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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chevrolet Impala cruise control problems
severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
4crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 27 cruise control complaints filed for the 2007 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Impala's electronic throttle control system is the source of multiple dangerous failures across these 27 complaints. The most common issue is "Reduced Engine Power" mode, where the car suddenly drops speed from highway velocity (55–75 mph) down to 20–40 mph or completely stalls. This limp-mode behavior triggers together with service traction control and check engine lights, usually when the accelerator pedal position sensor fails or sends bad signals. Owners report this happening at any mileage from early (4,700 miles) to high (160,000+ miles), often repeatedly even after replacing the sensor, throttle body, or having the engine computer reprogrammed at a dealership.
A critical safety concern appears in multiple narratives: unintended acceleration when brakes are applied, with at least two crashes and two hospitalizations documented. One owner reports parts of the replacement sensor's circuit board were never soldered at the factory—manufacturing defect GM refused to acknowledge or recall.
Intermittent brake failure also shows up, with the vehicle rolling forward uncontrolled during parking despite pedal pressure. Cruise control malfunctions to excessive speed, and the vehicle can shut off without warning in traffic.
GM has not recalled any part for these failures, instead telling owners the issues are "common" and telling service departments to have customers read the owner's manual or call back if it happens again. Repair costs cited include $317.41 for sensor replacement alone, with owners stuck holding the bill when the same failure recurs after parts are installed and cannot be returned.
Same Chevrolet Impala cruise control reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Reduced Engine Power with Speed Loss
Electronic throttle control system enters limp mode, dropping vehicle speed significantly (often to 20–40 mph or lower) on highways and city roads. Triggered by sensor failure or intermittent signal loss; accompanied by 'Engine Power Reduced' warning message. Some vehicles shut off completely mid-drive despite driver braking.
When: Occurs from 4,700 miles to 160,000+ miles; typically after 60,000 miles; can happen repeatedly over weeks or months
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle speed suddenly drops from highway speeds (55–75 mph) to 20–40 mph or crawls; 'Engine Power Reduced' or 'Engine Safety Reduced' message displayed; Traction control light and check engine light illuminate together; Reduced acceleration or loss of throttle response despite pedal depression; Vehicle may stall or shut off while driving; Shaking or jerking of vehicle body
Codes mentioned: P2138, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing accelerator pedal position sensor ($317.41 cited in one case, part number 25830023); throttle body replacement; throttle pedal replacement (sometimes twice); PCM reprogramming/flash at GM dealership. Problem recurs in many cases despite repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealership service told owners this is 'a common occurrence' and that sensor failure triggers limp mode to protect engine. GM customer service stated concerns were 'noted' but declined to escalate or recall. No recalls issued. One owner found manufacturing defect (unsoldered circuit board on sensor) but GM refused reimbursement citing part not on recall list.
Unintended Acceleration with Brake Failure
Engine revs or vehicle accelerates when brakes are applied, or accelerator responds without pedal input. Cruise control malfunction documented in one case. Brakes reported as unresponsive or ineffective in stopping the vehicle.
When: Reported at 21,000 miles, 60,000 miles, and during highway driving with cruise control active
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates when brake pedal is depressed; Engine revs while cruise control is activated; Accelerator pedal appears unresponsive or vehicle accelerates without pedal depression; Vehicle begins moving forward when parked and brakes applied; Inability to slow or stop vehicle despite brake engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to diagnose in multiple cases; accelerator pedal sensor replacement attempted but did not resolve issue in some instances. One case involved collision damage; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in several cases. Dealership unable to diagnose root cause. No recalls issued.
Intermittent Starting Issues and Engine Power Loss
Vehicle hesitates or fails to start on first crank; turns over on second attempt. Eventually accompanied by intermittent 'Engine Power Reduced' messages and stalling during driving. Condition worsens over time with multiple undiagnosed component failures.
When: Initial starting issues; engine power failures emerge after weeks or months of operation
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or failure on first crank; second crank usually succeeds; Battery dies after short idle periods despite testing OK; Engine shakes or vibrates during startup; Intermittent 'Engine Power Reduced' message triggered by minor maneuvers (pulling out of driveway, turning into main road); Message clears intermittently, then recurs unpredictably
Codes mentioned: Didn't match code (unspecified code retrieved)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body and throttle position sensor replaced; slight improvement but 'Engine Power Reduced' returned during highway driving. Owners unable to return parts after installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; owners conducted independent research finding others with same issue and attempted self-directed repairs.
Service Traction Control Light with Power Reduction
Traction control warning and 'Service Traction Control' message accompany 'Engine Power Reduced' warning. Lights cycle on and off; power loss occurs intermittently or continuously during drive sessions.
When: Occurs every drive or sporadically after prolonged driving; recurs after vehicle is turned off and restarted hours later
Symptoms owners cite: 'Service Traction Control' message displayed along with 'Engine Power Reduced'; Traction control light illuminates; Both warnings appear together consistently; Vehicle speed drops to 40 mph or lower; Difficulty accelerating from stops; Lights cycle off after turning vehicle off for hours, then reactivate on next drive
Repairs/costs cited: One owner swapped old throttle pedal position sensor back and traction control light cleared with normal driving resumed; however, condition expected to recur. Repeated state inspection failures due to OBDII code retention.
Cruise Control Malfunction Leading to Excessive Acceleration
Cruise control engages at higher speed than set, or vehicle automatically accelerates beyond target speed while cruise is active, particularly on downhill grades. One collision reported.
When: Occurs shortly after vehicle purchase (4,700 miles noted)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates from set cruise speed (65 mph) to 85 mph on downhill section; Tire pressure monitoring light illuminates during event; Engine revs excessively while cruise control active
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to diagnose. Manufacturer advised owner to read owner's manual.
Sudden Engine Stall with Electronic Throttle Control Warning
Engine stalls without warning during highway driving; electronic throttle control warning light appears. Vehicle restarts on first attempt, but condition indicates loss of throttle control authority.
When: At 55–60 mph highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at highway speed; Electronic Throttle Control warning light illuminates; Vehicle restarts without difficulty after stall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no repair action documented.
Brake Failure with Unresponsive Brakes During Parking
Vehicle rolls forward uncontrolled when brakes are applied while parking, or surges forward when engine is restarted in garage. Results in collision with stationary objects.
When: During low-speed parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle continues rolling despite brake pedal application; Vehicle surges forward when starting in garage; Complete loss of braking effect during parking; Vehicle rolls across parking lot and into street uncontrolled
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle sent to body shop for collision damage repair; no mechanical diagnosis conducted or documented.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as the reduced engine power error message displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2007 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2007 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 27 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 69,000 and 133,000 miles, with the median around 108,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 69,000; a quarter make it past 133,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chevrolet/Impala.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.