2016 Chevrolet Impala Safety Report

2016 Chevrolet Impala: Excellent Crash Test Scores, but Notable Consumer Complaints on Steering, Airbags, and Powertrain.

109Complaints
0Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
8Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
10Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (11)Air Bags (10)Steering (9)Power Train (5)Electrical System (5)Engine (4)Exterior Lighting (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Electrical System,Engine (3)Tires (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, the vehicle has accumulated 109 consumer complaints. A significant concern is the 8 reported crashes and 10 injuries, with 3 fire incidents, despite zero reported fatalities. The absence of any recalls for this model year is notable, suggesting that while individual component failures are reported, they haven't reached a threshold for manufacturer-issued safety campaigns. Common complaint patterns reveal issues across several critical systems. 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' accounts for the highest number of complaints (11), followed closely by 'AIR BAGS' (10) and 'STEERING' (9). Specific complaints highlight power steering failures, airbag warning lights indicating malfunctions, and transmission issues such as 'losing gearing' or 'failure' at relatively low mileages (e.g., 101,000 miles). Electrical system glitches, including radio malfunctions affecting warning systems and intermittent starting problems, also appear. The high crash test ratings provide a strong foundation for occupant protection in the event of a collision. However, the recurring complaints about steering loss, transmission problems, and airbag malfunctions raise questions about the vehicle's active safety and reliability in preventing accidents or ensuring proper restraint system deployment. The 'POWER TRAIN' and 'ENGINE' categories, with 5 and 4 complaints respectively, further underscore potential mechanical vulnerabilities that could impact safe operation. In summary, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala performs exceptionally well in controlled crash tests, indicating good passive safety. However, the volume and nature of consumer complaints, particularly concerning steering, airbags, and powertrain, suggest potential reliability and active safety issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The lack of recalls means these issues have not been addressed by the manufacturer on a widespread basis.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Power Steering Failure
Multiple reports of complete power steering loss while driving, making the vehicle difficult to steer, especially at speed or on winding roads.		 High Common variable miles
Airbag System Malfunction
Airbag warning lights illuminating, indicating potential issues with the airbag system, including non-deployment in crashes.		 High Common variable miles
Transmission Problems
Reports of transmission 'losing gearing' between 25-35 mph, revving, and complete transmission failure.		 High Occasional 25000-101000 miles
Electrical System Glitches
Issues include radio/sound system malfunctioning (intermittent on/off, no sound), affecting audible safety warnings, and intermittent starting problems.		 Medium Occasional variable miles
Trunk Water Leaks
Water leaking into the trunk, leading to flooding and damage to components like amplifiers.		 Medium Occasional variable miles
Evaporator Core Icing/Leak
Design fault causing evaporator core failure, leading to freon leaks and inoperative air conditioning.		 Medium Occasional variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Chevrolet Impala:

Unknown Or Other 10% of complaints

A significant portion of complaints fall into a general or unspecified category, indicating various minor or unique issues.

Air Bags 9% of complaints

Frequent reports of airbag warning lights and concerns about system functionality, including non-deployment in crashes.

Steering 8% of complaints

Multiple instances of power steering failure, making the vehicle difficult and unsafe to control.

Power Train 4% of complaints

Issues related to the transmission, including 'losing gearing' and complete failure.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

Problems ranging from radio malfunctions affecting safety warnings to intermittent starting issues.

Engine 3% of complaints

Reports of check engine lights, dark blue smoke from exhaust, and loss of engine power while driving.

Exterior Lighting 3% of complaints

Complaints about poor visibility at night due to inadequate exterior lighting.

Fuel/Propulsion System 2% of complaints

Issues such as the car randomly shutting off while waiting at a light and difficulty restarting.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Chevrolet Impala

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Impala safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Chevrolet Impala received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover), indicating strong passive safety. However, 109 consumer complaints, including 8 crashes and 10 injuries, highlight concerns with active safety components like steering and airbags, which have not been subject to recalls.

What are common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?

The most reported issues for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala include power steering failure (9 complaints), airbag system malfunctions (10 complaints), and transmission problems (5 complaints under 'POWER TRAIN'). Electrical system glitches and water leaks in the trunk are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala?

No, according to NHTSA data, there are no recalls issued for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala.

How does the 2016 Impala perform in crash tests?

The 2016 Chevrolet Impala performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars for both frontal and side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the steering issues?

Yes, the 9 complaints specifically about steering, including reports of complete power steering loss while driving, are a significant safety concern. This issue could severely impair control of the vehicle, especially at higher speeds or in critical situations.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2016 Chevrolet Impala offers strong crash protection, prospective buyers should be aware of recurring consumer complaints regarding power steering, airbag systems, and transmission issues. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Chevrolet Impala

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The data includes 109 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Chevrolet Impala an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.