Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Chevrolet Impala
The 2015 Chevrolet Impala has a few notable issues based on recall and complaint data. There are three recalls relating to airbags, parking brakes, and structure. Owner complaints most frequently mention electrical problems, steering, and lane departure issues. Prospective buyers should be vigilant about these areas and conduct thorough checks during inspections and test drives.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Chevrolet Impala has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 300 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #15V465000 Occupant Sensing System/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V541000 Electronic Parking Brake may Drag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V489000 Console Storage Compartment Latch/FMVSS 201 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 96 complaints
- Unknown or Other 51 complaints
- Steering 44 complaints
- Lane Departure 42 complaints
- Air Bags 29 complaints
- Service Brakes 23 complaints
Of the 300 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 300 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag sensor malfunction
How to check: Ensure airbag warning light is off during start.
Parking brake may not fully retract
How to check: Test parking brake to ensure full retraction.
Frequent electrical system faults
How to check: Inspect dashboard for error lights or warnings.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual sounds during startup.
Red flag: Grinding or clicking noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and smoothness.
Red flag: Steering feels stiff or unresponsive
- 04
Braking test
What to check: Assess braking power and check for noises.
Red flag: Squealing or grinding brakes
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking when shifting
- 06
Lane change
What to check: Listen for noise during turning.
Red flag: Clunking or troubling steering sounds
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag sensor been inspected?
- Any past parking brake issues?
- Are there records of electrical repairs?
- When was the last brake inspection?
- Have there been any steering repairs?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall history
- Repair invoices and records
- Recent inspection reports
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Impala at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 Chevrolet Impala? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.