This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Impala engine problems
moderate 66 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Of the 13 model years of Chevrolet Impala we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 66.
Owners have filed 66 engine 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 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 guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
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 engine complaints overwhelmingly center on sudden loss of engine power while driving—often at highway speeds (60+ mph)—accompanied by warning messages like "Reduced Engine Power," "Service Traction Control," and "Service Throttle Body." Owners report the vehicle slowing to 15–40 mph or stalling completely without warning, with some unable to restart for several minutes. Multiple owners describe power steering failure and loss of vehicle control during these events; several had the incident occur while driving with children or in heavy traffic, creating serious safety risks.
The reduced power condition is typically linked to throttle position and accelerator pedal sensors (diagnostic codes P2122, P2138 cited). Some owners report intermittent check engine lights that cycle on and off over weeks. A few describe successful repairs involving throttle body or accelerator pedal assembly replacement, though at least one owner experienced uncontrolled acceleration after initial repairs. Others mention dealerships unable to diagnose or replicate the fault despite multiple visits.
Separate issues include blend door actuator noise (knocking from dashboard), engine stalling at various speeds, check engine lights tied to airbag module faults, oil leaks from gaskets and manifold seals, and one engine fire at 5,000 miles. A transmission-related complaint notes jerking on acceleration tied to a solenoid. Owners frequently note finding online evidence this is "common" across 2008–2011 GM vehicles and express frustration that no recall has been issued despite apparent awareness by the manufacturer.
Same Chevrolet Impala engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden Loss of Engine Power / Limp Mode with Warning Lights
Engine power reduces suddenly to 15–40 mph or vehicle stalls completely while driving, typically accompanied by 'Reduced Engine Power,' 'Service Traction Control,' and/or 'Service Throttle Body' warning lights. Power steering may fail. Vehicle may restart after several minutes or restart immediately. Episodes occur unpredictably—sometimes days or weeks apart, sometimes repeatedly within hours. Owners report this happening at any speed, including 60–75 mph on highways, creating hazardous situations in traffic.
When: Occurs across mileage range from 5,000 to 156,000 miles; no single mileage threshold identified. Some owners report multiple incidents over years.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden reduction in engine power to 15–40 mph; Engine stall without warning; Illumination of 'Reduced Engine Power' message; Illumination of 'Service Traction Control' message; Illumination of 'Service Throttle Body' or 'Starting Disabled, Service Throttle' message; Check engine light illumination; Power steering failure or loss of steering assist during event; Jerking or hesitation during acceleration; Difficulty or inability to restart vehicle for several minutes after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body assembly replacement; accelerator pedal assembly replacement and throttle position sensor replacement reported in some cases. One owner's repairs (pedal assembly and throttle position sensor) led to subsequent uncontrolled acceleration, later resolved by throttle body replacement. Dealerships often unable to replicate or diagnose fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a 'Do Not Return to Dealer' order in November 2015 for at least one owner, stating the issue would only be covered under a special coverage program if the problem occurred within a specific mileage threshold (under 120,000 miles) and time cutoff from vehicle purchase. Some owners report dealer or manufacturer refusal to assist absent a recall.
Accelerator Pedal and Throttle Position Sensor Faults
Pedal position and throttle control sensor failures causing limp mode, reduced power, or stalling. Diagnostic codes P2122 and P2138 point to sensor malfunction. Repairs involve replacement of accelerator pedal assembly and/or throttle position sensor, but dealers sometimes struggle to identify which of multiple sensors is faulty.
When: Reported from early ownership through 156,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine error alarm triggered; Reduced engine power; Rough idle or rough engine running; Engine stall; Pedal position sensor error code
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of accelerator pedal assembly; replacement of throttle position sensor. One owner paid $238 after dealership spent a week identifying which of three actuators was at fault; another repair later at independent shop confirmed online videos and blogs exist describing this as a known 2006+ Impala issue.
Engine Stall During Normal Driving
Engine shuts off without warning while vehicle is in motion at various speeds (35–70 mph). Vehicle may or may not restart; if it does, may require wait time of several minutes. Some owners report multiple occurrences over extended periods. Often accompanied by check engine or traction control warnings.
When: Mileage range 7,600 to 130,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall without warning; Check engine light illumination; Traction control warning light illumination; Vehicle unable to restart immediately; Vehicle restarts after wait period and resumes normal operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers frequently unable to diagnose or replicate stalling. At least one case mentioned engine control module replacement after stall and failure-to-restart.
Blend Door Actuator Knocking Noise
Aching or knocking/ticking sound coming from dashboard, specifically right side or referred to by dealership as 'fishbite.' Dealership identifies as blend door actuator problem but owner must pay out-of-pocket for repair of a $40 part at dealership cost of $238. Noise may recur or owner may learn they fixed the wrong actuator (vehicle has three). Online research by owner shows this reported on Impalas as early as 2006, suggesting endemic issue.
When: Timing not specified; complaint filed 2014–2015.
Symptoms owners cite: Aching noise from dashboard; Knocking or ticking sound from right side of dashboard; Noise increases in volume over time
Repairs/costs cited: $238 dealership repair for $40 part (blend door actuator). Owner did not complete repair due to cost. Online evidence suggests multiple actuators (three in vehicle) and difficulty identifying correct failed unit.
Engine Oil Leak from Gaskets and Manifold Seals
Oil leaks from engine compartment onto exhaust manifold or from crankcase gaskets and timing cover seals. Requires repair of manifold gaskets, crank case gaskets, and lower inlet line. May cause anti-freeze fumes inside vehicle.
When: Reported at 56,000 and 63,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from engine compartment; Oil dripping onto exhaust manifold; Severe oil leak; Anti-freeze fumes entering vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of manifold gasket, crank case gaskets, crank timing cover seal, lower inlet line. One owner's lower inlet line was replaced once; failure recurred and dealer recommended additional gasket and seal replacement.
Check Engine Light / Airbag Module Fault
Service engine light illuminates intermittently (on and off over days to weeks) with no apparent cause. Dealership diagnoses driver-side airbag module requiring replacement at cost of $730 without accident history, low mileage, or impact damage. Owner finds online evidence multiple owners report same issue. Concern raised that airbags may not deploy in actual accident if module fails.
When: Complaint filed 2015–2017.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates intermittently; Service engine light cycles on and off over extended period; Airbag module fault code
Repairs/costs cited: $730 dealership replacement of driver-side airbag module. Owner declined repair and found multiple online reports of same issue.
Engine Fire
Engine compartment caught fire during startup attempt. Fire department extinguished fire. Vehicle destroyed. No injuries reported. VIN unknown; limited details available.
When: 5,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood; Flames in engine compartment during startup attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed. Towed to dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated need to investigate the fire. Police report filed.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 66 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 125,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.