2016 Chevrolet Impala problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Impala, most often about electrical system. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 64
Recalls: 0
Crashes: 3
Fires: 3
Injuries: 2
Median mileage: 70,000 mi

Key facts

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 16 of 64 complaints (25%).
Engine (13) and steering (11) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 70,000 mi.
Owners reported 3 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries.
It ranks 6th of 16 Chevrolet Impala model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 53% fewer complaints than the 2015 model year (137).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Electrical system	16
Unknown or other	13
Engine	13
Power train	11
Steering	11
Air bags	7
Fuel/propulsion system	5
Service brakes	4

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Chevrolet Impala complaints that list mileage.

2016 Chevrolet Impala recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2016 Chevrolet Impala complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Aug 10, 2026200,000 miARFireTowedEngine
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power and there was black smoke coming from the right side of the engine compartment. The contact then parked the vehicle and opened the hood, and there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an…
NHTSA complaint #11756028 · source
Filed Jun 1, 2026115,000 miTXTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal sound and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the instrument cluster displayed a blank screen. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter, however the gear shifter failed to shift as intended. The contact stated after several…
NHTSA complaint #11741316 · source
Filed Oct 28, 2025INTransmission & Drivetrain
Between 25mph and 35mph transmission will " lose " gearing and start revving when I'm stuck in traffic, causing a safety concern/risk. Have to stop the car completely and let her cool down below half operating temp for the transmission to rekick into gear. Happens Everytime after driving through cities, ATF has a slight gray tinge to it but no burning smell
NHTSA complaint #11696147 · source
Filed Jan 31, 2025MIEngine
My vin should have been included in this: N182186881-01 - Special Coverage Evaporator Core Icing, Leak Revised Warranty section I have had the issue for many years due to not receiving the notice. The car leaks, hisses, smokes and does not cool at all. I was told I must only take it to them for 250 diagnostic but they also said it was a havoc reprogramming that cost the 2,500 to fix. I have a estimate from a triple a recommended mechanic that says its the evaporator coil. My…
NHTSA complaint #11639809 · source
Filed Nov 27, 2024AZSteering
I was driving and entering [XXX] at [XXX] when my power steering went completely out! I was unable to steer my vehicle at all and was on a windy road with my children in the vehicle! I pulled to the side of the road! Shut my car off waited a couple minutes and turned it back on and the problem went away! This has happened twice now. My power steering is due to it being electrical and not a fluid issue. This is extremely dangerous as you are unable to steer the vehicle at all…
NHTSA complaint #11627748 · source
Filed Jun 24, 2024FLWheels & Tires
235/50R18. Went for tire rotate and balance. Was informed that 3 of the 4 tires had tread separation and recommended replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11596302 · source
Filed Jun 11, 2024CAAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
The Side Detection System Modules are preventing the vehicle blind spot system to work correctly. and the vehicle takes 5, 10, 15 + attempts to start up.
NHTSA complaint #11593751 · source
Filed Mar 1, 20245,377 miLABody & Structure
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that he noticed that there was water leaking inside the trunk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that water was leaking through both sides of the trunk lid. The dealer installed a gasket between the spoiler and the trunk lid. The contact stated that the failure later recurred. The contact noticed that the tire rim, the jack, and unknown areas of the trunk were rusted. The contact stated…
NHTSA complaint #11574892 · source

Compare the 2016 Chevrolet Impala with another vehicle →

Other 2016 Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology