repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
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.
2006 Chevrolet ImpalaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 524 owner complaints about the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 14V-355 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 Chevrolet Impala has problems
524 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
135Steering21 crash/fire/injury
124Electrical system20 crash/fire/injury
108Power train8 crash/fire/injury
59Engine5 crash/fire/injury
47Air bags31 crash/fire/injury
41Vehicle speed control
27Engine and engine cooling
26Tires
25Structure
18121 other systems28 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 135 | 21 |
| Electrical system | 124 | 20 |
| Power train | 108 | 8 |
| Engine | 59 | 5 |
| Air bags | 47 | 31 |
| Vehicle speed control | 41 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 27 | 3 |
| Tires | 26 | 2 |
| Structure | 25 | 6 |
| 21 other systems | 181 | 28 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2006 Chevrolet Impala recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
59kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 112 steering complaints. 76% were reported before 100,000 miles.
22under 30k miles85under 100k miles27100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other Impala year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Impala median. How we score
'65'66'67'68'69'71'72'73'74'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'85'87'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2006 Chevrolet Impala safety ratings
2006 Chevrolet Impala 4-DR in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, and the recalls they led to.
- POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRESNo recall
In owners' words
What Impala owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I was driving and powersteering fluid drained and I lost control of the steering, and guide the car against the side walk. Had a mechanic change the powers steering fluid line. But now it's shooting up instead leaking down, it clogged all my spark plugs,plus cause my cam shaft and crank shaffsensor…
I GOT HOME FROM WORK AT 7:15AM THIS MORNING 9-29-2019 I WAS LAYING IN BED WATCHING A MOVIE TRYING TO GO TO SLEEP AND WHEN I FINALLY DOZE OFF MY SON ASKED IF HE COULD GO GET A CHARGER OUT OF THE CAR SO HE WENT OUT TO THE CAR AND WHEN HE OPENED THE DOOR HE SAID SMOKE HIT HIM IN HIS FACE HE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO TURN A CORNER. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND CAUSED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.…
Own a 2006 Impala?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.