This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet Impala engine problems
severe 27 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 27 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 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 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.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
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 provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 27 complaints center on two major problem areas: sudden engine shutdown while driving, and electrical/component failures.
Shutdown Events: Most complaints describe the vehicle losing all power on highways at speeds of 50–70 mph. Owners report a sequence: the check engine light illuminates, followed by warning messages for "engine power reduced," "service stabilitrak," and "traction control," then the engine cuts out completely. The car will not restart for 5–10 minutes. Owners note this happens repeatedly and without warning, leaving them stranded in traffic. Many mention the traction control light triggering the shutdown when tires are actually fine—they suspect a faulty sensor wrongly commanding a limp-home mode that goes too far.
Electrical and Component Failures: A second cohort reports clicking or ticking noises from dashboard actuators (HVAC blend doors), described as ongoing even when the car is parked. Owners cite repair estimates of $500–$600. Another subset mentions the secondary air injection valve failing repeatedly—one owner replaced it three times, each costing $400–$500. Throttle position sensors, throttle bodies, body control modules, and BCM fuses are cited as failed parts in diagnosis; some repairs were attempted but failures recurred.
Safety Context: Owners consistently frame these as highway hazards. Several describe near-miss accidents or being cut off by traffic. One complaint references a tailpipe disconnection that may have contributed to an accident.
Same Chevrolet Impala engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Shutdown / Limp-Home Mode Activation
Vehicle loses all engine power while driving, typically at highway speeds (50–70 mph), triggered by traction control light and warning messages for 'engine power reduced' and 'service stabilitrak.' The car will not restart for 5–10 minutes. Owners suspect faulty traction control or throttle sensors commanding excessive power cut.
When: Highway driving, speeds 50–70 mph; mileage ranges from 4,000 to 140,000 miles in complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on; Traction control light illuminates; Message 'engine power reduced' displayed; Message 'service stabilitrak' or 'service stability track control' displayed; Engine stalls completely, no power steering; No warning before shutdown; Car will not restart immediately; 5–10 minute delay; Shutdown recurs repeatedly in same vehicle
Codes mentioned: Throttle position sensor fault, Throttle body failure (suggested)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was quoted $164 for throttle body replacement; another had throttle body replaced but failure recurred. One vehicle diagnosed with secondary air injection valve, secondary air pump, and APP sensor, but repair did not stop stalls. One vehicle had body control module replaced, then BCM fuse replaced, but failure persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 14V355000 (electrical system) recall was issued; one owner received notice but dealer could not schedule repair. One owner received a letter from Chevrolet but told repair was not covered under their mileage. No other recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners.
Secondary Air Injection Valve Failure
Secondary air injection check and shut-off valve fails repeatedly. One owner replaced it three times. A GM technical specialist acknowledged a corrosion durability concern and elevated warranty claims; an improved service part number is available.
When: First replacement at 46,737 miles; second at 71,368 miles; third needed at 115,429 miles. Spans over 2 years (Jan 2013 to ~2015).
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Possible stalling or power loss
Repairs/costs cited: First replacement at dealership: $567. Second replacement at independent shop: $478. Owner expects third replacement to cost $400+. GM has issued an improved service part number to replace the original.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM technical specialist confirmed corrosion durability concern and elevated warranty. Improved service part PN available but no recall or customer refund program mentioned.
HVAC Actuator / Blend Door Ticking Noise
Loud clicking or ticking noise from dashboard actuators (blend door) for heating and air conditioning. Noise occurs whether the car is running, off, or parked. Lasts a few minutes then stops; happens repeatedly. One owner's sister required two dealer visits for correct repair.
When: At all times—while driving, sitting in garage, or during storms. Occurrence timing not tied to specific mileage; one failure noted at 160,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking or ticking noise from passenger-side dash or HVAC area; Noise occurs when car is off, running, or parked; Persists for a few minutes then stops; Repeats intermittently; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer estimate $500–$600. One owner's sister required two dealer visits before correct repair. Diagnosis: blender actuator replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner states computer chip in these cars is defective. No recall mentioned.
Intermittent Stalling with Multiple Warning Lights
Vehicle stalls intermittently at various speeds (45–55 mph noted) with illumination of check engine, stability/traction control, and engine power reduced lights. Some stalls occur on cruise control. Vehicle may restart on its own or after a few minutes.
When: Various speeds; mileage 63,000 to 82,000 noted. One diagnosis attempted at 44,000 miles with ongoing failure at 80,000.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Traction control warning light; Stability control warning light; Engine power reduced message; Vehicle jerks or hesitates; Engine overheated warning (in one case); Stalling recurs intermittently; Can occur during cruise control use
Codes mentioned: APP (accelerator pedal position) sensor fault, Throttle body sensor
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle had secondary air injection valve, secondary air pump, and APP sensor replaced at dealer but failure persisted. Throttle body replacements attempted but did not resolve issue in some cases. One vehicle taken to independent mechanics who could not replicate or diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner received recall notification 14V355000 (electrical system) but dealer could not provide repair date and vehicle was not repaired. Some owners received letters from Chevrolet but repairs were denied if mileage exceeded eligibility threshold.
Body Control Module / BCM Fuse Failure
Vehicle stalls with body control module diagnosed as failed. After replacement, failure recurred and BCM fuse was found failed and replaced, but stalling persisted.
When: At 78,140 miles approximately.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at low speed (45 mph noted); Warning lights illuminate; Failure recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replaced, then BCM fuse replaced, but failure was persistent.
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving my impala, with no warning, my car lost power. The dash beeped at me and said reduced engine power, service stalinktrak, service traction control. I had to turn my car off, I waited a few minutes then turned car back on. The car was able to run and drive after this, but my check engine light was on. I had vehicle computer scanned and had a code for throttle position sensor. After…
Had engine trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 27 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 71,000 and 121,000 miles, with the median around 86,748. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,000; a quarter make it past 121,000. 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/2010/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.