PROBLEM GUIDE

2014–2016 Chevrolet Impala Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated March 2026

632

complaints filed for the 2014 model year

2014–2016

Model years affected

Power steering loss, stiffening, and difficulty turning is the largest single complaint category (~80+ complaints). Side detection/lane departure sensor module water intrusion causes an unusually broad failure cascade extending to door locks and ignition, and one vehicle required 11 separate actuator replacements — an unusually severe case where the repair did not hold.

Quick Scan: 20 Issues

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Power steering loss, stiffening, difficulty turning

The largest single complaint category for this generation

Check engine light: On

~80+ complaints — the largest single category for this vehicle — describe power steering assistance loss or stiffening, often preceded by a 'service power steering' warning.

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Side detection sensor water intrusion, cascading failures

Extends to door locks and ignition

Check engine light: On

~60+ complaints describe water intrusion into the side-detection sensor module causing corrosion, false warnings, and cascading failures extending beyond the sensor system to affect door locks and ignition — an unusually broad failure cascade from a single water-intrusion point.

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Rear window shattering and defroster electrical shorts

Two related but distinct glass/electrical hazards

Check engine light: On

~15+ complaints describe two related but distinct hazards: the rear window spontaneously shattering with no impact involved, and separately, the rear defroster's electrical circuit shorting and causing an explosion.

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11 actuator replacements in a single vehicle

An unusually severe case where the repair did not hold

Check engine light: On

One owner's vehicle required 11 separate actuator replacements, described alongside rough driving and stalling mid-traffic.

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Transmission unable to accelerate above 40 mph

Transmission control module failures and harsh shifting

Check engine light: On

~40+ complaints describe transmission control module failures and harsh shifting, with some vehicles unable to accelerate beyond 40 mph — a serious safety-relevant limitation, particularly on highway on-ramps.

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Airbag warning light stays on with an empty passenger seat

Improper occupant sensing

Check engine light: Off

~25+ complaints describe the airbag occupant-detection system misreading an empty seat, keeping the warning light active continuously.

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Transmission Pressure Control Solenoid Failure May Cause Erratic Shifting

A failed transmission pressure control solenoid causes erratic shifting

Check engine light: Off

A failed transmission pressure control solenoid causes erratic shifting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 1,432 owner reports on file.

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Ignition Key Stuck Due to Failed Shifter

The ignition key is stuck in the ignition due to a failed shifter

Check engine light: Off

The ignition key is stuck in the ignition due to a failed shifter. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 530 owner reports on file.

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Jolting While Driving

The vehicle jolts while driving

Check engine light: Off

The vehicle jolts while driving. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 421 owner reports on file.

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Check engine light from a gas cap issue

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a gas cap issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 314 owner reports on file.

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Speedometer or Other Instrument Panel Gauge May Work Erratically

The speedometer or another instrument panel gauge works erratically

Check engine light: Off

The speedometer or another instrument panel gauge works erratically. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 312 owner reports on file.

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Intermittent Low Oil Pressure Warning Light Issue Despite Adequate Oil Levels

The low oil pressure warning light comes on intermittently despite adequate oil levels

Check engine light: Off

The low oil pressure warning light comes on intermittently despite adequate oil levels. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 279 owner reports on file.

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Intake Manifold Gasket May Leak Engine Oil

The intake manifold gasket leaks engine oil

Check engine light: Off

The intake manifold gasket leaks engine oil. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 217 owner reports on file.

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Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow or Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

Stalling is caused by a mass air flow sensor or crankshaft position sensor failure

Check engine light: Off

Stalling is caused by a mass air flow sensor or crankshaft position sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 192 owner reports on file.

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Steering May Develop Clunk Noise From Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft

The steering develops a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft

Check engine light: Off

The steering develops a clunk noise from the upper intermediate steering shaft. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 185 owner reports on file.

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Engine Starts and Stalls Due to Security System Fault

The engine starts and then stalls due to a security system fault

Check engine light: Off

The engine starts and then stalls due to a security system fault. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 165 owner reports on file.

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Plugged Catalytic Converter May Cause Loss of Engine Power

A plugged catalytic converter causes a loss of engine power

Check engine light: Off

A plugged catalytic converter causes a loss of engine power. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 154 owner reports on file.

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Erratic Fuel Gauge Issue With Fluctuating Readings From Full to Empty

The fuel gauge is erratic, with readings fluctuating from full to empty

Check engine light: Off

The fuel gauge is erratic, with readings fluctuating from full to empty. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 151 owner reports on file.

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Water Pump May Fail Prematurely

The water pump fails prematurely

Check engine light: Off

The water pump fails prematurely. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 124 owner reports on file.

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Failed Fuel Pump Can Cause Engine to Stall

A failed fuel pump causes the engine to stall

Check engine light: Off

A failed fuel pump causes the engine to stall. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 117 owner reports on file.

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NHTSA's own aggregated complaint text notes that many owners describe unresolved problems despite having already had recall repairs performed, though the specific defect involved is not detailed enough to confirm which. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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