Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Check engine light Code p2138 Change the throttle pedal position sensor the next day the car dropped down to 5 to 10 mph information center said engine safety been reduced to 5 to 10 mph plus my traction control light came on then information center said service traction control put my old throttle pedal position sensor back on and it turn traction control light out and the car went back to driving normal don't know how long its going to last before it goes back to 5 to 10 mph and the information center says engine decelerate to 5 to 10 mph.was on highway in Texas had to get over on shoulder quick car just slow down quick and pedal was to floor. Also keep failing state inspection due to failed OBDII test ( see vir).
Last May I was driving my car from work going approximately 40 MPH a message came on the information screen. Something about going over 160mph. The car suddenly slowed, couldn't seem to find the proper gear. At the same time the speedometer was going up and down showing 60, 30, 80, 0. Then it cut off. I put the rolling car into neutral and started it. It fired up immediately. I put in gear and continued until it was safe to stop. Let engine cool off and drove home. The speedometer continued to fluctuate, it also cut off and flashed the message again. Called dealership next morning and took in. They came back with diagnosis of transmission failure, need to replace. I shelled out $4000 for the transmission, now it is slipping. I drove home today and that message flashed across my screen along with the transmission struggling to find the proper gear. The speedometer was moving up and down. …
Had issues with my 2007 Impala 3.9l stalling and reducing power on my wife, and at times almost leaving her in or on the road. I have replaced the throttle body, throttle peddle ( twice ) and had the car flashed at the local GM dealer. Now the car not only reads reduced engine power it read starting disabled service throttle and died while she was driving down a busy highway during rush hour.. Causing her to almost be involved in a bad wreck. This seriously needs to have attention of whoever at GM is over safety, cause this issue will end up in a really bad situation if or when someone ends up seriously hurt or killed. I mean you really need to program them to slowly reduce power, not just tell you then shut off completely and have the driver fight and panic to get off the road through traffic, while not getting run over in the process. But if there is a fix we need to know.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 62 MPH, the tire monitoring warning light illuminated and the engine began revving while the cruise control was activated. The brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle accelerated causing the contact to crash into the mile marker signs and a ditch. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a broken rib on the right and neck burn from the seat, front seat passenger sustained a fractured vertebrae in the lower back. The rear driver's side passenger sustained three broken ribs and a bruise on the chest area. All required medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. On several occasions, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. On numerous occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The dealer diagnosed that there was an electrical system failure and also the throttle body needed to be serviced. The vehicle was repaired on three separate occasions, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
(1) my wife pulled into a parking space at our church and applied the brakes to stop. (2) the car continued on rolling over a concrete barrier and knocking down an ornamental iron fence surrounding the parking lot and continuing out into the street where it finally stopped. In addition to the damage to the fence, there was considerable damage to the front of the car. (3) cause of failure has not been identified. On one or two previous occasions, when pulling the car into our garage I have had the car stall and then surge forward. Car is being taken to a body shop to repair the damage.
While driving my vehicle, the traction control light and check engine light came on...then a message stating "engine power reduced" came on. My car dropped the speed from 60 to 20, on the highway. It happened again a month later and I was told that my accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. This happened again in March of this year, and I was told my fuel pump had gone out. Now it has happened again this morning, and the mechanic doesn't know what's wrong with it because it happens intermittently so he can't diagnose it unless it does it while the car is in his possession.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that attempting a right turn, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and she was unable to engage the brakes. The contact mentioned that the vehicle crashed into a brick wall. A police report was filed and the driver was badly bruised. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who was not able to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 21,000. Updated 11/29/11 updated 12/02/11
While driving, my car gives a message of "reduced engine power" and completely shuts off...regardless of what speed I am driving. This has happened 3 times in the past 2 days. Very unsafe! I have read online of hundreds of this same type vehicle having this problem. Why isn't this a recall issue? I believe another car manufacturer had a similar issue with one of their accelerator parts and that company recalled and replaced these parts for no charge to the owner. I believe Chevrolet needs to do the same thing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as the reduced engine power error message displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Acceleration complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2007 Chevrolet Impala, 7% of the model year's 627 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Impala acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2007 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet Impala acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.