Which Years of Used Chevrolet Impalas Are Most Reliable?
We've rounded up six of the most reliable Chevy Impala years. See which ones (and which worst Impala years are considered least reliable).
The Chevrolet Impala is one of the oldest American motor vehicle lines ever manufactured. Though it was discontinued in 2020, you can find many used Chevrolet Impalas in the secondhand market. If you’re looking to purchase a used Chevrolet Impala, however, you need to know which vehicle years are most suitable. The most reliable Chevrolet Impala years are those made most recently. Let’s break this down in more detail so you know what to look for in your vehicle search.
Most Reliable Years for the Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is no longer in production – the last model was the 2020 Chevrolet Impala. That said, you can still find many used Chevy Impalas at Carlos around the country. But this vehicle had a long history, and it took Chevrolet some time to ensure the car earned consistent reliability scores.
THE CHEVROLET IMPALA YEARS TO AVOID
There are many Chevy Impala years to avoid because of mechanical issues and reliability woes. And today, we’re going to highlight the worst Chevy Impala years that are best avoided if you’re buying used.
The overall rule of thumb for purchasing used Chevrolet Impalas is: the newer the car is, the more reliable and safer it is likely to be. So the most reliable Chevrolet Impala year is usually the most recent one.
In addition, Chevrolet started creating the Impala series with better attention to detail starting in 2015, with one exception in 2013. The 2013 Chevrolet Impala was largely popular and very consistent and reliable, with only one recall related to an ignition key.
Aside from 2013, the most reliable years for the Chevrolet Impala include:
- 2015 Chevrolet Impala
- 2016 Chevrolet Impala
- 2017 Chevrolet Impala
- 2018 Chevrolet Impala
- 2019 Chevrolet Impala
- 2020 Chevrolet Impala
Keep this in mind as you look for a used Chevrolet Impala, as you’ll want to purchase one of these used vehicles that doesn’t come with a lot of maintenance concerns.
Are Chevrolet Impalas Generally Reliable?
The Chevrolet Impala has been on the market since 2001, and on average, these vehicles have become more reliable as time has gone on. For example, if you were to purchase a used Chevrolet Impala from 2019, it would be more likely to be consistent and safe compared to an Impala from 2002.
According to fixdapp.com, Chevrolet Impala used vehicles from 2015 on are highly reliable, with a reliability score of eight out of 10. Owners also score these vehicles highly, usually seven out of 10. Motorbiscuit.com also states that used Chevy Impala models become more reliable as they are built more recently; most used vehicles after 2015 are relatively reliable and consistent.
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Which Chevrolet Impalas Are the Least Reliable?
In addition to having a long range of reliable years, the Chevrolet Impala was also produced with less than stellar model years. On average, you should try to stay away from used Chevy Impalas that were built before 2013. Indeed, the ninth generation Impala’s first three years of production from 2006-2008 were the least reliable years of this vehicle.
However, other less reliable model years of the Chevrolet Impala include:
- 2009 Chevrolet Impala
- 2010 Chevrolet Impala
- 2011 Chevrolet Impala
- 2012 Chevrolet Impala
If you purchase a used Chevrolet Impala from one of these years, make sure to get your hands on a maintenance history report. That way, you can check to see if the vehicle was recalled previously or has other concerns you need to know about.
Are Chevrolet Impalas Expensive to Maintain?
When you purchase a used Chevrolet Impala, you’ll need to spend some money maintaining it and tackling common issues from used vehicles. Fortunately, you shouldn’t break the bank doing this. According to caredge.com, a used Chevrolet Impala should run you about $6524 for maintenance and repairs across 10 years.
This is a little better than the industry average for popular sedan models, which is $572. There’s less than a 20% chance that a Chevrolet Impala will need a major repair in the first 10 years of its lifespan. Of course, keep in mind that if you purchase a Chevrolet Impala older than 10 years, you could run into more expensive and more severe errors, particularly those regarding the car’s critical systems and undercarriage.
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Which Chevrolet Impala is Most Reliable?
In keeping with the above information, the newer a Chevrolet Impala is, the more reliable it tends to be. According to hotcars.com, the 2020 Chevrolet Impala is the overall most reliable most reliable Chevrolet Impala year.
It includes a spacious cabin, a good speaker system, and excellent core components. However, other good model years of the Chevrolet Impala include:
- 2019 Chevrolet Impala
- 2017 Chevrolet Impala
- 2016 Chevrolet Impala
- 2018 Chevrolet Impala
What Are the Most Common Chevrolet Impala Problems?
If you plan to buy a used Chevy Impala, it’s always good to know the potential reliability woes you might experience. Below are some of the most common problems of the Impala as reported by owners:
1. Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
One of the problems that has plagued some 2002 Chevrolet Impalas is the failure of the intake manifold gasket, which can lead to coolant leaks and frequent overheating. If left unchecked, this issue can cause more severe engine problems. Unfortunately, some owners have reported having to replace the intake manifold gasket multiple times, with repairs soaring as high as $800.
2. Excessive Oil Consumption
The 2006 Impala has been plagued by reports of excessive oil consumption, with owners noticing significant drops in oil levels without any visible leaks. This suggests that the engine is burning oil, which can lead to more severe problems down the line. Replacing the oil pan is a common fix for this issue, but it’s essential to address the root cause to prevent further damage to the engine.
3. Defective Heater
Owners of the 2007 Chevrolet Impala have reported various issues with their vehicle’s heating system. Some have experienced a sudden heat loss due to clogged lines, possibly caused by low-quality antifreeze. Others have noticed cold air blowing from the heater vents while the vehicle is idling. Possible culprits include a faulty thermostat or a head gasket leak. Additionally, some owners have complained of strange odors blowing from the A/C and heater vents.
4. Faulty Transmission
Another significant issue plaguing certain Chevrolet Impala model years is transmission failure. Owners of the 2011 Impala have reported hearing loud noises from the transmission before it fails, accompanied by stuttering and jerking as the vehicle slows down. Similar problems have also been noted in some 2005 and 2006 models, with symptoms like slipping transmissions and difficulty shifting gears. Repairing or replacing a faulty transmission can be expensive, with prices reaching up to $2,900+.
5. Passlock Problems
Some 2002 Impala owners have experienced frustrating issues with the vehicle’s Passlock system, designed to prevent theft. Owners have reported getting locked out of their vehicles, seeing their check engine and security lights flicker on and off, and having difficulty starting the engine. Diagnosing and fixing Passlock issues can be complicated and generally needs a professional. Solutions may include replacing the body control module or bypassing the ignition sensor, with repair costs reaching up to $520.
6. Power Lock Woes
The 2008 Chevy Impala has been known to suffer from power lock malfunctions, leaving owners frustrated and unable to access their vehicles. The locks may work intermittently or fail to operate altogether, requiring the replacement of faulty components such as the lock assembly, actuator, or sensor. While not as severe as transmission issues, power lock problems can be a massive inconvenience for Impala owners.
Overall, the Chevrolet Impala, while a cherished companion for countless drivers through the years, is not without its flaws. Like any long-term relationship, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls that may arise as time goes on. By understanding the common issues that plague specific model years, you can be better prepared to navigate the challenges of owning this iconic car.
But, of course, even the most vigilant owner can’t predict every bump in the road. That’s why, when it comes to purchasing a used Impala, it pays to do your homework. Dig into the vehicle’s history, uncover its secrets, and enlist the help of a trusted mechanic to give it a thorough once-over.
Is the Chevrolet Impala Worth It?
In general, the Chevrolet Impala is not worth it as a used vehicle because there were more bad years than there were good years. That said, if you are looking for an affordable commuter vehicle or family car and know that your used Chevrolet Impala was built in the last five years, you could potentially get a good deal.
A used Chevrolet Impala built recently is more likely to be worth your time and not be saddled with high maintenance fees or problems with the engine, transmission, and more.
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Final Thoughts
As you can see, the best years of used Chevrolet Impalas are the most recent model years for the vehicle, usually from 2016 and onward. Keep this in mind if you wish to purchase a used Chevrolet Impala.
With luck, this information will help you find the best used car for your needs and allow you to avoid an unlucky purchase that costs you more in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the general rule of thumb when purchasing a used Chevy Impala?
A: When searching for a reliable used Chevrolet Impala, remember this simple principle: the newer the model, the more likely it is to be dependable and safe. As Chevrolet improved their attention to detail and quality control over the years, the most recent Chevy Impala models tend to be the most consistent in terms of reliability.
Q: Apart from the newer models, which specific year stands out as a reliable option for the Chevy Impala?
A: While the general trend suggests that newer Impalas are more reliable, the 2013 model year is a notable exception. The 2013 Impala was widely praised for its consistency and dependability, with only a single recall related to an ignition key issue. If you’re looking for a reliable used Impala that’s a bit older, the 2013 model is worth checking out.
Q: Which Chevy Impala model years should be skipped due to poor reliability?
A: If you want to steer clear of potential headaches and costly repairs, it’s best to avoid Chevrolet Impalas built before 2013, particularly those from the ninth generation (2006-2008). These model years are considered the least reliable in the Impala’s history. Other problematic years include 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, so be cautious when considering these models as well.
Q: How do maintenance costs for a used Impala compare to other popular sedan models?
A: According to CarEdge.com, the average cost of maintaining a used Chevrolet Impala over a 10-year period is approximately $6,524, which is slightly better than the industry average of $572 for popular sedan models. Additionally, there is less than a 20% chance that an Impala will require a major repair within the first decade of its life.
Q: Which specific Chevrolet Impala model year is considered the most reliable overall?
A: The 2020 Chevrolet Impala takes the crown as the most dependable model year. This final year of production boasts a spacious cabin, impressive sound system, and top-notch core components. Other notably reliable model years include 2019, 2017, 2016, and 2018.
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