Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 11% | 129,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% | 38,000 miles |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% | 89,000 miles |
| 2013 | 17 | 6% | 55,000 miles |
| 2012 | 22 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 2011 | 17 | 3% | 68,000 miles |
| 2010 | 18 | 4% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 25 | 3% | 39,000 miles |
| 2008 | 117 | 14% | 43,000 miles |
| 2007 | 85 | 14% | 40,000 miles |
| 2006 | 18 | 3% | 64,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 1% | 85,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2003 | 14 | 2% | 113,000 miles |
| 2002 | 12 | 2% | 18,000 miles |
| 2001 | 18 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
| 2000 | 34 | 4% | 72,000 miles |
| 1996 | 6 | 7% | 50,000 miles |
| 1995 | 5 | 11% | 102,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while turning left, the vehicle skidded before completing the turn. The contact also stated that there was a hole in the muffler. Additionally, the sway bar was fractured on the driver's side. The bushing, actuator brake, and rotors were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. The VIN was not available.
Several different instances I've had my parking brake release as soon as I go to move after being parked for a long period of time. (I never set my parking brake to begin with so I don't understand why it keeps telling me it's released) Once it tells me it's been released, it's followed by a rough jersey of the car and then I'm able to move. Ever since I bought the car, there was a small shake. The dealer had to cover the front strut assemblies that were going out at the time of purchase; but since then the shake is unbelievable. I've put tires on, checked all parts of the chassis, and don't see any visible defects that would cause the shake. They have no answers or ideas of how to fix it for me. …
Front Right lower control arm w/o police right front wheel. Tpms system. This will be the second time I've had to replace the front lower control arm the tea PMS system does not work ABS traction control are off totally the same year of car make model everything was recalled to have this fixed but it was only with the police cars what makes you think that the ones that weren't police cars didn't have the same issue it cost $427.20 to fix. I also understand that my vehicle you're making model it's not the only one having this issue of having to replace it over and over as far as electrical something keeps moving or coming on or off in the car it's worn down to batteries it happens at any time I can walk by the car and making the noise. …
Front Right lower control arm w/o police right front wheel. Tpms system. This will be the second time I've had to replace the front lower control arm the tea PMS system does not work ABS traction control are off totally the same year of car make model everything was recalled to have this fixed but it was only with the police cars what makes you think that the ones that weren't police cars didn't have the same issue it cost $427.20 to fix. I also understand that my vehicle you're making model it's not the only one having this issue of having to replace it over and over as far as electrical something keeps moving or coming on or off in the car it's worn down to batteries it happens at any time he can walk by the car and making the noise. …
At about 86,000 miles I began getting a grinding noise from the left front side the wheel seems to lock up associated with a grabbing that I can feel when turning the steering wheel to the left. When this happens the Service Stability Trac and Service Trac Control indicators sometime appear but not always. I took my car to a GM Dealer locally a diagnostic performed said it was wheel hub assembly (bearings). Due to cost of dealer labor I took car to my local mechanic at his private garage. He performed a diagnostic and confirmed the assembly should be replaced. The assembly was replaced at my cost and has since been replaced twice more as warranty replacement because the mechanic thought the assemblies may have been defective, this after only a couple thousand miles or so on the replaced assembly. Typically, it happens at low speed, and mostly when turning left. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 50 MPH, the ABS and service power steering warning indicators illuminated, causing the steering wheel to seize. The contact pulled over, shut off the vehicle, restarted the vehicle, and the failure went away. Two days later, the steering failed and the warning indicators illuminated again. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer (walker Chevrolet, carothers pkwy, franklin, tn, 37067) while manually controlling the steering wheel. The vehicle was diagnosed that the rear passenger wheel bearing failed and that there was no connection to the power steering. The rear passenger bearing hub and assembly were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: [redacted]. The dealer reassured the manufacturer that the vehicle was repaired; however, no further assistance was offered. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 25 MPH, the electronic stability control warning indicator illuminated. While attempting to make a right turn, the front driver's side wheel seized, and the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, but the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. While test driving the vehicle, the mechanic experienced the failure. The contact was informed that the front driver's side wheel hub assembly, stabilizer bar, the front driver and passenger side tie rods, and brakes should be replaced to mitigate the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
I took my car to the dealership because I had a few noises from the front end. One was a clunking noise when I reached speeds of approx 25 MPH, the front end was making a popping noise, when I would back up then pull forward there was a grinding noise, and also a few times when I would make a left hand turn it was like my car was stuck for a few seconds with the motor revving, but wouldnt move. When it finally would, it would shoot forward and I almost lost control of the vehicle. When I took it to the dealer, I was told both lower control arms and the right front hub had excessive play, the front engine, rear engine, strut mount, and transmission mount were torn, the front timing cover and the steering gear rack were leaking and all needed to be replaced. So much for spending so much money for a car to reliably get me and my kids from point a to b safely. …
Related recalls (1)
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 investigations
Rear wheel separation
Information obtained from GM indicates that further investigation to determine the cause of wheel separations is warranted.in GM's response dated April 26, 1996, GM stated that:GM has not identified any defect in the manufacture of the subject vehicles whih May contribute to wheel separation.investigation as to the root cause of wheel separations is continuing.the results of these further investigations are required…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Impala years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (117), 2007 (85), 2000 (34), 2009 (25) and 2012 (22) model years. Suspension complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Impala suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 12V-377 (lower arm, Aug 3, 2012). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Impala suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 51% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rear (79 mentions), followed by the front (38).
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.