2006 Chevrolet Impala: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

First year of the 9th-gen Impala (including the 5.3L V8 SS): roomy and good value, but power-steering loss and electrical gremlins are common. Low running costs. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala ranged from $20,990 to $26,990 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

First year of the 9th-gen Impala (including the 5.3L V8 SS): roomy and good value, but power-steering loss and electrical gremlins are common. Low running costs.

Sources (5)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala
fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-chevrolet-impala-grap…
slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1694132/chevrolet-impala-best-worst-years/
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/chevy-impala-years-to-avoid/
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…

Known issues

Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.

widespread · 106 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years.

widespread · 95 NHTSA complaints · steering
Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall.

commonly reported · 134 NHTSA complaints · other
Front struts and suspension components wear early, producing clunks and vibration over bumps.

occasional · 70 NHTSA complaints · suspension
The 4-speed automatic can shift roughly or fail at higher mileage, with delayed or harsh engagement.

occasional · 47 NHTSA complaints · transmission

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Smooth, comfortable highway ride
Roomy, comfortable interior with a large trunk
Strong, simple V6 power (3.5/3.9, plus the 5.3L V8 SS in 2006-2009)
Noticeably more dependable in the later 2012-2013 years
Cheap to buy used and inexpensive, above-average to maintain

Cons

Bland, rental-fleet image and uninvolving handling
Hydraulic power-steering leaks and failures, especially 2006-2009
Service StabiliTrak / reduced-engine-power and ABS faults, especially 2012-2013
Electrical gremlins: gauge-cluster dropouts, battery drain and Passlock no-starts
Passenger-airbag occupant-sensor faults plus a Takata recall
Fixed rear headrests obstruct rear visibility on later cars

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
LS	$20,990	discontinued	—	—
LT	$21,490	discontinued	—	—
LTZ	$26,490	discontinued	—	—
SS	$26,990	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2006-chevrolet-impala-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $550–600/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala have?

Documented issue patterns include: Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts; Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years; Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall; Front struts and suspension components wear early, producing clunks and vibration over bumps. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

First year of the 9th-gen Impala (including the 5.3L V8 SS): roomy and good value, but power-steering loss and electrical gremlins are common. Low running costs.

How much did the 2006 Chevrolet Impala cost new?

Between $20,990 and $26,990 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Chevrolet Impala expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.