Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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. …
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 …
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. …
Reference# [redacted]. 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. …
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. …
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. 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
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.
Brake complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the brakes of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 9% of the model year's 824 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Impala brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2009 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 5 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 2009 Chevrolet Impala brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to brakes 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.