2014 Chevrolet Impala Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, particularly the side blind-spot detection system failing after water gets into the rear sensors; many trace the fault to corroded wiring or a failed module, and several link it to additional warning lights, starting trouble, or dead batteries. A second frequent theme is a sudden loss of power steering assist, often appearing together with StabiliTrak and ABS warnings. Engine complaints center mostly on the variable valve timing oil control valve.

1. 1
   Electrical system

   Side blind-spot detection system failure

   • 106 complaints (17%)
   • median 73,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (83 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $950 (median of 18 quotes)
   • filed 2016–2025

   Owners describe a 'Service Side Detection System' message, blind-spot mirror lights that stay on or stop working, and in some cases multiple warning lights, a dead instrument cluster, drained battery, or a no-start condition. Complaints often attribute the problem to water intrusion or corrosion at the rear side sensors and modules. Several owners mention being told the sensor, module, and wiring harness needed replacement, and some note a special coverage program that had expired or did not apply to their mileage. Most often reported between roughly 40,000 and 130,000 miles, with many clustered around 75,000 to 100,000 miles.

   What to check: Ask whether the side detection sensors or modules have been replaced, and check that both mirror warning lights work. Look for water or corrosion around the rear sensor areas and in the trunk.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While I was driving on the highway, my vehicle gave me a 'service side detection system' warning. A few more miles down the road, I smelled an electrical smell almost like something was burning. Luckily, I made it home and am taking it to the dealership tomorrow. It was very scary and I'm thankful my 1 year old son wasn't in the car with me at that time.”

   NHTSA complaint #11302546, filed 2020-01, 84,500 miles

   “Side detection warning system failed and as a result while I was driving the electrical cluster and air bag system alert theft alert starting beeping flashing only half of the stuff works when it feels like it I cant drive the car air bags could deploy at anytime trunk could open doors come unlocked you cant see how fast your going so my car is parked in a garage undrivable”

   NHTSA complaint #11307692, filed 2020-02, 82,000 miles
2. 2
   Steering

   Loss of power steering assist

   • 200 complaints (31%)
   • median 69,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (151 state mileage)
   • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,200 (median of 11 quotes)
   • filed 2013–2026

   Owners report the steering wheel suddenly becoming very hard to turn, sometimes at speed, often accompanied by 'Service Power Steering', StabiliTrak, and ABS messages. A restart or waiting period sometimes restores assist temporarily. Complaints describe dealers diagnosing a failed steering rack, steering position sensor, or power steering control module; some owners note their vehicle was not covered by the power steering recall. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 11,000 miles up to over 200,000, with many between 65,000 and 120,000 miles.

   Recall 14V450000Recall 14V409000

   What to check: Ask whether the power steering recall work was completed for this VIN, and test the steering from a cold start. Note any intermittent 'Service Power Steering' messages.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The power steering failed on a interstate ramp, I pulled to the side and restarted the car and it worked again. It failed two more times on the drive home and twice while driving to the dealership. The car had 11035 miles and was 40 months old. I had to pay $3051 to have the power steering rack replaced.”

   NHTSA complaint #11297991, filed 2020-01, 11,035 miles

   “Driving on the highway and dash notification popped up that I needed to service my power steering, service my stabiltrac, service ABS. I lost power (electric) steering and barely able to exit and park safely. I'm a small woman with not much strength and I could hardly turn my wheel with every bit of muscle. This is not safe! I could've been seriously injured or died along with other drivers/vehicles! This needs to be a complete recall!!!!”

   NHTSA complaint #11309455, filed 2020-02, 100,320 miles
3. 3
   Engine

   Variable valve timing oil control valve failure

   Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints

   Owners describe the check engine light staying on, rough running or shuddering, hesitation, reduced acceleration, and in some cases stalling. Complaints frequently identify the rocker arm or variable valve timing oil control solenoid as the failed part, and several mention the part being on back order with no repair available. A few report smoke or a burning smell before the diagnosis. Mostly reported between about 32,000 and 130,000 miles.

   What to check: Ask whether the oil control valve or solenoid has been replaced and whether any check engine codes are stored. Scan for codes before and after a test drive.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My wife was dropping our kids off at school and own her way back home the car started smoking. She was able to pull into a walmart. I got the car towed to a elite auto repair shop in cypress, tx. I was told that my car needed a engine variable valve timing oil control valve but they had to order the part. This happened in november 2019 and it's now february 2020 and the part still hasn't come in. While looking for the part myself I found that many people are dealing with the same issue. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11306216, filed 2020-01, 122,000 miles

   “Faulty rocker arm oil control valve, code p2646. Gm refuses to recall though it's known issue. Gm does not have part nor are they producing it, but there's numerous complaints online and this is a major safety issue. How am I supposed to fix it and make my car safe if they won't make the part? Either they recall it or they pay for fix at dealership. I've had two separate mechanics verify this issue and can provide documentation if asked. If I need to hire lawyer for class-action suit I can. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11306776, filed 2020-02, 60,000 miles

Buying note. Check that the steering and parking brake recalls were completed for the specific VIN, and inspect the blind-spot sensors and rear wiring for water damage. A pre-purchase scan for stored engine and chassis codes is worthwhile given the reports above.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.