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6.9

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$330
Average Mileage:
86,900 miles
Total Complaints:
42 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (22 reports)
  2. replaced ac/heater actuator in the dash (18 reports)
  3. replace fans (1 reports)
  4. replace vent control module (1 reports)
  5. taking it to the mechanic 10/14/13 (1 reports)
2009 Chevrolet Impala AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2009 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #42

Jun 242020

Impala LX 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,587 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Problem number one is, General Motors has a bad motivator. CEO Mary Barra needs to motivate someone to fix this problem. The bad publicity is not worth the bad reputation and profits. There are 44 complaints on this web site. How many bad AC/Heater actuators have been replaced; hundreds, thousands? Are buyers going to trust GM again? Judging by the comments the answer is NO!

Problem number two, my 2009 Impala is making loud clacking noises under the dash. The noise occurs when the doors are opened or closed, truck is opened, the key is inserted in the ignition. The duration is one to two minutes. My dilemma is to pay the $500 or get rid of it?

Thank you car complaints.com for this web site.

- Bill K., Albuquerque, NM, US

problem #41

Jun 132015

Impala LS 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

My first Chevy car and because of this ridiculous problem, that has occurred in every single Impala I've ever known of, I will NEVER buy another Chevy product. GM knows this is an issue that will occur in all Impalas (if the owner has them long enough) and they have done nothing about it. It should have been a RECALLED REPAIR YEARS AGO. If it were just the simple annoyance of the terrible LOUD CLACKING NOISE coming from the dash, that would be bad enough. Since my car has Dual Climate Controls, the issue occurred TWICE. First with the passenger side, then the drivers side. I'm told it's the Air Blend Actuator or A/C Heat Blend Door Actuator causing the problem. That the plastic gear teeth break off causing the gear to spin, spin, spin till it catches and closes the blend door. **The reason the gear teeth break is because of overuse! An extremely POOR design causes the actuator to spin when it's completely unnecessary!!! It spins / CLACKS when; you open a door, you close a door, you open the trunk, you close the trunk, you use the key fob in ANY way, you remote start the car, you turn the car off. It spins / CLACKS when you touch the car, even when you WALK BY THE CAR!! This is why I believe it's somehow tied to the anti-theft system. Now, it spins / CLACKS so much that it runs my car battery COMPLETELY DOWN OVERNIGHT just sitting under my carport. It's been said that this hasn't been included in a recall because it's not a serious issue or a safety issue. I COMPLETELY DISAGREE. When something this STUPID is causing me to be stranded due to a DEAD BATTERY, it's serious and affects my safety. I have researched every way I know how trying to find a way to disable the stupid anti-theft crap so I can stop having dead batteries....but no luck. The actual part to fix this is fairly cheap BUT the labor cost is HIGH! There are 3 actuators. The passenger side can be replaced easier as it's located behind the glove compartment, however the other 2 are more difficult to access and the estimated cost by the repair shops I've asked, is between $400-$600!!! I don't know if filing this complaint will accomplish anything, but at least I've got the frustration of it off my chest....for now.

- T D., Greenville, US

problem #40

Dec 012016

Impala LT2 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

I replaced all 3 blend door actuators, ( I had the dual climate AC which made it worse ). I myself have replaced the damn things 3 times. I sold the car to a friend of mine (I told him not to buy it)! and he did anyway. He has replaced them 2 additional times now. This is the cheapest made china crap I have ever seen in a car. honestly go back to manual blend doors if you cannot contract out the part that is reputable. everyone I know that has owned an impala from 06-15 had the same problem. The sound is so loud I would hear it at night through the garage wall, I used to have to unplug the battery to get it to stop. Best thing I ever did was sell this crappy car and bought a Toyota. No blend door problems, no faulty electrical issues, windows and locks always work. Do yourself a favor and do no buy a GM product they are garbage in every literal sense of the word.

- Kenny R., Henderson, NV, US

problem #39

Jun 042018

Impala LT V6. 3.5l2

  • Automatic transmission
  • 158,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This problem with the blend door actuators is a freaking nightmare. This is the FOURTH TIME I've had to replace this damn thing. I am on a fixed income and can not afford this crap every time it decides to stop working. The part is cheaply made and Chevy/GMC should be the ones to fix the problem. How many people need to complain before it is a recall?

I WILL NEVER BUY A CHEVY AGAIN. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS That clicking noise is unbearable and embarrassing. People can hear it clicking outside of the car. GMC really needs to get their head out of their asses and make a part that is AMERICAN MADE and will not go out every 4-6 months. These Chinese parts are obviously no damn good.

- fleemant2, Bakersfield, US

problem #38

Oct 032012

Impala V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,089 miles

The actuator on these vehicles are horrible. This should have been a recall from the very start. EVERY Chevy Impala I've had, has made this stupid tucking noise. And it just gets louder and louder. No human being should have to drive around and listen to this mess periodically. As much as they charge for these vehicles they should be kind enough to fix this mess. I had one straight off the car lot making this noise. I will never buy another Chevrolet after this. A nightmare!

- Quinn S., Whiteville, NC, US

problem #37

Jul 102017

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,562 miles

This is an ongoing issue with these cars. There should be a recall. The part is $40 but the shops charge $350-$500 to fix it.

- Tanya G., Elmira, NY, US

problem #36

May 302011

Impala LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,100 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

THE FIRST TIME I HEARD THE TAPPING NOISE ON THE DASH IT SCARED ME AND IT LAST FOR ABOUT 1-2 MIN. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST ME $380.00 TO FIX BUT I TOLD THEM THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURE PROBLEM, NOT MY FAULT SO THEY WENT AHEAD AND FIX IT AS UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY DID TOLD ME THAT IF IT OCCURS AGAIN I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A FEE NEXT TIME. IT DID OCCUR AGAIN AND ITS SO ANNOYING AND EMBARRINSSING AND THE NOISE IS SO LOUD THAT MY CHILD WOULD START CRYING EVERY TIME HE WOULD FALL ASLEEP :(... PLEASE HELP I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND ITS A MUNUFACTURE.

- Llesy R., Norwalk, CA, US

problem #35

Dec 192016

Impala LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

In December, 2016, my 2009 Impala started having this loud clicking noise(sounds like a woodpecker) under the hood. The first time I heard this noise was the day after I got an oil change. As I was driving, out of nowhere, I heard this annoying clicking noise in the dash. It lasted about 90 seconds. I stopped, turned the car off, but the noise continued. Then it just stopped. I then began to hear this clicking noise intermittently, always in the dash. In the last month, now, when I unlocked my car door, when I open a car door (driver, passenger, front, back) the noise is there, it now seems to be coming from the glove box. The dealership charged $125 to diagnosis the problem (an actuator) and it will cost another $526 plus tax to fix the problem (and that's just for one actuator). I have learned since, that there are several actuators, and at some point, they may all have to be replaced, There should be a recall on this car. I have yet to fix the problem, the cost is too high..

- holbrody, Lewisville, US

problem #34

Jan 012016

Impala SS 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

I have replaced the actuators on both the driver and passenger side twice since owning this car (purchased in 2012). I did it myself instead of paying the exorbitant price the dealer wanted to replace them. Now there is a THIRD actuator/blend door that I can't get to since the dash has to come out in order to get to that one (between the dash and the firewall). Why are these constantly going out? Why isn't there a GM fix for this if there are so many problems with the same thing - because it's not a safety problem?? Annoying and embarrassing problem for sure!

- beckyv84, Blanchester, OH, US

problem #33

Nov 102016

Impala LS 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,273 miles

It's like having Woody Woodpecker and a drummer performing solo from time to time under the dash, starting when you don't expect, just to scare you and stopping when you got used to it and try to remember if there are still bad words not pronounced yet.

- Gheorghe M., Brossard, QC, Canada

problem #32

Aug 012016

Impala LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2009, Chevy Impala that I love (a Chevy girl) but the noise under the dash is on my nerves. I have read that a lot of people also have this problem and the price varies. Also, I heard there are 3 actuators to replace but recently I heard there are 4, where are they located?

- DAnna C., Atlanta, GA, US

problem #31

Oct 052016

Impala LT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,687 miles

This noise is really annoying especially when driving. Also the clicking continues after the car is shut off. I never know if the battery will be dead after it quits.

- mulca1234, Windber, PA, US

problem #30

Jul 022016

Impala LTX 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,430 miles

I HAD AN ACTUATOR REPLACED IN 2013, NOW AGAIN IN 2016 HAVE TO REPLACE AN ACTUATOR.

This dose not speak well for the products dependability No to mention the cost of $398.00. I have no problem with the dealer ship, just Chevrolet, I do not think I will ever buy another Chevrolet, I also have a Ford and its a 2006 model and nothing have failed except a battery, brakes, and tires.

- Julius F., The Colony, TX, US

problem #29

Jun 012014

Impala SS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

This is the WORST vehicle my husband and I have EVER purchased. We purchased this car while living in Mississippi in July 2010. When I saw it, I fell in love with it. Well 1-2 years later, the quality of our car took a nosedive. The actuators started to make noise then it would stop. Everytime we would crank it up it would make noise. Then it got to a point where the air wouldn't come on. Next it got to a point where the air would come when the setting was on heat and the heat would come on when the setting was on cold. It was all out of whack! We tried to get assistance from GM considering we'd only had the car for a 1-2 years and they decided to only pay for a small portion of it. Conveniently, the warranty didn't cover it. When we tried to get more assistance, they wouldn't assist us AT ALL!!!!! We tried to maintain purchasing an American vehicle considering I have numerous of aunts and uncles that have retired from GM and a sister and a brother in law who currently work for GM. After this, I will NEVER purchase a GM vehicle again. I own a 1995 Honda Civc that has NEVER given me trouble. I should've just bought another Honda considering "they last forever!"

- kflournoy, New Caney, TX, US

problem #28

Nov 122015

Impala SS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

This is my 4th(fourth) time replacing the noise under the dash.... The right side cost me around 200 bucks and that with the labor fees... but the left side under the dash cost me $695.30... that's parts and labor included... A dumb little door cost me that much... I paid that twice in one year... so in all I paid $1,390.06 for the left door under the dash and 400 for the right that is located in the glove box. so my grand total is $1,790.06...

Thank you Chevy.... I love your cars but hate your a/c parts... They should do a recall on those part and pay for them.... Fix it Chevy !!!!

- nayda28, Theodore, AL, US

problem #27

Oct 302014

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I AM REALLY ANNOYED WITH THIS PROBLEM! IT ALREADY COST ME ALMOST $400 CAUSE THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT, IT IS NOW DOING IT AGAIN AND EFFECTING THE CONTROL OF MY AIR & HEAT. I DON'T HAVE THIS KIND OF MONEY AND FEEL IS VERY UNFAIR OF GM NOT TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM. WE ALREADY PAYING FOR THE CAR. THEY KNEW THAT PART WAS A PIECE OF CRAP WHEN THEY PUT IT IN THERE! IF THEY DON'T RECALL & FIX THIS PROBLEM I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY AND WILL TELL EVERY ONE I KNOW IN THE US AND 29 COUNTRIES NOT TO BUY THEM EITHER! WHICH IS REALLY SAD.

- Donna P., Tulsa, OK, US

problem #26

Sep 152014

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,371 miles

Last September (2014) I heard a loud knocking on the passenger side. I knew it was related to the HVAC system because when you moved the controls you could sometimes make it stop. Of course it was an intermittent problem so I had to wait until it was making the noise all the time. I took it to a non-dealer to have it repaired. They put on an HVAC door actuator. They said the piece was made of plastic and it broke. It costs $409. Now only 1 year, 2 weeks and 2 days later the same thing started happening.

I found similar issues on this website so I called GM to see if they would do anything about it. They will pay the first hour to diagnose the problem and then MIGHT provide assistance later. (As soon as they make sure that the non-GM mechanic didn't screw something up. LOL!) I talked to the person at the GM dealership and since it is an intermittent problem they may not be able to diagnose it in an hour. The guy told me there are 4 different doors, so apparently this issue might be a different door. Sounds kind of like the Price is Right. What is behind door #1? I guess I need to wait until it is doing it more frequently before I take it in. They guy did have a point, he asked which one I wanted him to replace the easiest or hardest door to get to. So until they can hear where it is coming from it is pointless to take it in.

In the meantime, I guess I will at least call the place I had it repaired at and see if they will do anything.

- Donna V., Olathe, KS, US

problem #25

Dec 012015

Impala LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

2009 Chevy Impala has a clicking noise in the dashboard and when it started it frightened me and I skidded off the road and hit a pole. It's a very scary frightening noise when it starts. It's the AC Actuator. Everyone's been having this problem, the parts from China. It's a bad part they know it. They should be doing a recall and someone's going to get killed if they don't, I almost died.

- Tracy G., Newport Beach, CA, US

problem #24

Nov 062015

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,521 miles

This problem is very annoying. This is also the second time that it has happened. The first time it happened the cost was covered under an extended warranty. This time we will have to pay out of pocket. I have read that it may cost up to $400. My wife wants to trade the car in but I am hesitant because it is paid for. However, this is only one of several problems that the car has had in the past few months. We just replaced a window regulator about 2 months ago and that was also $500 as well. At this rate, we may as well but another car...I doubt if it will be a Chevry, which is sad because I really like them. My father was a Chevrolet man also. I think its time to cut the cord.

- michael035, Monroe, LA, US

problem #23

Oct 012013

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

I'm outraged at GM for not handling these recalls, I bought this car new and it's given me so many issues, what can we do about getting these things taken care of at GM's expense?

- Tammy C., Charleston, US

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