Wrench.Pro

2006 Chevrolet Impala Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Chevrolet Impala has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering pump and hose failure.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Chevrolet Impala.

Reported to NHTSA

Power steering pump and hose failure

STEERING

26 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2024-04

“STEERING PUMP HAS FAILED. STEERING WILL NOT WORK WHEN I BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091405
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL FOR WHICH THE STEERING WHEELS STEERING LINES WERE TO BE RE-ROUTED FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10925985
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO STEER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10716673

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission failure and replacement

POWER TRAIN

25 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2024-11

“TRANSMISSION FAILURE NUMBER 3. CARS CURRENT MILEAGE IS 129,537. 2006 IMPALA SS 5.3 LITRE LS4. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 54K MILES, 96K MILES, AND AGAIN NOW AT JUST SHORT OF 130K MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924972
“3RD TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IN LESS THAN 150,000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11229881
“TRANSMISSION FAILURE LOST 4TH GEAR OVERDRIVE WHILE CRUISING ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLES RPMS REV LIKE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL. CAUSING ME TO STOP ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE WITH PASSING TRAFFIC AT 75 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10924958

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear door failure to open from inside or outside

STRUCTURE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2020-02

“THE BACK DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE WHEN YOU PULL THE HANDLE FROM THE OUTSIDE IT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE THERE'S ANYTHING CATCHING ON THE INSIDE IT'S JUST LOOSE, IT'S THE SAME WAY FROM THE INSIDE ALSO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11306522
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN WHEN PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE MOTORS IN THE DOORS WERE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10970803
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10849798

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Reduced engine power warning and stall

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE

24 NHTSA complaints · 2014-11 → 2021-08

“CAR FIRED A MESSAGE STATING "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND BEING MOVED FROM STREET INTO DRIVEWAY WHEN MESSAGE WAS PROMPTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11046203
“DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE AND ENGINE SLOWED DOWN SUDDENLY ,,,REDUCED ENGINE POWER MESSAGE CAME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10836243
“WAS DRIVING AND CAR JUST LOST POWER AND CUT OFF. STARTED BACK UP AND COULDN'T GO OVER 5MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10682112

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical wiring fire and ignition-related stall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

22 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2023-01

“THE CHECK BATTERY SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS ,WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT TO THE GROUND, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND STATE.POLICE SAID THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104820
“REAR DEFROSTER WIRING UNDER FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HAD SMOKED AND SMALL FIRE. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. WAS JUST PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY SO I PULLED OF FUSE BOX COVER TO DISCOVER IT. WIRES MELTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019148
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10861949

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

26 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2025-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661665
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED TO TURN AS THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE WHEELS LOCKED UP CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308735
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH FROM A RESIDENTIAL STREET TO AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271533

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt buckle latch failure

SEAT BELTS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2020-05

“THE RECEIVING SEAT BELT CONNECTOR COUPLING DEVICE AT THE BASE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT SECURE THE SEAT BELT MALE END. THE RED BUTTON THE NORMALLY FLUSH WITH THE TOP OF THE RECEIVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11324299
“REAR SEAT SEAT BELT WONT LATCH- PASSENGERS ARE AT RISK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10970742
“THE DRIVER SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SAYS OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10762264

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

609 crashes 1990–2024

How the 609 occupant deaths break down

431

driver deaths

177

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

609

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2005 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

59

complaints mentioning a crash

22

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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