Model year guide

2008 Chevrolet Impala

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Chevrolet Impala is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 774 on record.

2008 Chevrolet Impala — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Chevrolet Impala at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints810
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$4,721

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Chevrolet Impala recalls 2

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V355000 · 23/06/2014

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, 200…

Fix: 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 (Cadi…

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm NHTSA Campaign #12V377000 · 03/08/2012

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Chevrolet Impala common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 810 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Chest Clip
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Buckle
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 Chevrolet Impala safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Chevrolet Impala 4-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Chevrolet Impala MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,138

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Chevrolet Impala worth?

Low
$2,400
Typical price
$4,721
High
$7,200

From 768 comparable 2008 Chevrolet Impala listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Chevrolet Impala costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,690
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,950
Total$18,640
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($4,721) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,764), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Chevrolet Impala trims & engines on record

Trims
LS · LT · SS · 1LT · v6 lt · v6 ltz · 50th Anniversary · Police Sedan (&9C1 or 9C3) · 2LT · LTZ (RPO STZ)
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl · 3.9L 6-cyl

2008 Chevrolet Impala vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Impala model years

2008 Chevrolet Impala — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Impala. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Impala?

Based on 810 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, power train, air bags.

What is the 2008 Chevrolet Impala safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Chevrolet Impala crash-test ratings of frontal 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Impala get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Impala at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2008 Chevrolet Impala worth?

Comparable 2008 Chevrolet Impala listings run roughly $2,400–$7,200, typically around $4,721 (from 768 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.