This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems
severe 194 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
194
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4crashes
4fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 194 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 194 electrical 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.
Among the 15 model years of Chevrolet Impala in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Impala's electrical system shows a pattern of intermittent failures that create real safety hazards. Owners report sudden loss of engine power on highways at speed, preceded by "Service Traction Control" and "Reduced Engine Power" warnings. In multiple incidents, vehicles stalled completely, leaving drivers without power steering or brakes mid-traffic. Several owners traced this to a throttle/accelerator pedal position sensor, though some dealerships kept replacing the same part without solving the root cause.
Door lock actuators fail repeatedly—many owners have paid $365+ per door, sometimes multiple times, to repair locks that won't respond to keyless entry or manual switches. This creates genuine emergency concerns: one parent with rear-facing car seats cannot reach manual latches in an emergency evacuation. The rear door problem is so common across 2008-2009 Impalas that owners call it "common knowledge" in the community.
Owners also report a loud clicking noise from the dashboard when the AC/heater activates, often lasting minutes and draining batteries even when the car is off. This appears linked to a faulty HVAC actuator. Service airbag lights come on sporadically and won't go away; dealerships can't replicate the failures to diagnose them, leaving owners uncertain whether airbags will deploy in a crash. Several owners spent hundreds on diagnostics with no resolution. Ignition switches stick, trapping keys even after the recall. Wiring harnesses short out, with at least one documented case of a seat fire from exposed wiring. Owners consistently report that GM acknowledges these issues internally but refuses recalls, forcing out-of-warranty owners to absorb repair costs.
Same Chevrolet Impala electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Service Traction Control / Reduced Engine Power / Stalling
Engine power cuts suddenly during normal driving, typically on highways at speed. Vehicle displays 'Service Traction Control' and 'Reduced Engine Power' warnings, then engine shuts down completely, leaving driver without power steering or brakes. Can occur multiple times over months or restart after sitting.
When: 100,000–180,000 miles; incidents reported 2013–2023
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Service Traction Control warning; Reduced Engine Power warning; Throttle Disabled or Starting Disabled message; Engine cuts power abruptly or stalls mid-drive; Loss of power steering and brakes; Coasting needed to reach shoulder safely
Codes mentioned: P2127 (Throttle Pedal Position Sensor), Check engine codes that clear before dealership diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing accelerator pedal position sensor ($hundreds); throttle body sensor cleaning; throttle body replacement. Multiple owners replaced same part repeatedly without lasting fix. One owner stated mechanic cleaned throttle body sensor after first incident; another replaced gas pedal/accelerator sensor and issue resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM told owner at 100,000 miles they were aware but no recall existed; special warranty expired April 2019. NHTSA Campaign 14V355000 (Electrical System) issued but parts were frequently unavailable at dealerships, leaving vehicles unrepaired for weeks.
Rear Door Lock Actuators Fail
Rear door lock actuators become unresponsive to keyless entry and manual switch commands. Failure is intermittent but occurs 90%+ of the time, lasting weeks at a time. Manual latch lever is virtually impossible to reach from front seat without extreme contortion. Same defect appears across 2008–2009 Impala, Tahoe, Malibu, and Silverado models.
When: Within months to a few thousand miles after purchase; 50,000–65,000 miles typical onset
Symptoms owners cite: Rear doors will not lock or unlock via keyless entry; Rear doors will not lock or unlock via manual switch; Manual latch post unreachable from front seat; One or both rear doors randomly fail for weeks, occasionally work; Failure independent of child safety locks or ignition state
Repairs/costs cited: $365 per door to repair. One owner had head/neck trapped between seat and door pillar attempting manual unlock; aggravated chronic back condition. Many owners skip repairs due to cost. Some replaced actuators 8 times in 8 years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of the issue; offers no repair assistance. No recall issued despite widespread reporting across multiple model lines.
HVAC Actuator / Dashboard Clicking Noise
Loud, persistent clicking/knocking from under the dash when AC or heater is activated or doors are unlocked. Noise lasts 30 seconds to several minutes, sometimes continues after car is shut off. Occurs on startup, during driving, and with remote entry. Drains battery in some cases.
When: Within weeks of purchase to several years; reported at all mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking/knocking from dashboard; Occurs when AC/heater turned on; Occurs when doors unlocked; Occurs on remote key fob press; Occurs during driving; Continues after engine shut off; AC/heat delay: takes 1–2 minutes for air to blow after activation; Heat blows from wrong vents (defrost instead of dash)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost cited as ~$450. Many owners defer repair due to cost and noise-only nature. Problem appears common enough that owners hear it in other Impalas in parking lots.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite owners noting problem is widespread and common knowledge among Impala owners.
Service Airbag Light / Intermittent Airbag Warnings
Service airbag warning light comes on sporadically, sometimes triggered by bumps or rough roads, sometimes randomly. Light may go off on its own or stay on permanently. Dealerships cannot replicate failure to diagnose root cause. Owners left uncertain whether airbags will deploy in a collision.
When: 50,000–126,000 miles; reported 2013–2023
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag light illuminates intermittently; Light triggered by bumps or rough road; Light stays on continuously; Light goes off randomly without repair; Dealership unable to replicate failure
Codes mentioned: B0223, B3060, B3031, B1325/3, B0074, B0021/04 (reported after recall work)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners spent $99–$800+ on diagnostics and repeated dealership visits without resolution. One owner reported dealership charged $99 per visit without fixing issue. After recall wiring work (Campaign 14V355000 or 16V507000), airbag light often reappeared; dealer claimed wires were outside recall scope.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM told owner after warranty expiration, airbag issues are customer responsibility. Refused to cover repairs despite safety-critical nature of component. Dealerships claimed inability to diagnose intermittent failures.
Ignition Switch Key Stuck / Won't Release
Key becomes stuck in ignition and cannot be removed even when gear is in Park. Car can start and run but cannot be shut down normally. Owners forced to disconnect battery cable each time they exit vehicle. Problem persists after recall repair and warranty service attempts.
When: Within days to months of purchase; reported 2013–2016
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not disengage from ignition; Car starts and runs but key trapped; Shift lever stuck in Park when key stuck; Battery drains if key left in ignition; Cannot lock vehicle or leave unattended
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report free standing cable in shift column moves and becomes pinched, or solder comes loose from harness. One owner had shift park fuse replaced but issue recurred; another owner replaced RAP fuse which shorted before it could be inserted in fuse box. Repairs performed twice under warranty did not resolve issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V355000 (Electrical System) issued for ignition switch. Owners report the recall was performed but problem recurred. GM acknowledged issue is common but no permanent fix communicated.
Wiring Harness Short / Fire Risk
Exposed or damaged wiring harness causes shorts, electrical failures, and at least one documented seat fire. Wires short causing power loss, smoke, and visible flames from under seat. Fire department determined seat motor wiring shorted, burned through wire casing, and ignited the seat.
When: Throughout vehicle life; fire incident reported at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Thick white smoke from under seat; Visible fire coming from around seat edges; Check engine light illuminates; Exposed wiring visible in engine bay; Electrical components fail intermittently; Multiple electrical failures cascade after recall wiring work
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified exposed wiring. Fire department and auto body both confirmed seat motor wiring shorted and caught seat on fire. One owner reported recall work (Campaign 14V355000) caused wires to short, damaging vehicle further; dealer's own mechanic confirmed short caused damage but dealership later refused warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V355000 addresses electrical wiring in some vehicles but many VINs remain uncovered. One owner's VIN was not included despite similar wiring issues. Dealerships blamed aftermarket alarm systems for wiring failures; GM allowed repairs but parts were unavailable.
No Crank / No Start / Starter Issues
Vehicle fails to crank or start intermittently. Owners replaced battery, starter (both aftermarket and OEM), starter relay, and cleaned body control module (BCM) contacts without permanent resolution. Eventually cranks after 5–6 turns of key. Problem escalates to complete power loss while driving.
When: 1–2 years after purchase; 50,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: No crank, no start condition; Requires 5–6 key turns to start; Problem intermittent, recurring after repairs; Engine shuts off while driving; Airbag light comes on after stall incident; Battery dies if left sitting
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced battery, aftermarket starter, OEM starter, starter relay, BCM (contacts cleaned), ignition switch—all without lasting fix. Owner continued to live with problem due to cost and repeated failures after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage offered after initial out-of-warranty period. GM told owner they are not responsible for diagnosis or repair.
Dashboard / Instrument Cluster Power Loss
Dashboard instrument cluster and gauges lose power intermittently while car is being driven. Speedometer, fuel gauge, and all dash lights go dark as if car were turned off, but radio, interior/exterior lights, and turn signals continue working. Power returns after moments or minutes, may happen multiple times per trip.
When: Later in vehicle life; reported at 77,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Entire dashboard loses power intermittently; Gauges and speedometer go dark; Turn signal indicators don't flash on dash; Radio and exterior lights continue working; No loss of engine performance; Problem self-corrects after moments or minutes; May occur multiple times in single trip
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owner seeking diagnosis.
Remote Start / Autolock Malfunction
Car turns off immediately when driver door is opened after remote start, requiring wait of several minutes before engine will crank. Doors automatically lock even when unlock button is pressed, trapping occupants including pets inside running vehicle. Ticking noise accompanies door locking.
When: Throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off immediately upon opening driver door after remote start; Doors automatically lock without user input; Unlock button pressed but doors remain locked; Ticking noise from dash during locking episodes; Dogs or other occupants trapped in locked, running car
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
False Passenger Occupancy Sensor / False Seatbelt Warnings
Passenger airbag sensor triggers false alarms indicating passenger seat is occupied when empty. Vehicle emits false seatbelt unbuckled warnings. Passenger seat occupant sensing recall (Campaign 36110) performed but sensor continues to malfunction; airbag light persists.
When: Throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm sounds indicating passenger unbuckled when seat is empty; Service Airbag light comes on; False passenger occupancy detection; Seatbelts release or unlock without user action
Codes mentioned: B0223 (reported after recall 36110)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed recall 36110 (passenger seat occupant sensing), reported wrapping wires, but airbag light remained on and sensor continued not detecting occupancy. Dealer asked owner if there were mice in the car. Owner refused further work due to lack of confidence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 36110 performed but did not resolve issue. Dealership refused additional repair work outside recall scope.
Door Lock Electrical Failures / Erratic Locking
Power door locks fail to operate reliably. Doors unlock and lock intermittently without user command. Keyless entry and manual switches fail to control locks consistently. Owners find cars unlocked when they believe they locked them, creating security risk.
When: Throughout vehicle life; reported at all mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Keyless entry fails intermittently; Manual door lock switch fails; Doors lock/unlock randomly without command; One or more doors fail to lock; Items stolen from vehicle due to failed locks; Cannot reliably lock vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Door lock actuator replacements, sometimes repeated. Cost ~$365 per door. Many owners defer due to cost and intermittent nature.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealership unable or unwilling to diagnose intermittent failures.
Synthesized from 194 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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…
Key stuck in ignition for no apparent reason,no issue or warning. *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet impala. While driving 50-60 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle could be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000. Updated 3/3/15*cn the consumer stated it was obvious the vehicle had a faulty ignition. The engine would stall on a major highway.…
2000 Chevrolet impala. Vehicle wouldn't start. Took it to service dealer and got it fixed. Recall was issued for same reason. *ta the key, and tumbler were replaced, and the key switch was re-programmed. *jb
My car started putting an everything was dim while I was driving the brake light an check engine light both were on
ABS and traction control lights intermittently come on causing car to jerk with acceleration, or occasionally, to slip during braking. Wheel hub assemblies have been replaced multiple times and the same faulty issue keeps reoccurring. Low quality wiring and position and tautness going into the harness are a recipe for disaster. Sensors can be set off with as little effort as gently rocking the…
Low beam headlights quit working driving in the city , traction control and engine loss of power lights came on and car shut down while driving down the interstate doing 70 MPH . Door locks malfunction and quit working . This has happened to many times . Affraid to let the wife drive it to work because it has shut down quite a few times .
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 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 electrical problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 194 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 133 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 60,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 82,654. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2009/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.