Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 3% | 98,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 46,000 miles |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% | 79,000 miles |
| 2015 | 8 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 31 | 5% | 56,000 miles |
| 2013 | 20 | 7% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% | 66,000 miles |
| 2011 | 69 | 14% | 65,000 miles |
| 2010 | 47 | 11% | 74,000 miles |
| 2009 | 130 | 16% | 91,000 miles |
| 2008 | 92 | 11% | 98,000 miles |
| 2007 | 41 | 7% | 96,000 miles |
| 2006 | 41 | 8% | 94,000 miles |
| 2005 | 24 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 2004 | 41 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
| 2003 | 23 | 3% | 98,000 miles |
| 2002 | 15 | 2% | 84,000 miles |
| 2001 | 10 | 1% | 54,000 miles |
| 2000 | 29 | 4% | 101,000 miles |
| 1996 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1995 | 1 | 2% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was stopped at the top of the hill on a private road. When I took my foot off the brake and pressed the accelerator, nothing happened. The car began to roll backwards and I pressed down on the brake. The brake was very weak and it took 50-60 feet and all of my pressure on the brake pedal to bring the car to a stop. After I stopped, I realized that the engine had turned off and the ignition was int he off position. I rotated the key in the ignition back to the start position to start the engine. I continued back up the hill normally after the engine was started. Luckily, there were no cars behind me on the hill or they would've been hit.
While driving my vehicle, the RPM goes to 4 or 5 while only attempting to do speed liming, it stalls and jerks as if someone is pulling on the vehicle as I try to accelerate. On the expressway, my vehicle struggles to hit 40mph - 60mph without it feeling forced and RPM at 5. It stalls to reverse sometimes and stalls to take off.
Tl* the contact owned a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact's wife experienced unintended vehicle acceleration while attempting to park in a church parking lot. As a result, the vehicle was involved in a front end collision. The air bags deployed. The failure occurred without warning. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer was not contacted for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. There was one injury that required medical attention. The contact's wife experienced severe soreness as a result of the crash. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was not available. VIN not valid updated 9/26/18
My check engine light came on while driving. I told my car to the mechanic and I was told my mass engine airflow needed to be replaced. Two days later the check engine light was on again. Return to the mechanic and was told my o2 sensors needed to be replaced. Replaced as recommended. I was driving down the highway and the light came on again along with a message that said reduce speed. At this point, my car slowed down by itself while I was going 60 miles per hour. I could not accelerate. Luckily there were no cars behind me. Reviewing the Chevrolet forums and Impala forums, this appears to be a known issue and GM is not doing anything about it. Reading some of the stories, I consider myself lucky. Airbag the passenger airbag light has come on and will not go off. …
I previously owned a 2011 Buick Regal and now have a 2014 Chevy Impala. Both vehicles have had a Stabilitrack warning come up. Both vehicles experienced the same issue. The car seemed to jerk, lag in speed, cannot accelerate over 40mph. The Regal was diagnosed with an electrical/wiring issue. The Impala was diagnosed with a failed Transmission Control Module. We now have a 2016 Impala and the same issue and warning lights have appeared. That's 3 vehicles we've owned from GMC with the exact same issue. This can't be a coincidence and should be looked into. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of more consumers on forums experiencing the exact same issue. This should be recalled! Imagine the possibilities of danger this can cause when on the interstate and can't accelerate over 40mph.
I have push to start car. On my lunch i starting my car and I immediately notice the rpm went to 2500, which is high and it went up to 3000 and then the warning light flashed stability track error and check engine and swerving light I took a pic. I turn car off and wait a few min turned car back on and it was fine. No errors drove to get lunch and back no issues. Then on leaving work s ame thing happened but the error didn't go away. I was able to shift out of gear. Hard knocking, gear shifter light all white no clue what gear it was in I moved to another parking spot but was slow moving very delayed. Parked and now waiting for tow truck
My 2013 Impala Ltz Service Traction Control, Service Stabilitrack, Engine power reduced problem lights came on the dash. Almost had an accident I want to know why the 2013 model of impala has not had any recalls as the 2010 models with same issues..... My vehicle has the same major issue and need to be addressed & Recalled...... The 2013 Chevrolet impala LTZ Need to be Recalled to fix this issue for the safety of my family and the families on the road and Highways........ I can't express more the need of recall for my vehicle!!!!! I attached documents on the pervious 2010 model recall that had the same issues.... If you think Chevrolet dealership fixed the problem on the 2013 impala model it didn't work cause I have same issues!!!!!
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Impala. While the vehicle was stopped at a stop sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle accelerated very slowly. The engine stalled in the middle of the road. The key was turned back to the on position and another vehicle crashed into the front driver side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags deployed. The contact suffered a broken left hip bone, nerve damage, and other injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 3,345.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Impala years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (130), 2008 (92), 2011 (69), 2010 (47) and 2004 (41) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Impala acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for any Chevrolet Impala model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Impala acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (27 mentions), followed by the cruise control (15).
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.