Used Car Checklists

2019 Chevrolet Impala: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, airbags, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Chevrolet Impala2019
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
1
Crashes reported
4
4 injuries
Reliability
Good
79/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2019 Chevrolet Impala. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other Impala years with the same design

These years share the 2019's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2020 Impala

15 owner complaints
  • Steering 3
  • Airbags 2
  • Electrical 2

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and on a slow drive; reject heavy steering or a power steering warning.
  • Have the battery load tested, since a weak battery has triggered power steering low-voltage faults.
  • Cruise at a steady highway speed and watch for RPMs dropping while speed rises, lag, lurching, or shaking.
Open the 2020 checklist

2018 Impala

59 owner complaints
  • Transmission 11
  • Electrical 8
  • Steering 7

Worth adding to your 2019 checks

  • Drive in stop-and-go traffic and at highway speed, feeling for slipping, shudder, bucking, or hard shifts in the low gears.
  • Ask for service records showing any transmission replacement, shifter repair, or repeat transmission diagnosis.
  • Run the AC at full cold for the whole test drive and check for warm air, weak airflow, or a chemical smell.
Open the 2018 checklist

Which Impala is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Chevrolet Impala. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.5L 4-cylGasFWD25 mpg
3.6L 6-cylGasFWD22 mpg
3.6L 6-cylFlex fuelFWD22 mpg
  • The 2019 Chevrolet Impala was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Impala that averages well under the EPA 22 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Impala, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Electrical71 crash

    Electrical faults show up in several unrelated forms. The heated steering wheel quits because its fuse keeps blowing, and in one case it failed again a day after the dealer replaced the heater module. Other reports describe the passenger blind spot light staying on with no car nearby, the AC compressor losing power and blowing hot air at 52,000 miles, and all audio, including turn signal sounds, cutting out repeatedly. One crash report describes a stall and then weak braking, with the ABS, power steering, and stability control warnings lit.

  • Airbags53 crashes

    Nothing deploys in several serious crashes. Three crash reports describe no deployment, including deer strikes at highway speed and a rollover into a tree that left three people injured. In one deer strike the air bag warning lights came on, but the bags still stayed put, and in another the car was totaled. The other complaints describe a passenger air bag warning light that stays lit, and a passenger air bag that switches off with someone seated. That second report blames a seat sensor rubbing against the seat frame.

  • Transmission4No crashes

    Transmission and drivability faults lead this category. Reports describe a torque converter shudder that continued after service and ended in a full transmission replacement costing $5870.68. Another failure shows a "Shift to Park" message while the car is already in Park, so the car will not turn off without disconnecting the battery. It happens repeatedly, and the dealer did not diagnose it. Other owners describe jerking under acceleration, and a check engine light with reduced engine power that limited speed to 35 mph after rain.

  • Steering3No crashes

    Power steering cuts out while driving. Sometimes it is part of a full shutdown of the engine and electrical system while leaving a freeway or waiting at a light, with repeat stalls reported by 35,736 miles. Other reports describe a "Power Steering Failure" warning at 65 mph, and steering that locks up on curves before failing completely. Restarting the car often brings power assist back for a while. Diagnosis can be costly, with repeated dealer diagnostic fees reported. Losing assist at speed is a loss-of-control risk.

  • Suspension3No crashes

    A clinking noise from the rear near a tire and a persistent shake are the common symptoms. In one report the shake got worse even after the dealer replaced the front strut assemblies, and the car jerks roughly when the parking brake releases on its own after sitting. At about 129,000 miles, one car skidded during a left turn with a fractured driver's side sway bar and failed brake parts, and no warning lights came on.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints Impala owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Electrical
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.

Filed with NHTSA, June 2023

Airbags
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 has not been subject to any inspection. I do not recall the specific warning message displayed on the dashboard.

Filed with NHTSA, June 2026

Transmission
Jerking while picking up speed, key fob keep saying not detected, Radio feature work but stuck to basic screen I guess electrical problem Brakes is very rough not sure

Filed with NHTSA, January 2026

How the 2019 compares with other Impala years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2019 ranks second for owner complaints among 3 Impala years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2019 Average of other years
  • Electrical75
  • Airbags54
  • Transmission46
  • Steering35
  • Suspension30

Where the 2019 fits in the Impala's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2019 is the 14th model year of the Impala's ninth generation (2006–2020).

It includes the 2012 update.

What changed for 2012

  • Slight exterior refresh with new design features.

Recalls to confirm (1)

Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 18V576000BrakesAug 2018

    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.

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