10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 59,835 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
My 2006 Chevrolet Impala is experiencing problems with the tire pressure monitoring system, as well as the remote keyless entry system. Both systems use the same antenna in the vehicle, and the module controlling each system is defective. Many times a day while driving, an alert will appear saying "service tire monitoring system" and I will lose readings of my tire pressures. Mandated in 2005, TPMS systems are as important as air bags and seat belts in vehicles, so this is a serious safety concern. I recently had a flat tire that could have resulted in a blowout on the expressway had I not visually checked the tire because the TPMS system was not working correctly. I have found a service bulletin regarding the issue with a document id of 1990156. I have contacted GM about the issue and was told that it was no longer covered by the original vehicle warranty and a service bulletin is not enough for them to replace the equipment without charging myself, the consumer. This safety issue needs to be addressed because these systems are in place to increase the safety of the vehicle and they are not serving that purpose due to poor design right out of the factory. In addition to the failure of the TPMS system, the defect also makes the remote keyless entry system useless due to extremely poor range (~2 feet). This is more of a convenience issue, but it is still caused by the same defect.
- Smiths Creek, MI, USA
In the fall 2010 I purchased the 2006 Impala with nearly 19,000 miles on it.. from the start I was having problems losing air with one of the tires, and each time I took it in, was told it was fixed. At the beginning of 2013 I started pumping air into that one tire every 3,4, days, and the grinding noise I heard since April of 2013, ( at which time it passed inspection) progressed into not being able to steer at all. On April 4, 2014, (car inspection time) I managed to bring the car to the dealership I purchased from. After spending $921. For the yearly NY state inspection, four new tired, the problem with the deflating tire, the power steering, I thought everything is "ok". not so. As I drove the car home, I heard this loud humming noise. I thought I purchased some bad tires"?? so I drove the car a little longer, hoping the noise will subside. Not so!!. so, on May 20, this year 2014 I again took the Impala to the dealership. After replacing a front wheel bearing and another bill for $526. I needed to talk with one of the owners. At which time I also discussed the steering wheel problem. He gave me all kinds of explanation..... and reduced the bill to $356.. after incurring a total sum of 1,278. I do not know who to blame. The car manufacturer???, the dealer???" or my lack of car knowledge. I am a single 75 year old woman, on a very limited ss income who thought this car should last my lifetime. I drove other cars before, and never experienced such heartache as I do now. As of today 5/20/2014 the mileage on the vehicle is 43,882. I kept this car in the garage, as you can see by the mileage, this should have not happen.
- Spencerport, NY, USA
Swerved to miss a deer, ran off the road hit a light pole on passenger side, tore off front tier and suspension, car rolled a couple of times, blew out most of the windows, tore up the whole interior, slid into a guard rail and landed up right, and none of the air bags deployed! I broke my shoulder, collar bone and hand, the car had brand new tires.
- Ridgely, MD, USA
Service ABS and traction control lights come on and front wheel grabs while vehicle is moving.
- Farmington, AR, USA
Bought 2006 Impala lt used in June 2009 with 41,000 miles replaced the factory tires didn't like the way they rode. Started hearing a grinding noise that got louder with acceleration mechanic said all four tires were bad wearing on the inside. The tires only have 21,000 miles on them and most of my tires last me 40,000 minimum. Did some online research found numerous complaints about premature wear for tires on Chevy Impala. Looking at another $500 + for brand new tires if the place I bought them doesn't uphold the warranty which is for 50,000 miles/5 years. I really like this car but there a numerous problems major and minor GM needs to Focus more on quality.
- Toledo, OH, USA
My traction control, ABS and service brake assist light continue to come on despite the fact that I have had the sensors replaced 3 times now. I will hear a growling noise when I put on the brakes or get a foul smell when I turn on the defrost, also when I get that smell the defrost doesn't work properly then later the ABS, traction control and brake assist light will come on. I have had a Chevy dealer and the dealer I bought the car from check the problem and say its fixed 3 times but the problem continues.
- Milwaukee, WI, USA
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala ss. The cast aluminum rims have developed cracks and the coating peeled. When she strikes a pot hole, the cracks deepen. The rims have been replaced three times. The fourth replacement cost over $300. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted. She was advised that there were no recalls for the rims. The failure mileage was 53,800. Updated 2/22/10 updated 06/11/10.
- Minerva, OH, USA
- Bronx, NY, USA