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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,912 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Chevrolet Impala brakes problems

brakes problem

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2009 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 3 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #68

Jan 152014

Impala

  • 77,303 miles

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

Traveling on highway at 70 mph. Service traction, reduced engine power, service engine lights came on, car was shaking, everything was shutting down. Fortunately it was not rush hour and I was able to pull off road. I was on a toll road that aaa can not respond. I waited about 20 minutes and started the car and everything was fine. Took car to our mechanic, there was a service bulletin, to replace throttle body assembly. Since then, 2 letters from GM about covering cost of throttle sensor, but not assembly. GM is not taking care of the real problem, the whole assembly needs to be replaced, not just the sensor! I've kept the part and invoice and letters from GM, they should just recall before it turns into a class action lawsuit!

- Canastota, NY, USA

problem #67

Nov 292015

Impala 6-cyl

  • 123,000 miles
My name is [xxx] and I purchased a 2009 Chevy Impala, with 123,000 miles on it, in August 2015 from mac churchill auto mall in bedford, Texas. I have had no problems with this car since its purchase until November 29th. While en route to emory, Texas, my car started displaying "engine power is reduced" and "service traction control" messages. About 99% of the way there, I suddenly got a lurch and my car slowed down, with steering and braking not working. I was able to get my car off the highway safely but had to use my emergency brake to stop my vehicle and get it turned off. I tried repeatedly for several minutes to get it going again, but it would not start. After about five minutes, the car restarted normally and has performed flawlessly since. However, I am concerned. I've had a garage pull and diagnose the problem. The error codes that were pulled are P2122 and P2138, regarding the accelerator pedal position sensor. I've researched this and this appears to be a common problem from what I've been able to ascertain from my research. But I'm confused as to whether this is a recall item based upon this: www.naioa.com/V2/modules.php?name=forums&file=viewtopic&T=49934. I'm now trying to understand whether I can get this fixed because I'm not sure this is covered under my used car warranty and I do not feel compelled to pay for a repair that GM has been aware of but failed to notify my dealership or me as a owner, until I got a letter on 12/9/15 indicating that there may be a problem...well after I started having problems. I want GM to fix this at their expense. It is a safety hazard here in the dfw area because this could reoccur while I'm in heavy traffic and have no way to stop before someone hits me or I hit someone. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Euless, TX, USA

problem #66

Oct 142015

Impala

  • 75,000 miles
For a few years I've had problems with the accelerator pedal. The first time was roughly two years ago when the car completely locked up and shut down on the highway just before rush hour. I received an error code to check traction control and that the engine power is being reduced. The car then looses speed dropping drastically. The first time I was in the fast lane on the highway and the vehicles computer system shut down. The steering wheel locked making it very difficult to veer off to the side of the high way. Luckily no other vehicles were directly behind me, and I was able to get the car to the side of the highway accident free. I've never been so afraid and terrified in my life. I fear this issue will cause fatalities that can be prevented. I had the car serviced at a Chevrolet dealership in ann arbor mi which was an expensive fix! since I've had the accelerator pedal replaced, the vehicle has shut off two other times followed by the same warning message to service traction control and engine power being reduced. I've written in to GM and they continue to request that I pay a diagnostic fee at a dealership for them to address the cause. I cant continue to pay $200-$300 for this fix when it is a manufacturers issue. This recall has been done on other Chevrolet models and I am praying for a recall on the 2009 Impala. This is a major safety issue to my family and the drivers who are around me. The issue is still present and is a major concern. The vehicle speed cant exceed 40mph at times, or will instantly drop at unexpected moments. Please investigate this issue.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

problem #65

Mar 172012

Impala

  • 15,000 miles

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

Vehicle shutoff and I lost steering and braking causing vehicle to crash and airbags did not deploy. The vehicle was in motion.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #64

May 102015

Impala 6-cyl

  • 58,970 miles
My car shut down on me on May 15 2015.service traction control and reduced engine power message appeared. I managed to drive the car home at slow speed.this is a safety issue. I have read reports that similar problems have appeared on other 2009 Impala. Some reports said the car shut down completely in fast moving traffic.I had my own mechanic look at the car and the part that needed to be replaced was thea.I.R. system check valve.I later received a notice from Chevrolet about another problem that could cause the car to shut down unexpectedly. (app) sensor accelerator pedal position sensor.I believe a recall should be issued for these problems because of the potential for accidents on the highway.also, Chevrolet did not cover the cost of the repairs to the a.I.R. pump. Thank you

- Cheswick, PA, USA

problem #63

Aug 182015

Impala

  • 75,000 miles
My wife and I were driving down the interstate at approximately 65 mph. A light on the dash came on saying engine power reduced. At that point my vehicle slowed down to nearly 20 mph while I was still on the interstate in moderate traffic. I pulled off to the side of the road and turned my vehicle off to try to investigate the problem. At that point my vehicle would not start for about 10 minutes. After getting my vehicle to start I immediately drove it home. This issue could have caused a very serious accident that would have injured my wife and I, but more importantly our 7 year old daughter riding in the back seat along with any one else involved. I have been on many different forums trying to figure out the cause of the problem, and it seems there are many people with this exact problem on their Chevrolet Impala.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #62

Jul 242015

Impala 6-cyl

  • 122,000 miles

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

My 2009 Chevy Impala had experience intermittent message "service traction control" along with "reduced engine speed" since August of 2012. It happened maybe 1-2 times per year for the last few years. The message would clear itself after the car was turned off and sat for a few minutes. On July 24th, my car experience these same messages once again. However, the message came and went multiple times and all speeds in town and on the highway. The message finally stayed and did not go away on July 25th. I scheduled service at the local dealer on Thursday, July 30. They changed the accelerator pedal and thought it was an issue that GM issued a special condition on in April 2015. On the way home from the shop, the message appeared again. Thus, the car was again serviced at the local dealership on Friday, July 31. By August 1, the "service traction control" light blinked on and then went off quickly. It did the same thing one time on August 2nd. Today, August 3rd, the light went off three times in a short drive and is once again stuck on. I'm very worried that the reduced engine speed will return when I am on a highway. This is a known issue by GM or they wouldn't have issued a special condition. They only will fix this up to 120,000 miles. If my engine turns off while moving at 70mph on highway, this will be huge safety concern. I'm waiting on the dealer to call me back to once again return my car for repair. [xxx] [xxx] clinton, mo 64735 [xxx] [xxxxxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Clinton, MO, USA

problem #61

Jan 022015

Impala 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly lose power and would not accelerate. The contact indicated that when the failure occurred, the traction control and reduce power sensor lights illuminated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 01/25/16.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #60

Oct 012014

Impala

  • miles
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. While driving at 35 mph, the vehicle lost power and jerked. In addition, the service stability traction and power reduced was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

- Rolling Prairie, IN, USA

problem #59

Jul 082015

Impala

  • 112,290 miles
I was driving about 40mph then my car broke down speed traction sensor was on and engine light came on and it read engine power had been reduced as I kept driving it was jerking and not wanting to pick up speed I turned the car off for about 30 minutes started again traction light off but check engine light still on went to oreilly and it read a code saying pedal position sensor

- Rockford, IL, USA

problem #58

Jun 062014

Impala

  • miles

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

Since we have had this car we are constantly having stability tract control sensors. We have replace them once and it is showing up again. When the stability tract control goes bad then the ABS and brake assist light also comes on along with it. I would like to see a recall fix for this problem as I know I am not the only one who has had these problems with their Impala.

- Floyd, VA, USA

problem #57

Jun 162014

Impala

  • 74,586 miles
I was driving on the highway during rush hour traffic going approximately 65 per hour and the service traction control came on and then said that engine power was reduced. It also had the engine light come on and stayed on all the way home. I then got home safely that time and shut off the car about 20 minutes later went out and all lights had gone off and was back to normal. This has happened at least a dozen times since then. Then on 6/29/15 this happened again on the highway during rush hour traffic. However this time the car said throttle disabled and the car shut off completely in the middle of the highway and I had to try and get to the side of the road without incident. After about 10 or 15 minutes the car then started back up and the lights went out and I was able to drive again. Then later in the day I returned home and tried to leave in my car and it would not start and had no power what so ever. The key also would not come out of the ignition and I just had that recall dealt with on the key. I could have been seriously injured in this last incident. This needs to be recalled and GM needs to pay for what I am out of pocket because I now had to get a rental car to work. I have read pages upon pages of complaints just like mine, which is ridiculous that this issue has not been fixed. Does it take someone getting injured or killed for GM to do something?

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #56

Sep 152011

Impala

  • 49,000 miles
Traction control light, and reduced engine power light came on. Lost power to the engine and had to stop. Turned the ignition off. Waited 10 minutes and started the car. Ran fine until I got home. This happened a few times before I took the car in. Found out it was an accelerator pedal position (app) sensor.

- Northfield, MN, USA

problem #55

May 012015

Impala

  • 112,000 miles
I was driving on the highway and all of the sudden check engine light and traction control light come on. Warnings service traction control and reduced engine power are displayed and all but shuts my car off in the middle of the highway causing cars to slam on their brakes and swerve barely missing me. I get over to the side of the road and turn the car off. Then turn the car back on same messages and won't go no where. Do the same thing again only waiting longer and no messages but check engine light still on. I drive home. Next day no warnings or lights. Couple weeks go by does the whole warnings and lights and slows car down again but doesn't completely shut it down. I was in regular street traffic this time about 35mph. And now it's more frequent sometimes a couple times a day to once every day or two. This needs to be looked at. I'm reading about this problem on a lot of Impala causing major problems and wrecks.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #54

Apr 042014

Impala 6-cyl

  • 64,000 miles
The traction control, stability track and ABS lights all came on. The engine power reduced light came on and engine power was lower. I had the left speed sensor replaced and the accelerator sensor replace on August 8th after the dealership had fixed this problem in April and again in June. I was told they changed sensors then also, but I am not sure of which ones at that time. I am now having the same problem for the forth time. Replacing the sensors every few months is getting expensive. Also not very safe. I contacted GM and the woman told me to take it back to the dealership to be fixed again. I have fixed the same issue three times already. They were of no help at all.

- Meadville, PW, USA

problem #53

Apr 132015

Impala 6-cyl

  • 93,000 miles
While on my way home from work on a major highway, message lit up saying engine power is reduced, service traction control, then said starting disabled and the engine shut off mid highway with no time to react. I was almost hit by several cars, tractor trailer, and buses. I had no power steering, nothing. I have 5 children who are often in the car with me and this created a mess of traffic and could have killed people. After being scared out of my mind and stuck half in a highway lane for 5 min with traffic swerving, the car started back up with no issues and I continued home. No sign of anything today, however I am reading thousands of complaints online from other Chevy Impala owners who state they are experiencing the same issues and it comes and goes and have tried everything to fix it and it still happens every so often sometimes more than others. Someone is going to lose a life.

- Rensselaer, NY, USA

problem #52

Feb 232015

Impala

  • 303,303 miles
While driving onto a highway when I reach 56 miles per hour my vehicle lost power and slow down the brakes locked and the electrical system went haywire. The locks started locking and unlocking while the vehicle was in motion. The lights started flickering on and off and the car started shaking rapidly and the brakes locked up. Once I started the vehicle back up and the ignition switch seemed to be stuck and the air bag light displayed on the dashboard. When I turn off the vehicle and try to remove the key the key will not come out so I have to put it into neutral and back into park a few times before it will release the key. Since this has occurred I hear a knocking sound in my glove box when the door is open and closed and sometime hours after ill hear the noise and the electric will flicker.

- Los Angeles , CA, USA

problem #51

Apr 202013

Impala

  • 65,000 miles
While driving on the highway at approximately 70 mph the car began to lose acceleration and dropped all the way down to 40 mph. The check engine light, service traction control, service stabilitrak, and reduced engine power message displayed as well. The car began shaking and would not accelerate. I had to pull off to the side of the highway and turn the car off to try and get the issue to subside. Once back on the road, not more than 3 miles later the issue surfaced again. I ended up having to get off the highway and drive (very slowly) back to my house. Not sure if it will be safe to drive back to the dealership to be addressed. I have replaced the wheel hubs and throttle pedal sensor in the past few years in an attempt to correct. This was an intermittent issue until recently and even after having it fixed by a certified Chevrolet dealership, the issue occurred again. This most recent incident could have ended in serious injury had I not been lucky enough to not have any cars immediately around me. With the amount of consistent complaints about this particular issue with this particular model of car I hope it can be addressed.

- Oakdale, CT, USA

problem #50

Mar 162012

Impala 8-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
I woke up in the hospital with a brain injury, tongue nearly cut in half, thoratic sprain, neck sprain, etc. From what I have been told, I was going at least 60-65 mph when I had my front end crash and my head went through the windshield. I had numerous issues already submitted to Chevy, such as the steering issues I had. The air bags did not deploy. I later was driving down the road and when I was turning my vehicle shut off.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #49

Feb 182015

Impala 6-cyl

  • 112,000 miles
I have been having the service engine light come intermittently along with the service traction control light. I have had a technician look at this for me and advised that the throttle control sensor (accelerator pedal) is going in and out. The accelerator pedal is connected to a sensor that drives the throttle on the engine. When this happens intermittently the vehicle looses engine power and traction control.

- Flushing, MI, USA

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