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2013 Chevrolet Impala Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Chevrolet Impala carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering ignition. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “StabiliTrak/traction control warning, reduced power.” 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.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #14V355000 · Jun 23, 2014

Issue: 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 DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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 may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Chevrolet Impala.

Reported to NHTSA

StabiliTrak/traction control warning, reduced power

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

92 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2020-09

“STABILTRAK ABS TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ALL COME ON VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND POWER IS REDUCED. RESEARCHED AND FOUND 100'S OF REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE IMPALA AND SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN THE LIGHT TRUCK AND SUV MODELS. FIX IS RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE IF YOUR MECHANICALLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11354544
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ELECTRONIC STABILI-TRAC WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE JERKED AND SHUDDERED WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE ALSO RECURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350200
“STABILITY CONTROL NEEDS SERVICE. ESTIMATED REPAIR 251 MILES AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED WAS $270.00, AND BECAME $335.00. CERTIFIED LETTER SENT TO GM ON NOV 14 RECEIPT ACKNOWLEDGED BY REP SHANAY, AND VERBALLY ACKNOWLEDGED BY SAME TWO DAYS LATER WHEN SHE CALLED ME. WAITED SIX WEEKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816786

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel lock-up and grinding noise on turns

STEERING

15 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2020-02

“WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURN LEFTMOST OR RIGHTMOST AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE, YOU CAN'T TURN ON THE IGNITION BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL IS STUCK. WITHOUT REMOTE START, MY CAR WILL ALWAYS BE STUCK ON THE SIDEWAY OF A SLOPE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10851069
“I ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON MY VEHICLE WHILE IN THE PARKED POSITION THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN AND THE WHEEL WAS IN THE LOCKED POSITIION. MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPS TO TRY AND TURN THE KEY WITH NEGATIVE RESULTS. HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND A FEW DIFFENT MECHANICS ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233001
“MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307264

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Low-beam headlight failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2026-09

“LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT EVERY 2 WEEKS, NOT BLOWING BULBS JUST STOPS WORKING. HAVE CLEANED CONNECTORS SEVERAL TIMES, WORE GLOVES WHEN CHANGING BULB AND CHECKED FUSE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11329147
“2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POOR PERFORMANCE OF VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT FRONT SIDE LOW BEAM WAS NOT LIGHTING. THE BULB WAS REPLACED. *JS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207753

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failed to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2025-07

“I have driving on highway [XXX] heading back home to yucca valley from oceanside driving in the left lane my steering wheel locked up my vehicle swerved let into a street sign and thr vehicle proceeded to turn right swerving on the road losing control of the vehicle my airbag”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674400
“THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN I WAS THE MIDDLE CAR IN A THREE CAR COLLISSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291350
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 72 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT NODDED OFF AND CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER TWICE AND LANDED UPRIGHT ON ITS WHEELS. ALL OF THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11252847

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission stall and hesitation during acceleration

POWER TRAIN

16 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2024-04

“MY 2013 IMPALA LTZ WILL SUDDENLY DECELERATE TO AROUND 35 MPH AND HESITATE WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS. THREE MESSAGES POP UP, "TRACTION CONTROL OFF", "ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED" AND "SERVICE STABILITRAK". THIS HAPPENED TO ME A FEW MONTHS AGO AND I BROUGHT IT RIGHT IN TO GLOBAL CHEVY IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10826073
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER RESTARTING,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876221
“DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR SMOOTHLY. I CAN FEEL A JERK WHEN TRANSMISSION CHANGES GEARS. THERE IS A DELAYED RESPONSE WHEN WHEN EXCELERATING FROM A STANDSTILL. THIS VEHICLE HAD 36000 MILES WHEN WE NOTICED THE PROBLEM 4 MONTHS AGO. PROBLEM CODE P0989 SHOWN WHEN RECENTLY CHECKED BY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11246315

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wiring harness fault causing electrical shutdown

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2023-04

“WIRING HARNESS IS DEFECTIVE AND FRICTION CAUSES ELECTRICAL MISFIRES THAT AFFECT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, FROM DEACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING TO NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN OVER THE ENGINE TO START. I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE FOR OVER 4 YEARS AND GM NOR ANY SAFETY COMMISSION WILL DO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11396968
“MY CAR BASICALLY JUST CUTS OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING ALL KINDS OF SIGNS KEEP POPPING UP ON THE DASH THEN THEY'LL GO AWAY. IT HAS TOLD BE TO SERVICE MY STABILITY TRACK AND I WENT TO GET SERVICE AND THE PEOPLE SAY THAT'S NOT A PROBLEM AND THEY HAVE BUT IT ON THE MACHINE AND IT SAYS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860477
“FAULTY WIRING HARNESS FOR THE STABLE LINK SYSTEM FRONT DRIVER SIDE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON ALONG WITH THE STABLE LINK SYSTEM AND LOSE POWER TO THE ENGINE AND SHUT DOWN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11343123

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

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

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: 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)

186 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2013 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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