auto, and 2020 was V6-only. Production ended February 27, 2020.
Buyer takeaway: A comfortable, stylish large sedan at a good used price. The V6 is the better highway engine; 2016 and later have smartphone integration. Confirm first-year recalls on 2014-2015 cars.
Chevrolet Impala by model year
2020 Chevrolet Impala
The 2020 Impala is the last one; production ended at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant on February 27, 2020. Only the 305-hp 3.6L V6 with a 6-speed automatic was offered (about 19/28 mpg), in LT and Premier trims. Low production makes them less common, but parts and service remain widely available through Chevrolet dealers.
- Engines: 3.6 liter V6 305 hp 264 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Final model year
- V6 only
- Ls trim dropped
- Production ended february 2020
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Electronic parking brake operation; Infotainment and camera operation; Fleet or rental history check; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2019 Chevrolet Impala
The 2019 Impala is a carryover with the 196-hp 2.5L four (about 22/29 mpg) or 305-hp 3.6L V6 (about 19/28 mpg) and a 6-speed automatic. It is the last year for the four-cylinder engine and LS trim. Many Impalas were sold to rental fleets, so a vehicle history report is especially useful.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp; 3.6 liter V6 305 hp 264 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Largely carryover
- Last year of the four cylinder and ls trim
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Electronic parking brake operation; Infotainment and camera operation; Fleet or rental history check; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2018 Chevrolet Impala
The 2018 Impala simplified its lineup to LS, LT and Premier and made a rearview camera, MyLink touchscreen and keyless start standard. Engines remain the 196-hp 2.5L four (about 22/30 mpg) and 305-hp 3.6L V6 (about 19/28 mpg) with a 6-speed automatic. A 2018-2019 offers the best standard equipment of the four-cylinder years.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp; 3.6 liter V6 305 hp 264 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Trims reduced to ls lt and premier
- Rearview camera and mylink standard
- Keyless start standard
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Electronic parking brake operation; Infotainment and camera operation; Fleet or rental history check; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2017 Chevrolet Impala
The 2017 Impala renamed the top LTZ trim Premier and made the 305-hp 3.6L V6 available on the base LS. The 196-hp 2.5L four (about 22/30 mpg) remains standard on lower trims, with a 6-speed automatic throughout. It offers a big back seat, large trunk and smooth highway ride at a used price well below midsize SUVs.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp; 3.6 liter V6 305 hp 264 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Ltz renamed premier
- V6 now available on ls
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Electronic parking brake operation; Infotainment and camera operation; Fleet or rental history check; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2016 Chevrolet Impala
The 2016 Impala added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and lane change alert. It continues with the 196-hp 2.5L four (about 22/31 mpg) or 305-hp 3.6L V6 (about 18/28 mpg) and a 6-speed automatic. This is also the last year of the fleet-only Impala Limited. A 2016-2019 is a strong value in a large, comfortable sedan.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp; 3.6 liter V6 305 hp 264 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Apple carplay and android auto added
- Wireless phone charging and lane change alert added
- Impala limited fleet model ends
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Electronic parking brake operation; Infotainment and camera operation; Fleet or rental history check; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2015 Chevrolet Impala
The 2015 Impala dropped the eAssist hybrid and added OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi. A rare Bi-Fuel version could run on compressed natural gas or gasoline. The 196-hp 2.5L four (about 22/31 mpg) and 305-hp 3.6L V6 (about 18/28 mpg) carry on with a 6-speed automatic. Some 2014-2015 cars are in parking-brake and passenger-airbag sensing recalls.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp; 3.6 liter V6 305 hp 264 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 bi fuel cng option
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Eassist mild hybrid dropped
- Onstar 4g lte wifi added
- Bi fuel cng and gasoline option
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Parking brake and airbag sensing recall completion; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Electronic parking brake operation; Infotainment and camera operation; Fleet or rental history check; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2014 Chevrolet Impala
The 2014 Impala was fully redesigned into a stylish, roomy full-size sedan that earned top marks from reviewers. Engines are a 196-hp 2.5L four (about 21/31 mpg), a 305-hp 3.6L V6 (about 18/28 mpg) and a 182-hp 2.4L eAssist mild hybrid (about 24/35 mpg), all with a 6-speed automatic. First-year cars have several recalls, including electronic parking brake fixes.
- Engines: 2.5 liter I4 196 hp; 3.6 liter V6 305 hp 264 lb ft; 2.4 liter I4 eassist mild hybrid 182 hp; Impala limited 3.6 liter V6 300 hp fleet
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- All new tenth generation full size sedan
- New 2.5 liter four and 2.4 liter eassist options
- Available collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise
- Previous generation sold to fleets as impala limited
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Parking brake and steering recall completion; 6 speed automatic shift quality; Electronic parking brake operation; Infotainment and camera operation; Fleet or rental history check; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2013 Chevrolet Impala
The 2013 Impala is the last retail ninth-generation car, with the 300-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 18/28-29 mpg). It was the last Impala offered with a front bench seat for six-passenger seating. The design continued for fleets as the 2014-2016 Impala Limited. Confirm the ignition key-ring recall by VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter V6 300 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Final retail year of ninth generation
- Last impala with an available front bench seat
- Abbreviated model year before the 2014 redesign
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Ignition key ring recall completion; 4 or 6 speed automatic shift quality; Fleet or rental history check; Suspension bushings and steering wear; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2012 Chevrolet Impala
For 2012 every Impala switched to a direct-injected 3.6L V6 (about 300 hp, 262 lb-ft) with a new 6-speed automatic, replacing both older V6s and the 4-speed. It is quicker and more efficient (about 18/29 mpg). This makes 2012-2013 the best ninth-generation Impalas. Confirm the ignition key-ring recall was completed.
- Engines: 3.6 liter V6 300 hp 262 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- New 3.6 liter V6 with 300 hp for all trims
- New 6 speed automatic
- Dual exhaust on all models
- Slight exterior refresh
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Ignition key ring recall completion; 4 or 6 speed automatic shift quality; Fleet or rental history check; Suspension bushings and steering wear; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
2011 Chevrolet Impala
The 2011 Impala is a late ninth-generation, front-wheel-drive full-size sedan. LS and LT use a 211-hp 3.5L V6 (about 19/29 mpg) and the LTZ a 230-hp 3.9L V6 (about 17/26 mpg), both with a 4-speed automatic. It is roomy, simple and inexpensive, but many were fleet cars. These Impalas are in GM's ignition key-ring recall, so confirm it by VIN.
- Engines: 3.5 liter V6 211 hp 214 lb ft; 3.9 liter V6 230 hp 235 lb ft
- Transmissions: 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Ls lt and ltz trims
- 3.9 liter V6 on ltz only
- Flex fuel capable engines
- Last year of the 4 speed automatic
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine resolution by VIN; Ignition key ring recall completion; 4 or 6 speed automatic shift quality; Fleet or rental history check; Suspension bushings and steering wear; Coolant and oil leaks; Tire wear and alignment; Brakes; Body and paint condition; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- Ignition Switch Key-Ring Recall (2006-2014) (2011–2014)
Recall 14V-355 covers 2006-2014 Impalas, including the 2014 Impala Limited. Weight on the key ring or a jarring event could move the ignition switch out of the run position, shutting off the engine and potentially affecting airbag deployment. Dealers install a revised key ring and an insert or cover on each key at no charge.
What to do: Confirm the recall is complete and keep only the ignition key on the ring until it is. - 2014-2015 Parking Brake, Steering and Airbag-Sensing Recalls (2014–2015)
Early tenth-generation Impalas have several recalls on specific builds: electronic parking brakes whose piston may not fully retract (15V-085, 15V-202, 14V-541), a power steering module ground issue that can cause loss of assist (14V-450, 2014), and a passenger occupant-sensing problem on cars with ventilated seats (15V-465).
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm every applicable recall is completed. - Fleet and Rental History (2011–2020)
Large numbers of Impalas, especially ninth-generation cars and the 2014-2016 Impala Limited, were sold to rental, government and police fleets. Fleet cars can be well maintained, but high mileage, hard use and missing records are more common.
What to do: Get a vehicle history report and price the car according to its use and mileage. - Bi-Fuel CNG Fuel System Inspection (2015 and Later) (2015–2019)
A small number of tenth-generation Impalas were built as Bi-Fuel models with a compressed natural gas tank in the trunk. CNG tanks have service lives and periodic inspection requirements, and CNG refueling is limited in many areas.
What to do: On a Bi-Fuel Impala, check the CNG tank's label, expiration date and inspection records. - Automatic Transmission and V6 Inspection (2011–2020)
Impalas from these years use proven GM V6 and four-cylinder engines with 4-speed (2011) or 6-speed automatics. As they age, check for shift flare or harsh shifts, coolant and oil leaks, and timing-related codes on the direct-injected 3.6L V6.
What to do: Road test thoroughly and scan for codes before buying. - Ninth Generation, Impala Limited and Tenth Generation (2011–2020)
For 2014-2016 Chevrolet sold two Impalas: the redesigned tenth-generation car and the older ninth-generation Impala Limited for fleets. Engines differ by generation and year: 3.5L/3.9L V6 (2011), 300-hp 3.6L V6 (2012-2016 ninth generation), and 2.5L four, 305-hp 3.6L V6 or 2014 eAssist in the tenth generation.
What to do: Confirm the generation and engine by VIN before comparing prices or specs.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, equipment and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls, including the 2006-2014 ignition key-ring recall on ninth-generation Impalas.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Toyota Avalon
- Ford Taurus
- Chrysler 300
- Dodge Charger
- Nissan Maxima
- Kia Cadenza
- Buick LaCrosse
- Chevrolet Malibu
Questions this guide answers
- What generation is this Chevrolet Impala?
- Is this an Impala or an Impala Limited?
- What engine does this Impala have?
- Does this Impala have the ignition key recall?
- Was this Impala a fleet or rental car?
- Which Impala years have Apple CarPlay?
- What fuel economy does the Impala get?
- When was the Impala discontinued?
- What should I inspect on a used Impala?
- What similar vehicles should I consider?