The 2008 Chevrolet Impala has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 3,178,144 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 1,203 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
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…
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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…
SUSPENSION12V3770002012-08-0336,413 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
214
5crashes6fires4injuries
ENGINE
134
3crashes4injuries
STEERING
90
3crashes1fires2injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
88
4crashes1fires3injuries
POWER TRAIN
85
5crashes6injuries
SUSPENSION
78
6crashes1fires2injuries
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
58
2crashes1injuries
AIR BAGS
50
31crashes1fires29injuries1deaths
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
43
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
41
3crashes3injuries
Total complaints1,203
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“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.…”
“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,…”
“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”
“The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.”
“The key gets stuck and I can't remove the key; I can't take the key out and then the battery drains and car is dead.”
“The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on august 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured pcs and cervical sprain”
“The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on august 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured pcs and cervical sprain”
Defect investigations
InvestigationDP14001 Opened 2014-07-22 · closed 2017-03-07
Passenger Air Bag OCS Algorithm
The Agency received a petition on November 14, 2013 requesting an investigation into the operation of the passenger air bag Occupant Classification System (OCS) software logic and algorithm.The petitioner states that due to this alleged defect, the passenger air bag may be suppressed at point of impact and not…
InvestigationDP14001 Opened 2014-07-22 · closed 2017-03-07
Passenger Air Bag OCS Algorithm
The Agency received a petition on November 14, 2013 requesting an investigation into the operation of the passenger air bag Occupant Classification System (OCS) software logic and algorithm.The petitioner states that due to this alleged defect, the passenger air bag may be suppressed at point of impact and not…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.