2016 Chevrolet Impala: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
One of the strongest Impala years: the 2014 launch defects are sorted, complaints are low, and you get a spacious, quiet, well-reviewed cabin with cheap maintenance. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala ranged from $27,095 to $34,565 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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One of the strongest Impala years: the 2014 launch defects are sorted, complaints are low, and you get a spacious, quiet, well-reviewed cabin with cheap maintenance.
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
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Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur.
commonly reported · 84 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars.
commonly reported · 71 NHTSA complaints · steering
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HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced.
occasional · 10 NHTSA complaints · hvac
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- 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, composed highway ride and a refined 305-hp 3.6L V6 option
- Quiet, spacious, near-premium full-size cabin that reviewers rate among the best for the price
- Large trunk and genuine room for five adults
- Reliability improves markedly from the 2016 model year on
- Strong used value and good crash-test/safety scores
Cons
- Thirsty V6 and an underpowered-feeling base 2.5L four
- Big and heavy with numb, uninvolving handling
- Launch-year (2014) bad-ground StabiliTrak and electric-power-steering failures
- 3.6L V6 catalytic-converter / exhaust-manifold flange can crack
- Discontinued after 2020, a consideration for long-term parts and resale
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $27,095 | discontinued | — | — |
| LT | $29,460 | discontinued | — | — |
| LTZ | $34,565 | 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/2016-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 2016 Chevrolet Impala have?
Documented issue patterns include: Bad chassis ground connections trigger Service StabiliTrak / Service Traction Control / engine-power-reduced warnings and limp mode, concentrated on 2014 cars and addressed by recall but known to recur; The electric power steering can fail with a "Power Steering" warning and sudden loss of assist, most often on 2014 cars; HVAC blend-door actuators tick or stick, causing the temperature to swing hot/cold until the actuator is replaced. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
One of the strongest Impala years: the 2014 launch defects are sorted, complaints are low, and you get a spacious, quiet, well-reviewed cabin with cheap maintenance.
How much did the 2016 Chevrolet Impala cost new?
Between $27,095 and $34,565 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.