2016 Chevrolet Impala Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 07/30/2026

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 impound lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/01/2026

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 attempts, the gear shifter shifted as intended. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under the unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/25/2025

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

ENGINE — Filed 05/11/2021

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 miles just hit 80,000 but its been going on for years because I haven't had the money to fix it and make payments. Chevy arbitrator states the miles are low and the dealer i bought it from, Conly in Brighton Michigan, should put my vin on the recall list. They say they don't know how/will not. The arbitrator didn't give me on digit for her call back extension. I do have proof of the car having no air at 49,000 miles when a mechanic couldn't find the issue because it was to far down in the car. I don't trust taking the car to them after being diagnosed without seeing the car. BBB auto said I exceeded milage but i wouldn't have if I would have been informed asap My vin should have been in the recall. I have the same make and type of car. Why did they exclude me? I hardly drive the car and was an essential employee . everything was closed I was in the year allowed and under the miles if I would have got the notice Please help

STEERING — Filed 11/20/2024

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 when this happens! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/22/2024

Transmission failure 2nd time in car at 101,000 miles

TIRES — Filed 06/21/2024

235/50R18. Went for tire rotate and balance. Was informed that 3 of the 4 tires had tread separation and recommended replacement.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 10/01/2023

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.

STRUCTURE — Filed 06/23/2017

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 that upon performing a water leak inspection, he noticed that the passenger's side and the driver's side taillight assembly seals were leaking. The contact replaced the seals; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not help unless the vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that both the taillights assembly seals and the sunroof grommets were leaking. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,377.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/26/2023

When my car is exposed to water (rain, a car wash) the trunk completely floods and does not drain. It has flooded so much now that my amplifier does not work. I took my vehicle to Chevy to have the known recall on this vehicle repaired but Chevy claims that they will not do anything for me. I am afraid that the car can potentially catch fire and burn my home down as I park this car in my driveway. With this being a known recall for this vehicle, can I please have this fixed immediately!!!! I have already replaced my tools that have been damaged, please just have this fixed or id likely take further steps after this. I have been going back and forth with GMC and Chevy for over 7 days now! Just recently, my car was producing sparks from the trunk area, THIS IS NOT GOOD!!!

STEERING — Filed 01/01/2023

Very hard to steer

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/18/2022

I recently purchased this car, and the airbag warning light will not turn off. Meaning, something is wrong with the airbags.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/01/2022

Radio/sound system malfunctioning; Radio/sound will intermittently turn on and off, at times sound will not work for days/weeks at a time. Radio/sound system is tied in with vehicles internal warning systems. When sound is not working, there is no audible notification of several safety conditions including: Seat belt not fastened; door open; turn signal on/off; Low fuel; service engine; Stabilitrack. There was no notification (audio or visual) prior to condition beginning. Symptoms began to appear about 2 months ago during routine highway driving. Vehicle has sustained no accidents and has had no aftermarket upgrades.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 11/21/2022

side detection fault. this is an acknowledged problem by GM but they will not fix my car.

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/03/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph and attempting to avoid an accident, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. During the crash, the contact sustained left wrist, left shoulder, and neck injuries. No medical treatment was provided. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. In addition, the contact indicated that the braking system was faulty and previously had experienced extended stopping distances and grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when pressing the brake pedal. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 56,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 04/27/2021

ON 27 APRIL 2021 MY SON IN HIS 2016 IMPALA WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED AND FAILED TO STOP THE CAR BEFORE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I AM CONCERNED WITH THIS ISSUE BECAUSE I ALSO HAVE A 2016 TAHOE THAT WAS RECALL (N192261050) FOR A BRAKE ISSUE. ACCOUNTS OF THE VEHICLES ACTIONS AT TIME OF INCIDENT ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH 2016 TAHOE. WHILE THE 2016 TAHOE HAS UNDERWENT RECALL REPAIR, ITS STILL NOT BRAKING NORMALLY BUT IT DOES STOP ALTHOUGH ROUGHLY. THE DRIVER OF 2016 IMPALA WAS A PASSENGER IN TAHOE THIS PAST WEEKEND AND DURING A ROUGH STOP THE PASSENGER INDICATED "THAT'S WHAT MY CAR SOUNDED LIKE WHEN BRAKES DIDN'T WORK." I'VE REPORTED THE ISSUE TO INSURANCE COPY ASKING THEY THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND ALSO REPORTED TO MANUFACTURER.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 06/25/2020

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS TURNING ON. AND THE CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING. I TOOK IT TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT HAS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE. *TR

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/29/2020

I REACHED FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND SOMETHING PUNCTURED MY FINGER FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HANDLE WHICH STARTLED ME. I TRIED TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK, BUT I COULDN'T SEE ANY EXPLANATION FOR THE PUNCTURE, SO I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR AGAIN AND RECEIVED ANOTHER PUNCTURE WOUND. BY THIS TIME, MY FINGER HAD BEGUN TO BLEED QUITE A BIT BECAUSE THE PUNCTURES WERE PRETTY DEEP. AT THE TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY BECAUSE I HAD JUST PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, AND I WAS TRYING TO EXIT MY VEHICLE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/14/2020

2016 POLICE IMPALA WITH 63,829 CAUGHT FIRE AND IS NO LONGER USABLE. THE OFFICER PARKED AND LOCKED THE CAR UP TO DO A FOOT PATROL AROUND BUILDING 33 ON DLA RICHMOND. WHEN HE RETURNED TO THE CAR, KEYFOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR SO HE OPENED IT MANUALLY. WHEN HE OPENED THE DOOR, THE SMOKE FROM THE FIRE BILLOWED OUT, BUT THE FIRE WAS ALREADY OUT. THE DLA FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED AT THE DRIVER SEAT ELECTRIC MOTOR. MAINTENANCE RECORDS INDICATE THE SEAT MOTOR WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED/REPLACED BY HERITAGE CMA CHEVROLET ON AUGUST 24, 2018.

TIRES — Filed 05/23/2019

2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MALFUNCTION OF TIRES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY BUT, STATED THE TIRE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO THE ACCIDENT ITSELF.*JS

STRUCTURE,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/05/2019

MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND AND MARKED "GOOD" FOR BRAKES BY FAIRWAY CHEVROLET DEALER IN LAS VEGAS, NV. THE BRAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T SEEM TO WORK AS DID BEFORE. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE YELLOW LIGHT. I HIT THE BRAKES AND HELD IT SO HARD I GOT A FOOT INJURY. WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP MY VEHICLE BEFORE I COLLIDED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END IS ESTIMATED OVER $6000 TO REPAIR. THE OTHER VEHICLE ONLY GOT A SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER. I HAD TO GO TO AN URGENTCARE FACILITY TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY CARE. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE SAME SYMPTOMS ARE IN OUR 2014 EQUINOX BUT THE DEALER SAYS THERES NOTHING WRONG. PLEASE CALL ME FOR ANY NEEDED INFORMATION. I CAN SEND MORE PICTURES.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) — Filed 04/02/2018

ON APRIL 2ND, 2018, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AROUND 4:50 A.M. DRIVING ON THE 303SB ONLY ABOUT 7 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE I NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO LAG AND STALL OUT, I BEGAN TO NOTICE GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD AND THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHILE TRYING TO AVOID TRAFFIC AND AFTER ALMOST BEING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET MY VEHICLE INTO A SAFE ARE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALL EMERGENCY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ON PROVIDED BY MY AUTO INSURANCE USAA. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE NEVER PROVIDED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION LETTING ME KNOW THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. IF MY OIL IS LOW MY VEHICLE TELLS ME SOMETHING, WHEN THE TIRES ARE LOW ON AIR, MY VEHICLE TELLS ME. HOW COME WHEN MY VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WHILE IT BEGAN STALLING OUT I STILL RECEIVED NO NOTICE? I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED HAD I GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE SITUATION MAY HAVE ENDED A LOT WORSE. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST REPAIR SHOP AS COVERED UNDER THE USAA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ENDORSEMENT THAT BEING CHEVROLET SANDS. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM A REP WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD HAD PRE-EXISTING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE SUCH AS OLD BATTERY ACID THAT HAD OVER TIME ATE AT THE WIRING OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO BLOW OUT. THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP. I MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY IN OUR CARE FOR LESS THAN A YEAR IN A HALF AND THAT WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IT CONTAINED 20,022 MILES AND THAT THE VEHICLE NOW ONLY HAD ABOUT 65,000 MILES. NONE OF THE SECURITY FEATURES EVER TURNED ON THE AUTO STOP FUNCTION DOESN'T OPERATE, THE BATTERY WAS BUILT ON TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION SAFETY ISSUE. THE IGNITION CUT OFF DEVICE DIDN'T WORK.

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/11/2016

I WAS GOING UP THE HIGHWAY AND A MAN HIT ME FLYING OUT AN PARKING LOT AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER WENT OFF AND I WAS GOING 35 TO 40 MPH, AND HIT AN SUV. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT. SO NOW I HAVE HERNIATED DISK IN MY BCK AMD ALSO LENDONS OUT OF PLACE EVERYWHERE.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 12/18/2016

DRIVING ALONG A FOUR-LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH A 50 MPH LIMIT WHEN WITHOUT WARNING AN ONCOMING VEHICLE TURNED LEFT INTO ME AT AN INTERSECTION. MY ESTIMATED IMPACT SPEED WAS 35 MPH. THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE OTHER CAR'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WONDER IF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CHEVROLET WERE EVEN INSTALLED. IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME WHY THEY DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 11/18/2016

ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY 5:20 A.M. I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN A CENTER CITY PARKING GARAGE. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 CAR LENGTHS FROM THE PARKING SPOT. I WAS BACKING MY CAR INTO THE SPOT. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND I REMOVED MY SAFETY BELT AND LOWERED THE WINDOW. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PROCEED INTO THE LINED PARKING SPOT. THE CAR PROCEEDED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS AND THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT FULLY DEPRESSED WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND HIT THE BRAKE BUT THE BRAKE DID NOT RESPOND SINCE THIS ALL OCCURRED IN ROUGHLY IN SECONDS AND APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET IN LENGTH. UPON IMPACT A SMOKE FILLED THE CABIN AREA. I HIT MY HEAD AGAINST THE HEADREST AND SLIGHTLY INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. ANOTHER PARKING PATRON SAW THIS ALL PLAY OUT AND CAME TO MY AID. IT WAS A HORRIFIC INCIDENT. I AM THANKFUL AND LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. IT WAS AS IF THE CAR ACTED ON IT'S OWN. AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK ALL OF THE LIGHTS IN THE CAR AND THE FLASHER WERE ON. ONSTAR NOTIFIED ME TO ASK IF I WAS OK. I EXPLAINED TO HER WHAT HAD HAPPENED. AFTER TWO HOURS NO ONE CAME TO MY AID DESPITE BEING TOLD SOMEONE WAS DISPATCHED. THE BATTERY WENT DEAD AND IT WAS AT THAT TIME I CONTACTED AAA TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED OUT OF THE GARAGE. IT IS CURRENTLY IN "BRENDAN'S COLLISION, LTD, 210 W. HILLCREST AVENUE, HAVERTOWN, PA. I CONTACTED GM IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT AND THEY TOOK A REPORT. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED IN JULY 2016 AND HAD 3021 MILES ON IT. IT WAS SURREAL AND I WAS FULLY AWARE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING DURING THIS WHOLE ORDEAL.