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#BS-2006-CHEIMP-7A562006 Chevrolet ImpalaProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 803 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 803 complaints, 91 crashes, 36 fires, and 2 recalls. Complaint rate is 2.8x the class average.
Top reported problems
transmission slipping
35 complaints • Severity 7.1/10
transmission failure
29 complaints • Severity 9.2/10
excessive oil consumption
14 complaints • Severity 5.9/10
coolant leaking
11 complaints • Severity 7.8/10
loud tapping sound when changing temp
7 complaints • Severity 5.7/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
115 owners reported electrical issues — failures commonly reported around 77K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 60–90K miles (132 reports) • Median: 77K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Electrical (115 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2006 Chevrolet Impala: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, with 115 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 77,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 77K-mile mark.
Steering Issues
Steering complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, with 111 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to steering-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, with 80 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 9% of all reports filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, with 75 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala. Recent trend: decreasing.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
STEERING
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
The worst model year for the Chevrolet Impala is the 2005 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is accessories - interior.
2006 Chevrolet Impala vs. Class Average (Large Cars)
This vehicle
803
Class avg
286
2.8x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical large cars vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 803 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026.
Other Chevrolet Impala Model Years
2006 Chevrolet Impala: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2006 Chevrolet Impala Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 803 owner reports. Know before you buy.