2010 Chevrolet Impala Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Impala years
Typical for this model
54/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Chevrolet Impala year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 31 of its 442 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Service Stabilitrak / reduced engine power warning (136 complaints, median 74,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 442filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,558miles, 349 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Chevrolet Impala (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe a cluster of warning lights — service stabilitrak or traction control, check engine, and a reduced engine power message — that appears while driving and sometimes cuts power. Alongside that, complaints describe the air bag warning light coming on, often tied to the passenger seat sensor, and a range of key and ignition troubles. Many reports come in between roughly 60,000 and 110,000 miles, and a number of owners link their air bag symptoms to recall 16V507000.
- Electronic stability control
Service Stabilitrak / reduced engine power warning
- 136 complaints (31%)
- median 74,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (116 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2025
Complaints describe the service stabilitrak or service traction control message appearing while driving, often together with the check engine light and a reduced engine power message. Owners say the car loses power or cuts speed, and after shutting it off and restarting it sometimes returns to normal until it happens again. Several report the throttle or accelerator pedal position sensor as the diagnosed cause, and some say the condition came back after repairs. Most reports fall between about 26,000 and 110,000 miles, often at highway or steady speeds.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body or accelerator pedal sensor has been replaced, and have a scan tool read stored codes. Test drive at highway speed and note whether any warning lights or power cut occur.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The traction control light and the ABS light came on at the same time and its saying service tractioncontrol system/service stabilatrak system and also service assited brake control system I did some research and I found out this is a common problem with these cars and should be addressed by GM to be fixed at their cost not mine”
NHTSA complaint #11300264, filed 2020-01, 96,918 miles“I was driving my car on the hwy going about 70-75 MPH when it happened to me. The road condition was nice with no signs of water on the highway during the hours of 2 pm, great sunny day. The car jerked on me like the throttle was going down. Afterwards the car jerked again and the traction light notification started to beep and the car idled down and I couldn't increase my speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10618826, filed 2014-08, 32,200 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light / passenger seat sensor
- 95 complaints (21%)
- median 77,500 mi at 6.1 yrs old (70 state mileage)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $700 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2009–2026
Owners describe the service air bag message or air bag warning light coming on, sometimes intermittently and sometimes staying lit. In several cases the passenger air bag on/off indicator switches by itself or the seat sensor is named in the diagnosis, and some say the dealer quoted a seat belt tensioner or seat sensor repair. Several owners raise recall 16V507000, which covers the front passenger presence sensor on this model, but report that their vehicle was not included. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 25,000 to 160,000 miles, with many around 55,000 to 115,000.
Recall 16V507000Recall 10V480000
What to check: Run the VIN through a dealer to confirm whether recall 16V507000 was performed. Turn the key on and confirm the air bag light goes out, then sit a passenger in the front seat and watch whether the passenger air bag indicator stays on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I heard a very loud clicking sound from my parked vehicle. Upon entering, I noticed that the passenger air bag on indicator light was lit. I pressed it in with my finger and the light went from on to off. I drove for a few minutes, then stopped the vehicle and restarted. The passenger air bag light stayed on.”
NHTSA complaint #10790523, filed 2015-11, 75,000 miles“The service airbag system light came on and I was told that this is a dealership only problem and the dealership wants $130.00 just to check it out. Being a safety issue and a dealership fix only problem I feel like I should not have to pay for attention to this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #11300008, filed 2020-01, 79,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, jerking, or failing to move
- 51 complaints (12%)
- median 68,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (44 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $700 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2010–2022
Owners report the transmission jerking or hesitating when pulling away from a stop, slipping, or refusing to move forward in drive while reverse still works. Some describe grinding or metal-on-metal noise and a sudden loss of drive, with the transmission replaced or rebuilt in several cases. A few note the repair did not resolve the shifting problem. Reports range from under 25,000 miles to about 110,000, with several clustered around 48,000 to 68,000.
What to check: Drive the car from a stop and from a roll and feel for hesitation or a hard jerk. Ask for transmission service records, and check the fluid level and condition on a dipstick-equipped car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My transmission went. I drove it one day and the next I get in it start it up put the car in drive and press the accelerator and the car won't move. I then put it in reverse and I could use the accelerator to go backwards. Never had any warning and no lights ever lit up on my dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #10850424, filed 2016-03, 94,000 miles“For the last few months off and on my chevy Impala has starting jerking after taking off even if I barely press the gas pedal. It's like it's stuck in gear when driving not shifting but then it drives normally. I almost got rear ended because after a stop at a light I started to take off but it hesitated and jerked. Have been talking to other chevy Impala owners even some of the previous generations and the same issue has occured with them also. …”
NHTSA complaint #10669438, filed 2015-01, 112,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalling and rough running
- 82 complaints (19%)
- median 70,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (74 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2021
Complaints describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, sometimes with the check engine and traction control lights coming on first, and restarting only after a wait. Some owners report rough idle, misfire, or the secondary air injection check valve failing repeatedly, and a few mention excess oil consumption. Broadly spread from about 26,000 to 190,000 miles, with many around 45,000 to 110,000.
What to check: Check the oil level and ask about oil consumption between changes. Have any stored engine codes read, and ask whether the secondary air injection valve has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I was driving to work my car suddenly lost its traction control,the engine went to have power and the check engine light came on. It happens very fast, and now my car wont go over 40 miles per hour. I research on the internet I see lots of people having this problem so I wanted to report it.”
NHTSA complaint #10670463, filed 2015-01, 72,000 miles“The 2010 Impala was at hwy speeds at approx 65mph. The traction control light came on and the check engine light and the message display was flashing traction control failure. The lights stayed on. It also said engine at reduced speeds . The traction control failed at hwy speeds which left me coasting to reduced speeds and then the car shut off at 20 MPH with no power steering or braking. I was able to coast off the highway into a parking lot off the service road.”
NHTSA complaint #10488094, filed 2012-12, 104,000 miles - Electrical system
Key stuck in ignition / ignition switch trouble
- 53 complaints (12%)
- median 76,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2020
Complaints describe the key not turning back to off or not coming out of the ignition after parking, sometimes with the battery draining when the car sits. Owners mention a shift interlock switch or the ignition switch itself as the diagnosed cause, and some note no-start or stall conditions with the security light on. Several reference recall 14V355000 for the ignition. Scattered from very low mileage up to about 150,000 miles, with many reports around 45,000 to 110,000.
What to check: Check whether recall 14V355000 has been done for the VIN. With the car in park, try turning the key off and removing it several times; also try removing the key with the shifter not fully in park.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car has worked fine scince I bought it with no check engine codes.I pulled into parking space and put car in park,all of a sudden it stalled out and will not crank anymore but has power.key will not come out of ignition and battery will not shut off.the ignition switch is a very common problem with impalas and is very dangerous.it locks people out of there cars,gets stuck in gears,wont let key release,wont start,sets off anti theft signal which cuts power to door locks,trunk,starter,fuelpump,and more.I have read hundreds of forums of this …”
NHTSA complaint #11252572, filed 2019-08, 80,000 miles“My key is stuck in the ignition and will not turn back to the off position so I can get the key out. I have to disconnect my battery to keep the battery from draining completely when not in use and reconnect my battery when I need to drive my car, and I cannot lock my car because of this. I feel this is a safety issue because I could get injured while connecting or disconnecting my battery and I cannot secure my car. The passenger air bag indicator is on. It was not on when I purchased this used car but it came on at approximately 70,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10498320, filed 2013-02, 70,000 miles
Buying note. Have a dealer run the VIN for recalls 16V507000, 14V355000 and 10V480000 before buying, since several of the most common complaints trace back to those campaigns. A scan-tool check for stored engine, transmission and air bag codes plus a highway test drive will surface most of the issues owners describe.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 442 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Impala. 349 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,558 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,186 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 11 Chevrolet Impala model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 54 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system132 30%
- Air bags103 23%
- Engine88 20%
- Vehicle speed control47 11%
- Other or unknown44 10.0%
- Steering42 9.5%
- Brakes30 6.8%
- Suspension18 4.1%
Also reported: Fuel system (17), Seat belts (16), Seats (11), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (11), Body and structure (7), Engine cooling (6), Exterior lighting (6), Tires (6), Equipment (4), Wheels (3), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I have a 2010 chevy Impala and it has the airbag issue which it has a recall but when I call chevy they say michael vehicles not affected even though it's has the same exact is shoes with the passenger seat in the wires as the recall. When I call chevy it only shows one recall for the ignition switch and they want to charge me to fix the airbag issue but there's a recall for servings 2009 and 2010 chevy Impala”
NHTSA complaint #11165640, filed 2019-01, 110,000 milesAir bags: “For some reason throughout the last year my air bag light will stay on for quite awhile then go off and come back on at another time! I noticed there was a recall on air bags and even though it doesn't show a recall for my car I feel there is an issue with my air bags!”
NHTSA complaint #11270226, filed 2019-10, 278,678 milesEngine: “Driving uphill & the service stabiltrak & the serice traction control words came on followed by reduce of engine power & the service engine light & traction control light came on. We could still drive at about 20 MPH uphill & 45-50 on flat roads. We shut the car off 4 about 2 hrs 2 cool down. But then as soon as we headed up a hill it started all over.”
NHTSA complaint #11162366, filed 2018-12, 112,000 milesElectronic stability control: “1 my driver side seat beat will not latch no matter what I have done does it moving or sitting still just will not latch. 2 the read out on my dash say's engine power reduced at times this will come on when started and stay on for short and extended times please help a senior and don't know where to turn”
NHTSA complaint #11057717, filed 2017-12, 107,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 349 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 47,000 and 107,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet Impala. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Chevrolet Impala version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 29 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impala FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 29 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impala FWD | 3.9L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V507000Jul 5, 2016Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Chevrolet Impala 2009–2010
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010. The front passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the passenger presence sensor module.
- 14V355000Jun 23, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Impala 2006–2014, Cadillac Deville 2000–2005, Buick Lucerne 2006–2011 +3 more
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
- 12V377000Aug 3, 2012Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower armCovers: Chevrolet Impala 2008–2012
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
- 10V480000Oct 13, 2010Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Chevrolet Impala 2009–2010
Gm is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 chevrolet impalas for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." the front safety belt webbing may not have been properly secured to…
Recall details for the 2010 Chevrolet Impala → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,186 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Impala
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 54,000 | 0 | 5 | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 28 | 36,338 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2018 | 59 | 40,400 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 117 | 45,500 | 0 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 111 | 55,461 | 0 | 4–5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 300 | 59,523 | 3 | 4–5 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 638 | 60,000 | 12 | 4–5 | 22 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 272 | 54,000 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 258 | 48,500 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 505 | 60,400 | 2 | — | 23 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 442 | 72,558 | 4 | — | 22 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 824 | 75,468 | 5 | — | 22 | 98 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 810 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 22 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 627 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 524 | 74,900 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 609 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,074 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 82,000 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 795 | 78,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 742 | 80,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 818 | 86,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 88 | 40,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 44 | 135,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 15 | 45,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Chevrolet Impala model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Impala?
Owners of this model year most often describe a cluster of warning lights — service stabilitrak or traction control, check engine, and a reduced engine power message — that appears while driving and sometimes cuts power. The issues reported most often: Service Stabilitrak / reduced engine power warning; Air bag warning light / passenger seat sensor; Transmission slipping, jerking, or failing to move.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Chevrolet Impala have?
NHTSA recorded 442 consumer complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Impala as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Chevrolet Impala is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 132 complaints (30% of the total), followed by air bags with 103.
Has the 2010 Chevrolet Impala been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Chevrolet Impala get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Chevrolet Impala (Impala, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Impala reported?
Among the 349 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,558 miles and the middle half falls between 47,000 and 107,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.