2009 Chevrolet Impala Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 8%of 824 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 8% of the 824 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Traction control light, and reduced engine power light came on. Lost power to the engine and had to stop. Turned the ignition off. Waited 10 minutes and started the car. Ran fine until I got home. This happened a few times before I took the car in. Found out it was an accelerator pedal position (app) sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #10730191, filed 2015-06, 49,000 miles“For the last two days, I have driven my vehicle. Every time I would drive over 40 MPH, the engine would lock up. The vehicle would jerk back and forth. The car would do this every time I would try and drive over 40 MPH, no matter the roadway or stop at an intersection. Whenever this happened, the check engine light would stay on. A month before this problem started, my father had been driving the car and had an auto accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10940428, filed 2017-01, 121,225 miles“On 18 apr 2015, my 2009 Chevrolet Impala experienced complete and total failure of the transmission. Since the warranty is 5 years/100,000 miles, I was not eligible for repair due to being 8 months beyond the warranty period. This despite the fact that the vehicle only had 74,000 miles on it at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #10716346, filed 2015-05, 74,000 miles“I have been having the service engine light come intermittently along with the service traction control light. I have had a technician look at this for me and advised that the throttle control sensor (accelerator pedal) is going in and out. The accelerator pedal is connected to a sensor that drives the throttle on the engine. When this happens intermittently the vehicle looses engine power and traction control.”
NHTSA complaint #10684013, filed 2015-02, 112,000 miles“Service traction control comes up and reduce engine power. Never had any prior issues with my vehicle until now. Just got it back from the dealership today and having to take it back tomorrow because the same thing occurred again. I need this issue resolved and am not the only on that has had this issue. I need my vehicle fixed and do not feel that I should have to pay for a manufacturing issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10573638, filed 2014-03, 86,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The 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…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This 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.
- 10237846Jun 7, 2023This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on automatic transmission shift and engine driveability concerns and/or MIL ON due to aftermarket oil bath air…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 13% |
| 2019 | 5 | 18% |
| 2018 | 11 | 19% |
| 2017 | 12 | 10% |
| 2016 | 16 | 14% |
| 2015 | 16 | 5% |
| 2014 | 39 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 12% |
| 2012 | 27 | 10% |
| 2011 | 64 | 13% |
| 2010 | 67 | 15% |
| 2009 | 68 | 8% |
| 2008 | 91 | 11% |
| 2007 | 80 | 13% |
| 2006 | 108 | 21% |
| 2005 | 52 | 9% |
| 2004 | 47 | 4% |
| 2003 | 30 | 4% |
| 2002 | 36 | 5% |
| 2001 | 57 | 8% |
| 2000 | 52 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 13% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala
232 complaintsElectrical system
224 complaintsEngine
179 complaintsVehicle speed control
130 complaintsElectronic stability control
108 complaintsOther or unknown
89 complaintsBrakes
75 complaintsSteering
57 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
22 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSeat belts
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology