10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,199 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #48

Jan 182013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 65,500 miles
I was on highway one evening and my cruise control was engaged. My power went out completely on the car. I immediately noticed that the car shut down and I was able to coast to the side of the highway. After gathering my bearings, I was able to turn the car back on and drive off the freeway. It was determined that my oil was low (no warning light). Prior to this incident, I was going down hill on a local street when my warning system came on and indicated that I had reduced engine power and traction stability control issues. After going to the dealer, it was determined that my oil was extremely low, however no leaks or cause was ever found. Prior to this, I had to get my accelerator sensor replaced because the reduced engine power warning came on. It was not covered under warranty and I had to pay several hundred dollars to 'fix' the issue. As recently as yesterday, June 16, 2014, I turned my car on and the reduced engine power and traction control warning came on. I immediately turned the car off and checked the oil. It was low but no warning light to indicate this issue came on (same as in the past). I faithfully get my oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever is first. My oil life was at 54% yesterday and I did take it in for an oil change this morning. It is obvious based on others experiences, that this is a known issue amongst 2009 Impala owners. The fact that I did not receive a warning when I was on a major highway and my car shut off while still in motion, is extremely scary and it traumatized my son tremendously. I am hoping that some type of investigation will be initiated because it could result in serious injuries or even death.

- South Euclid, OH, USA

problem #47

Jun 152014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 80,775 miles
Climbing up alpowa grade on highway 12 in Washington state, the check engine light came on, "engine power is reduced" came on in the odometer window. Approximately 35 miles later, beyond Dodge junction and before starbuck turnoff, there was another message flashed in the odometer window, "ignition switch disabled. Service engine" the engine shut down, and the power steering became super sluggish. The car slowed down, and we were able to get stopped on the side of the road. At this point when we got the car running again, the cruise control would not work. When we reached walla walla, Washington, we stopped at O'reilys auto parts, had one of the parts specialists come out and check what the code was on the computer, and found out it was the electronic throttle sensor that is defective. This is a Pilot car escort vehicle, making the hazard even more dangerous, because had I been traveling with an oversized load, I could have been hit by the semi pulling the load, or I could have impacted the rear of the load, depending if I were following or leading. Also, had that happened while on a job, the load would have had to stop until another Pilot car escort vehicle could arrive to continue with the load. This is a dangerous thing to have shut off when driving in areas that are not straight. Unable to control steering, brakes less than responsive, and possible hazards of vehicles oncoming or following us could become impact hazards. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lewiston, ID, USA

problem #46

Apr 012014

Impala 6-cyl

  • miles
While driving, service traction control will come on along with the engine light, and they flicker on and off, and cause the car to jerk, the locks to relock, my fuel gauge to go out of place, and sometimes cause the car to turn off. I have taken my car to an actual Chevrolet dealership, but they stated that there was nothing wrong with the car because they tried and no problems were diagnosed when they used the scan tool. I don't know what to do. Some people say that it may have something to do with my transmission; others say that it is something electrical; while others say that a wire is not connecting or is touching something. One dealer stated that this is happen in all 2007-2012 Impala once they hit a certain miles.

- Irving , TX, USA

problem #45

Jun 012011

Impala 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
This is a known problem with Chevy Impala, however GM refuses to do a recall. Someone will die again at their hands. When driving the car, all of a sudden a "service traction control" message pops up, then "reduced engine power", then the check engine light goes on. The car immediately loses power and the speed is cut almost in half very abruptly. One time, the car completely lost all electrical and power while traveling at 65mph on the interstate. I was stuck with no power steering, no power brakes, etc and had to navigate to the side of the road without killing myself. I have finally figured out what the problem is due to the many forums that are popping up with other owners describing their fixes. Turns out it is the accelerator pedal position sensor. I have replaced it myself and the car is now running fine. I am not happy with Chevrolet playing with my safety and my life by not recalling this part. As I mentioned earlier.... people will die, I almost did.

- Wisconsin Rapids, WI, USA

problem #44

May 202014

Impala 6-cyl

  • miles
2009 Impala, owned since 2011. Started to give us issues a year after purchase where we would get no crank, no start. Replaced battery thinking it was the issue. It worked for a couple of days and started over again. No crank, no start. Replaced starter with autozone brand and it worked fine a few days. It started to happen again, no crank, no start. Replaced starter with oem from GM. It worked for a couple of days and the issue started to happen again. No crank, no start. Replaced starter relay, pulled BCM and cleaned all contacts. After cleaning BCM contacts it seemed to of worked but a few weeks later it gave us the same problem. Changed ignition switch and continued to have the same no crank, no start issues. We just continued to live with it. The car cranks after 5 or 6 turns of the key and became apart of our daily life. Now the big issue is the car turned off on us while driving a few days ago. Let it sit 30 mins. And tried to crank but we were getting no crank no start. It eventually cranked and started but I'm worried because I have my grand kids with me often and fear if im on the highway I can get into a serious collision. Airbag light has came on since then and can't afford to go to the dealership to get the vehicle diagnosed. I've called GM and since the vehicle is no longer under warranty I would be responsible for everything. Have also checked the cables to make sure they are tight and free of corrosion. No oil drips on the starter. We give the car scheduled oil changes and take care of it very well.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #43

May 212014

Impala

  • miles
I could not remove the key from the switch. I contacted my crain Chevrolet dealership and the staff attempted to walk me though on how to remove the key from the switch, every attempt did not work.

- Little Rock,, AR, USA

problem #42

Jan 082013

Impala

  • 82,463 miles
I have owned my Impala since March 2010 and while it is an attractive car, I have had nothing but issues. First month a sensor goes out in the acceleration, $230 to replace, in the last 2 years we have had an annoying ticking noise when you turn the car on something having to do with the ac/heater. Seems like everyone says that it is common in Impala but yet I have not seen a recall. I don't have the $450 to fix and it is rather embarrassing when you car pool as it is very loud and last approximately 30seconds to 45 seconds. I have also had leaks every time it rains or we go to the car wash. Water seems to be coming in from the frame by the windshield on both driver and passenger roof area. It runs down and comes out by the brake on driver side and fuse box on passenger side. I thought this water was affecting my power locks as it seems like we have had issue with our door locks not opening. They take turns, not unlocking but after reading comments on this web page seems like others are also having this same issue with locks, yet no recall. I have taken it down to be looked at but they say they don't see any issues they can pin point. Don't have any more money to put into this vehicle. I like my car but it has issues. I will do my home work before I purchase my next car.

- Las Cruces, NM, USA

problem #41

Apr 072014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 48,287 miles
In April 2013, the traction control and ABS warning light began coming on, in my 2009 Impala, when making a left turn. The lights began to come on more frequently and would stay on for longer times. I took the car to the dealer but they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. The problem has been an ongoing problem since I purchased this vehicle.the lights would stay on for a longer period of time. The problem has not been fixing by the dealer. But they keep charging me $100 per visit.

- Quincy, FL, USA

problem #40

Mar 042013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 48,287 miles
I'm tried of my doors not locking with key fob and both rear doors and sometimes passenger side would not lock. This problem have been occurring since April 2013 and today May 2014 it's still happening.I attempted to lock from inside vehicle and would still not lock or unlock. I have to maneuver walk around the car and lock the doors individual. Each time I take the car to the dealer they are telling me that this is not covered part. When I purchased this vehicle they claimed they conducted a full vehicle check. I think they lied and they car was never checked. Why do us as customer buy warrants and the warrant don"T cover electrical power. Is this a electrical problem? what can be done to prevent this problem"

- Quincy, FL, USA

problem #39

May 052014

Impala 8-cyl

  • 99,780 miles
Car turned off by its self while driving. Luckily had enough momentum to park it. When I stopped I placed the vehicle in park and the key was stuck in the ignition and the shifter would not move. I contact my Chevy dealership and asked if this was a safety recall. It was not. I don't know why this is not a recall. Having your car stop while driving is incredibly dangerous. Considering that my powersteering and brakes went out on me. I came out of this without injury but I what if someone was going around a curve or driving in dangerous conditions. I really hope Chevy takes responsibility for this and recall or in my case reimburse owners.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #38

Apr 182012

Impala 8-cyl

  • 45,085 miles
There is a clicking sound coming from the A/C or dash area of the vehicle. It clicks for about 5 minutes and then goes away. If you try change the temperature, it starts again. I heard many other Impala have this same issue. I hope Chevy fixes this, it could cause the driver to be distracted while driving and crash. Luckily this hasn't to me.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #37

Apr 112014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 92,320 miles
I was driving my 2009 Chevy Impala traveling at about 45-50 mph when the "reduce engine power" message came up followed by "check traction control". the car then became sluggish and slowed down to about 15-20 mph. It then shut off without warning and it seems as though the power steering went out. I had my daughter in the car with me and thank god traffic was light because with that happening it was an accident waiting to happen. I am concerned because it seems like this has been a common problem with this car for a few years and there has not been a recall yet. Is GM waiting for someone to die. No one seems to be able to pinpoint what the problem is and I don't think it's fair that someone has to pay money to fix what may be a problem. Something needs to be done because this is not safe at all. I see a lot of Impala in my town and it's scary to think that at any time this can happen to any one of those cars, mine included, and seriously hurt or kill someone. GM needs to step up and do the responsible thing for the people who invested their money in the GM brand.

- Hinesville, GA, USA

problem #36

Apr 122014

Impala

  • 82,000 miles
Newly purchased car and child locked himself in car and when I tried to unlock car with key fob doors wouldn't unlock due to an issue that a lot of these cars are having with the actuator. I did a lot of research and found that there are tons of these cars having the same issue. I was able to quickly get the door unlocked with the key but then had to climb over the seat to get the back door unlocked... god forbid I had to rely on my key fob to save my life someday!

- Glenns Ferry, ID, USA

problem #35

Jun 142010

Impala 6-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
I was driving on the freeway at approximately 70mph, my check engine light came on. About 5 seconds later, my service traction control came on. As I kept driving, I lost power to my engine. Finally, my engine was disabled and I couldn't drive anymore. Luckily, I was able to pull over. After 5 minutes, I was able to start up my car. I replaced the throttle body, but my car still keeps doing this. This is very unsafe. GM needs to recall its cars.

- Ontario, CA, USA

problem #34

Mar 032014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 74,800 miles
Tried to lock doors with key fob and both rear doors and sometimes passenger side would not lock. Attempted to lock from inside vehicle and would still not lock or unlock.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #33

Mar 172014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 66,000 miles
Key stuck in ignition and will not release. Repaired twice under warranty problem still persists. Numerous complaints on internet. GM has internal knowledge of issue with proposed workaround which does not remedy the issue. This is a poor design. Free standing cable in shift column moves and becomes pinched or solder comes loose from harness not allow key to be released. Vehicle cannot be unattended doors cannot be locked left stranded. Vehicle is now at dealer and no longer covered under warranty. Terrible design by GM. Now forced to pay for a repair which will not hold up and that has already been repaired twice well under warranty.

- Lapeer, MI, USA

problem #32

Feb 102014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 101,671 miles
The entire dash board (speedometer area) will lose power and all the gauges will go out as if the car was turned off while driving. The radio will still work, I can't use the turn signal when this happens. The car would eventually go back to working on the dashboard for awhile and than repeat itself. The airbag light stay on saying I need to have it service, but when I went to a chevorlet dealer today it didn't read a diagnosis code so they couldn't do anything but reset, but that still didn't work.

- Bennettsville, SC, USA

problem #31

Feb 192014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 104,122 miles
Was driving car and traction control light came on and then check engine light. Lost power and brakes. Car was able to stop but very hard. Glad nobody was in front of me or I would have it them. This is very dangerous and I think there should be a recall on the throttle body and sensors. I did have it fixed but had to take it to several dealers to figure out if it was the accelerator pedal or the throttle body.it was the whole throttle body unit.

- Janesville, WI, USA

problem #30

Feb 092014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 72,370 miles
Stopped at the top of a snow covered hill. Put the transmission in 2nd gear and proceeded down the hill. The vehicle got up to about 15 mph then lost all power; engine quit, no brakes, and the steering wheel locked in place. Because the brakes were not working the vehicle gained significant speed going downhill. Not being able to steer the vehicle because the steering wheel was locked it went off the road and hit a tree. Upon impact the air bags did not deploy. As a result the driver and passenger were seriously injured. The consumer stated after owning the vehicle for a few months, the vehicle began to loose power and several messages appeared on the dashboard. All the power shut off and the consumer had to aaa to have the vehicle towed to where she purchased it. An inspection revealed the throttle body needed to be replaced. Updated 07/10/14

- North East., PA, USA

problem #29

Jun 082011

Impala

  • 38,500 miles
The rear power door lock actuators have failed. The rear passenger door lock failed first, then a few thousand miles later the driver side actuator failed. The problem is intermittent but with a 90%+ occurrence of failure. One or both will fail for weeks at a time, but may occasionally surprise you and work once or twice. The failure is in both the lock and unlock modes. The failure is unrelated to using keyless entry or the manual switch or having child safety locks on or off. It is virtually impossible to reach the rear door top manual latch post from the front seat. On one occasion I was trying to manually unlock the rear passenger side door from the front seat. My head/neck became trapped between the side of the front passenger seat and the door pillar. I was unable to remove my neck until I was able to reach the seat adjusting mechanism and move the seat forward. In the process of that I aggravated a chronic back condition pulling a muscle in my back. An internet search or discussion with repair shops will quickly reveal that this is a widespread issue for many 2008-2009 Chevrolet Impala, Tahoe, Malibu and Silverado owners. Due to the approximate $365 per door repair cost, the defective latches are not being replaced by many owners. Chevrolet is well aware of the problem and offers no repair assistance. In a crash situation the crash computer sequence cannot be relied on actuate the defective lock actuators. The position of the manual lock post does not facilitate manual operation without extreme contortion of the body. In a fire, crash or emergency it would be difficult to access children or passengers from the rear seat for extraction. My son has told me that it is common knowledge that the rear doors on this genre of vehicle are commonly unlocked and a target of thieves and potentially carjackers.

- Marengo, OH, USA

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