Chevrolet Impala ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (1980–2019)
Side-by-side AutoScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Chevrolet Impala we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Impala across generations.
Average AutoScore
80/100
Best Year
2012 Chevrolet Impala
Score 88
Weakest Year
2001 Chevrolet Impala
Score 68
Every Chevrolet Impala Ranked
Sorted by AutoScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.
A budget-friendly workhorse that prioritizes durability and value, making it an excellent used car choice with proper maintenance.
Top risks: HVAC System · Electrical System · Front Suspension Components
A comfortable, spacious, and generally reliable full-size sedan that offers strong value, provided its infotainment system is working correctly.
Top risks: Infotainment/Electrical System · Front Suspension Components · Braking System (Rotors)
A superb value in a full-size sedan, offering dependable comfort with minimal mechanical worries if properly inspected.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Front Suspension Components · Braking System
A comfortable and reliable full-size sedan, but ensure the infotainment and steering systems are in good order.
Top risks: Infotainment & Electrical System · Steering System · Brake System
A supremely comfortable and reliable full-size sedan, offering tremendous value with minimal major mechanical concerns.
Top risks: HVAC System · Infotainment System (MyLink) · Suspension Components
A well-sorted, comfortable sedan that offers excellent value and dependability for the discerning used car buyer.
Top risks: Infotainment System · Front Suspension Components · Direct Injection Engine Carbon Buildup
A durable, old-school sedan whose long-term reliability hinges entirely on its battle against rust and diligent carburetor maintenance.
Top risks: Rust and Body Structure · Carburetion System · Electrical System
A straightforward, repairable classic whose biggest enemies are rust and deferred maintenance on its dated drivetrain.
Top risks: Body & Frame Corrosion · Transmission System (THM200-4R) · Fuel & Emissions System
A powerful, robust classic sedan that offers solid reliability with proactive attention to its unique ignition and aging electrical components.
Top risks: Ignition System (Optispark) · Fuel Delivery System · Aging Electrical Components
A practical workhorse known for its strong 3.8L engine, but with persistent gasket and electrical annoyances requiring vigilant upkeep.
Top risks: Engine Sealing (LIM Gaskets) · Fuel System (Sending Unit) · Front Suspension/Steering
A comfortable, affordable, and generally reliable sedan, provided you address its predictable maintenance points.
Top risks: Engine Lower Intake Manifold Gasket · Wheel Hub Bearing Assemblies · Body Control Module (BCM) & Electrical
A proven workhorse offering great value, provided you address its predictable suspension and electrical weaknesses.
Top risks: Front Suspension & Steering · Electrical System · Rust and Corrosion
A tried-and-true sedan offering great comfort and a solid powertrain, provided you address common chassis wear items.
Top risks: Suspension & Steering · HVAC System · Electrical Gremlins
A comfortable, spacious, and powerful sedan offering great value, provided you carefully inspect its electrical and transmission health.
Top risks: Electrical System & Infotainment · Transmission (6T70/6T75) · Suspension Components
A comfortable, simple classic that can be dependable if rust-free and diligently maintained, but demands attention due to its age.
Top risks: Rust and Body Corrosion · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Aging Electrical System
A charming and surprisingly robust classic that demands attention to rust and age-related wear, but rewards with simple, affordable ownership.
Top risks: Rust & Corrosion · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Electrical System
A legendary muscle sedan with a few specific Achilles' heels that demand proactive attention for continued enjoyment.
Top risks: Ignition System (Opti-spark) · Transmission (4L60E Automatic) · Power Steering & Cooling Leaks
A beloved classic requiring proactive maintenance and a budget for its known Achilles' heels.
Top risks: Ignition System (Opti-spark) · Transmission (4L60E Automatic) · Electrical System
A comfortable, affordable classic that requires diligent inspection and proactive maintenance to prevent significant powertrain headaches.
Top risks: Engine Intake Manifold · Automatic Transmission (4T60-E) · Electrical System
A budget-friendly workhorse with the 3.8L engine, but be prepared for some common electrical and cooling system repairs.
Top risks: Cooling System / Engine Gaskets · Electrical System · Front Suspension Components
A practical, affordable sedan that delivers value, provided its known transmission and electrical issues are addressed or pre-inspected.
Top risks: Transmission (4T65-E) · Electrical System (BCM) · Suspension & Steering
A budget-friendly sedan that delivers on practicality, but demands attention to its specific, well-known vulnerabilities.
Top risks: Engine Gaskets (Upper/Lower Intake) · Fuel Level Sender/Gauge · Front Wheel Hub Bearings
A decent daily driver, but budget for electrical and suspension work to keep it running smoothly.
Top risks: Electrical System · Front Suspension & Steering · Transmission (4T65-E)
A value-packed sedan that's reliable with proper care, but watch out for specific powertrain and electrical gremlins.
Top risks: Engine Powertrain (AFM/DOD or Gaskets) · HVAC System · Front Suspension & Steering
A comfortable, affordable large sedan that requires diligent upkeep to avoid common, costly drivetrain issues.
Top risks: Engine Gaskets/Coolant System · Transmission (4T65-E) · Power Steering & Suspension
A cost-effective, comfortable cruiser requiring proactive attention to its well-known domestic weak points.
Top risks: Steering System · Electrical System (BCM/Wiring) · Lower Intake Manifold Gaskets
An affordable, comfortable sedan, but be prepared for common and potentially costly powertrain and electrical system repairs.
Top risks: 4T65-E Automatic Transmission · Engine Intake Manifold Gaskets · Electrical System
A straightforward classic offering comfortable, affordable motoring, but requires diligent rust prevention and basic mechanical upkeep.
Top risks: Body & Frame Rust · Fuel System (Carburetor) · Electrical System
A budget-friendly cruiser with known, manageable weaknesses if you're prepared for the potential repairs.
Top risks: Engine Gaskets (LIM) · Transmission (4T65-E) · Fuel Level Sending Unit
A mechanically sound but electronically and structurally vulnerable sedan requiring diligent pre-purchase scrutiny.
Top risks: Electrical System · Rust and Corrosion · Suspension & Steering
A budget-friendly sedan with comfort, but infamous powertrain flaws demand diligence and a repair fund.
Top risks: Lower Intake Manifold (LIM) Gasket · 4T65-E Automatic Transmission · Front Suspension & Steering
Problems That Follow the Impala Across Generations
Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.
Electrical System
Appears in 11 model years · 35% of generations
Front Suspension Components
Appears in 5 model years · 16% of generations
Front Suspension & Steering
Appears in 4 model years · 13% of generations
Transmission (4T65-E)
Appears in 4 model years · 13% of generations
HVAC System
Appears in 4 model years · 13% of generations
Fuel System (Carburetor)
Appears in 3 model years · 10% of generations
Suspension & Steering
Appears in 3 model years · 10% of generations
Ignition System (Opti-spark)
Appears in 2 model years · 6% of generations
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