2014 Chevrolet Impala cruise control problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2014 Impala with this complaint cluster carries real risk: unexpected power loss at highway speeds, false brake application, and unintended acceleration all recur without dealer diagnostics pinpointing a root cause. Multiple owners report the same issues are common online; buy only with a pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop experienced with GM stability-control problems, and expect ongoing frustration if you acquire one.
Owners report the Impala's stability control and powertrain systems triggering unexpected power loss and brake intervention. The most common scenario: "Service StabiliTrak" warning appears, engine power cuts drastically (sometimes to 5–20 mph from highway speeds of 60–68 mph), leaving the driver stranded until shutdown and restart. Several owners describe false automatic braking from the forward-collision alert system with no obstacles present, and unintended acceleration when resuming cruise control (one case spiked from 68 to 90 mph). Hesitation and surging at specific speeds (35 mph noted) also occur. Related issues include grinding noise and traction-control lights during low-speed left turns, steering-wheel lockup, transmission gear confusion, and the backup camera disabling when StabiliTrak malfunctions. Dealers have consistently found nothing wrong or stated the vehicle functions as designed. Owners shut off the engine, wait, and restart to restore normal operation temporarily; the problem recurs unpredictably. Multiple owners report seeing this issue discussed widely online and believe it warrants a recall.
Same Chevrolet Impala cruise control reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
StabiliTrak-triggered power loss
Engine power reduces drastically (to 5–20 mph) and 'Service StabiliTrak' warning illuminates during highway driving, with no fault codes found by dealers.
When: Highway speeds 60–68 mph; recurs across multiple owners over months to years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning; Service StabiliTrak warning; Vehicle speed drops to 5–20 mph; Check engine light on
Codes mentioned: P0000 (inferred, not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; owners restarted engine to restore power; issue recurs
False forward-collision braking
Anti-collision alert system triggers full brake application and loud beeping with no vehicles or obstacles ahead on clear, dry, straight highway sections.
When: During highway driving; repeated twice within 5 miles in one incident
Symptoms owners cite: Loud beeping from collision alert; Full automatic brake application; No vehicles or obstacles present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership found nothing wrong after three days of diagnostics
Unintended acceleration on cruise-control resume
Vehicle accelerates to 90 mph without warning when cruise-control resume button is pressed at 68 mph, requiring manual cruise-control shutoff to stop acceleration.
When: 18,000 miles; recurred on another occasion
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration to 90 mph; No warning before acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership did not diagnose or repair; failure recurred
Hesitation and surging at specific speeds
Vehicle hesitates or surges when accelerated, particularly at 35 mph, with delayed throttle response separating pedal press from acceleration.
When: Low mileage (4,000 miles noted); occurs at stop lights, stop signs, and cruise-control speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration; Surging at 35 mph; Delayed throttle response
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated vehicle functions as designed
Grinding noise and lockup during low-speed left turns
Clunky grinding sound and feel from steering wheel when turning left from stopped position; wheel briefly locks up; ABS and traction-control lights illuminate; cruise-control button also sticks.
When: Recurring on every left turn from stopped position
Symptoms owners cite: Clunky grinding noise and feel; Steering-wheel lockup; ABS light on; Traction-control light on; Cruise-control button sticks when pressed
Repairs/costs cited: Three mechanics unable to fix; no repairs documented
StabiliTrak malfunction disabling backup camera and transmission response
Backup camera disables when StabiliTrak light is on; transmission does not respond to reverse gear command, or gear selection unclear; vehicle speed capped at 3–5 mph until multiple engine shutdowns and restarts.
When: Recurring since October 2018 purchase; unpredictable frequency
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera offline when StabiliTrak on; No reverse response or delayed reverse; Transmission gear unclear; Speed capped at 3–5 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Owner repeatedly shut off and restarted engine; eventually regained function at reduced speed
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 18,000 and 118,004 miles, with the median around 53,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 118,004. 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.