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
- 824
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2009
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2009: 824 complaints
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 | 695 |
| 2004 | 1,073 |
| 2005 | 609 |
| 2006 | 524 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 441 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 272 |
| 2014 | 635 |
| 2015 | 300 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 116 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 15 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
28% · 233 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and inflator module.
Show 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, 2018-07-25
Also filed under Electrical system and electronic stability control (esc)
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, 2010-11-03
Electrical system
27% · 225 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and wiring.
Engine
22% · 179 reportsShow 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, 2024-01-05
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Vehicle speed control
16% · 132 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and throttle position sensor (tps).
Electronic stability control (esc)
13% · 108 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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, 2012-10-09
Also filed under Power train
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2008-10-10Air bags08V517000 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…
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2009Complaint volume 824 complaints filed for this model year.
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2010-11-05Seat belts10V480000 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…
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.…
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2012-08-21Suspension12V377000 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…
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…
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2014-09-23Electrical system14V355000 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.
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2016-08-01Air bags, electrical system16V507000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 233 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 225 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 179 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 08V517000 · Air bags
- Recall 10V480000 · Seat belts
- Recall 12V377000 · Suspension
- Recall 14V355000 · Electrical system
- Recall 16V507000 · Air bags, electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.