Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Chevrolet Impala
The 2010 Chevrolet Impala has moderate recall and complaint activity, including 442 owner complaints and 4 recalls. Electrical system and airbag issues are notable, with potential passenger sensor and ignition problems. However, overall data is not overwhelming, and inspection should be thorough, especially in electrical and safety areas.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Chevrolet Impala has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 442 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V507000 Passenger Presence Sensor Wires May Be Damaged NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V355000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V377000 Lower Control Arms NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V480000 SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES/FMVSS 210 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 132 complaints
- Air Bags 103 complaints
- Engine 88 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 74 complaints
- Power Train 67 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 47 complaints
Of the 442 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 442 complaints, owners report 12 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Ignition defects
How to check: Ensure ignition switch operates smoothly without items on keyring.
Passenger sensor wiring damage
How to check: Inspect passenger seat frame for wire contact damage.
Airbag deployment issues
How to check: Verify airbag warning light functions upon start.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for ignition issues or warning lights.
Red flag: Difficult start or persistent warnings.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibration.
Red flag: Excessive noise or rough idle.
- 03
City acceleration
What to check: Observe gear shifts and power response.
Red flag: Delayed shifting or lack of power.
- 04
Cruising
What to check: Monitor for steering stability and noise.
Red flag: Pulls to one side or noises.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Check for smooth and responsive braking.
Red flag: Vibration or delayed slowing.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Ensure ease of steering and no clunks.
Red flag: Hard steering or clunking noise.
- 07
Full stop
What to check: Observe idle quality when stopped.
Red flag: Rough idle or new vibrations.
- 08
Post-drive inspection
What to check: Check for new warning lights or leaks.
Red flag: Fresh leaks or active warnings.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ignition recall been fixed?
- Any airbag or electrical issues?
- Are maintenance records available?
- Any previous accidents reported?
- Was the passenger sensor recall addressed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and maintenance records
- Recall repairs completion proof
- Accident and repair history
- Title and registration papers
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Chevrolet Impala at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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