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Model year record

2008 Chevrolet Impala recalls & problems

The 2008 Chevrolet Impala has 2 safety recalls and 810 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (225 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints810filed by owners
Crashes · fires51 · 10reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths44 · 1reported in complaints
2008 Chevrolet Impala in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Electrical systemJun 23, 2014

Ignition

Recall 14V3550003,141,731 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
SuspensionAug 3, 2012

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 12V37700036,413 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
Risk
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Chevrolet Impala 4-DR

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2008 Chevrolet Impala 4-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2008 Chevrolet Impala NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2008 Chevrolet Impala NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Impala

22mpg combined
City / highway18 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Impala FFV

22mpg combined
City / highway18 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Impala FFV

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Impala

19mpg combined
City / highway16 / 24 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch22567585,000 mi
Engine13430498,660 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Wheel bearing11862242,665 mi
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting9531265,937 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control9341397,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)9250680,500 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)5820198,000 mi
Air bags503112994,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch4800056,000 mi
Unknown or other4130385,000 mi
TiresPressure monitoring and regulating systems3600034,000 mi
Wheels3130152,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations