Most common 2006 Chevrolet Impala problems
Share of the 524 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Impala complaints by model year
Best Impala years: 2020, 2019, 2018. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2004. Compare all years →
2006 Chevrolet Impala recalls (1)
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 Chevrolet Impala:
Power steering fluid leaks - fires
General motors (GM) initiated a customer satisfaction campaign in October of 2006 to address a failure of the power steering hose and/or clamps that could occur when the engine is started in vehicles primarily operated in the following states that experience extremely cold temperatures:alaska, maine, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin and wyoming.at the time this…
What 2006 Chevrolet Impala owners say
Steering all 135 →
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 to malfunction.,plus my belt got shredded. And now it's been over a year, and I still can't drive my car cause. It starts all over. And my front wheels are on not good arms, when crash it bent or Crack the arms.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH in very light rain when the vehicle exhibited an abnormal clicking noise four times successively. The front end of the vehicle then seemed to drop to the ground causing the steering wheel to seize, the traction control warning light to flash and the brakes to become inoperable. The contact also stated that the air bag erroneously deployed and knocked her unconscious. The vehicle then traveled off the roadway, into a woody area and crashed into a tree. The contact was awoken by the screams of her small children, who were sitting in the rear of the vehicle. Two child passengers were injured and suffered lacerations to the face, contusions of the shoulders, face, head injuries and a concussion. …
Electrical system all 124 →
5.3l v8 model needs to be added to the PI1384A campaign. recently fried my fuseblock because the relays melted. i am an ase certified technician For Firestone complete auto care, this is the exact problem that all ls4s will face.
I got a P2138 code for Accelerator Pedal Sensor error. From what I have seen this is caused by the two sensors not matching. I have repaired this issue previously about 3 years ago, but it has happened again. This seems to be a common issue with GM cars of this era.
Transmission & drivetrain all 108 →
First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't work now if automatic light control is on car shakes bad while breaking idles hard uses ALOT of gas now massive amount of heat coming off engine now with no dash light or guage saying temp is going up engine smells kind of bad after driving the car replaced transmission once couple years ago transmission maybe going out again the gear shift locks don't work it slips out of gear and into another gear effortlessly while driving and while parked without pressing the button to move the gear shift …
While I was driving I had to stop on a hill and when I pushed the gas to accelerate it wouldn't move the engine just revved up and hasn't moved since just when you push on the gas and the rpm's go up to 5-6 and it will move maybe a foot or so. There was no warning or messages that appeared before this happened and even now after it's happens and it's not showing any code to what's wrong with it. It affected my safety and others because it wouldn't move while in the middle of the road and I could have got in to a serious car accident because of it.
2006 Chevrolet Impala engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 26 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala a good car?
Based on 524 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Impala rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Impala at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
The steering — 135 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections. Next are the electrical system (124) and transmission & drivetrain (108).
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, the most recent from June 23, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Impala?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2019 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet Impala years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Impala problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.