2008 Chevrolet Impala

The 2008 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively affordable price. It was available with three engine options: a 3.5L V6 (211 hp, 214 lb-ft of torque), a 3.9L V6 (233 hp, 240 lb-ft of torque), and a 5.3L V8 (303 hp, 323 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Common likes include its roomy cabin and trunk, smooth ride, and simple controls. Dislikes often revolve around its somewhat dated styling, the 4-speed transmission’s limited performance, and some reported reliability concerns.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak on the exhaust manifold, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light (P0420 code), reduced engine performance, rattling noise from underneath the car.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).

  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per injector

  • Recalls: None Found

3.9L V6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak on the exhaust manifold, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, check engine light (often cylinder specific misfire codes), excessive oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replace failed lifters, potentially replace camshaft if damaged. AFM delete kits are also available.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning light, erratic oil pressure gauge readings.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak on the exhaust manifold, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Hard Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts between gears, transmission slipping or not engaging properly, delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Could be due to low fluid, worn valve body, or internal damage. Fluid flush, valve body replacement, or transmission rebuild/replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $3500+ (rebuild/replace)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially during acceleration, poor fuel economy, transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Coil Spring Sag/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, especially when loaded, ride height noticeably lower, coil spring may be broken.
  • Solution: Replace the rear coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Humming or grinding noise that gets louder with speed, play in the wheel when shaken.
  • Solution: Replace the wheel bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per wheel
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power window not working, slow or erratic window movement.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350 per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Panel Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), lights flickering or dimming.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument panel cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock not working with the remote or power lock switch.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Housing Clouding/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights appear dim, yellowed, or cloudy, reducing visibility at night.
  • Solution: Headlight restoration kit, replace the headlight housings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $50 (restoration kit) or $200 - $400+ (replacement housings)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Side Mirror Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Side mirror is loose and wobbles or is completely broken off.
  • Solution: Replace the side mirror.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, often due to sun exposure.
  • Solution: Dashboard cover, dashboard replacement (expensive).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 (cover) or $800+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Driver Information Center (DIC) Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or unreadable DIC display.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the DIC unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Chevrolet Impala can be a reliable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. The 5.3L V8’s AFM lifter failure is a significant concern due to its high repair cost. Other engine issues, such as intake manifold or valve cover gasket leaks, are more common and less expensive to fix. Transmission problems can range from minor fluid leaks to major rebuilds, depending on the severity. Suspension issues are typical for a vehicle of this age, and electrical problems are generally manageable. Overall, a thorough inspection is recommended before purchasing a used 2008 Impala, paying particular attention to engine noises, transmission shifting, and the condition of the suspension. Addressing potential issues proactively can help ensure a more enjoyable and reliable ownership experience.