Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala a bad year?
524 owner complaints to NHTSA. Transmission complaints: 108, 6.8× a quiet Impala year.
Keep it, but watch the transmission
The transmission draws 6.8× the complaints of a quiet Impala year, spread over 58k–123k miles, so there's no single mileage to plan around.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2006 Impala owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 80,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| SteeringSTANDS OUT | 135 (26%) | 35k–96k miles · around this mileage | Steering rack and pinion replacement $700–$2,100 |
| Electrical systemSTANDS OUT | 124 (24%) | 60k–102k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Transmission and drivetrainSTANDS OUT | 108 (21%) | 58k–123k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| EngineSTANDS OUT | 79 (15%) | 58k–136k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Speed controlSTANDS OUT | 41 (8%) | 64k–138k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Air bags | 47 (9%) | 39k–139k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Brakes | 35 (7%) | 26k–94k miles · around this mileage | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Visibility and wipers | 29 (6%) | 48k–99k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Body structure | 25 (5%) | 53k–124k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Fuel system | 20 (4%) | 50k–120k miles · around this mileage | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| Seat belts | 17 (3%) | 55k–132k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Exterior lighting | 11 (2%) | 52k–110k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Wheels | 10 (2%) | 31k–93k miles · around this mileage | Wheel bearing / hub assembly replacement (one wheel) $230–$750 |
| Stability control | 15 (3%) | 97k–148k miles · ahead | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 80,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 524 complaints: 58 mention a crash · 22 mention a fire · 35 report an injury · 8 say the car was towed.
1 complaint was filed in the last 12 months, the newest in Mar 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
While driving home from work received engine reduce power and service traction control light. I was on the freeway going 65MPH when this message came on and lost power to my car.
I just got off the highway and attempted to go through an intersection, when I tried the transmission only revved up, the car did not pick up speed (Very close to becoming an accident).
Seems like a chemical smell like exhaust is coming into the car. Makes you cough. You cant see any smoke . Wondering if the exhaust system has too much back pressure causing extra exhaust to come in the fresh air intake.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 80,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2006 Chevrolet Impala: 2
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. 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.
A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area. A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Chevrolet: 258
Repair instructions Chevrolet sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up
Guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system
Proper way to install the pistons in an engine
Normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal…
NHTSA defect investigations: 1
Power steering fluid leaks - fires
Neighbouring years
2005 Impala: 609 complaints, keep it · 2007 Impala: 626 complaints, keep it, but watch the engine.
Every Chevrolet Impala year
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Questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala a bad year?
524 owner complaints to NHTSA. Transmission complaints: 108, 6.8× a quiet Impala year. At 80,000 miles the tool says: Keep it, but watch the transmission. The transmission draws 6.8× the complaints of a quiet Impala year, spread over 58k–123k miles, so there's no single mileage to plan around.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: steering (135), electrical system (124), transmission and drivetrain (108), engine (79), speed control (41). Half of the transmission complaints were filed between 58k–123k miles.
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Impala have?
2 recall campaigns list this model year: Electrical system (NHTSA 14V-355), Steering (NHTSA 09E005000). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.