2019 Chevrolet Impala Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Chevrolet Impala carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering caliper. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Blind spot monitor triggering false alarms.” 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

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 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Chevrolet Impala.

Reported to NHTSA

Blind spot monitor triggering false alarms

LANE DEPARTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2025-08

Blind spot detector is causing the driver interface to display false alarms
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678231
Passenger side Blind Spot monitoring light consistently stays on even when no cars are next to me. Dangerous specially on the freeway. Took it to dealership said it wasnt covered. Notice the samething happening to alot of the Impala online. Please help
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526337

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AC compressor failing prematurely

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-06

The compressor is not on the recall list but for a 2019 to have it failed requiring a new one not even close to the expected 10-12 year mark. This car part can lead to other safety concerns so I believe needs review for a potential recall
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557381
THE 2019 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. NOW THE AC COMPRESSOR NOT GETTING ANY POWER TO IT. THE COMPRESSOR JUST START BLOWING OUT HOT AIR. THE CAR HAD 34,428 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY PUT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360008

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Heated steering wheel fuse blowing repeatedly

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2020-12

MY 2019 IMPALA IS EQUIPPED WITH HEATED STEERING WHEEL, IN THE PAST WEEK IT STOPPED WORKING, ONLY TO DISCOVER IT HAD A BLOWN FUSE. I CHANGED THE FUSE ONLY TO HAVE IT BLOWN A SECOND TIME. AT THIS POINT I REALIZED SOMETHING MORE INVOLVED WAS WRONG, TOOK CAR TO
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11385794
MY CAR IS EQUIPPED W/A HEATED STEERING WHEEL. ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON ONE COLD MORNING ONLY TO DISCOVER IT WAS NOT WORKING. CHECKED THE MANUAL TO LOCATE FUSE BOX FOUND FUSE WAS BLOWN, REPLACED FUSE STARTED CAR UP TO CHECK HEATED STEERING WHEEL & NOTHING. AGAIN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11385049

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Airbags failing to deploy in a collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2021-01

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2019 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH TO SWITCH LANES TO THE RIGHT LANE, ANOTHER DRIVER IN THE LEFT LANE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE OTHER WAY HOWEVER THE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11232471
I WAS ON GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AND HIT A DEER , ALL THE SMOKE CAME OUT BUT MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND MY CAR WAS TOTALLED. I'M GETTING NO RESPONSE FROM DEALER OR ANYBODY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390118

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Power steering failure warning while driving

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2025-06

WHILE DRIVING @ 65 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYED : " POWER STEERING FAILURE, DRIVE VEHICLE WITH CAUTION ". CHANGED LANES AS AN INITIAL TEST AND CONFIRMED POWER STEERING WAS UNAVAILABLE. UNKNOWN CAUSE FOR POWER STEERING LOSS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350913
Last summer I was experiencing intermittent issues where the vehicle seemed to have a mind of its own while I was cruising. The steering wheel would randomly lock up as if it was forcing me to go straight on a curved road for example. It would happen a couple
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665228

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Sudden loss of power or reduced power while driving

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2021-07

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RECENTLY CAME ON, CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND TURNED OFF DURING AS I TURNED RIGHT AT A LIGHT, HAD ONSTAR RUN DIAGNOSTICS, CODE INVOLVED THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM, WAS ADVISED TO FILL UP WITH HIGH QUALITY FUEL, AND DRIVE WITH THE GAS CAP OFF TO
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11387008
It started raining and then I received a check engine light and reduced engine power light. I was unable to accelerate over 35 mph
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11426568

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Passenger seat sensor causing false airbag warning

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2026-02 → 2026-06

No one sits in the passenger seat 99% of the time. The passenger airbag warning light is illuminated, and I am uncertain about its proper deployment in a critical situation. The issue remains unverified by a dealership or any other individual. The component
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747462
Airbags turn off when passenger is seated due to an issue with the sensor in the seat that rubs against the seat frame
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716218

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

35 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.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 2019 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.