2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

802

Owner Complaints

91 Crashes 36 Fires 1 Death

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

19

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

The 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA has received a total of 802 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, STEERING. 19 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (115 complaints), Steering (111 complaints), and Power Train (80 complaints).

Recalls for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA, potentially affecting up to 3,142,710 vehicles.

Recall 14V355000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 3,141,731 vehicles affected

Defect: 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. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac...

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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. Owners...

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Recall 09E005000 — STEERING

| 979 vehicles affected

Defect: DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

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Owner Complaints for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

802 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 115 5 Crashes 14 Fires 7 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 111 16 Crashes 3 Fires 10 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 80 5 Crashes 3 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 58 3 Crashes 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 40 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 35 22 Crashes 16 Injuries 1 Death
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 25 1 Crash 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 22 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 16 2 Fires
Tires
Complaints: 16 1 Crash 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 15
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 14 2 Fires 1 Injury
Seat Belts
Complaints: 14 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 13 6 Crashes
Structurebody
Complaints: 13 4 Crashes 2 Fires 1 Injury
Visibility
Complaints: 13 1 Fire
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 12
Suspension
Complaints: 12 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 11 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 10
Wheels
Complaints: 10 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 9 7 Crashes 9 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 9
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 9
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 9
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 7
Equipment
Complaints: 5
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 5
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 4
Traction Control System
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 3
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 3
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Seats
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Boxshaft Sector
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesrodrelayconnecting
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11661665 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Crash
Filed one complaint already about my car malfunctioning now on May 15 2025 I was.involved in a car accident and my airbags DID NOT DEPLOY!!!it was a front crash hit the front right side of the car and no airbag deployment
#11661665 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles Crash
Filed one complaint already about my car malfunctioning now on May 15 2025 I was.involved in a car accident and my airbags DID NOT DEPLOY!!!it was a front crash hit the front right side of the car and no airbag deployment
#11661665 | WHEELS | | N/A miles Crash
Filed one complaint already about my car malfunctioning now on May 15 2025 I was.involved in a car accident and my airbags DID NOT DEPLOY!!!it was a front crash hit the front right side of the car and no airbag deployment
#11660121 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't work now if automatic light control is on car shakes bad while breaking idles hard uses ALOT of gas now massive amount of heat coming off engine now with no dash light or guage saying temp is going up engine smells kind of bad after driving the car replaced transmission once couple years ago transmission maybe going out again the gear shift locks don't work it slips out of gear and into another gear effortlessly while driving and while parked without pressing the button to move the gear shift clicking or tapping noise started coming from front end only when turning left now does it while.turning and sometimes while.going straight and it's all still happening... theres more but not going into all of it now. DTC code listed 2days ago was listed as: B1000-00 Electronic Control Unit. Searched Google for code and got posts saying ECU needs replaced..updated or reprogrammed and some say BCU needs replaced..upgraded or reprogrammed. Each time I search the code I get a different reason for the code and different meaning. I have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8 with police package. Car is available for inspection anytime.
#11660121 | POWER TRAIN | | N/A miles
First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't work now if automatic light control is on car shakes bad while breaking idles hard uses ALOT of gas now massive amount of heat coming off engine now with no dash light or guage saying temp is going up engine smells kind of bad after driving the car replaced transmission once couple years ago transmission maybe going out again the gear shift locks don't work it slips out of gear and into another gear effortlessly while driving and while parked without pressing the button to move the gear shift clicking or tapping noise started coming from front end only when turning left now does it while.turning and sometimes while.going straight and it's all still happening... theres more but not going into all of it now. DTC code listed 2days ago was listed as: B1000-00 Electronic Control Unit. Searched Google for code and got posts saying ECU needs replaced..updated or reprogrammed and some say BCU needs replaced..upgraded or reprogrammed. Each time I search the code I get a different reason for the code and different meaning. I have a 2006 Chevy Impala SS 5.3L V8 with police package. Car is available for inspection anytime.

View all Electrical System complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

General Motors, LLC has issued 19 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

12-03-10-001E — WHEELS

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Vibration Shortly After Tires are Mounted/Preventing Vibration from Wheel Slip (Tire Sliding on Wheel).

PIT5463 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to repair vehicles that have a red LED and a current Diagnostic Trouble Code B1447-04 after the Canada upgrade. Engineering is aware of the concern and is currently working on a resolution.

PB-09132 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

PONTIAC CHEVROLET SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK. VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE POWER STEERING COOLER LINE MAY LEAK OR SPLIT. WHEN STARTED IN COLD WEATHER, THE PRESSURE ON THE HOSE IS SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER THAN IN WARMER WEATHER AND MAY...

11-03-08-001A — SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING

GM: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A GROWL NOISE COM FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO INCLUDED IMPALA LIMITED MODEL YEAR 2014*JS

11-03-08-001A — WHEELS

This technical bulletin provides information on 11-03-08-001 to add the 2012-2014 model years.

G-159458 — POWER TRAIN

09132D - Customer Satisfaction Program (revised expiration date). The power steering cooler line may leak or split when the vehicle is started in cold weather. This would result in fluid spotting under vehicle when the vehicle is parked and a decrease in power steering assist. If enough fluid were lost,...

PIC5468B — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with a spongy brake pedal after a hydraulic brake component was disconnected or replaced. The brake lines between the master cylinder and the antilock brake system module are routed higher than the master cylinder. If air enters the system...

PIC-4610A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

CHEVROLET: ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED MESSAGE AND CHECK ENGINE LAMP ON WITH DTC P0841. THE CONCERN MAY BE INTERMITTENT. OTHER DTCS THAT MAY SET ARE P0532, P0522, P0452, P0335, P0106, P0101 AND P0068. THREE AREAS WHERE WIRE CHAFFING CAN OCCUR HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND CONFIRMED. *PE

SB-07-08-42-011C — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

CHEVROLET: POLICE PACKAGE. DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL), AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS (AHL), DOME AND COURTESY LAMPS, TRUNK RELEASE - PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS. *PE

PIC -5222 — STRUCTURE

CHEVROLET: WATER LEAKS INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. WATER COULD SHOW UP IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE, EXPECIALLY IF THE SOURCE OF THE WATER LEAK IS IN THE ROOF PANEL AREA. *PE

Showing 10 of 19 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA.

Investigation PE09025 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID Closed

Opened:

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET IMPALA

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report