According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Reduced Engine Power / Service StabiliTrak from Throttle Body Failure ($100-$450 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2006-2016 Chevrolet Impala, impalas frequently throw a cluster of warnings at once — 'Engine Power Reduced,' 'Service StabiliTrak,' and 'Service Traction Control' — that are usually one underlying drive-by-wire fault rather than three separate failures. The most common root cause is the electronic throttle body actuator (or the dual throttle-position sensors inside it) going out of range; the accelerator pedal position sensors can also disagree. Because the ECM cross-checks these dual sensors, any disagreement forces the car into limp-home mode with drastically reduced power. Carbon buildup on the throttle plate aggravates it, especially in cold weather.
'Engine Power Reduced' message with limp-home mode
'Service StabiliTrak' and 'Service Traction Control' lights together
Sudden loss of acceleration
Rough or surging idle, worse in cold weather
Intermittent recovery after key cycle
How to Fix
Scan for throttle/pedal DTCs before replacing parts. Start by cleaning the throttle body (a frequent cause, cheap fix). If codes/symptoms persist, replace the electronic throttle body assembly (ACDelco 12670981 fits the 2012-2013 3.6L; verify the correct unit for your engine/year). Some 3.6L applications require a relearn/idle relearn after replacement. If the pedal sensors are at fault, replace the accelerator pedal position sensor assembly.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
On the 2006-2020 Chevrolet Impala, the power window regulators in the 2006-2020 Impala fail frequently, causing windows to fall into the door, move slowly, or stop working entirely. The cable-style regulator uses thin steel cables that fray and break, or the motor gears strip. The driver window is the most commonly affected due to highest usage. In cold weather, ice can bind the window in the channel and burn out the motor when the switch is pressed. Some owners report windows falling into the door with a loud clunk.
Common Symptoms
Window falls into the door suddenly
Window moves slowly or stops partway
Grinding or clicking noise when operating window
Window switch clicks but window does not move
Window operates intermittently
How to Fix
Replace the window regulator assembly ($60-$150 for parts) — always replace the regulator and motor as a unit since the motor is often damaged by a failed regulator. Labor is 1-2 hours per window ($100-$250). The door panel must be removed for access. Buy a quality aftermarket regulator (Dorman is widely available) or OEM ACDelco. In cold weather, never force a frozen window — use the defroster to warm the door seal before attempting to operate the window.
Owner tips & cautions
TipReplace the regulator and motor as a complete assembly. The motor is often damaged by a failed regulator, and replacing just the regulator with a worn motor means you will be doing the job again soon.
On the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Impala, the 2014-2020 Impala uses an electric power steering system with a motor mounted on the steering column. The motor can fail, causing loss of power steering assist (steering becomes very heavy). The steering control module can also lose communication, triggering warnings. GM issued a recall for some model years.
Common Symptoms
POWER STEERING or SERVICE STEERING warning
Steering suddenly becomes heavy
Intermittent power steering assist
Clunking noise from steering column
How to Fix
Replace the electric power steering motor/column assembly. Remanufactured units available from Cardone. Recall coverage may apply - check with dealer.
Owner tips & cautions
TipCheck if your VIN is covered under the EPS recall before paying for repair
On the 2006-2020 Chevrolet Impala, the intermediate steering shaft on the 2006-2020 Impala develops a clunk or pop felt through the steering wheel when turning, especially at low speeds and when going over bumps. The intermediate shaft connects the steering column to the steering gear and uses a slip joint that loses its lubrication over time, causing a binding and releasing action that creates the clunk. The noise is most noticeable when turning while going over speed bumps or entering driveways. GM issued TSB 08-02-32-007 for this issue.
The intermediate shaft can be temporarily improved by injecting lithium grease into the slip joint through a small hole drilled in the shaft boot. The permanent fix is replacement of the intermediate steering shaft with the updated GM design ($150-$300 for parts, $100-$200 labor). The updated shaft has improved lubrication retention. Some owners apply grease every 6-12 months as a cheaper maintenance approach rather than full replacement.
Owner tips & cautions
TipBefore paying for a new intermediate shaft, try injecting white lithium grease into the slip joint. Pull back the rubber boot, inject grease, and work the shaft back and forth. This fixes the clunk for 6-12 months and costs $5.
On the 2006-2016 Chevrolet Impala, a repetitive clicking or knocking sound from behind the dash — often constant, sometimes only when the car is running or turned off — is a classic Impala blend door actuator failure. The plastic gears inside the small actuator motor strip out, so the actuator can no longer position the blend door. On dual-zone systems there are separate left and right actuators; a stuck door means one side blows hot while the other blows cold, or the temperature won't respond to the setting.
Locate the clicking actuator (temperature/blend, mode, or recirc — the Dorman 604-108 covers common Impala blend-door applications). Replace the failed actuator; pulling its fuse only silences the clicking temporarily and is not a fix. Many Impala actuators self-calibrate on install: set temperature to full hot or cold, reconnect the battery, cycle the key on, and let the motors auto-calibrate.
Medium ConfidenceVerified0 reportsReviewed Jul 2026
NHTSA Recalls1 recall
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
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.
Campaign #18V57600030/08/2018
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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What are the most common Chevrolet Impala problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Reduced Engine Power / Service StabiliTrak from Throttle Body Failure, Electric Power Steering Assist Motor Failure, Steering Intermediate Shaft Clunk. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Impala reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Impala has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Reduced Engine Power / Service StabiliTrak from Throttle Body Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Impala problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Impala issues range from $30 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Reduced Engine Power / Service StabiliTrak from Throttle Body Failure, typically costs $100-$450 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2006-2016 Chevrolet Impala Reduced Engine Power / Service StabiliTrak from Throttle Body Failure?
Impalas frequently throw a cluster of warnings at once — 'Engine Power Reduced,' 'Service StabiliTrak,' and 'Service Traction Control' — that are usually one underlying drive-by-wire fault rather than three separate failures. The most common root cause is the electronic throttle… Repairs typically run $100-$450. Severity: high.
What is the 2014-2020 Chevrolet Impala Electric Power Steering Assist Motor Failure?
The 2014-2020 Impala uses an electric power steering system with a motor mounted on the steering column. The motor can fail, causing loss of power steering assist (steering becomes very heavy). The steering control module can also lose communication, triggering warnings. GM issue… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2020 Chevrolet Impala Steering Intermediate Shaft Clunk?
The intermediate steering shaft on the 2006-2020 Impala develops a clunk or pop felt through the steering wheel when turning, especially at low speeds and when going over bumps. The intermediate shaft connects the steering column to the steering gear and uses a slip joint that lo… Repairs typically run $30-$500. Severity: low.
What is the 2006-2020 Chevrolet Impala Power Window Regulator and Motor Failure?
The power window regulators in the 2006-2020 Impala fail frequently, causing windows to fall into the door, move slowly, or stop working entirely. The cable-style regulator uses thin steel cables that fray and break, or the motor gears strip. The driver window is the most commonl… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2006-2016 Chevrolet Impala HVAC Blend Door Actuator Clicking and Uneven Cabin Temperature?
A repetitive clicking or knocking sound from behind the dash — often constant, sometimes only when the car is running or turned off — is a classic Impala blend door actuator failure. The plastic gears inside the small actuator motor strip out, so the actuator can no longer positi… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
