1981 Chevrolet Impala problems

General information about Chevrolet-Impala
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet Impala (/ɪmˈpælə, -ˈpɑːlə/) is a full-size car that was built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States.

For its debut in 1958, the Impala was distinguished from other models by its symmetrical triple taillights. The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced as a top-line Impala Sport Sedan for model year 1965, later becoming a separate series positioned above the Impala in 1966, which, in turn, remained above the Chevrolet Bel Air and the Chevrolet Biscayne. The Impala continued as Chevrolet's most popular full-sized model through the mid-1980s. Between 1994 and 1996, the Impala was revised as a 5.7-liter V8–powered version of the Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan.

In 2000, the Impala was reintroduced again as a mainstream front-wheel drive car. In February 2014, the 2014 Impala ranked No. 1 among Affordable Large Cars in U.S. News & World Report's rankings. When the 10th generation of the Impala was introduced for the 2014 model year, the 9th generation was rebadged as the Impala Limited and sold only to fleet customers through 2016. During that time, both versions were sold in the United States and Canada. The 10th-generation Impala was also sold in the Middle East and South Korea.

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Common 1981 Chevrolet Impala problems

The 1981 Chevrolet Impala has been known to have several common problems, which are primarily related to mechanical components. These issues can affect the driving experience, overall performance, and safety of the vehicle.

Shifter Malfunctions: The Impala is also known for shifter malfunctions that result in the key getting stuck in the ignition. This is due to a wire on the solenoid in the shifter that routinely disconnects. This will usually cost between $217 and $252 to fix at a certified repair facility or an ASE Certified mechanic.

Erratic Shifting: The 1981 Impala may develop erratic shifting in the automatic transmission, which is due to a faulty transmission pressure control solenoid. The solenoid controls when the vehicle is supposed to shift, and when this wears out, you could end up with shifting issues, even when driving at speed. This solenoid usually costs between $750 and $760 to replace.

Power Lock Problems: Some units of the 2008 Chevy Impala have had problems with the operation of their power locks. Their locks may work intermittently or fail to operate completely. Replacing faulty components like the lock assembly, actuator, or sensor appeared to solve the issue in most affected vehicles.

Heater Malfunction: Some 2007 Chevrolet Impalas have had problems with the operation of their heater. One owner said his heater suddenly stopped working because of clogged lines. Mechanics speculate that low-quality antifreeze may have caused the issue. Several owners also noticed cold air blowing from the heater vents while their vehicles were on idle.

Excessive Oil Consumption: Some 2006 Impala owners have also had problems with their engine’s excessive oil consumption. Drivers report not noticing any visible oil leaks, which suggests that the engine was burning it. Replacing the oil pan is a common fix for this issue.

These common problems can affect the reliability and longevity of the 1981 Chevrolet Impala, and it's important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate these problems and ensure the vehicle remains safe and reliable for many years to come.

What year of Impalas are reliable?

The 2013 Chevrolet Impala was largely popular and very consistent and reliable, with only one recall related to an ignition key. Aside from 2013, the most reliable years for the Chevrolet Impala include: 2015 Chevrolet Impala. 2016 Chevrolet Impala.

What year Impala has transmission problems?

Ninth-generation Impalas have either 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 2007 Chevy Impala transmission is considered the most problematic, but the same issues extend to other years between 2006 and 2013. The most common issues with Chevrolet Impala transmissions are: Failed solenoids.

Are Chevy Impalas cheap to fix?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Impala is $568, compared to an average of $590 for fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.

What year Impala is the most sought after?

From 1958 to its final year of production in 2020, the Impala remained a memorable and luxurious car with enough room for the whole family. However, one model year reigns supreme over all the rest in regard to being the most treasured and sought-after Impala — 1964.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Impala?

Some of the most common complaints about the Chevrolet Impala include transmission failure, power lock problems, heater issues, and excessive oil consumption.

Is the Chevy Impala a reliable car?

Most models with more problems are older or reach higher mileage than those without them. In fact, newer Chevy Impalas receive high reliability ratings from some of the industry's top websites, including Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and RepairPal.

What year Impalas are the best?

What year Impala has transmission problems?

1981 Chevrolet Impala car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Impala problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Chevrolet Impala vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1981 Chevrolet Impala complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Chevrolet Impala.

1997-09-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Fire: 1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.(OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT)

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1995-01-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-02
Fire: 1
VIN: 1G1AL69J7BJ
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: AFTER SITTING IN PARKING LOT FOR (2) HOURS VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE, FIRE BROKE OUT AROUND STARTER. TT

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1981 Chevrolet Impala recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1981 Chevrolet Impala.

1983-08-19

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Summary: ACCELERATOR PUMP LEVER RETAINING PIN MAY LOOSEN AFTER REPEATED HEAVY ACCELERATOR PEDAL APPLICATIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE TO BECOME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COTTER PIN, TO RETAIN THE ACCELERATOR PUMP PIN, AND A SPRING CLIP THRUST WASHER ON THE ACCELERATOR PUMP LINK.

1980-09-25

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH A BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET WHICH WAS DESIGNED FOR USE IN DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLES. THE INCORRECT BRACKET MAY CAUSE THE SERVICE BRAKES TO REMAIN PARTIALLY APPLIED, RESULTING IN BRAKE OVERHEATING AND REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.