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2016 Chevrolet Impala Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Side blind zone detection module 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 2016 Chevrolet Impala.

Reported to NHTSA

Side blind zone detection module failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LANE DEPARTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2024-06

“side detection fault. this is an acknowledged problem by GM but they will not fix my car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494389
“SIDE DETECTION FAILURE. MANY OTHER MODELS 2014-2017 ARE COVERED UNDER GM N172097060 - SPECIAL COVERAGE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT MODULE WATER INTRUSION. OUR 2016 IS NOT, BUT DOES HAVE THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377926
“SIDE DETECTION MODULE IS FAILING. I RESEARCHED AFTER MY DASHBOARD WON'T TURN ON, AND AFTER READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER IMPALA OWNERS, IT IS DUE TO THE SIDE DETECTION MODULES NOT WORKING PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11210103

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion into trunk

STRUCTURE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2024-03

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that he noticed that there was water leaking inside the trunk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that water was leaking through both sides of the trunk lid”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574892
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR TAILLIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK AND THE INSIDE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED WATER INTRUSION IN THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11354956
“THE ENTIRE TRUNK FILLS WITH WATER WHEN IT RAINS. IT SITS ON THE SPARE TIRE AND WILL EVENTUALLY ROT OUT THE TIRE AND TRUNK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11133273

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Evaporator core leak and air conditioning failure

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2025-01

“2016 Chevy Impala with 3.6L V6 has a design fault that causes failure of the evaporator core including leak of freon and inoperative Air Conditioning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463524
“MY AIR CONDITION BLOWING HOT AIR COST 1700.00 TO REPAIR MY CAR IS A 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA THEY SAY THE DASH HAS TO COME OUT TO REPLACE PART THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11338513
“My vin should have been included in this: N182186881-01 - Special Coverage Evaporator Core Icing, Leak Revised Warranty section I have had the issue for many years due to not receiving the notice. The car leaks, hisses, smokes and does not cool at all”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639809

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss while driving

STEERING

14 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2024-11

“I was driving and entering [XXX] at [XXX] when my power steering went completely out! I was unable to steer my vehicle at all and was on a windy road with my children in the vehicle! I pulled to the side of the road!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627748
“While driving home from work on the highway, the power steering failed and the steering wheel became very physical to actuate. The DIC indicated the warning for power steering off. The failure occurred simultaneously with the warning indication with no prior warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428750
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving out of a parking space, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver and she heard an abnormal clinking sound coming from the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424089

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure and erratic shifting

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-06

“Between 25mph and 35mph transmission will " lose " gearing and start revving when I'm stuck in traffic, causing a safety concern/risk. Have to stop the car completely and let her cool down below half operating temp for the transmission to rekick into gear”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696147
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11342089
“MY VEHICLE ONLY HAVING 58,000 MILES WITHOUT NOTICE OR ANY WARNINGS BEGAN TO STALL AND WOULD NOT GO PAST 30 MPH. LATER I ATTEMPTED TO PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND IT HAD NO REVERSE WHAT SO EVER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318710

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and sensor faults

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2022-12

“I recently purchased this car, and the airbag warning light will not turn off. Meaning, something is wrong with the airbags”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498112
“AIRBAG MAINTENANCE LIGHT WENT ON, WHILE DRIVING. DEALER INSPECTED AND INDICATED IT WAS A FAULTY SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE THAT DOES RECOGNIZE IF THEIR IS A PERSON OCCUPYING THE SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340867
“AIR BAG LIGHT GOES AND OFF ON THE DASH. I HAD IT SCANNEDC AT AUTOZONE AND THE OBD READER SHOWS "DRIVER SEAT BELT ANCHOR PRETENSIONER DEPLOYMENT LOOP, SHORT TO GROUND "”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207124

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2021-10

“Electrical glitches and full loss of engine power wile driving. Dealer don’t know how to fix it. Very unsafe to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436003
“MY CAR JUST STOPS ON MY WHILE I'M WAITING AT A LIGHT.CAR JUST SHUTS OFF RANDOMLY AND IT DOESN'T TURN ON RIGHT AWAY AFTER I PUT GAS CAR SHAKES AND HAVE TO PRESS GAS ALL THE WAY DOWN TO TURN BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11400080
“VEHICLE SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO STAR(YOU TURN THE KEY TO START AND IT DOES NOTHING ) ALSO WHEN CAR GOES ON AUTO STOP AND COMES OFF AUTO STOP IT CLUNKS LIKE IF THE CAR HAD BAD MOTOR MOUNTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11020091

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)

71 crashes 1990–2024

How the 71 occupant deaths break down

48

driver deaths

23

passenger deaths

71

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2015 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.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

4

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 2016 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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