2009 Chevrolet Impala
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 44 |
| 1996 | 88 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 818 |
| 2001 | 742 |
| 2002 | 795 |
| 2003 | 694 |
| 2004 | 1072 |
| 2005 | 609 |
| 2006 | 524 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 441 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 270 |
| 2014 | 630 |
| 2015 | 298 |
| 2016 | 110 |
| 2017 | 116 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: air bags — 230 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON PAID TO GET IT FIXED AND IT'S STILL ON AFRAID TO DRIVE IT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT IT WILL PROBABLY NOT DEPLOY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK TO FIX THEM AND GET NEW BALLS IT'S ALL ELECTRICAL I...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180725
TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE SEAT BELTS ALSO DID NOT SECURELY HOLD ANY OF THE PASSENGERS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20101103
26% of complaints: electrical system — 216 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON PAID TO GET IT FIXED AND IT'S STILL ON AFRAID TO DRIVE IT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT IT WILL PROBABLY NOT DEPLOY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK TO FIX THEM AND GET NEW BALLS IT'S ALL ELECTRICAL I...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180725
22% of complaints: engine — 179 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240105
15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 123 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240105
13% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 108 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON PAID TO GET IT FIXED AND IT'S STILL ON AFRAID TO DRIVE IT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT IT WILL PROBABLY NOT DEPLOY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK TO FIX THEM AND GET NEW BALLS IT'S ALL ELECTRICAL I...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180725
I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A DRIVEWAY GOING NO MORE THAN 7 MILES AN HOUR, BECAUSE I WAS FOLLOWING A CAR, WHEN I HEARD A LARGE GRIND THEN POP. I PARKED MY CAR AND KNEW IMMEDIATELY THE TRANSMISSION FAILED BY THE FLUID TRAIL AND PART LEFT BEHIND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121009
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.GMOWNERCE
Campaign 08V517000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
Campaign 10V480000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Chevro
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-
Campaign 12V377000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010.
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.
Campaign 16V507000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (230 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (216 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (179 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V517000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V480000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V377000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V507000 (air bags, electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Chevrolet Impala is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Impala?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Impala have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.