2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

N/A

Safety Rating

1,203

Owner Complaints

80 Crashes 15 Fires 1 Death

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

36

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA

The 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA has received a total of 1,203 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, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 36 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (214 complaints), Engine (134 complaints), and Steering (90 complaints).

Recalls for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA, potentially affecting up to 3,178,144 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...

View full details →

Recall 12V377000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

| 36,413 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA

1,203 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 214 5 Crashes 6 Fires 4 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 134 3 Crashes 4 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 90 3 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 88 4 Crashes 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 85 5 Crashes 6 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 78 6 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 58 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Air Bags
Complaints: 50 31 Crashes 1 Fire 29 Injuries 1 Death
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 43
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 41 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 35 1 Fire
Tires
Complaints: 32
Wheels
Complaints: 31 3 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 20 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 20 1 Crash
Traction Control System
Complaints: 20
Structurebody
Complaints: 19 6 Crashes 3 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 17 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 12
Seat Belts
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 8 1 Fire
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 7
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 7
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 5
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Equipment
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 4
Structure
Complaints: 4
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 2
Chest Clip Buckle Harness
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagesrodrelayconnecting
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearaxlespindle
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemcondensorevaporator
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11630566 | AIR BAGS | | 150,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH while in cruise control, a group of birds flew out from under a ditch which caused the contact to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. As a result of the incident, the contact crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy upon impact which caused the contact's face to hit the steering wheel. The contact was later transported to the hospital via an ambulance where she was treated for a concussion. Additionally, the contact suffered several cuts and bruises to her face with additional bruising to her left leg and hip. A police report was filed; however, the report was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was not available.
#11623770 | Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | | N/A miles
This is 1 of 2 car seats that we have, both with the same issue. The pull strap that is used to tighten the shoulder straps to secure the child in appropriately is not functioning properly. You can not pull the shoulder straps to the tightness that is required for the child to be secured properly. This is a huge safety risk to my children when we are not able to tighten them correctly. I had the car seat looked at by CPST [XXX XXX] with the City of Waite Park, and there is no user error, the straps aren't pinched anywhere. She herself was having a operating the car seat and advised us to stop using it and get it replaced. I have reached out to Evenflo and they are unwilling to fix the issue. They tell me that the car seat is "far out warranty so they cannot assist me further with the seat." I am in disbelief that they are unwilling to replace the defective seats. I do have a video of Alicia trying to tighten the straps and it shows her struggling to accomplish that. I am unable to attach them here. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11606880 | TIRES | | N/A miles
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H- Car started shaking violently while I was driving it- seemed to be coming from rear tire. Limped it home, removed driver side rear tire, and noticed substantial bulge where tread was separating. Replaced tire with another brand. Several months later, same thing happened, and removed the remaining Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H tire, the passenger side rear tire, and noticed same defect. I bought both tires Mar 15, 2021 on Amazon, but have driven car very little. Unfortunately the shop that installed them didn't note mileage on receipt but the tread looks brand new (other than the defect). Looked at amazon and noticed other customers reporting the same defect! [XXX] I think these tires are very dangerous and are going to cause somebody to get injured or worse, especially since both tires are affected by defects and other consumers are reporting the exact same issue on amazon reviews. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11603063 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.
#11603063 | STEERING | | N/A miles
The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.

View all Electrical System complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA

General Motors, LLC has issued 36 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

130601002A — ENGINE

This technical bulletin provides a procedure for camshaft replacement due to the AFM lifter is no longer being manufactured and the engine has to be converted to a non AFM engine.

PIP-4186+B — EQUIPMENT

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN HOW TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR VEHICLE THAT HAVE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK ON THE SIDE OF THE OIL PAN. DURING INSPECTION YOU MAY FIND THAT THE OIL LEAK APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM ONE OF THE BOLTS THAT SECURE THE SIDE...

PIC-5101-A — EQUIPMENT

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THAT ON CASES OF POWER STEERING SYSTEM REPAIRS WHERE DIAGNOSIS LEADS TO A STEERING HOSE CLAMP REPLACEMENT, REPLACE WITH CLAMP CURRENTLY LISTED IN ELECTRONIC PARTS CATALOG. THE TECHNICIAN IS ADVISED GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT RECOMMEND GEAR TYPE CLAMPS FOR THIS APPLICATION

PIC-5101-A — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THAT ON CASES OF POWER STEERING SYSTEM REPAIRS WHERE DIAGNOSIS LEADS TO A STEERING HOSE CLAMP REPLACEMENT, REPLACE WITH CLAMP CURRENTLY LISTED IN ELECTRONIC PARTS CATALOG. THE TECHNICIAN IS ADVISED GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT RECOMMEND GEAR TYPE CLAMPS FOR THIS APPLICATION

PIC4019F — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning operation during a remote start event. For Impala and Monte Carlo 2006 and 2007 model year equipped with Regular Production Option Code C67 single zone. If the blower and mode are correct but the temperature is not...

PIC4019F — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning operation during a remote start event. For Impala and Monte Carlo 2006 and 2007 model year equipped with Regular Production Option Code C67 single zone. If the blower and mode are correct but the temperature is not...

PIC3744F — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have musty odor from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The concern occurs happens most often on initial start-up after the vehicle was driven on a hot humid day. This condition may be caused by condensate...

07-08-42-011H — EQUIPMENT

This informational bulletin provides options/packages that can be installed on PPV.

PIT3099L — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory pats. Technician can check Service Information for some accessories. Technician can also contact Partect for assistance. Technician can also contact Techline Customer Support Center for programming issues.

120604003A — POWER TRAIN

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Engine Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set

Showing 10 of 36 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA.

Investigation DP14001 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE Closed

Opened:

Passenger Air Bag OCS Algorithm

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET IMPALA

View all CHEVROLET IMPALA model years →

Other CHEVROLET Models

View all CHEVROLET models →

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report