2010 Chevrolet IMPALA
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Chevrolet IMPALA has 737 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 422. The most common issue is electrical problems (18% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2010 chevrolet impala. while traveling with the cruise control activated at speeds of 75 mph, the contact noticed that the instrument panel was extremely difficult to read on a very sunny day, even with his sunglasses on. the vehicle was not diagnosed and the contact had notic. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
737
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
133 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE TRAVELING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT SPEEDS OF 75 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO READ ON A VERY SUNNY DAY, EVEN WITH HIS SUNGLASSES ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT HAD NOTIC
- • WHILE TRAVELING AWAY FROM HOME I PARKED MY CAR AND THE KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO I HAD TO LEAVE THE KEYS IN THE CAR. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR WOULD NOT START DUE TO THE BATTERY BEING DRAINED BECAUSE THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE OFF POSITION. THEREFORE I HAD TO BE TROU
- • MY KEY IS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WILL NOT TURN BACK TO THE OFF POSITION SO I CAN GET THE KEY OUT. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT MY BATTERY TO KEEP THE BATTERY FROM DRAINING COMPLETELY WHEN NOT IN USE AND RECONNECT MY BATTERY WHEN I NEED TO DRIVE MY CAR, AND I CANNOT LOCK MY CAR BECAUSE OF THIS. I FEEL
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE TRAVELING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT SPEEDS OF 75 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO READ ON A VERY SUNNY DAY, EVEN WITH HIS SUNGLASSES ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT HAD NOTIC”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2010 Chevrolet IMPALA
Based on 590 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 75K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
BRAKES
BODY/STRUCTURE
ELECTRICAL
OTHER
STEERING
SUSPENSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (4)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010. The front passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the passenger presence sensor module.
Risk: If the wires are damaged, the passenger presence sensory system may fail to recognize that the passenger seat is occupied, disabling the air bag. Damage may also cause the air bag fuse to short resulting in a loss of all air bags and seat belt pretensions. Both conditions increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will double wrap the wires with anti-abrasion tape and replace damaged wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 36110.
Above-average theft risk
The Chevrolet IMPALA was the #11 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 8,400 thefts reported to law enforcement.
Notes: Older sedan; parts demand
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2010 Chevrolet IMPALA
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Chevrolet IMPALA
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet IMPALA Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2010 IMPALA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2010 Chevrolet IMPALA
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 737 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE TRAVELING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT SPEEDS OF 75 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO READ ON A VERY SUNNY DAY, EVEN WITH HIS SUNGLASSES ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT HAD NOTIC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN OCCUPYING THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE TECHNICIANS AT THE DEALER WERE NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT. THE MANUFACTURER WILL SEND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. NO BRAKES, NO POWER STEERING, NOTHING.....I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PUT IT IN PARK, TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, PUT IT BACK IN AND THE CAR STARTED. NOW I AM SCARED TO PUT MY 5 MONTH OLD IN THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS: THE VEHICLE SERVICE STABILITY TRACK LIGHT COMES ON WITHOUT REASON ALL THE TIME. THE CAR REDUCES SPEED AND STALL WHEN I STOP. THE VEHICLE ALSO LOSES SPEED AND SHUT DOWN. I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR AND CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet IMPALA — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 737
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 25
- Injury reports
- 18
- Segment avg
- 422
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Chevrolet IMPALA