NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Chevrolet Impala Safety Ratings
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 14 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala achieved an exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100. This score reflects strong federal crash performance and a notably clean defect record for its model year. The Impala’s performance in NHTSA testing contributes significantly to its high safety standing, complemented by a low volume of owner complaints and recalls.
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Impala ranks 38 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 12.1% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 14 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 38 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Impala?
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala represents a meaningful step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 87/100 in the Strong band for the 2019 model year to 90/100 in the Exceptional band for 2020, a 3-point gain that moved the vehicle into a higher performance tier. The defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 is the clearest driver of that improvement, reflecting the complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year. The crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 anchors the rating, supported by NHTSA's 5-star overall, 5-star frontal, and 5-star side results. The rollover score of 4 out of 5 stars, with a 12 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the one area that keeps the crash protection sub-score from a perfect mark. The avoidance tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard equipment on this model year, while electronic stability control is standard. The 14 reported complaints are modest for a vehicle of this age and involve no confirmed fatalities or fires.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Impala perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This strong performance included perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash test categories. The only deviation from a top rating was in the rollover assessment, where the Impala earned 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk stood at 12 percent, with the dynamic tip-test concluding with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14318
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. For a used-market vehicle, that is a notably clean defect record.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has received 14 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Impala. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other with 6 reports, followed by Electrical System and Steering with 3 each. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
14 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Impala?
With no recalls on file, the 2020 Impala stands out. While this means there are no outstanding remedy completions to verify, a VIN check remains the definitive step for any shopper, confirming no new campaigns have been issued since production.
- The 2020 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a key factor in its defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 and its jump to the Exceptional Safety Index band.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, with the only star deduction coming in the rollover category at 4 out of 5.
- The Safety Index rose 3 points from the 2019 model year (87, Strong) to the 2020 model year (90, Exceptional), driven primarily by the absence of recall activity.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional, not standard, for this model year, which holds the avoidance tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a factor buyers should verify on any specific trim.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Impala places
The 2020 Chevrolet Impala qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Chevrolet Impala safety questions
Was the 2020 Chevrolet Impala crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Chevrolet Impala, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Chevrolet Impala crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Chevrolet Impala earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 12.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Impala have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Impala as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Impala?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 14 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Impala. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Impala years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14318), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Impala 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 38 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.