Full-sized sedans, such as the 2018 Chevrolet Impala, are historically known as comfortable vehicles with powerful engines. The 2018 Chevy Impala manufacturer, General Motors, claims that the Impala has a relaxing and modern interior with a powerful engine, making it a reliable vehicle.
However, customers may not be so happy to drive a 2018 Impala after a few problems on the road. Customers have reported that the 2018 Chevy Impala has issues with its transmission, power steering, and airbags.
2018 Impala Transmission Problems
The transmission of any vehicle is part of the powertrain, which, if working correctly, gets the car up and running. Your car’s transmission ensures that its wheels get the right amount of power and help it shift from one gear to the next when you need to increase or decrease speed.
Unfortunately, the 2018 Impala drivers haven’t always had a good experience. One customer reported their 2018 Impala transmission problems to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
I have a 2018 Chevrolet Premier Impala that has started skipping gears at 1st and 2nd while driving. The vehicle shudders when it changes gears. Took vehicle to dealer who informed me that the transmission needs to be replaced already. I haven’t received any dash messages or vehicle warnings prior to noticing the transmission problem. I always kept the car properly serviced by the dealer for all routine maintenance requirements. I am the original owner of this vehicle. The car has under 100,000 miles. Dealer informs me that it will take at least a week before they can possibly get new transmission for vehicle. I may be without vehicle for at least 2 weeks minimum.
It appears that this 2018 Chevy Impala Premier problem with the transmission occurred without warning. Unfortunately, other customers have reported similar problems with the 2018 Impala’s transmission.
The manufacturer seems to be aware of the problem. GM issued Service Bulletin Number 16NA019, which is meant to address the problem of harsh shifts and slips with the 2018 Chevy Impala’s transmission.
However, a service bulletin merely instructs a mechanic how to fix an issue after it has occurred. The drivers who’ve experienced the 2018 Chevy Impala problems would likely prefer a remedy before something scary happens on the road.
2018 Chevy Impala: Problems with Power Steering
Drivers take for granted that the car will move in the direction they select when they move their steering wheels. Power steering makes steering relatively effortless—except when it doesn’t work.
The 2018 Chevy Impala problems include customer complaints about faulty power steering. One 2018 Chevy Impala driver reported an issue to the NHTSA:
The [customer] owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. The [customer] stated that after reversing the vehicle and placing the gear shifter in drive, the steering wheel stiffened as the “Power Steering, Drive with Care” warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The [customer] took the vehicle to [the dealer] where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective power steering gear.
This customer’s power steering failed on the road, causing a stressful situation. Not only can a power steering failure increase the difficulty of moving the car, but it can also increase the risk of an accident or damage to the vehicle.
GM has issued several communications regarding the 2018 Chevy Impala problems with the power steering system. They’ve communicated about issues with the steering wheel shaking (Manufacturer Communication Number: 19NA185).
They’ve also provided Service Bulletin Number: 19NA182 for when the “Steering Assist is Reduced” message comes on. However, these problems are not what a new car owner wants to worry about when trying to drive safely on the road.
2018 Chevy Impala’s Problems with Airbags
A car’s airbags are a remarkable safety feature. Drivers rely on airbags to reduce their risk of injury should they get into an accident. A car’s safety ratings rely in part on the effectiveness of airbags.
Unfortunately, 2018 Chevy Impala owners have experienced problems with defective airbags. One driver reported to NHTSA:
The [customer] owns a 2018 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact’s vehicle was involved in a front end collision with a deer. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. . . . The driver sustained injuries that required medical attention. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Imagine buying a brand new vehicle with a significant safety defect. This driver experienced a horrifying accident with very little to protect them.
Despite multiple reports to the NHTSA, GM has done little to address the airbag issues. In fact, there are no service bulletins addressing this issue at all. Customers in the market for a new car may pass on the 2018 Chevy Impala, given these reported safety concerns and GM’s failure to correct them.
What Can I Do If My 2018 Chevy Impala Has Problems?
If you have a 2018 Chevy Impala under warranty, you may have rights under California’s Lemon Law. If your warrantied car has significant issues or if it is in the repair shop for an extended period, you may be eligible to have your vehicle repaired or replaced.
Under the Lemon Law, manufacturers must repair or replace defective vehicles or repurchase them. Plus, the manufacturer, not the customer, is responsible for paying the customer’s attorney fees and costs.
You should speak with an experienced California Lemon Law attorney immediately if you have any concerns about your 2018 Chevy Impala.
Contact the Experienced Attorneys at Lemon Law Experts
Navigating California’s Lemon Laws can be complicated for customers. Fortunately, the experienced attorneys at the Lemon Law Experts are here to help you with your lemon law claims. We have represented numerous customers with defective vehicles. We will take on the manufacturer to make sure you get what you are entitled to under the law.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
