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9.4

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
110,950 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (7 reports)
2009 Chevrolet Impala engine problems

engine problem

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2009 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments

problem #7

May 242016

Impala LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

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

I was on the interstate, going the speed limit. I had the cruise control on when the car alerted me that the ENGINE POWER REDUCED and SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. I continued to drive as these messages have appeared on my car before. I traveled another 40 miles along the interstate and was about a mile from my exit. I was passing an over-sized tractor trailer going up hill when the car displayed STARTING DISABLED THROTTLE SERVICE and the car shut off. I was in the left lane and had to initiate my emergency lights and wait for the tractor trailer to pass me so I could move the car over to the right shoulder. As the car was completely shutoff and was just coasting, I had to fight the steering wheel to control the car. I feel like had my situation was just a little different, the car could have came to a complete stop in the middle of the interstate with cars traveling 70+ mph and possibly caused a crash. I've already replaced the throttle position sensor and that remedied the situation for a couple months. This a highly dangerous occurance that I know is common with the Impala's as I've heard it happening to several other people owning Impala's.

- Steven T., Smyrna, TN, US

problem #6

May 162016

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,342 miles

Time number 2 of the car just cutting off. No engine. Standed in traffic. Won't start. Gotta get kids, go ball game get to school n work in am and no one has any Idea what this is...some problem continuing on since 2003 it sounds like to me. And no fix.

The Hyundai XG had a similar problem with the engine just stoping. But you pulle over. Turned off car for 30 secs and it started again. Of course it could of got one killed if it happened on the interstate at 70 mph. Never could get answer on this but they stopped making the car.

ANYHOW, now my impala has this crazy no solution problem. Except the mentioned loose wire on the PCM...wrote in my other post of the May 13 Break down.

I WANT A SOLUTION....I need my car..next I'll be homeless and childless with the state caring for them because I can't get to work..and I can't just buy a new car...

- Teri S., Roxboro, NC, US

problem #5

May 132016

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,324 miles

The Windows still worked. The radio played. The key clicker worked. Just the car would not start. Also would not stop allowing radio, Windows etc. so /something was getting juice....and not stopping. Got towed. Only thing he could think of would be the switch..with the ignition.

Well. It started and worked for 4 hours then stopped at the red light. No windows operate, no flashers, nothing. And towed. Sooo. What can it be?....The guess begins...maybe the loose wire to the PCM ( whatever that is), but I read about!

This is sooo bad as I have 3 children, work, school and after school stuff and a BUDGET.

- Teri S., Roxboro, NC, US

problem #4

Dec 192015

Impala LT 3.5L Flex Fuel V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

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

car stalling while driving, or revving up while stopped

Can't believe that there isn't some kind of recall.. the car will shut off while driving, pray that I can pull over to try and restart it. Other times while it's just sitting there it will idle high, or go really low.

- Cindy M., Lansing, US

problem #3

Dec 232014

Impala LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,426 miles

I was going shopping my car stopped in the middle of rush hour traffic, It would not start and when it did it would not move forward. I was told it was my transmission paid $1400 the car was in the shop for a week, got that fixed. My traction control light came on and the car reduced speed, my car was moving like it had a sore throat. Then the next day my car started smoking the check oil light came on, then the engine light was flashing and idling was going on then my car just cut off. The engine would not start at all.

Had it towed to GM dealership where they said my car spark plugs was full of oil and when they started it in the garage it filled up full of smoke, so they wanted me to pay $700 for a diagnostic, oil change and to change my spark plugs and wires. Are you kidding me. Now I need a new MOTOR and that's $5000. It seems as though 09 Impalas have defects and GM does not want the responsibility of trying to correct all these problems with their vehicles.

I was told when I purchased the car I have a good car a dependable vehicle, which is only a sales pitch to get you to buy a car. I am a single mom I have to walk 12 blocks each morning to take my to (7and8) girls to catch a school bus at 6:30 am each morning so they can get to school because I depended on my 09 IMPALA. I want GM to provide remedies for these defects on my vehicle.

- tabitha bassett, Chicago, IL, US

problem #2

Nov 092014

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,500 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 slowed down to about 15-20 mph and then stopped. It then shut off without warning. I had my two daughters and my wife 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 and there has not been a recall yet. 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 Impalas are having same type of problems. I see at anytime this can happen to anyone of those cars, mine included, and someone can seriously be hurt or killed. GM needs to step up and do the responsible thing for the people who invested their money in the GM brand. We pay a lot of money for these cars, way more than they are worth.

- drabb, Columbia, SC, US

problem #1

Feb 032014

Impala

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

While driving with my kids in the car, the message center on the dashboard started displaying "service traction control" and "reduced engine power." The warnings were accompanied by rough and weak engine performance. Thankfully, we were able to get home safely. On two other occasions the car displayed the messages and engine performance then stalled on the road - once at the end of my block and once on my way to work in 10 below zero degree weather. In between these episodes the car would function normally. A private mechanic was able to catch an error code on the computer when the car acted up at the shop and replaced the throttle body. The car drove fine for three months, but the warning lights and rough engine performance happened to my wife on the way home from work recently.

My in-laws have had the same issue with their 2006 Impala, as has a wife's coworker.

Considering all the similar problems others are having with this car, Chevy needs a recall before someone gets killed.

- Glenn J., Little Canada, MN, US

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