2016 Chevrolet Impala Problems

Severe Issues

Used CHEVROLET IMPALA shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 111 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.

201510 years2017

Before you buy

This 2016 Chevrolet Impala has 111 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Electrical Faults.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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111
Complaints
8
Crashes
4
Fires
10
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
β€”
Recalls

2016 Chevrolet Impala Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2016 Chevrolet Impala trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
17–22 range
28
MPG Hwy
25–31 range
22
MPG Combined
20–25 range
401
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.

2016 Chevrolet Impala Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

12.1% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

12.1% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala has 111 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2016 Chevrolet Impala β€” key reliability facts
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Impala
Model year
2016
NHTSA owner complaints
111
Crash-related complaints
8
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Electrical Faults
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 28
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2016 Chevrolet Impala problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
30
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
Fires:2
Injuries:1
#2
22
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Fires:3
Injuries:1
#3
21
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:1

Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Impala?

This CHEVROLET IMPALA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Impala

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Impala, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The CHEVROLET IMPALA has 111 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. 8 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later.

Key Findings
  • 111 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 0 federal recall campaigns
  • 8 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2016 Chevrolet Impala complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults3012β€”
Uncategorized Issues22β€”3β€”
Engine Problems2111β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain162β€”β€”
Steering Defects16β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions163β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)10β€”1β€”
Brake System83β€”β€”
Structural Problems721β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures71β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System5β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure4β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration4β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues21β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues11β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 111 most recent complaints

Engine Problems FireAug 10, 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 ope…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 1, 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 s…

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 28, 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…

Engine ProblemsJan 31, 2025

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 ta…

Steering DefectsNov 27, 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…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 25, 2024

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

Tire IssuesJun 24, 2024

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

Electrical FaultsJun 11, 2024

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.

Structural ProblemsMar 1, 2024

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 betwe…

Electrical Faults FireJul 1, 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 anyth…

Steering DefectsJan 9, 2023

Very hard to steer

Airbag MalfunctionsDec 19, 2022

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

Electrical FaultsNov 21, 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 …

Electrical FaultsNov 21, 2022

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

Airbag Malfunctions CrashSep 19, 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…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresJun 14, 2022

while driving a chevy impala at night you can barley see and i drove even new models it’s still the same

Uncategorized IssuesMay 5, 2022

2016 Chevy Impala with 3.6L V6 has a design fault that causes failure of the evaporator core including leak of freon and inoperative Air Conditioning. Leak of freon and lack of air conditioning in 100 degree plus outside temps endangers the driver and passengers. Local auto serv…

Electrical FaultsMar 31, 2022

For approximately 2 months, my 2016 Impala LTZ, would display a message on the small screen in front of the driver in the dash, stating for the driver to, "press ignition button again to turn vehicle off." The worst part about it was this would happen very randomly whether I woul…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFeb 9, 2022

On Fb 08 2022, at app 5:30 in the evening my 2016 Impala had a non-driver directed surge of speed. As I was slowing down to enter a driveway, the vehicle surged forward powerfully. I was able to press the brakes forcefully engaging the antilock mechanism. The vehicle shook as I …

Steering DefectsJan 19, 2022

I was driving down the road at night and attempted a right hand turn when my power steering quit. The warning light on the dash came on. I almost got rear ended by cars coming from behind. I called the previous owner to see if they had ever had this happen. They stated it had hap…

Page 1 of 6

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala.

Safety recalls

2016 Chevrolet Impala recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala. No recalls are currently on record in this dataset, but buyers should still verify recall status by VIN because campaigns can be added later. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns on record

No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time β€” confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Across model years

Compare Chevrolet Impala model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2016 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2016 Chevrolet Impala buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 111 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET IMPALA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?β–Ύ

#1: Electrical Faults (30 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (22 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (21 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Chevrolet Impala, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 111 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Impala?β–Ύ

This CHEVROLET IMPALA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Impala reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2016 Chevrolet Impala based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.