Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The back driver's side door of my 2008 Impala is not locked, but it cannot be opened. I've read online that this happens on other Impalas. Because this is a major safety issue, as well as a major inconvenience, these vehicles should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owners. People should be able to enter and exit through all doors of a vehicle, especially during an emergency. Because of this defect, Impalas should be recalled and repaired at no cost to the owner.
We had over $10,000 in insurance repairs on 2008 Impala with blue book around $12,800. Oklahoma insurance dept rules said car should have been total loss. We had to go to a 2nd shop to continue repairs as the body shop manager was fired. Carfax is now showing vehicle with frame damage etc.. And insurance company refuses to assist. We would like to forward more documentation for assistance as ftc is telling us you can assist hold fowler Chevrolet of tulsa oklahoma accountable. This is a serious safety issue also if they are repairing cars that should be a total loss besides compensating us for the financial issues related.
I was exciting an off ramp when I swerved to avoid another vehicle, completely lost control of vehicle crashed had no brakes and keys will not come out of the ignition. My vehicle is not drivable.
Fowler Chevrolet, part of http://www.fowlerauto.com/ with fowler Toyota, repaired our 2008 Impala after an accident. First round repairs were $9,800 on a $12,000 vehicle and then carfax showed frame damage above and beyond the accident notation after the repairs! On the same day of the accident, I emailed the body shop "please don't proceed with significant repairs until the frame structure is determined to be fine ", but they started without contacting me. Our insurance covered like tires and the dealership even wanted me to go get the replacement Goodyear tire and bring to the dealership! It was in the shop over 7 weeks and insurance only covered for 30 days of a rental vehicle, but since we were renting from their fleet, they had no incentive to get it done. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that all door locks failed to lock and unlock electronically and manually. In addition, the contact stated that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light illuminated. The service tire monitor system was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the all four locks and the TPMS sensor needed to be replaced. The tpsm was replaced on multiple occasions. However, the failure recurred. The locks were not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the door locks malfunctioned. The contact stated that in order to open and close the vehicle they had to manually open the locks through the windows or adjust the seat to manually open the door. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician confirmed that the locks were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 105,000. Ma 09/25 the consumer stated she was locked inside of the vehicle. Updated 01/28/16
Had vehicle repaired at fowler Chevrolet in tulsa oklahoma and very concerned that vehicle should have been a total loss. Vehicle taken in 2nd time for rework. We have some pictures and video. Body shop manager was terminated. We need assistance. Very concerned about safety issues on vehicle at highway speeds. Unsure where to turn. Several people with Chevrolet involved to cover for dealer. The dealer informed the consumer to remove all the keys from the key ring. Updated 12/17/14...updated 06/16/15 updated 08/28/2017
The power locking mechanism failure. The only door that can be unlocked by the key fob is the driver's door. All of the other doors must be manually unlocked. If someone needs to enter the vehicle from the passenger side, the window must be opened to allow the person on the passenger side of the vehicle to reach in and unlock the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and was told the the actuator in the doors were malfunctioning, and the cost would be $1,300.00 to have them repaired. Vehicle has not been repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the rear passenger side door could not be unlocked from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the door lock actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately four months later, the driver side door failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. Updated 04/08/16
While entering a freeway traffic suddenly stopped and I changed lanes. As I changed lanes I was unable to steer and attempted to brake. The car spun out of control and collided with another car broadside. The car I hit had its air bags deploy. Mine did not. Damage to my car was all front end and drivers rear door. No injuries except bumps and bruises. My car has now been recalled for the ignition key issue by GM. Was unaware of issue before.
Body complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the body & structure of the 2008 Chevrolet Impala, 4% of the model year's 810 complaints. The component named most often is body (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Impala body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 2 recalls 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 2008 Chevrolet Impala body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to body & structure 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.