9th generation (W-body) · GM W-body (GMX211) · 6,775 complaints, 5,447 with mileage
Owners filed 6,775 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006–2013 Chevrolet Impala, and 5,447 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 40,785 and 102,452 miles. The median is 71,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the electrical system (15.4% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles), the engine (10.8% of complaints, typically around 86,000 miles), electronic stability control (esc) (8.3% of complaints, typically around 77,651 miles).
5 recall campaigns cover this generation.
| System | Complaints | Share | Typical mileage | Middle half |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1,042 | 15.4% | 80,000 | 52,835–108,500 |
| Engine | 732 | 10.8% | 86,000 | 60,000–119,000 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 562 | 8.3% | 77,651 | 50,000–107,500 |
| Air Bags | 559 | 8.3% | 80,000 | 48,000–112,000 |
| Steering | 557 | 8.2% | 58,304 | 35,118–94,000 |
| Power Train | 540 | 8.0% | 75,000 | 48,287–108,000 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 459 | 6.8% | 83,000 | 55,000–113,982 |
| Suspension | 324 | 4.8% | 48,000 | 25,000–75,000 |
| Unknown Or Other | 231 | 3.4% | 79,500 | 50,000–120,000 |
| Service Brakes | 229 | 3.4% | 70,000 | 46,000–103,000 |
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 803 | 617 |
| 2007 | 932 | 718 |
| 2008 | 1,203 | 992 |
| 2009 | 1,368 | 1,116 |
| 2010 | 737 | 590 |
| 2011 | 844 | 694 |
| 2012 | 422 | 343 |
| 2013 | 466 | 377 |
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 71,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The electrical system accounts for 15.4% of complaints (1,042 reports, 716 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 52,835 and 108,500 miles.
The engine accounts for 10.8% of complaints (732 reports, 637 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 86,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 119,000 miles.
Electronic stability control (esc) accounts for 8.3% of complaints (562 reports, 496 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 77,651 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 50,000 and 107,500 miles.
The airbag system accounts for 8.3% of complaints (559 reports, 415 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 48,000 and 112,000 miles.
The steering accounts for 8.2% of complaints (557 reports, 475 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 58,304 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 35,118 and 94,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 8.0% of complaints (540 reports, 464 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 75,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 48,287 and 108,000 miles.
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2009 model year drew the most — 1,368 complaints — while 2012 drew the fewest at 422. The median year sits at 823.
NHTSA records 5 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Of the 6,775 complaints filed against this generation, 480 reported a crash; 100 reported a fire; 417 reported an injury; 4 reported a fatality. Crash-involved reports represent 7.1% of the total.
These are owner-reported outcomes, not verified investigations, and they are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. They are included because the distinction between a fault that strands a car and a fault that causes a collision is the one that matters most, and it is not visible in a complaint count alone.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 40,785 and 102,452 miles, with a median of 71,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the electrical system and the engine are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 80,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
4T65-E pressure control solenoid failure producing erratic and harsh shifting and slipping; repair requires partial transmission disassembly. Slipping is the single most reported problem on 2006-2008 cars.
3.5L/3.9L intake manifold and coolant sealing leaks carried over from the W-body pushrod V6 family.
Premature front strut and spring failure, and rear axle/spindle rod wear causing uneven tire wear.
| Campaign | Date | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 16V507000 | 2016-08-01 | Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification |
| 14V355000 | 2014-09-23 | Electrical System:Ignition |
| 12V377000 | 2012-08-21 | Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm |
| 11V398000 | 2011-09-05 | Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections |
| 10V480000 | 2010-11-05 | Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage |