Model year report

2006 Chevrolet Impala: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala

On the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, the failure owners report most often is other steering problem, and the reports cluster around 70,000 miles. The earliest to appear is water pump failure, reported by a median of 35,000 miles. Overall it scores 70 out of 100, high risk for a 2006.

High risk for a 2006 — 127th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. 803 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

The failures owners actually file about

Owners have reported 66 named failure modes on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, and the three most-reported carry 27% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.

Other steering problem leads with 75 reports, about 1.1 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 40k to 117,500 miles.

Other powertrain problem follows with 72 reports, usually reported between 58k to 127,500 miles. 2 of those reports mention a fire.

Other electrical problem follows with 70 reports, usually reported between 52k to 97,500 miles. 6 of those reports mention a fire.

By system, the reports fall mostly into steering (131), electrical (119) and transmission (105).

The mileage the reports cluster at

617 of the reports on the 2006 Chevrolet Impala came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 77,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 30% by 50,000 miles, 65% by 100,000 miles and 87% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 15 filed above the top of the chart.

21% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: water pump failure around 37k, loss of power steering around 40k, other wheel or tire problem around 42k and steering rack, gear or tie rod failure around 44k.

Median

Other steering problem

71k
Other powertrain problem

86k
Other electrical problem

85k
Other engine problem

103k
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure

44k
Water pump failure

37k
Other body or interior problem

91k
Other speed control problem

98k
Other wheel or tire problem

42k
No-start or intermittent start failure

97k
Complete transmission failure

90k
Seat belt or retractor failure

126k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 66. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 77k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 15 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

How bad it is when it goes

Across the named modes, 68 mention a crash, 35 a fire, 33 an injury and 1 a fatality. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.93, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other steering problem at $350–$2,400, other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500, other electrical problem at $250–$2,000 and other engine problem at $300–$4,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

30% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other steering problem	steering	75	62	40k	71k	118k	1.1	$350–$2,400	High
Other powertrain problem	transmission	72	63	58k	86k	129k	1.0	$400–$4,500	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	70	40	52k	85k	98k	1.0	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Other engine problem	engine	43	37	60k	103k	140k	0.6	$300–$4,000	High
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	33	31	15k	44k	73k	0.5	$700–$2,600	High
Water pump failure	cooling	31	23	26k	37k	46k	0.4	$500–$2,200	High
Other body or interior problem	body	31	25	70k	91k	140k	0.4	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Other speed control problem	adas	25	23	63k	98k	140k	0.4	$250–$2,000	Critical
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	24	14	31k	42k	54k	0.3	$200–$1,500	High
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	23	15	75k	97k	103k	0.3	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Complete transmission failure	transmission	19	16	61k	90k	101k	0.3	$2,800–$8,000	Critical
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	19	18	62k	126k	191k	0.3	$200–$900	High
Other brake problem	brakes	19	15	29k	76k	110k	0.3	$300–$1,800	High
Other visibility problem	glass	17	12	43k	67k	89k	0.2	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	14	8	43k	74k	159k	0.2	$700–$3,000	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	14	12	67k	99k	125k	0.2	$300–$2,200	High
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	13	9	33k	132k	186k	0.2	$250–$1,500	High
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	10	9	90k	136k	136k	0.1	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	10	7	—	1k	—	0.1	$600–$2,500	Critical
Other driver assistance problem	adas	10	10	45k	111k	146k	0.1	$250–$1,800	High
Overheating	cooling	9	6	—	5k	—	0.1	$400–$3,500	High
Cruise control failure	adas	9	7	—	77k	—	0.1	$200–$1,400	High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	8	2	—	11k	—	0.1	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Loss of power steering	steering	8	8	30k	40k	55k	0.1	$600–$2,800	Critical
Other suspension problem	suspension	8	6	—	73k	—	0.1	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Alternator or charging system failure	electrical	7	6	—	126k	—	0.1	$450–$1,600	High
Electrical fire or melted wiring	electrical	6	6	—	98k	—	0.1	$1,500–$9,000	Critical
Excessive oil consumption	engine	6	4	—	60k	—	0.1	$900–$6,500	High
Oil leak	engine	6	3	—	168k	—	0.1	$250–$2,200	Moderate
Transmission slipping	transmission	6	1	—	60k	—	0.1	$1,200–$5,500	High
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	6	6	—	141k	—	0.1	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Other lighting problem	lighting	6	5	—	93k	—	0.1	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Stalling while driving	engine	5	5	—	186k	—	0.1	$300–$2,500	Critical
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	5	3	—	64k	—	0.1	$350–$1,900	High
Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure	transmission	5	4	—	93k	—	0.1	$250–$1,400	High
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	5	4	—	65k	—	0.1	$400–$3,500	High
Power steering pump or fluid leak	steering	5	4	—	80k	—	0.1	$350–$1,600	Moderate
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	5	4	—	178k	—	0.1	$200–$1,500	Critical
Engine sensor failure	electrical	4	4	—	64k	—	0.1	$180–$900	Moderate
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	4	3	—	90k	—	0.1	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	4	2	—	41k	—	0.1	$300–$1,600	High
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure	suspension	4	3	—	81k	—	0.1	$400–$2,200	High
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	4	4	—	103k	—	0.1	$100–$900	Moderate
Head gasket failure	engine	3	2	—	66k	—	0.0	$1,400–$4,000	Critical
Wheel bearing or hub failure	drivetrain	3	3	—	44k	—	0.0	$350–$1,200	Moderate
Fuel pump failure	fuel	3	3	—	162k	—	0.0	$600–$2,600	High
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	3	0	—	—	—	0.0	$0–$0	Critical
Air conditioning failure	hvac	3	2	—	80k	—	0.0	$400–$2,800	Moderate
Complete engine failure or seizure	engine	2	2	—	111k	—	0.0	$4,500–$12,000	Critical
Torque converter failure	transmission	2	2	—	35k	—	0.0	$1,100–$3,200	High
Fuel injector failure	fuel	2	2	—	98k	—	0.0	$450–$2,800	Moderate
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	2	2	—	23k	—	0.0	$500–$2,400	High
Premature brake pad or rotor wear	brakes	2	2	—	24k	—	0.0	$300–$1,400	Moderate
Parking brake failure	brakes	2	2	—	25k	—	0.0	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Tire pressure monitor failure	wheels	2	2	—	76k	—	0.0	$80–$600	Low
Rust or structural corrosion	body	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$500–$6,000	High
Window regulator or power window failure	body	2	2	—	75k	—	0.0	$250–$900	Moderate
Blower motor or climate control failure	hvac	2	2	—	84k	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	Moderate
Wiper or washer failure	glass	2	2	—	102k	—	0.0	$120–$800	Moderate
Engine bay fire	engine	1	1	—	63k	—	0.0	$4,000–$20,000	Critical
Misfire or rough idle	engine	1	1	—	70k	—	0.0	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Harsh or jerky shifting	transmission	1	1	—	51k	—	0.0	$600–$4,000	Moderate
Door latch or handle failure	body	1	1	—	134k	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	1	1	—	50k	—	0.0	$700–$4,500	High
Catalytic converter failure	emissions	1	1	—	115k	—	0.0	$900–$3,500	Moderate
Windshield cracking	glass	1	1	—	105k	—	0.0	$300–$1,600	Moderate
Unclassified problem	other	52	31	39k	100k	130k	0.7	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2006 Chevrolet Impala draws about 12 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 89th percentile of complaint rates among 2006 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 69,816 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2006 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Recalls on the 2006 model year

NHTSA has issued 2 recall campaigns covering the 2006 Chevrolet Impala, affecting an estimated 69,824 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover electrical system:ignition and steering. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

14V355000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

3,141,731 vehicles 2014-06-23

Defect: 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…
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 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

09E005000

STEERING

979 vehicles 2009-02-17

Defect: Dorman is recalling 979 steering knuckles, dorman p/nos. 697-902 and 697-903, sold under dorman's "oe solutions<sup>tm</sup>" brand name, and napa p/nos. 7-8502 and 7-8503 which were sold for replacement use on the various vehicles listed above. A potential material or design defect could result in the steering knuckle breaking in the hub area.
Consequence: A broken steering knuckle could result in loss of steering control and a possible crash without warning.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners and replace the defective steering knuckles free of charge and reimburse the repair facility or owner for labor. The recall began on february 23, 2009. Owners may contact dorman's toll-free hotline at 1-800-523-2492 and press 5.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2006 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2006 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

How 2006 compares with the other years

High risk for a 2006 — 127th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.

Across the 22 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2020 comes out best at 56 and 2009 worst at 71, with 2006 itself at 70.

If the model year is negotiable, 2020, 2017, 2005, 2016, 2013 and 2004 score lower than 2006 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2004–2009 generation specifically, 2005 is the strongest year at 65 and 2009 the weakest at 71.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2004-2009 generation, 2005 Chevrolet Impala scores best at 65 and 2009 Chevrolet Impala worst at 71.

Where to spend the inspection money

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: steering rack, gear or tie rod failure from about 15k, water pump failure from about 26k, other brake problem from about 29k and loss of power steering from about 30k.

On a 2006 Chevrolet Impala with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether steering rack, gear or tie rod failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

What this page cannot tell you

803 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 803 reports, 617 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 77% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Impala?

The most-reported failures are other steering problem (75 reports, median 70,000 miles), other powertrain problem (72 reports, median 85,000 miles) and other electrical problem (70 reports, median 85,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Impala problems start?

Water pump failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 35,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 25,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 77,000 miles.

Is the 2006 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

It scores 70 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 127th riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2006 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Chevrolet Impala is best?

Within the 2004–2009 generation, 2005 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2009 worst at 71. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 30 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed