MODEL
Chevrolet Impala
NHTSA safety across every Chevrolet Impala model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Chevrolet Impala we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 87. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size front-wheel-drive sedan that wrapped up its long-running production run with the 2020 model year. Positioned as a spacious, value-oriented alternative to smaller mainstream sedans, it targeted buyers who prioritized interior room and highway comfort. For shoppers considering a used 2019 or 2020 example today, the safety record is a meaningful part of the conversation.
The 2019 and 2020 Chevrolet Impala close out their generation on a genuinely strong safety footing. The 2020 model earns a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 90 out of 100, landing in the Exceptional band - a meaningful result for a large sedan that was winding down its production life rather than receiving fresh investment. Crash-test scores back that up: the best-year figures show a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side disciplines, with a solid 4 out of 5 in rollover protection. That rollover figure is not a surprise given the Impala's low-slung sedan architecture, but it is worth noting for buyers who want the full picture. Across the 2019 to 2020 coverage window, NHTSA records show only one recall, which is a notably clean ledger for a two-year span. Owner complaints total 40 across both years, with 7 involving reported crashes, 5 involving reported injuries, and 1 involving a reported fire. These are unverified allegations, but the complaint volume is modest relative to the Impala's sales footprint. The bottom line is straightforward: shoppers hunting a used full-size sedan get a vehicle whose final years represent its safest expression. One recall and strong crash scores make the Impala a defensible safety choice in its segment.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally describe the Impala as a comfortable, roomy full-size sedan that delivers a smooth highway ride and a spacious rear cabin. Most acknowledge that its interior technology and driver-assistance features aged relative to newer competitors by the time it was discontinued, but they tend to regard it as a solid, unpretentious choice for buyers who prioritize passenger space and straightforward operation.
- The 2020 Impala achieves a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band - the strongest safety rating seen across these final two model years.
- Crash-test performance is a highlight: 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests in the best-measured year, though the rollover rating comes in at 4 out of 5, a figure typical of low-profile front-wheel-drive sedans.
- Only one recall is on record across the 2019 and 2020 model years combined, which is a clean recall history and reduces the administrative burden for used-car buyers.
- Owner complaints total 40 across both years, including 7 reported crashes and 5 reported injuries - all unverified allegations - but the overall complaint count is relatively contained given how many Impalas were sold in these final production years.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Chevrolet Impala with 1 recalls.