Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
According to my obd scanner the components that are failed is the throttle body position sensor circuit A & the throttle body position sensor circuit B. Before this happened the check engine light was on for about a week, when I scanned the vehicle with the obd-II the code for a large leak in the fuel EVAP system came up. One day while driving the vehicle I was stopped at a red light and once the light turned green I pressed the gas and the car started to sputter and move very slow also in the driver information center it intermittently showed the warnings service traction control and speed reduced. I had to pull over when safe to do so. Once I got the vehicle home I ran the scan again and it came up with the throttle body position sensor codes. The part is available for inspection. …
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. In addition, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where a valve replacement was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My vehicle has had the problems of not giving me correct readings from the gauges when my car was running hot it never displayed any indication that it was which caused engine failure in my car throwing a rod I also have experience and still do when I turn on my signals my bright lights come on as well as sometimes when I open the door the lights do not come on but when I close the door they do my motor mounts on my car are not stable this was part of the problem the first time it shifted now not from wear and tear because I had an inspection done on the vehicle prior to purchasing the vehicle and received a clean bill of immaculate care and health of the vehicle in less than 8 months I have been in nothing but one disaster after the next I'm feeling very unsafe and unsure of this vehicle it seems as if it's moving faster than what is on the speedometer because I have often had to apply …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 65 MPH attempting to avoid a deer, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guardrail. The seat belts failed to latch and the engine failed to disengage after the crash. The air bags did not deploy. Prior to the failure, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had to be towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power without warning. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and the contact noticed smoke coming from the two mufflers at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine blew up. The contact stated that the technician did not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the power steering and brakes seized without warning. As a result of the failure, the contact crashed into the preceding vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact did not specify if any injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
This incident first occurred a few weeks ago while driving on the highway I got the engine power reduced message. My car didn't seem to run different and the engine light went off the very next day. Then about 1 week later it happened again but this time my car was acting funny when I needed to accelerate. I was trying to wait until paid day to take it to be checked but I couldn't wait. On Wednesday, April 1, 2015 whenever I stopped at a light or stop sign when it was time to go my car would not accelerate. I made it work OK, but on my break I needed to go take care of some important business and my car just stopped on me while I was making a right hand turn. It would not start up. I could not turn it or anything. My car stalled and I ended up on the wrong side of the road. I was able to push my car out of the way and I had to walk back to work. …
Upon entering my vehicle and waiting for the engine to warm up as it was around -05 degrees f there were no issues to be had. About 15 seconds after leaving my parking spot at my place of employment and 70 feet later my engine started feeling weird, heard a chime and saw my dashboard with the wording "engine power reduced." not knowing what it was and knowing I had no other choice continued driving home. 4 days pass no issue then yesterday when it was 27 degrees f outside again had the car warm up and about same time frame and same distance later the same series of events occurred but this time the RPM was bouncing between 700 and 1100 when I was moving in idle. …
I have had my car for almost a year now and ever since I bought it, it has caused nothing but an issue. I always get an "engine power reduced" or sometimes even "starting disabled service throttle." this can happen anywhere from 1-100 times a day while I am driving. It has happened on city streets, highways, turning, you name it and it has happened. It is becoming a very big safety issue as it will do it in the middle of intersections and I fear that I will get into an accident. I have ran the codes and replaced every part in the car that dealerships have told me to replace but it still keeps happening. I have done a ton of research on what could be wrong and it not only seems like this is happening to a lot of people but the things they replaced in their cars fixed the issue but mine seems to not ever be able to be fixed. …
While driving home from work received engine reduce power and service traction control light. I was on the freeway going 65mph when this message came on and lost power to my car. I was nearly hit by cars behind me. Apparently my throttle body was at fault. About a year later had the exact same thing happen while coming home from work. Throttle went bad and was nearly struck by traffic again. Google Chevy Impala throttle body and you will see all the problems. Not sure how this has not been recalled yet. When I took the vehicle in for service I was told that they do at least 3-4 of these a week. How is this allowed to be put on cars when at any random point this could quit. They said it has an issue related to oil corroding the wires which would also explain why I go through 3-4 qts of oil every 3,000 miles. The oil does not drip anywhere but GM said this was standard and common.
Engine complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 86 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, 16% of the model year's 524 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Impala engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Impala engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 5 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.