This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Impala have filed 88 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
88
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Impala | 80 |
| 2012 Impala | 51 |
| 2013 Impala | 44 |
| 2014 Impala | 184 |
| 2015 Impala (this page) | 88 |
| 2016 Impala | 25 |
| 2017 Impala | 12 |
| 2018 Impala | 8 |
| 2019 Impala | 7 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 88 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 88 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.
Electrical accounts for 30% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
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.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
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 ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Chevrolet Impala's electrical system suffers from critical design flaws centered on the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) sensing modules mounted unprotected inside the rear bumper corners. These modules fail due to water intrusion from rain, snow, salt, and freeze-thaw cycles, causing internal corrosion and short circuits. When a module fails, owners first see a "Service Side Detection System" warning, then the blind-spot detection lights malfunction or stay on permanently.
The real danger comes next: the failed SBZA module corrupts the vehicle's LS GMLAN network, triggering a cascade of electrical failures. Dashboard gauges drop to zero, the speedometer and tachometer stop working, the radio and infotainment system go dark, HVAC quits, windows fail, and the engine either won't start or runs rough. Multiple safety systems stop functioning—forward collision warning, lane departure alerts, park assist, rear cross-traffic warning—and airbag, anti-theft, and tire pressure monitoring lights illuminate all at once.
Dealership repairs involve replacing the failed modules at costs between $983 and $1,606 per pair, often requiring removal of the rear bumper. GM issued Technical Service Bulletin 17-NA-154 before May 2017 and special coverage bulletin N172097060, but coverage is limited to 6 years or 80,000 miles. Beyond those limits, GM refuses to repair the problem despite acknowledging it as a known design flaw—dealers have stated the replacement modules will fail again because they are the same defective design. Owners report replacing modules two to four times over vehicle ownership, and many note parts remain on back-order for weeks or months, leaving them without a functional vehicle.
Same Chevrolet Impala electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) Module Water Intrusion and Corrosion
SBZA sensing modules mounted on the inside corners of the rear bumper fail due to water intrusion from rain, snow, salt, and freeze-thaw cycles. The modules corrode internally, short out, and stop functioning. Owners report the modules swelling, corroding, and having visible dried salt crust on them. Affected sensors include both left and right side detection modules.
When: Failures reported starting around 35,000 miles up to 140,000+ miles; initial failures within warranty period followed by repeat failures after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Service Side Detection System warning message on dashboard; Blind spot detection indicator lights malfunction or stay on permanently even when car is off; Blind spot detection fails to warn of vehicles in blind spots; Fuse 62 (Rear Camera/Park Assist/Side Blind Zone Alert) blows repeatedly; Multiple driver assistance features stop working (forward collision alert, lane departure warning, park assist, rear cross-traffic alert); Dashboard gauges go black or display all zeros; Speedometer and tachometer stop working; Radio and infotainment system loses power; HVAC system stops working; Vehicle will not start or starts rough; Key fob not detected; Airbag warning lights illuminate; Anti-theft system activates; Tire pressure monitoring system warning lights; All warning lights on dashboard illuminate at once
Codes mentioned: Service Side Detection System, Service Front Camera, Service Park Assist, Service Airbag, Service Tire Monitoring System, Fuse 62 blown
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis requires removal of rear bumper to inspect SBZA modules mounted inside bumper corners. Replacement modules cost $983–$1,606 per pair including labor. GM issued TSB #17-NA-154 (dated before May 2017) documenting the exact problem. Special coverage bulletin N172097060 provided coverage for vehicles up to 6 years or 80,000 miles (applies to failures within warranty or special coverage period). However, replacement with identical defective design means failures recur; owners report replacing modules 2–4 times in some cases. Dealership staff often unaware of special coverage letter. Some owners disconnect/disable the system via radio settings or remove fuse 62 to stop recurring issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued TSB #17-NA-154 prior to May 2017 documenting water intrusion via freeze-thaw and module seams. GM issued special coverage bulletin N172097060 covering repairs up to 6 years or 80,000 miles. Beyond coverage limits, GM states no fix available and will only address issue if enough complaints received. Dealers acknowledge design flaw and state problem will happen again. GM redesigned the part for later model years but refused to retrofit 2015 models. Some owners report GM offering to cover half of repair cost after escalation. Recall was issued with mileage limit (80,000 miles) that excluded some owners.
Cascading Electrical System Failure Following SBZA Module Failure
When SBZA modules fail, the corruption of the LS GMLAN (General Motors Local Area Network) causes a cascade of electrical system failures affecting multiple vehicle systems simultaneously. This becomes a critical safety issue as steering, braking, starting, climate control, and gauges all become affected.
When: Typically occurs within 30 days of initial Service Side Detection System warning message appearing; can occur while driving or when starting vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; All dashboard gauges read zero or stop working (speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, temperature); Driver information center (DIC) screen goes black or becomes unresponsive; Radio and infotainment system loses power or display goes black; Rear view camera stops working; Vehicle will not start or takes multiple restart attempts; Engine runs rough or dies while driving; Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to press; Power steering acts like it has no fluid; Windows do not function; Climate control (HVAC) stops working; Defrost does not work; Vehicle loses power completely while driving then regains power; Sunroof stops mid-operation or operates in wrong direction; Passenger airbag detection fails; Key fob detection fails; Turn signals do not work; Chimes and warning sounds do not function; Power seat controls stop working
Codes mentioned: Service Front Camera, Service Park Assist, Service Side Detection System, Service Airbag, Service Tire Monitoring System, Collision Prep warning, Lane Change Alert warning, Forward Collision Alert warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert warning, Key Fob Not Detected, Anti-Theft System activation, LS GMLAN network corruption
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair involves replacing blown fuses (particularly Fuse 62) and replacing the failed SBZA modules. Repair costs range from $1,172 to $1,606 depending on labor and parts. Some dealers replaced only fuses initially, but issue recurred within hours or days. Repair requires removal of rear bumper. In some cases, dealers replaced Rear SI Module. One owner's vehicle sat at dealer for 5+ days with $1,600 repair bill; another was without vehicle for 6 weeks while part was on back order. Dealerships often unable to provide estimated time for part availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges this as a known issue through special coverage bulletin N172097060 but coverage limited to 6 years or 80,000 miles. Some dealers initially repaired under warranty; others claimed it was not covered. One owner reported dealer said it was a known issue and repair would be free, but part remained on back order for 6+ weeks with GM refusing to cover rental vehicle costs. Dealership stated part is on back order indicating widespread nature of problem.
Smoke and Fire Risk from Electrical Short Circuits
Corrosion in SBZA modules and water-damaged electrical components create short circuits that generate smoke and create fire hazard. Owners report white smoke billowing from taillights and burning odors from interior electrical components. One owner reported melted sun visor vanity mirror from electrical overheating.
When: Occurs during vehicle operation or while parked with engine running; reported at various mileages including 130,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke billowing from taillights; Abnormal plastic burning odor in vehicle cabin; Smoke entering vehicle through air vents on center console; Vehicle nearly caught fire (owner's report); Sun visor vanity mirror melted off; Wires smoking white; Smoke and odor while vehicle is parked
Repairs/costs cited: No preventive repair mentioned by owners. One instance not taken to dealer for diagnosis or repair. Dealer attributed cause to bad sensor design allowing moisture intrusion leading to short circuits and corrosion in amplifier and wiring harness.
Trunk Latch and Keyless Entry Fob Defects
Two separate trunk-related defects reported: (1) Trunk automatically pops open while driving, parked, or starting the vehicle due to latch recycling constantly; (2) Keyless entry fob redesign from part GM/L 22733524 to GM 13584829 has raised switches above housing, allowing trunk to open inadvertently when fob buttons pressed in pocket against chair, table, or wall.
When: Trunk pop-open issue purchased October 2015, reported within first couple days; fob issue described as latent defect affecting 2015 model
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk automatically opens while vehicle is driving; Trunk pops open while parked; Trunk pops open when vehicle is starting; Trunk will not properly close due to latch recycling constantly; Keyless entry fob buttons inadvertently pressed when fob in pocket; Trunk opens without owner knowledge when sitting in chair or leaning against object
Repairs/costs cited: Trunk latch issue repaired on 3 separate occasions with same issue recurring each time. Fob issue acknowledged by GM but owner states GM told them there is no fix available and will only address if they receive enough complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged fob redesign issue but told owner (Jennifer at GM, complaint number 8-154-782-3093, 1 September 2015) that GM has no fix for the problem and would only fix it if GM received enough complaints. GM did not specify complaint threshold required.
Sunroof Malfunction and Water Leak into Trunk
Sunroof stops mid-operation, operates in opposite direction from button pushed, or does not function properly. Separately, water leaks into trunk through taillight gasket failure and spare tire area, causing corrosion to amplifier and blind spot detection monitor.
When: Sunroof issues occur during operation; water leak issues occur anytime it rains or after car wash; taillight gasket failure and water intrusion ongoing issue with dealership unable to fix after 7 service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof stops in middle of opening or closing; Sunroof stops completely then moves in opposite direction; Sunroof does not open or close properly; Water leaking into trunk anytime it rains; Water leaking into trunk after car wash; Corrosion to amplifier from water damage; Amplifier short out; No sound or OnStar available due to amplifier failure; Blind spot detection issues from water damage; Water found in spare tire well area; Carpet above spare tire never wet but water present below; Continuous water leak despite multiple dealership repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Sunroof issue appears to involve brake pressure or motor control. Taillight gasket failure addressed multiple times by dealership (7 visits) but issue persists; dealership stated they do not know what else to do. Amplifier replacement cost not specified. Blind spot detection monitoring affected.
HVAC System Malfunction and Climate Control Issues
HVAC system stops working, loses power, or does not defrost properly. Related issue of unresponsive climate control requiring unusual temperature settings to maintain comfort. Heat and air conditioning completely inoperative in some cases.
When: Climate control responsiveness issues noted on 2015 model year vehicle; HVAC failure occurs as part of cascading electrical failure or separately; winter weather particularly problematic when defrost fails
Symptoms owners cite: HVAC system completely inoperative; No heat or defrost working; No air conditioning; Climate control unresponsive; Temperature must be turned from 90 down to 66 to stay comfortable in various climates (40°F to below zero); Auto-start climate control does not function as expected; Defrost does not work during winter weather (described as big safety issue)
Codes mentioned: Service HVAC
Repairs/costs cited: HVAC failure addressed by fuse replacement and electrical system repair in some cases. One owner reported heat worked intermittently after electrical system repair and restart.
Dashboard Illumination and Dimmer Control Malfunction
Dashboard illumination goes back and forth from normal to extremely bright. Dimming control does not operate properly.
When: Issue started February 2013 according to one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard illumination fluctuates between normal and extremely bright; Dimming control inoperative
Cruise Control Inadvertent Deactivation
Cruise control feature deactivates unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, causing unintended deceleration.
When: Failure mileage 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control deactivates inadvertently while driving at 40 MPH; Vehicle decelerates unexpectedly; Unknown warning light illuminates
Codes mentioned: B1010-00 (Side Detect Module)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis determined side detect module (B1010-00) needed replacement. Vehicle not repaired; appointment scheduled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle was out of warranty and referred contact to NHTSA hotline for assistance.
Wiper Blade Windshield Scratching
Passenger wiper blade scratches windshield at the point where it stops to return, causing permanent mark the length of the blade that blocks vision, particularly problematic in rain or snow.
When: Issue present on dealer used car purchased with 11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger wiper blade scratches windshield; Permanent mark in windshield from blade; Scratch blocks vision in rain or snow; Damage length of entire blade
Safety Feature Control Interface Design Defect
Safety feature controls poorly designed with five different control locations, some obscured by steering wheel making them inaccessible or causing accidental operation. Horn button location extremely difficult to operate; start/stop button and emergency 4-way flasher button obscured by steering wheel.
When: Design issue present in 2015 model
Symptoms owners cite: Horn requires pressing at bottom of steering wheel instead of icon (non-intuitive operation); Horn will not work in emergency situation for most people; Start/stop button obscured by steering wheel unless wheel is turned or operator leans sideways; Cannot see start button when pulling into driveway normally; Emergency 4-way flasher button obscured by steering wheel; Safety feature control locations scattered across dash (5+ locations); Two controls on left dash obstructed by steering wheel; Controls not easily accessible; must operate driver info center with multiple clicks to access; Accidental operation of safety features (e.g., turning off side detection by accident)
Infotainment System and Audio Storage Malfunction
Infotainment system and audio music storage system malfunction. Radio creates its own song lists without user control. Radio power intermittently lost. Radio faceplate lift-up required for radio to work.
When: Issue present on 2015 model
Symptoms owners cite: Radio loses power intermittently; Radio touch display goes out; Radio faceplate electrical and requires lifting to restore function; Audio system makes up its own song lists; Radio does not work until faceplate is lifted; No sound available; Touch display permanently inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: One instance required lifting electric faceplate on radio to restore function; HVAC and airbag remained inoperative after faceplate fix.
Key Fob Button Detachment and Spontaneous Vehicle Start
Key fob buttons detach from fob. Vehicle spontaneously starts and trunk unlocks without user input.
When: Failure mileage 47,060
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob buttons detach; Vehicle spontaneously starts; Trunk unlocks without user input; No warning indicators illuminated prior to failures
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was contacted and did not assist.
Sunroof Sunshade Tear and Malfunction
Sunroof sunshade tears or malfunctions, allowing excessive sunlight into cabin. Defective sunshade design allows tearing.
When: Issue present at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof sunshade is torn; Excessive sunlight enters cabin; Glare from sun impairs vision; Reduced visibility and distraction; Excessive heat in interior; Sunburn risk to occupants
Repairs/costs cited: Sunshade can be visually inspected to assess damage.
Brake System and Engine Performance Issues
Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to press when trying to start vehicle. Engine runs rough or does not engage properly after auto stop feature activates. Vehicle does not move as expected after stop-start cycle.
When: Issues occur during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes super hard when pressing to start; Dashboard displays 'Press Brake to Start' even though brake is pressed; Engine does not engage after auto stop feature engages; Auto stop engine stays off for up to 2 minutes; Vehicle does not move when expected; Sudden jerking motion when engine re-engages; Engine stays off after auto stop feature engages; Power steering acts like it has no fluid; Power steering grinding noise; Power steering fluid full but system grinds
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering grinding noted even when fluid is full, suggesting sensor or electrical issue.
Parking Brake and Brake System Warning Light Malfunction
Parking brake notification light flashes constantly. Brake notification signal continues flashing even after brake is disengaged. Vehicle appears to drive with brakes engaged.
When: Issue occurred after parking car normally
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake notification light flashes; Vehicle motor notification light on; Brake notification signal flashing; Vehicle seems to drive with brakes engaged; Engine runs up but car barely moves
Dual Battery Control Module Failure
Dual battery control module fails, triggering check engine light. Module and batteries require replacement.
When: Failure mileage approximately 140,000
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic recommended replacement of dual battery control module and both batteries. Vehicle has been repaired.
Synthesized from 88 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The side detection modules in my 2015 impala have gone bad for the second time in less than 2 years. They were replaced in february of 2019. This was mostly covered through a special "recall" to repair and prevent a reoccurrence of the failure. Now, in december on 2020, I am experiencing the exact same condition. They did not repair the modules to prevent the same condition from arising again.…
Side detection system is not working properly. Is also causing car to turn off at lights and one time even started to smoke. S old it was covered under warranty but when I took it to the dealership they said it wasn't. Once I was able to confirm that it was under warranty it wasn't anymore because I had exceeded the miles. This is a safety hazard and is common among people who own this year and…
2015 Chevy impala side blind zone left side alert failed to work, and according to my Chevrolet service shop it was the cause of the engine not starting, the engine killing after starting remotely, and the cause of mass communication failure alerts with and between the vehicle's other safety and non safety electrical components. None of the cars dash gages worked for about 1 minute after the mass…
GM has a know issue with the side detection system and refuses to do anything about it even after there service bulletin expired. When this fail it can cause other issues with the dashboard system failure and more. In this case the system would never shutdown draining the battery.
The collision warning system activates while driving, electrical failures cause components to not work and flicker of turn signals in passenger mirror .
Trunk automatically pops open while driving down the highway/road, while parked, and when initially starting and won't properly close due to the latch recycling constantly when it pops open. Purchased vehicle in oct 2015 and reported to the dealership withing the first couple days. It has been in to have repaired on 3 separate occasions with the same issue reoccurring. Extremely unsafe!
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 88 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 40,000 and 85,900 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 85,900. 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/2015/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.