The Lemon Index2008 Chevrolet Impala.
The 2008 Chevrolet Impala is better than average by owner complaints: 184 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 70, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about suspension, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 19 to 22 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Impala year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 810 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Chevrolet Impala year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 43K to 105K miles on the car (663 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 60K–115K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 70K–121K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 22K–74K miles
Recalls 2
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may caus.
- suspension 2012
This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1003 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Ei07082 - power steering fluid leaking from power steering gear/rack assembly
- Ei07162 - steering clunk noise felt, heard from steering column
- Service update for inventory vehicles only--intermediate steering shaft clunk - expires april…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPassenger air bag ocs algorithm2014–2017
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Had several tires wear out prematurely on the Impala in the first year and have had to pay for constant alignments ever since. Isn't there a law suit regarding this issue?
2008 Chevrolet Impala owner · NHTSA complaint 10425915
More owner reports
2008 Chevrolet Impala. Consumer states rear tire spindle rod problem
NHTSA complaint 10417531
2008 Chevrolet Impala. Consumer states severe problem with tires
NHTSA complaint 10415926
Quick answers
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 70; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Impala year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2008 Chevrolet Impala problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are suspension (34%), steering (12%) and tires (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Impala problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 43,000 and 105,000 miles. The middle report was at 70,000 miles, from 663 complaints.
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Impala year is better than the 2008?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2010 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works