FaultScore

2009 Chevrolet Impala brake problems

76 of the 1,368 complaints about the 2009 Chevrolet Impala are about the braking system — 6% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 48,800 miles.

C

76

Complaints

8

Crashes

1

Fires

5

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes 39 51.3%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 32 42.1%
Rotor 2 2.6%
ABS Warning Light 1 1.3%
Parking Brake 1 1.3%
Service Brakes, Electric 1 1.3%

Brakes across every Chevrolet Impala year

2000 67 7.2%
2001 72 7.7%
2002 77 8.2%
2003 80 8.5%
2004 98 10.5%
2005 54 5.8%
2006 36 3.8%
2007 59 6.3%
2008 40 4.3%
2009 76 8.1%
2010 31 3.3%
2011 39 4.2%
2012 34 3.6%
2013 53 5.7%
2014 93 9.9%
2015 27 2.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 81,000 miles Commack, NY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The traction control, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic however, a diagnostic test could not be performed due the excessive rust underneath the vehicle. The mechanic was unable to hoist the vehicle on the lift because safety and liability issues. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA complaint #11570246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Rockmart, GA Crash Fire 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

I CRASHED HEADING DOWN A HILL .I CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AFTER MY CAR SUDDENLY REVVED UP,GAINED SPEED AS I HEADED TOWARDS A TELEPHONE POLE ,WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING ,BRAKES BECAUSE MY CAR QUIT AFTER GAINING SPEED DUE TO THE RPMS AMPING UP ON THEIR OWN AND GOING DOWN A HILL. WHEN I HIT THE POLE,THE TELEPHONE LINES SNAPPED AND I WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR BECAUSE THEY LANDED ON MY DRIVER WINDOW AND WERE SHOOTING OUT SPARKS AS IF THEY WERE ROMAN CANDLES AND A FIRE STARTED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR IN SOME PINE STRAW. WHEN THE FIREMEN WAS ABLE TO GET ME OUT OF THE CAR HE CAME TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND BY THEN I HAD TAKEN MY SEAT BELT OFF AND THE FIREMAN ADVISED ME TO GET OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE IF I WAS ABLE AND I TOLD HIM THAT I WAS SCARED TO LET OFF THE BRAKE BECAUSE I THOUGHT FOR SOME REASON BEING OUT OF MY HEAD THAT THE CAR WAS GOING TO ROLL IF I LET OFF THE BRAKE AND HE TOOK HIS HAND AND SLAMMED THE CAR UP IN TO PARK BECAUSE I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE I HAD NOT PUT IT IN PARK. HE SAID YOU CAN LET YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE BECAUSE IT WILL NOT ROLL AND I SAID I'M TOO SCARED .I ASKED..CAN I PUT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON AND HE SAID YES AND WHEN I DID IT WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. THEN I CONTINUED TO COME OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND HOP TO THE SIDEWALK WITH MY FEET TOGETHER JUST IN CASE ANYTHING WAS HOT AND TO KEEP FROM GETTING ELECTROCUTIED JUST IN CASE SOMETHING WAS STILL HOT AROUND US. WHEN I WAS STRUCK BY THE AIRBAG THE AND THE SEAT BELT DID ITS JOB I SUPPOSE BUT FOR SOME REASON MY NECK WAS YANKED SO HARD THAT IT HURTS SO BADD EVERYDAY WHEN I DIDN'T GO TO THE HOSPITAL.I WAS UNAWARE OF ANY RECALLS WHEN I PURCHASED FROM A DEALERSHIP ON JAN 18 2020. THE DAY BEFORE I CRASHED WE WERE TRAVELING UPHILL &I HAD A FRIEND WITH ME THAT HELPED GRAB THE WHEEL UNTIL IT STOPPED AFTER IT REVVED UP & QUIT.I ATTEMPTED TO CRANK IT 3XS WITH SUCCESS. I WAS STUNNED AS TO WHY IT DID IT .

NHTSA complaint #11353551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Ardmore, OK

SERVICE BRAKES

POWER REDUCES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. IF I SLOW BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC IT JERKS LIKE BRAKES ARE STILL ENGAGED. ACTS LIKE TRANSMISSION GOING OUT. THIS CAN CAUSE SOMEONE TO GET RUN INTO FROM BEHIND. THERE WAS A RECALL EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE MILEAGE WAS NOT ENOUGH TO COVER MY VECHILE. THERE SHOULD BE NO MILEAGE LIMIT.

NHTSA complaint #11328494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 9 miles Palm BAY, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

ON THIS VEHICLE WHEN YOU GO TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN FROM A STOP, THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL, CALIPER, OR SOMETHING IN THE DRIVETRAIN LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO PROCEED FORWARD MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE ONLY GOES FORWARD WHEN YOU LET OFF THE GAS THEN PRESS THE GAS PEDDLE AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN KNOWN NOW FOR 5 MONTHS AND THE CUSTOMER IS COMPLAINING THAT SHE ALMOST GOT INTO ACCIDENT, HOW EVER HERE AT DIESELZ MOTORSPORTS WE HAD REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION, FRONT ROTORS AND PADS AND OUTER TIE RODS. AND THE ISSUE STILL PERSIST.

NHTSA complaint #11219483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Grenada, MS

SERVICE BRAKES

"TAKATA RECALL" HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ROTORS, TIRE END RODS, AND MOTOR MOUNT.

NHTSA complaint #11204857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Washburn, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, AIR BAG LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL AS TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. FELT AS IF BRAKES WERE ON. DASH READ "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" & "ENGINE SPEED REDUCED". 140,000 MILES

NHTSA complaint #11098929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,500 miles Louisville, KY

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS SENSOR SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,500.

NHTSA complaint #11051527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

South Charleston, WV Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

TIRES: ARE CONSTANTLY NEEDING REPLACED HAVE HAD THREE SETS OF 60K GOODYEARS TIRES IN ADDITION TO A SET OF PERILLIS WITH ABOUT 40 % TREAD SINCE FEBRAURY 2015. BRAKES: THREE SETS OF BRAKES ON VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY 2015. EVERYTIME VEHICLE GOES TO MECHANIC THEY STATE THAT ROTORS ARE SEVERELY WARPED. ELECTRICAL: HAVING ISSUES WITH ABS TRACTION CONTROL. THIS IS CAUSING REDUCED ENGINE POWER WHEN TURNING. WHEN CROSSING A MAIN INTERSECTIONS THE CAR COASTS ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ACTUATORS AND WIRING TO MANY VEHICLE COMPONENTS HAVING ONGOING ISSUES. AIR CONDITIONER, DOORS, DOOR LOCKS, RELAYS THE MAIN ISSUE I AM HAVING IS NON OPERATIONAL DOORS LOCKS IN VEHICLE. I HAVE TO CRAW THROUGH THE CAR TO OPEN THE DOOR LOCKS. I HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN AND MY DAUGHTER WAS STANDING OUT OF THE CAR AWAITING ME TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT NEARLY HIT MY CHILD. ANOTHER INCIDENT WAS HAVING ITEMS STOLEN FROM VEHICLE DUE TO INTERMITTENT OF THE LOCKS. IT HAS REALLY BECOME A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME WITH THIS CAR. THIS ISSUE WITH LOCKS BECAME A PROBLEM ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO. I STATED TO CHEVORLET I WAS ABLE TO PRESS LOCK OR UNLOCK A COUPLE OF TIMES AND WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO AT LEAST FREE ONE LOCK WITHIN THE REAR AND FRONT. ANY HELP WITH THIS ISSUE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11000744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,950 miles Starbuck, MN

SERVICE BRAKES

THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON ALL THE TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10957183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 170,000 miles Chatsworth, GA

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE STATIONARY, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. WHILE TURNING THE VEHICLE, IT MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AS IF THE TRACTION WERE UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10954464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 159,000 miles ST. Marys, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

THIS PROBLEM INCLUDES MORE ITEMS THAN YOUR FORM ALLOWS ME TO CHECK. IT STATED OUT ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO WHEN YOU WOULD BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SERVICE STABLE TRACT AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WOULD COME ON CAUSING THE ENGINE POWER TO BE REDUCED WHICH IS AN ANNOENCE BUT IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE IS YOU ARE PASSING SOMEONE ON A TWO LANE ROAD WHEN IT HAPPENS AND YOU CAN NOT COMPLETE THE PASS DUE TO REDUCED POWER. IF YOU PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE CAR OFF THE SERVICE LIGHTS WOULD GO AWAY AND MAY NOT COME ON AGAIN FOR WEEKS. THIS PROBLEM WENT AWAY AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND THEN THE CAR STARTED A NEW ONE WITH A NO CRANK, NO START PROBLEM WHICH WHEN THIS WOULD HAPPEN YOU WOULD GET UP TO THREE WARNING LIGHTS, (SERVICE TABLE TRAC, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, AND SERVICE AIR BAGS) WITH TIME THE NO CRANK, NO START PROBLEM KEPT COMING AND GOING AND THE ONLY LIGHT THAT CAME ON WHEN IT WOULDN'T CRANK OR START WAS THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT. IF YOU KEPT TRYING TO START IT AFTER 3 TO 30 TIMES IT WOULD START AND RUN FINE AND MAY NOT ACT UP AGAIN FOR 1 DAY OR EVEN UP TO A WEEK. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO I HAD MY WIFE SWITCH CARS WITH ME AS THIS WAS THE CAR SHE DROVE TO WORK DAILY AND I DIDN'T WANT HER TO GET STRANDED. I AM SO GLAD I DID THAT AS THE VERY FIRST DAY I DROVE IT TO WORK ON MY WAY HOME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, I LOST MY POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES AND AGAIN I COULD HAVE BEEN IN VERY BIG TROUBLE IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER CAR AND I DON'T THINK THE AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY WITH THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ON. I REPORTED THE TO CHEVROLET AND THEY TOLD ME TRYING TO FIX IT WOULD BE AT MY COST SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE LOCAL DEALER AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR 3 DAYS TO FIND A NO CRANK, NO START ON A CORVET WITH NO LUCK.

NHTSA complaint #10914948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Abbeville, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

"TAKATA RECALL" THIS TRACTION SERVICE CONTROL IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED IF IT HAVEN'T ALREADY!!!! IT COMES ON EVERYDAY AND, FEW MINUTES IT JUMP ON AND OFF! I HAVE TAKEN MY TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TRACTION SERVICE CONTROL WHICH ALSO HAD A RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME I WAS OVER THE 120,000 MILES FOR THE THE RECALL. THE GUY ACT LIKE IT DIDN'T T DO IT WITH HIM. I CAN NOT PULL OUT IN FRONT OF ANYONE BECAUSE IT STALL OUT AND MAKE NOISE TO BAD, I CAN NOT BACK UPHILLS WITHOUT THIS BEING A PROBLEM. I GET IN AN ACCIDENT AND I MAKE OUT; I ALSO TOLD MY FAMILY IF I DON'T PLEASE SUE THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THEY IS NOT TAKING THIS SERIOUS! ME AND MY FAMILY ALONG WITH OTHER DRIVERS LIFE ARE IN DANGER WITH THIS PROBLEM

NHTSA complaint #10898188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mountainview, AR

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). SHORTLY AFTER THE DEALER'S REPAIR, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED AND THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED TO PROPERLY WORK. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FOB FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK AT DIFFERENT POINTS IN TIME. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR THE VARIOUS ELECTRICAL FAILURES. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES WERE SLOW TO RESPOND AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS, WHICH DID NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V507000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10894148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 34,500 miles Pittsburg, PA Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. THE BRAKES ALSO FAILED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL AND A TREE. THE CONTACT'S TONGUE WAS SEVERED AND HE SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BRAIN, NECK, AND BACK. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,500.

NHTSA complaint #10734259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,000 miles Richmond, VA

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DERIVING DOWN A STEEP GRADE ON THE GATLINBURG BYPASS TOWARD PIGEON FORGE, TN IN SECOND GEAR FOR ENGINE BREAKING. I FIRST NOTICED THE CAR GETTING WARMER AND I CHECKED THE DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL BY FEEL TO MAKE SURE MY RIDER HAD NOT INCREASED THE TEMPERATURE. THEN I NOTICED THE STEERING WAS HARDER ON SLIGHT CURVES; THEN I NOTICED THE TACHOMETER GOING TO ZERO AND SONE OTHER GAUGES DECREASING; THEN I HAD TO SLOW FOR A CHARPER CURVE WHERE I HAD NO POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND NO POWERING STEERING ASSIST. I MANAGED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP WHERE I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER A SHORT CRANKING BUT ACTED IF IT WAS STARVING FOR FUEL. ONCE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE RAN SATISFACTORY, IF I HAD BEEN A WEAK PERSON OR HAD PANICKED THIS INCIDENT WOULD PROBABLY HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL HAD RECENTLY BEEN ACCOMPLISHED. THE FUEL LEVEL WAS 1/2 TANK. AS AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER THIS APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WHERE THE ENGINE POWER WAS CUT OFF SHUTTING DOWN THE FUEL PUMP, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, IGNITION, AND ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST.

NHTSA complaint #10731446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,906 miles Mobile, AL

SERVICE BRAKES

TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON , CAR LOSE POWER AND HAS TROUBLE STOPPING WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPLOYED.

NHTSA complaint #10730817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 185,000 miles Millville, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

WE RECEIVED A LETTER SAYING THIS YEAR AND MODEL HAVE A POOR SOLDER CONNECTION THAT CAUSES REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER AND TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE. OUR CAR HAS THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, CHEVROLET WILL ONLY PAY FOR THE FIX IF IT IS UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS LESS THAN 120,000 MILES. WE BELIEVE THAT MOST SIX YEAR OLD CARS HAVE MORE THAN 120,000 MILES AND CHEVROLET IS JUST COVERING THEMSELVES FROM LAWSUITS WITH THIS LETTER. IF THEY SOLDERED SOMETHING IMPROPERLY THEY SHOULD FIX IT REGARDLESS OF THE MILEGE ON A VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10715802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,000 miles Meadville, PW

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #10714425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 68,989 miles Columbia, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

I HAVE A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA WITH 89756+ MILES. I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CAR'S TRACTION SERVICE CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS. THE LIGHTS STAYS ON AND WHEN I TURN THE CAR MAKES A GRINDING SOUND AND SOMETIMES STALLS. WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OFF, THE CAR LOSES SOME BRAKE CONTROL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 3 DIFFERENT AUTO MECHANICS. I REPLACE THE GAS PEDAL (TWICE), THE LEFT BARRING AND THE PROBLEM HASN'T GONE AWAY. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS FOR A YEAR NOW. MY RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF 2009 CHEVY IMPALAS. THERE ARE MULTIPLE WEBSITES AND FORUMS SUPPORTING THIS ISSUE SHOULD RECALL BY CHEVROLET. THIS IS VERY RECKLESS. I ONLY DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK AND BACK. I AM FEARFUL EVERY TIME I GET IN MY CAR. I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP PAYING FOR REPAIRS THAT ARE NOT SOLVING THE PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THE TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE & ABS SYSTEM ISSUES IN THE 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA.

NHTSA complaint #10700922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Chesterfield, MO Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

I BEGAN MAKING A LEFT TURN, WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. THE ACCELERATION PICKED UP AND I LOST CONTROL OF THE ABILITY TO STEER. THE BRAKE WOULD NOT PRESS DOWN AND THE VEHICLE PICKED UP SPEED FASTER BEFORE HITTING A TREE.

NHTSA complaint #10695472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,836 miles Buckeye, WV

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR INTO A SERIES OF TURNS AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILE PER HOUR WHEN IT SEEMED I LOST ENGINE POWER RAPIDLY AND THE CAR DECREASED SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MILE PER HOUR I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I COULD BARELY STEER AND BRAKING WAS REALLY DIFFICULT. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR OFF OF THE ROAD WHERE IT SET FOR APPROXIMATELY A MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE IT WOULD RESTART. I CONTACTED GM AND MY DEALERSHIP AND DID NOT GET A SATISFACTORY ANSWER EITHER PLACE. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY RECALL LETTER DESCRIBES YET I WAS TOLD THAT MY ISSUES WERE NOT DUE TO THE RECALL. I AM GREATLY DISAPPOINTED TO BE PAYING FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE.

NHTSA complaint #10637889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,089 miles Strafford, MO Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

REFERENCE# [XXX]. AS I APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS TURNING ONTO THE STREET I WAS ON. I MOVED OVER TO MAKE ROOM, AS I MOVED OVER I HAD TO CROSS OVER A CLUMP OF SNOW AND ICE THAT HAD RE FROZE MAKING A ROUGH AND BUMPY TRANSITION. I WAS ABOUT 20 FEET FROM THE STOP SIGN. I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHICH WAS HARD AND UNRESPONSIVE. THE STEERING WAS HARD AND UNRESPONSIVE AS WELL. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 3-5 MPH AT THE TIME. WHEN I PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE IT WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND IT TOOK ME INTO THE INTERSECTION WHERE I WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TOTAL DAMAGE FOR MY VEHICLE WAS $ 5,615.93. WE WERE CONFUSED AND DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING DID NOT FUNCTION AND WHY WITH THIS VIOLENT OF A CRASH THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER READING THE RECALL NOTICE EXPLAINING THE IGNITION RECALL IT MADE SENSE THAT WHY THE FAILURE OCCURRED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10629610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 171,200 miles Gillett, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

HORRIBLE SHIMMY/SHAKE WHEN COMING TO A STOP, EVEN AFTER REPLACING BRAKES AND ROTORS. UNEVEN WEAR PATTERN ON TIRES (ESPECIALLY THE FRONT). INNER TREAD AND OUTER TREAD BALD, EVEN AFTER FRONT END ALIGNMENT. ALSO FEELS LIKE THERE'S SOME STEERING ISSUES TO WORK OUT AS WELL. WE'VE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MAKE IT NOT SHAKE/WEAR TIRES, BUT NOTHING HAS HELPED. GENERAL MOTORS HAS BEEN OF ABSOLUTELY NO HELP EITHER!

NHTSA complaint #10629187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20,000 miles Detroit, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SKIDDED INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA complaint #10626964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 44,000 miles Tons River, NJ Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. A PASSENGER IN THE OTHER VEHICLE HAD TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION, THE INJURIES WAS UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO BODY MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #10626099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,022 miles Glenburn, ME

SERVICE BRAKES

I TAKE A LEFT HAND TURN I HEAR CRACKING; BACKING UP I HEAR CRACKING; LIKE THE FRONT AXLE IS FALLING APART. THERE IS A CONTROL ARM RECALL BUT NOT ON MY CAR JUST POLICE CARS. THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR SOUNDS LIKE THE POLICE ISSUE CAR. I AM KINDA OF SCARED PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC SCARY, TWICE I HAVE HAD THE TRACTION CONTROL COME ON AND SAY IT NEEDS SERVICE; BUT WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF LIGHT DOESN'T COME BACK ON. IT DRIVES FUNNY AS WELL DO NOT FEEL SAFE ANYMORE.

NHTSA complaint #10618978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Baltimore, MD

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

I WAS DRIVING ON I95 MERGING ONTO 175 IN COLUMBIA, MD, MY SPEED WAS 65MPH. MY "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" LIGHT AND "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR SHUT COMPLETELY OFF. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR, COULD NOT APPLY BRAKES. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T ANY TRAFFIC BEHIND ME CAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE HIT ME AND KILLED ME. I WAITED ABOUT 5-10 MIN TURNED THE CAR ON PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT BOB BELL CHEVROLET ON KANE STREET IN BALTIMORE. I WAS SEVERAL MILES FROM THERE THEY COULDN'T COME GET THE CAR SO I DROVE IT TO THEM. THEY HAD MY CAR APPROXIMATELY 2-3 DAYS AND COULD NOT REPLICATE THE INCIDENT. SINCE THIS TIME IT HAS HAPPENED 8-10 TIMES OR MORE SINCE MAY 11, 2014 I'VE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT, THEY CAN LOOK AT IT, NO CODES REGISTERED IN DECEMBER WHEN THEY LOOKED AT IT SO THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG. THEY WANT ME TO BRING MY CAR IN BUT DON'T WANT TO GIVE ME A RENTAL. THIS IS TOO DANGEROUS. I AM SCARED EVERYTIME I GET BEHIND THE WHEEL OF MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #10604454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,725 miles SAN Jose, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

IN FEBRUARY 2014,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 AND THEY REPLACED THE LEFT HUB. THIS SOLVED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND THEN THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN APPEARING AGAIN. EACH TIME THE LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON FOR A LONGER TIME. THE CAR IS NOW IN THE SHOP FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10587290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,929 miles Berea, OH 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

IT'S APPARENTLY THE STANDARD IMPALA ISSUE OF THE CAR'S DASH READING ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES AND MY I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN RUSH HOUR WHEN THE DASH READ ENGINE POWER REDUCED. I IMMEDIATELY PHONED MY HUSBAND. HE INSISTED THAT I GET IN THE RIGHT LANE AND BE PREPARED FOR THE CAR TO DIE. MY HUSBAND THEN MISTAKENLY TOLD ME TO DRIVE TO A SPECIFIC EXIT OUT OF THE INNER CITY BEFORE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. NEXT THE CHECK STABILITY MESSAGE CAME ON. HE WAS LIKE OK THAT'S WEIRD BUT LETS GET YOU HOME. THEN THE CAR DECIDED TO LOSE POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. MY HANDS ARE LITERALLY BLISTERED GETTING IT OFF THE ROAD. I GUIDED IT OF THE HIGHWAY AS HE LOOKED UP THE ISSUE. FINDING HUNDREDS OF THESE SAME ACCOUNTS HE TOLD ME TO HOLD ON A BIT AND RESTART THE CAR. IT WORKED AND I DROVE IT HOME. HAD MY HUSBAND NOT INSISTED I MOVE OVER AND BE PREPARED THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10587319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,370 miles North East., PA Crash 2 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

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. *TR 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

NHTSA complaint #10564490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2009 Chevrolet Impala problems

← Full 2009 Chevrolet Impala report