This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Chevrolet Impala steering problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Chevrolet Impala have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 68,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Impala | 134 |
| 2007 Impala | 101 |
| 2008 Impala | 94 |
| 2009 Impala | 57 |
| 2010 Impala (this page) | 42 |
| 2011 Impala | 35 |
| 2012 Impala | 49 |
| 2013 Impala | 34 |
| 2014 Impala | 137 |
3crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 42 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 42 steering 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 steering 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 steering 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 service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated 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 2010 Impala's steering system shows a clear pattern of failures across the 42 complaints. Power steering pumps fail prematurely — some repeatedly within months of each other even on low-mileage vehicles. Owners describe sudden loss of steering assist at highway speeds and during turns, forcing difficult manual steering. Leaks in the power steering system are common, with fluid requiring continuous top-offs before pump replacement.
Rack-and-pinion failures occur frequently, sometimes requiring replacement twice on the same vehicle. Owners report abnormal noises — squealing, clunking, thumping, and clicking — when turning the wheel or during acceleration. One owner's steering column broke entirely; another experienced a seizure requiring key removal and disassembly.
Multiple owners report losing power steering without warning while driving 25–75 mph, combined with stalled engines and locked steering wheels. Some describe the steering wheel becoming hard to maneuver or physically seizing, with one case involving a catastrophic crash into a river. Wheel bearing failures, blown tires showing cupping wear, and suspension issues compound the steering system problems.
Dealers often cannot diagnose the issues or hear the reported noises, leaving problems unresolved even after multiple service visits. GM's diagnostic systems appear unable to identify root causes, and the manufacturer has refused replacements or assistance in many cases, citing inability to diagnose the failure.
Same Chevrolet Impala steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Pump Failure
Power steering pump fails prematurely, causing sudden loss of steering assist. Fluid leaks internally or externally, requiring continuous fluid top-offs before failure. One owner reports four pump failures in five months on a new vehicle.
When: 25,000–80,000 miles; some failures within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: loss of steering assist; steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn; loud screeching or whining noise during acceleration; power steering fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replacement; one case included pump shaft replacement and fluid flush; parts kit 06605-C mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage reported; GM approved replacement in some cases after extended repair attempts; owner reimbursement denied or partial in at least one case
Rack-and-Pinion Failure
Rack-and-pinion assembly fails or breaks, eliminating steering ability or causing noise. Some vehicles require replacement twice. Internal leaking fluid noted. One owner reports steering column broke at rack-and-pinion; mechanic stated repair was overdue.
When: 47,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: abnormal noise from rack and pinion; steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver; loss of steering control; popping sound in steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Rack-and-pinion replacement; one dealer refused to replace, only turned rotors; repair costs cited as $1,182.40 with dealer offering only $417.57 reimbursement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused reimbursement in one case; refused replacement of parts in another; diagnosis issues prevented approval
Steering Column Seizure and Lock
Steering column seizes or locks, preventing steering wheel rotation or key removal from ignition. May occur during startup or while driving. One case involved complete breakage of the steering column.
When: 30,000–72,000 miles; one case at 14,801 miles
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel locked and unable to turn; key stuck in ignition and cannot be removed; steering column loose; steering wheel noise when accelerator pedal depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering rack and pump purge system replacement in one case; dealer disassembly and reassembly in another; one case involved steering column replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; dealer repair attempted but technician unable to locate failure
Steering Hardness and Loss of Power Assist
Steering wheel becomes hard to turn, requiring excessive manual force. Occurs suddenly while driving or during turns. Often accompanied by stalling or reduction in engine power. May involve brake failure as well.
When: 25,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel hard to maneuver; excessive force required to steer; sudden loss of power steering without warning; steering wheel seized during turns; vehicle stalls after steering failure
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis unclear in many cases; dealers unable to diagnose or hear the problem; no repairs completed in several cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer unable to diagnose failure; no assistance provided; vehicle not repaired in multiple cases
Steering System Noise (Clunking, Thumping, Clicking, Squealing)
Various abnormal noises originate from front end and steering system: thumping or clunking while turning wheels, loud squealing during turns, clicking when turning or going uphill. One owner reports a popping sound during gear shifting on hills. Noises often misdiagnosed or not heard by dealer technicians.
When: Starts early, reported at 30,000+ miles; one case at 47,000 miles still unresolved
Symptoms owners cite: front end thumping noise when turning wheels; loud squealing from steering wheel during turns; clicking or popping sound when turning or shifting gears uphill; whining noise from engine bay
Repairs/costs cited: Tire rotation, tire replacement, and wheel bearing replacement attempted; power steering fluid flush performed; rotors turned but not replaced; multiple service visits with same complaint unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented; dealers unable to replicate or diagnose noise
Ignition Switch Failure
Ignition switch fails to engage or turn, preventing vehicle startup. Vehicle may also stall while driving, with steering and brakes becoming inoperative. Key may stick in ignition or fail to turn.
When: Multiple occurrences reported; mileage varies
Symptoms owners cite: key will not turn ignition; vehicle will not start; starter does not engage; vehicle stalls while driving; no engine attempt to turn over
Codes mentioned: faulty ignition switch code
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair costs cited; vehicle included in NHTSA campaign 14V355000 (electrical system)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle included in NHTSA electrical recall campaign 14V355000
Front Wheel and Suspension Lock-Up
Front wheels lock or jam, preventing vehicle movement. One case involved motor and frame partially loosening, disabling steering. Another case involved wheel jam causing ignition key to release and vehicle to stall.
When: Early in ownership; one case at 72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: front wheel locked or jammed; drivetrain locked and will not move in any gear; grinding and clunking sounds; motor and frame partially loosened from vehicle; wheel jam
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced or rebuilt in cases involving drivetrain lock-up; broken screw under frame noted in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission failure covered under GM 100,000-mile/5-year powertrain warranty in one case
Power Steering Fluid Leak
Power steering fluid leaks internally or externally, requiring continuous topping off. Leak originates from rack-and-pinion or pump. Internal leaks do not show fluid on ground.
When: 32,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: continuous loss of power steering fluid; low power steering fluid requiring top-offs; no visible leaks on ground (internal leak)
Repairs/costs cited: Rack-and-pinion replacement required; power steering fluid flush performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed internal leak requiring rack-and-pinion replacement
Shift Lock Release Cable Failure
Shift lock release cable fails, preventing gear shift lever from moving out of park. Vehicle becomes stuck in park position.
When: Known issue across 2006–2013 model years
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle will not get out of park; gear shift lever will not move
Repairs/costs cited: Cable failure; one owner removed console and gear shift lever to inspect, found snapped wire in wiring harness
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; known issue not recalled
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I have had 3 special coverage orders letters in the pass year on my car. !. Stabilitrak light tc. 2.harnessthrottle body. 3. Ignition key.I'm also having problem with my suspension .and power steering.I call gm and have taken my car in for by gm require and the services repair men said they couldn't find no codes on their scann.
2010 Chevrolet impala. Consumer states there's a big safety problem with his brakes and steering when driving down long hills. *ta the consumer had no control over the steering. Also, the rotors were replaced. *jb
there is a known issue with the shift lock release. the cable will fail in many 2006-2013 impala's. the vehicle will not get out of park. another well known issue is the blend door actuator. it is a noise that comes from the dash/heating/cooling due to chevy using cheap plastic parts.
My 2010 Chevrolet impala has only 43, 279 miles and began making a loud high pitched screeching noise while accelerating. After two visits to two separate mechanics it was determined both times that a new power steering pump was needed. Both mechanics were in shock due to the failure as the amount of miles on the car. I contacted gm customer care as I was sure this was still under warranty. Much…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2010 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 43,279 and 87,500 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,279; a quarter make it past 87,500. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.