2008 Chevrolet Impala recalls and problems

The 2008 Chevrolet Impala has 2 safety recalls and 810 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
810
Crashes / fires
51 / 10
Injuries / deaths
44 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Chevrolet Impala recalls

Recall 14V-355: Electrical System

Reported Jun 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: 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. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Recall 12V-377: Suspension

Reported Aug 3, 2012 · 36,413 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

2008 Chevrolet Impala problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System225
Engine134
Suspension118
Steering95
Vehicle Speed Control93
Power Train92
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)58
Air Bags50
Latches/Locks/Linkages48
Unknown or Other41
Tires36
Wheels31

Most reported parts

  • Suspension › Rear — 35
  • Structure › Body — 19
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 8
  • Structure › Body › Door — 7
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 5
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 5
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 5
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Chevrolet Impala complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 150,000 miles · reported Dec 13, 2024
The contact owned a 2008 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH while in cruise control, a group of birds flew out from under a ditch which caused the contact to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. As a result of the incident, the contact crashed into the ditch. The air bags did not deploy upon impact which caused the contact's face to hit the steering wheel. The contact was later transported to the hospital via an ambulance where she was treated for a concussion. Additionally, the contact suffered several cuts and bruises to her face with additional bruising to…
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness · reported Nov 6, 2024
This is 1 of 2 car seats that we have, both with the same issue. The pull strap that is used to tighten the shoulder straps to secure the child in appropriately is not functioning properly. You can not pull the shoulder straps to the tightness that is required for the child to be secured properly. This is a huge safety risk to my children when we are not able to tighten them correctly. I had the car seat looked at by CPST [XXX XXX] with the City of Waite Park, and there is no user error, the straps aren't pinched anywhere. She herself was having a operating the car seat and advised us to stop…
Tires · reported Aug 6, 2024
Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H- Car started shaking violently while I was driving it- seemed to be coming from rear tire. Limped it home, removed driver side rear tire, and noticed substantial bulge where tread was separating. Replaced tire with another brand. Several months later, same thing happened, and removed the remaining Starfire Solarus AS All-Season 225/60R16 98H tire, the passenger side rear tire, and noticed same defect. I bought both tires Mar 15, 2021 on Amazon, but have driven car very little. Unfortunately the shop that installed them didn't note mileage on receipt…
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 14, 2024
Dash cover crumbled and falling apart. Even though I have kept it cool and covered with a condition. It's falling down into my car fan for heating and cooling
Power Train · reported Feb 28, 2024
At a complete stop, press the gas to go and the car will not go. Kind of like its struggling to catch gear and then all of a sudden it with catch jerk hard. That's an issue for a few reasons. If you have to pull out for somewhere that traffic doesn't stop or yield, and the car is barley rolling trying to catch gear, there's the risk of getting hit. When the gear catches, and the jerk happened it's not a small jerk, i feel it's a safety hassard to small children. When my son was 4 months old it started and it jerked him pretty hard. My mother in law is the original owner and had it checked…

Other Chevrolet Impala years

Compare all Chevrolet Impala years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala: 14V-355 (electrical system), 12V-377 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Impala?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (225 reports), followed by engine (134). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.