Most common 2008 Chevrolet Impala problems
Share of the 810 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 →
2008 Chevrolet Impala recalls (2)
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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Chevrolet Impala:
Passenger Air Bag OCS Algorithm
The Agency received a petition on November 14, 2013 requesting an investigation into the operation of the passenger air bag Occupant Classification System (OCS) software logic and algorithm.The petitioner states that due to this alleged defect, the passenger air bag may be suppressed at point of impact and not provided the occupant protection as needed in a crash.On July 22, 2014, NHTSA opened DP14-001 to further…
What 2008 Chevrolet Impala owners say
Electrical system all 221 →
The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain
Heating and air conditioning actuators and/or blen door getting stuck so the air will not switch from cold to hot or hot to cold without pulling the glove box out and manually turning them by hand. Heater will blow hot air and then randomly switch to cold air. When it's cold outside, I cannot defrost my windows cause it gets stuck on cold air which impairs visibility.
Engine & cooling all 160 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked forward. The contact took the vehicle to gregg young Chevrolet (17750 burt st, omaha, ne 68118, [phone]) twice, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. On one occasion, the contact's vehicle lurched forward and crashed into another vehicle that turned in front of the contact. The crash was a t-bone collision. A police report was filed. The contact and other driver were injured and transported to the hospital for medical attention. The vehicle was towed to huber Cadillac (11102 w Dodge rd, omaha, ne 68154, [phone]), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuel pump, spark plugs, coil, and fuel injector (twice); however, the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Was driving down the road and out of no where my car flashed a message that said service traction control and then engine power reduced and my car came to an almost complete stop. It would not accelerate at all. This has happened many times now and have caused very dangerous situations while going down the road. The problem will go away after the car has been turned off for a few hours but it will do it again out of no where I have tried to have this fixed multiple times ad there is no fix! It is very dangerous and there should be a recall before someone is killed!
Suspension all 117 →
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating and jumping. The contact drove to his brother's residence to inspect the vehicle. The contact removed the front passenger's side tire and wheel and upon removing the hub, the engine moved. The contact was self-diagnosed that the front lower control arm was fractured. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Q-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A-Suspension and steering effective. Any time I drive and make turns it makes like a clunking noise. You can actually feel it in the floor board. It's worse when you are driving down a not so smooth road. You can look at it as soon as possible. Q-How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A-Control arm might SNAP causing you to lose control of my vehicle and crash into other drivers. Q-Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A-Firestone has inspected my car. Q-Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A-No my vehicle has not. Q-Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? …
2008 Chevrolet Impala engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 29 / 22 |
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Impala a good car?
Based on 810 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Impala rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Impala at the same age. It is one of the Impala years we suggest avoiding. 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala?
The electrical system — 221 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the engine & cooling (160) and suspension (117).
How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 30% 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.