1969 Chevrolet Impala recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches.
What could happen:
The fix:
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 1969 IMPALA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 69V091000.
- 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: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: POSSIBILITY THAT FILLER PLATE WAS OMITTED FROM LEFT REAR FLOOR PAN AREA BETWEENBUMPER AND FUEL TANK. IF THIS PLATE IS MISSING IT COULD ALLOW DUST AND, UNDERCERTAIN CONDITIONS, EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. (CORRECT BYINSPECTING AND INSTALLING FILLER PLATE WHEN NECESSARY.)
2. 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 1969 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.
3. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving.
What could happen:
The fix:
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 1969 IMPALA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 69V020000.
- 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: TIRES
Summary:
Consequence:
Remedy:
Notes: POSSIBILITY THAT FIRESTONE TIRES (8.25 X 14 WHITE SIDEWALL 4-PLY RATED), MAYNOT MEET MINIMUM STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS. FAILURE IN BODY OF TIRE COULD RESULTIN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. (CORRECT BY RE- PLACING ALL TIRES WITH NEW IMPROVEDTYPE.)
4. 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 1969 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
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 1969 Chevrolet Impala owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Suspension (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
07/19/1999 · Engine · fire
ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
01/16/1998 · Suspension
FAULTY MOTOR MOUNTS, WHIILE HAVING AN ALIGNMENT WAS INFORMED THE TIRES WERE FEATHERING AND ARE VERY DANGEROUS, EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT,HAD REAR SHOCKS REPLACED AND AN ADDITIONAL ALIGNMENT, CONSUMER IS AWAITING REIMBURSEMENT OF MONIES FOR TIRES. *JG