2009 Chevrolet Impala

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 824 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Impala years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Impala years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,906 milesMedian miles at failure

662 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2009 Chevrolet Impala problems

210 of the 824 complaints (25%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags209
21124
Electrical System131
142
Engine106
203
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control63
110
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration60
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes27
000
Steering24
606
Service Brakes · brakes24
412
Power Train · transmission23
102
Unknown or Other20
000

2009 Chevrolet Impala airbags problems

25% of all complaints

210 of the 824 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light55% · 116
  • sets off warning lights on the dash43% · 90
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash8% · 17

Share of the 210 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
78,000 mi
median of 155 reports
Peak year of filing
2016
46 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
22 · 1 · 24
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 27, 2025 at 101,000 miles
“The service airbag light comes on in the dash. Whether someone is in the passenger seat or not, the light came one and it stays on most of the time. I looked up recalls for my vin, and it wasn’t included in the previous recall. (recall number 36110 passenger presence sensor and instrument cluster) But it has the same issue as all of the other 2009 Chevrolet Impalas recalled for the same exact thing.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 4, 2022

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2008: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'082009: 9 complaints, 1 about the airbags2010: 31 complaints, 1 about the airbags'102011: 33 complaints, 3 about the airbags2012: 37 complaints, 3 about the airbags'122013: 78 complaints, 6 about the airbags2014: 204 complaints, 31 about the airbags'142015: 129 complaints, 38 about the airbags2016: 105 complaints, 46 about the airbags'162017: 46 complaints, 16 about the airbags2018: 47 complaints, 17 about the airbags'182019: 33 complaints, 17 about the airbags2020: 23 complaints, 10 about the airbags'202021: 18 complaints, 10 about the airbags2022: 5 complaints, 3 about the airbags'222023: 11 complaints, 3 about the airbags2024: 9 complaints, 2 about the airbags'242025: 4 complaints, 1 about the airbags2026: 2 complaints, 2 about the airbags'26Recall 08V517000 (airbags)Recall 10V480000 (seat belts)Recall 12V377000 (suspension)Recall 14V355000 (electrical system)Recall 16V507000 (airbags)
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)

Complaints about the 2009 Impala peaked in 2014, with 204 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 08V517000 in October 2008; 210 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 2 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification16V507000
Filed Jul 5, 2016289,254 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010. The front passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the passenger presence sensor module.

Risk. If the wires are damaged, the passenger presence sensory system may fail to recognize that the passenger seat is occupied, disabling the air bag. Damage may also cause the air bag fuse to short resulting in a loss of all air bags and seat belt pretensions. Both conditions increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will double wrap the wires with anti-abrasion tape and replace damaged wires as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 36110.

Electrical System › Ignition14V355000
Filed Jun 23, 20143,141,731 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm12V377000
Filed Aug 3, 201236,413 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage10V480000
Filed Oct 13, 2010303,100 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET IMPALAS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE FRONT SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY SECURED TO THE LAP BELT ANCHOR PRETENSIONER MOUNTED TO THE SIDE OF THE SEAT NEAREST THE DOOR.

Risk. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELTS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ANCHORS TO THE PRETENSIONERS AND, IF NECESSARY, REINSTALL THE ANCHORS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Air Bags › Frontal08V517000
Filed Oct 6, 200879 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 79 MY 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT AIR BAG INFLATOR THAT COULD FRACTURE AT AN INFLATOR TUBE DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Risk. DURING A PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR TUBE COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE PASSENGER.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

1,063 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2009 Impala. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 410electrical system 157engine 151equipment adaptive/mobility 44transmission 39fuel system 33visibility 32wheels 30
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

06-08-50-009IService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 28, 2016airbags

This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices

15NA074Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2015airbags

Seatbelt Pretensioner Harness Out of Position, Airbag Indicator Light ON, DTCs Set

SB-08-09-41-007IService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2012airbags

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

SB-08-09-41-002CService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2011airbags

GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER …

08-09-41-007DService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 2011airbags

GM: THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR MAY LIGHT WHEN ELECTRONICS ARE PLACED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE ELECTRONICS CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO THINK THERE IS A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE SEAT. *RM UPDATED 6/24/11. *PE

PIC-5186Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2009airbags

CHEVROLET: THE I/P ILLUMINATED AIR BAG LAMP AND DTC B0014 IS SET. IF DIAGNOSIS LEADS YOU TO THE LEFT FRONT SEAT SIDE IMPACT MODULE, CHECK FOR PINCHED OR CUT MODULE WIRES AT THE SEAT RECLINER HINGE. *PE

Showing the newest 6 of 8 bulletins about the airbags, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jun 8, 2026MO

For the last 2 years, the car willl come up saying airbag system issues. There airbag sensor under the passenger side seat will randomly throw a code for the erorr and then turn off. It does not have to be a bump, move the seat, Just goes off. We have had it professionally scanned and it is always the same sensor with the issue. We noticed certian models had recalls but our was not on the list for some reason even though it fits all the other models with same issue. The cost to get it repaired and a chevy dealer is astromical. There are too many dates to count of the light and sesnor error.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 2026WV

I believe the passenger seat occupant sensing and airbag issues from recall 16V507 have not been fixed. I am still having issues related to it, even though I had it fixed.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 30, 2025OH

Smelled an odor of burning wires when using rear defroster. Defroster then stopped working. After further troubleshooting I observed the wire pigtail under the front passenger door was charred and burned. The pin inside the harness that was burned was the rear defroster. After further research I found this is very common for the Chevy impala. However no recall existed. I feel it is a fire risk due to the fact that the wires over heated enough to melt and char the plastic surrounding the electrical pin within the harness. Pictures was taken of the damage.

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2025MO

Transmission

Air Bags
Filed Feb 27, 2025101,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2025MD

It rumbles when I start my car

Electrical System
Filed Dec 31, 2024TX

I have a 2009 with 77000 miles 0n it I have fix the knocking noise under dash 3 times now it is a actuator there are 2 of them. I have also found by spraying Carburetor cleaner in the throttle body just remove the the big air hose and spray all around in side this stops the the speed reduction control lite from coming on saying you have no power. The problem I'm having now is while I'm driving the dash lights go out and radio light goes dim. after a while the lights come back on bright and working great they go on and off when they want to The lights showing me the mileage works great all the time its just the dash lights going on and off and my car just pass smog in California in June. I now live in Texas ,I have to have my car inspection here and it failed do to a EVAP and a 02 sensor not responding. They tell cause I replace the battery this cause the computer to reset and these 2 sensors have not reset yet and I have to drive the car 100 miles to make sure they reset to the computer So these are the problems I have been having with my car. You can find your car problem on you tube by putting in the year and make of your car saying what light came up and usually its a easy fix

Power TrainCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 20, 2024WA

A piece broke off and had fallen off of transmission when stopped at a redlight when put in gear car didn't want to move had to manually shift to get off the road and towed it home. The piece that broke fell into pan when changing transmission fluid. Believe it's off flywheel possibly forward band.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 16, 2024IL

None

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 17, 2024IN

The frame of the car is rusted . in places almost all the way through the frame. this was confirmed by chevy dealer. this car has always kept in a garage. I kept the car clean going through a car was with under wash.

Electrical System
Filed May 21, 2024222,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The contact then observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the wiring harness and observed that the wiring was exposed. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V355000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 222,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 6, 202481,000 milesNY

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.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 20, 2024MI

Front defroster not working AND windshield wiper not working consistently.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 9, 2024IN

Unknown SRS light comes on and stays on I'm afraid the system will not work properly in an accident.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 5, 202465,510 milesDE

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to reverse, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to reverse the vehicle and felt a pulling sensation. The "Traction Control" failure light illuminated. The contact decided to move forward and park the vehicle. After several hours, the contact restarted the vehicle and the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was then able to be driven. The failure occurred several times after the tires were changed. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10090054 (Vehicle Speed Control, Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The vehicle was not returned to the dealer when the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and it was confirmed that the vehicle was past the 10-year coverage for NHTSA ID Number: 10090054 (Vehicle Speed Control, Engine). The failure mileage was 65,510.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 2023MI

Driving home one night, August 8th, 2023 (thank goodness it was night) took a turn and got a service traction control light with a ding ding ding noise (I assume to alert me that something is wrong) and then it said engine power reduced which I assume happens because if your traction control is bad, it doesn’t want you slipping. Immediately called my father and he said to just drive it home and we’ll check it out. Not 2 miles later, my engine just stopped and it went into ignition. I couldn’t steer, I couldn’t stop because the engine was no longer running. I’ve driven a time or 2 (more like backed up) when I didn’t turn my key all the way and it was in ignition and that’s how it felt because it wasn’t on. This was very scary because I thought the car had just gave out. The engine just stopped and I got warning saying "STARTING DISABLED, SERVICE ENGINE THROTTLE " this is my first car, and after reading the complaints on it, I thought it was a recall. We ended up changing out the gas pedal, which made the problem go away right away, and I haven’t had issues with it since. Failure Mileage: 175K

SeatsFire
Filed Aug 27, 2023MO

The driver seat power motor caught fire underneath the seat while driving my vehicle. It started smoking really bad. Out of no where.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 18, 2023KY

The support frame rusted due to water collection from rain. This has caused the entire frame to rust through and collapse when the car was jacked up, with the manufacturer supplied scissor jack, to replace a tire. Because of this the DRIVER SIDE door is no longer able to open, causing the driver to be put at risk where they can not escape the car in case of an emergency.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 4, 2023WI

2009 Chevy impala Airbag light comes on and off when it wants to bought it from a use dealer ship in 2022

Vehicle Speed Control › Throttle › Throttle Position Sensor (tps)
Filed Jun 22, 2023169,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on separate occasions, the messages “Reduce Engine Power” and "Service Traction Control" were displayed on the instrument cluster, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving on a bumpy road surface and while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the throttle position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that her father used an OBD reader and retrieved codes indicating that the throttle position sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 15, 2023MN

"Air Bag Malfunction light is on. There is a NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V507000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) which I am associating with the failure and it tends to happen at the 80,000 mile mark which this car is almost at. Why isn't this VIN included in the recall? It's a 2009 Chevy Impala. Shouldn't this recall capture all of the 2009 Chevy Impalas?

Electrical System
Filed May 12, 2023MO

Throttle body and throttle pedal

Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 2023MN

While driving the car it would pop up a message saying “ENGINE POWER REDUCED”. Today while driving it home it popped up with a message saying “STARTING DISABLED, SERVICE THROTTLE” and then the car wouldn’t drive and I had to pull over on the side of the road. For months now when I drive and accelerate at times the car would almost grind. I believe it has to do with the traction control or the transmission.

Engine
Filed Feb 27, 2023102,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that upon open or closing the front driver’s side door, he heard an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a howling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty door actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 5, 2023WI

We bought a vehicle as is from a dealer and when we drove away the air bag comes on and off

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 30, 2023GA

I have 2 recalls on my vehicle but my key will not turn All the way off to remove it when I park I have contacted Chevrolet dealership in same town I live in they have not called me back to let me know when I can get recalls repaired it's been several weeks also my driver's door locks and want unlock until it decides too mypassenger seatbelt doesn't want to work also airbags lite on I have different types of lights going on and off also there's a clacking noise in my dash need

Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2022156,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle from an independent mechanic, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The mechanic informed her that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall. The independent mechanic took the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair. A month after the repair, the check engine warning light reappeared. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 19, 2022VA

My car has started slowing down abruptly and displaying Engine Power has been Reduced at random times, but has become more frequent. I have had an independent service center tell me it was the throttle body, so they replaced it. That didn't fix it, so they replaced the accelerator pedal/sensor. It still is happening and when on the interstate, it is so dangerous to slow down with no warning because you can get rear ended quite easily. This first started August 2021 when my wife and I started on a vacation and had to turn around and go home and is still happening, only more frequent. This past Saturday 7/16, I was traveling on Interstate 77 and the engine power kept cutting down about every 10 minutes, so I had to pull over and cut the engine off for a while until it reset. I can't trust it to go anywhere.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 15, 202259,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the seat belt warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Passenger Presence sensor module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V507000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 4, 2022MI

The service airbag light comes on in the dash. Whether someone is in the passenger seat or not, the light came one and it stays on most of the time. I looked up recalls for my vin, and it wasn’t included in the previous recall. (recall number 36110 passenger presence sensor and instrument cluster) But it has the same issue as all of the other 2009 Chevrolet Impalas recalled for the same exact thing. I purchased this car in December 2020 from the state of Michigan so I am the second owner. My vin should be covered under the recall. I need it fixed and it’s no okay that as dealership won’t cover my vehicle and it has the same issue. Why didn’t Chevrolet just recall ALL of this year, regardless of vin? GM saving money at the cost of mine and my families safety is not okay!

Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 202280,000 milesIA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the warning message "Air Bag Malfunction" illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s seat belt sensor had failed, causing the front passenger air bag malfunction. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V507000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) which she associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as her VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2021102,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light illuminated for a long period of time and then went away after the reset button on their instrumental panel was pressed. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 30, 202147,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer and she was informed that the failure was due to a defective seat sensor wiring. The contact was given an estimate for the repair which she declined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 20, 2021MA

I have taken my vehicle to Lannon-Woburn several time and they fix the airbag issue but it always turns back on????? Clearly there is an issue here.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 18, 2021NY

This is a follow up on air bag heat ac controls and dash operation found gauge cluster burned out smoked blew a 1 amp fuse under hood last owners were under dashboard because screws were missing This year of car had 4 recalls airbags under the right seat wires.my car was not included because of production date there is something GM MISSED ON THIS CAR ELECTRIC AREAS CARIS DRIVEN CAREFULLY SOMETHING MADE THAT HAPPEN CAN YOU LOOK FURTHER INTO THIS MATTER ITIS COSTING ME MORE THAN CAR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 2021121,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated with the “service air bag" message displayed on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the Vin was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 16V507000 (Air Bags, Electrical System). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 9, 2021NY

On and off air bag light on speedometer area also service air bag will not stay on long enough to diagnose

Steering
Filed Jun 3, 2021FL

When I make a left or right turn the my car stops and struggles to accelerate. Meanwhile making a loud sound from underneath the front of the car. It sounds like something is getting ready to snap.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 19, 2021OH

MY DASHBOARD SAYS MY SEATBELT IS OFF IT SAYS MY AIRBAG IS OFF IT HAS ABS AND TRACKING THE LIGHTS IN THE DASHBOARD EVERYTHING COMES ON AND GOES OFF YOU HAVE TO SEE IT IN ORDER TO BELIEVE WHAT I'M SAYING BECAUSE I DIDN'T TOOK IT TO EVERYONE AND THEY KEEP TELLING ME THEY CAN'T DO NOTHING ABOUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR AND THE OTHER SENSORS COULD BE ANYTHING

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 202190,000 milesWY

IN APPROX 2013-2014 ACTUATOR AFFECTING HEATING AND COOLING IN THE VEHICLE NEEDED REPLACED, THEN AGAIN ACTUATOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT IN 2016-17 AND AGAIN NOW. THE PROBLEM KEEPS OCCURRING. THIS IS AFFECTING THE ABILITY TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE DURING EXTREME TEMPERATURES WE EXPERIENCE. ACTUATOR MAKING HORRIBLE CLICKING SOUND AND CAR WILL NOT HEAT UP OR COOL DOWN AS APPROPRIATE 1ST OCCURS APPROXIMATELY 2013-2014 AROUND 90,000 MILES, AND AGAIN APPROXIMATELY 2016-17 AND AGAIN IN 2021

Power Train
Filed Apr 6, 202140,000 milesIL

POWER REDUCED TO ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON AND LOSS OF POWER

Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2021KY

SAFTEY AIR BAG ...LIGHT COME ON AND STAYS ON

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 2021180,000 milesPA

GAS PEDAL HAS LAG TO IT. ALMOST EVERY TIME YOU GO TO TAKE OFF SOMETIME IT DOESN'T RESPOND TILL YOUR QUARTER WAY INTO PUSHING PETAL MUST PUSH PETAL FARTHER IN BEFORE IT WILL ACCELERATE CAUSING IT TO JERK HARD. MY FRIEND HAS SAME CAR AND PROBLEM ALSO SERVOS IN DASH FOR HEATER KEEP CLICKING AND MALFUNCTIONING AFTER MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS, MY OTHER FRIENDS 2010 IMPALA DOES THIS AS WELL.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 4, 2021100,000 milesMI

CAR CONTINUOUSLY GETS A REDUCED POWER MESSAGE AND GOES DOWN TO 25 MPH. IN MID JANUARY DID THE SAME THING, BUT STALLED ON I90 OHIO TURNPIKE. ALMOST HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK. HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP NO LESS THAN 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. AT GM AND NON GM REPAIR SHOPS. WE HAVE HAD THIS SAME REDUCED POWER ON CITY ROADS, AND THE HIGHWAY, IT SEEMS ALWAYS WHEN IT IS WET, RAINY OR SLUSHY. IT REALLY APPEARS TO BE A WATER CAUSES THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE PAID FOR TWO SETS OF THROTTLE BODY, SPEED CONTROL SENSOR AND HARNESSES. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST AND APPEARS TO BE DANGEROUS.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 9, 2021IN

I HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON AND STAYING ON. I HAD THE PROBLEM FIXED BUT I SEE THAT MY VEHICLE ISN'T UNDER RECALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SIDE PRETENSIONERS ASSEMBLY REPLACED. THIS LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED AND STAY ON UNTIL THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 19, 202180,200 milesMI

THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND STAYS ON

Electrical System
Filed Jan 13, 2021130,000 milesMI

I'VE BEEN HAVING CRAZY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY IMPALA 2009 WHEN I PUSH THE BUTTON TO MOVE MY CHAIR MY LIGHT FLICKERS ON AND OFF AND WHEN I START MY CAR IT SHAKES IN THE HOOD ALSO

SuspensionCrash1 killed
Filed Jan 11, 2021MI

2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNREPAIRED RECALLS WHICH RESULTED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE DIPS IN THE ROAD, THE HIGH SPEED, THE LOADING/UNLOADING AND OF THE SUSPENSION CONTRIBUTED TO THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 11, 2021MO

ON 1/2/2021 I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I HAD A FRONT END CRASH AT 60 MPH AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURY TO MYSELF.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 29, 2020156,000 milesIL

MY CAR STARTED PUTTING AN EVERYTHING WAS DIM WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE BRAKE LIGHT AN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BOTH WERE ON

Complaints 1-50 of 824, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202015000Routine
201928110Routine
201859100Routine
2017117000Routine
2016111040Routine
20153003110Above average
20146381280Above average
2013272100Above average
2012258350Above average
2011505250Above average
2010442430Above average
2009 — this page824591Fatalities reported
20088102101Fatalities reported
20076273101Fatalities reported
20065242221Fatalities reported
20056094130Above average
20041,0747210High concern
20036958320High concern
20027957320High concern
200174210672Fatalities reported
200081810732Fatalities reported
19994000Routine
19982010Routine
19971000Routine
199688120Routine
199544110Routine
199415100Routine
19932110Routine
19920100Routine
19910100Routine

Compare every Impala year →

2009 Chevrolet Impala: questions buyers ask

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Impala a good car?

It is not among the Impala years to avoid. Owners filed 824 complaints, against about 515 for a typical Impala year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (25%).

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Impala?

The airbags: 210 of the 824 complaints (25%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (55%), sets off warning lights on the dash (43%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (8%). The typical report comes at 78,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Impala have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 5, 2016. The largest, 14V355000, covered 3,141,731 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Impala problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 75,906 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 78,000 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 2009 Chevrolet Impala?

The manufacturer filed 1,063 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (157), the engine (151) and the equipment adaptive/mobility (44). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 5, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.