1966 Chevrolet Impala recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. EXHAUST EMISSIONS (CARBON MONOXIDE) MAY ENTER THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE EXHAUST PIPE IS SUBSTANTIALLY OUT THE DESIGN POSITION, DETERIORATED FROM USE, OR WHEN AN OPENING IN THE BODY DEVELOPS NEAR THE EXHAUST OUTLET AND, AT THE SAME TIME, A NEGATIVE AIR PRESSURE OCCURS IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR.
What could happen: UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY EXPERIENCECARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
The fix: RESEAL NEARBY BODY JOINTS AND REPLACE THE DRAW PLUG IN THE BODY WHICH WAS USED TO REMOVE SURPLUS BONDERIZING SOLUTION DURING MANUFACTURE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1966 IMPALA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 69V030000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Summary: EXHAUST EMISSIONS (CARBON MONOXIDE) MAY ENTER THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE EXHAUST PIPE IS SUBSTANTIALLY OUT THE DESIGN POSITION, DETERIORATED FROM USE, OR WHEN AN OPENING IN THE BODY DEVELOPS NEAR THE EXHAUST OUTLET AND, AT THE SAME TIME, A NEGATIVE AIR PRESSURE OCCURS IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR.
Consequence: UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, VEHICLE OCCUPANTS MAY EXPERIENCECARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
Remedy: RESEAL NEARBY BODY JOINTS AND REPLACE THE DRAW PLUG IN THE BODY WHICH WAS USED TO REMOVE SURPLUS BONDERIZING SOLUTION DURING MANUFACTURE.
Notes: SYSTEM: EXHAUST.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
2. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A SEPARATED MOTOR MOUNT MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO LIFT, WHICH MAY AFFECT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE, MOMENTARILY INCREASING THROTTLE, POSSIBLY TO FULL THROTTLE.
What could happen: UNEXPECTED LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL MAY CAUSE LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSPECT ENGINE MOUNTS AND INSTALL RESTRAINTS WHICH WILL LIMIT ENGINE LIFT AND ELIMINATE POSSIBLE SECONDARY EFFECTS TO THE THROTTLE LINKAGE DUE TO ENGINE MOUNT SEPARATION.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1966 IMPALA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 71V235000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary: THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A SEPARATED MOTOR MOUNT MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO LIFT, WHICH MAY AFFECT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE, MOMENTARILY INCREASING THROTTLE, POSSIBLY TO FULL THROTTLE.
Consequence: UNEXPECTED LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL MAY CAUSE LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSPECT ENGINE MOUNTS AND INSTALL RESTRAINTS WHICH WILL LIMIT ENGINE LIFT AND ELIMINATE POSSIBLE SECONDARY EFFECTS TO THE THROTTLE LINKAGE DUE TO ENGINE MOUNT SEPARATION.
Notes: SYSTEM: ENGINE.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT TRUCKS AND VANS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (1), Equipment (1), Engine (1), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (3)
12/18/2009 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1966 CHEVROLET IMPALA . HE PURCHASED AN EVERSTART MODEL # 24MS-6 BATTERY . SEVERAL DAYS LATER AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD A SIZZLING SOUND. HE PULLED OVER AND THEN OPENED THE HOOD, AND THE BATTERY EXPLODED IN HIS FACE. THERE WERE NO MAJOR INJURIES. THE STORE THAT SOLD HIM THE BATTERY WAS WALMART. A REPRESENTATIVE STATE…
08/27/2004 · Engine
MFGR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE RECALL NUMBER 71V235000 CALLED CHEV, THEY ESTABLISHED A REF# 1-250262940 ON MY BEHALF ON AUG 25. THEY CALLED BACK AND SAID VEHICLE MIGHT NOT BE INVOLVED AND TO CALL HELM INC. CALLED HELM, THEY SAID, CHEV IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE INFO. RUNAROUND. PROVIDED CHEV, KIM THOMAS, CAMPAIGN # 5110000, VIN# 164676D119657 YOUR RECALL# 71V235000.…
07/30/1996 · Steering
ROUTE OF POWER STEERING HOSE CAUSED IT TO BE CUT BY TIE ROD. *DH