AC & Heater complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 0% | 54,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% | 140,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% | 76,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 2% | 31,000 miles |
| 2006 | 8 | 2% | 51,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2003 | 11 | 2% | 58,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 2001 | 8 | 1% | 30,000 miles |
| 2000 | 24 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
| 1996 | 12 | 14% | 25,000 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 7% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the rear defogger failed to operate blocking the contact's visibility. The contact mentioned that smoke started to emit from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that when the climate control was engaged, there was an abnormal noise coming from the dashboard. As a result, the defrost system failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the climate control needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the 'service air bags' warning light illuminated. The contact stated researched failure on-line and found NHTSA campaign number: 16V507000 (air bags, electrical system), however was unaware if recall was serviced on the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA recall campaign number: 16V507000 (electrical system). The contact also indicated that the rear defroster had failed and burnt the electrical wires. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,500.
My key is stuck in the ignition and will not turn back to the off position so I can get the key out. I have to disconnect my battery to keep the battery from draining completely when not in use and reconnect my battery when I need to drive my car, and I cannot lock my car because of this. I feel this is a safety issue because I could get injured while connecting or disconnecting my battery and I cannot secure my car. The passenger air bag indicator is on. It was not on when I purchased this used car but it came on at approximately 70,000 miles. My rear defroster barely works. The speedometer sticks at zero then starts working for a few tenths of a mile then goes back to zero again. I have to guess what speed I am going. The speedometer started malfunctioning at about 68,000 miles. Chevrolet refuses to repair any of the above at their expense. Stating there is no recall on this vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the rear defroster failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the harness needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the rear defogger failed to function properly. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the wiring harness that supplies power to the rear defogger was melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 71,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 40 MPH, smoke appeared from the air conditioning vent. The contact discovered that there was an electrical fire from the air condition vent. An independent mechanic informed the contact that he could wait for the fire to dissolve before notifying the fire department. The fire was able to dissolve and there was no police or fire report filed. There were no injuries reported. The dealer stated that the air condition resistor and connector wiring connection failed. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the ignition failed to release. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the defroster system was not properly defrosting the rear window and was affecting his visibility. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and the mechanic informed the contact that the wiring harness had overheated and was not carrying enough voltage for the vehicle. The mechanic also stated that where the connector was located, the wiring harness was smoldered and could have caused a fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.
NHTSA investigations
Coolant fires
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Impala years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (24), 1996 (12), 2007 (12), 2008 (12) and 2003 (11) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Impala ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Chevrolet Impala model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Impala ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the defroster/defogger/hvac system (42 mentions), followed by the appliance › air conditioner (36).
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.