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2018 Chevrolet Impala Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2018 Chevrolet Impala carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering caliper. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering assist loss.” 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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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #18V576000 · Aug 30, 2018

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Chevrolet Impala.

Reported to NHTSA

Power steering assist loss

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2026-02

“The contact stated that while attempting to straighten the wheels while in the driveway, the contact discovered that the steering wheel was inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639349
“Power steering suddenly went out when driving without any indication as to why. Took to dealership and very expensive to fix. Only had the car for 6 months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11599577
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REVERSING THE VEHICLE AND PLACING THE GEAR SHIFTER IN DRIVE, THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED AS THE "POWER STEERING, DRIVE WITH CARE" WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363290

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission hard shifting and slipping

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2026-06

“The transmission failed, shifting is no longer smooth. It hesitates and shakes the entire car, and the car slows down to almost a crawl uphill”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746623
“I have a 2018 Chevrolet Premier Impala that has started skipping gears at 1st and 2nd while driving. The vehicle shudders when it changes gears”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450878
“TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ROUGH SHIFT AND BUCKING BACK AND FORTH. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AT LOW SPEEDS AND IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AS WELL AS HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHEN PASSING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11348753

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

AC evaporator core leak

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2026-03

“Due to an issue with my 2018 Chevy Impala - V6 engine, I had to have the AC evaporator core replaced due to a leak (faulty part)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582997
“Ii purchased the car new. at 3 years and 3 months the evaporator core failed dumping the Freon”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456776
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A STRANGE ODOR WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE INTO CABIN OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350213

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera display malfunction

BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2019-05

“I TRADED IN THE 2014 CHEVROLET IMPALA FOR A 2018 AND NOW THERE ARE TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE 2018 IMPALA BACK UP CAMERA SYSTEM. FIRST, IF THERE IS A LIGHT RAIN TO A HEAVY RAIN YOU LOSE 80% TO 90% OF THE CLEAR VISION ON THE MONITOR SCREEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11131040
“FOR THE FIRST 4 OR 5 BACKUPS THE REVERSE CAMERA DISPLAY WORKED PROPERLY. THAT IS IT CAME ON WHEN I SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND WENT OFF WHEN I SHIFTED FORWARD. THEN SUDDENLY IT STAYED ON FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176113
“2018 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PROBLEMS WITH IMAGE CONCERNING THE REARVIEW CAMERA DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11206711

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and sensor malfunction

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-09

“The contact stated that recently, the driver’s side air bag deployed while the vehicle was parked and unattended overnight”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679042
“FREIGHTED: AIRBAG WARNING ON DASH CAME ON, BELLS STARTED MAKING NOSE IN CAR AND GOT ONSTAR ALERT THAT AIRBAG MALFUNCTION TO GET IT TO DEALERSHIP ASAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340332
“WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11123238

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake failure resulting in collision

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2025-08

“THE CAR WAS STOPPED ON A PARKING LOT EXIT RAMP. WHEN THE CAR AHEAD OF ME MOVED FORWARD I TOOK MY FOOT OF OF THE BRAKE SO I COULD MOVE FORWARD. WHEN I APPLIED THE BREAK TO STOP, THE BREAKS DID NOT WORK AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281643
“OCTOBER 10TH, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS LITERALLY AN ENTIRE CAR LENGTH BACK DRIVING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AT 50-55 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP ON THE FREEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268273
“I WAS DRIVING AND LADY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT RAIL ROAD TRACK AND I COULDN'T STOP I RAN INTO THE BACK OF HER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11235345

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Reduced engine power warning with stall

ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2022-08

“When driving on the highway at full speed my car suddenly loses power almost causing me to be hit from behind. I then get a Reduced Engine Power warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458634
“STABILITRACK AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME WITH A MESSAGE THAT SAID, 'ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED'. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11152371
“While driving from work the car did a quick jerk and the STABILITRAK, ABS AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON ALL AT ONCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477959

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)

55 crashes 1990–2024

How the 55 occupant deaths break down

40

driver deaths

15

passenger deaths

55

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2018 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.

6

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 2018 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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