2008 Chevrolet Impala: steering wheel locks up

Filed Sep 5, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · OR · crash · 1 injury

The engine electric brakes all shut down steering wheel locked up and my daughter smashed into telephone pole on August 31 2023. Airbags didn't deploy for front and side airbags were deflated no air.no warning lights prior that I'm aware of. My daughter was injured PCS and cervical sprain

Filed May 11, 2017 · Steering · 116,000 miles · TX

When it rains my steering locks for 10 to 20 secondswhile driving. I could be going straight or turning it doesn't matter seems like when I go over a puddle of water.

Filed Nov 7, 2015 · Steering · AL

This happen a few months ago 2 times and again today while driving the steering wheel locks up this is very scary and somebody is going to get hurt. Do something before it happens.

Filed Mar 24, 2015 · Steering · 42,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that when making a left or right turn, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2015 · Airbags, Steering · AR · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while making a left hand turn, the steering wheel seized causing another vehicle to crash into the passenger front side. The air bags failed to deploy. The passenger from the other vehicle sustained unknown injuries which required medical attention. It was unknown if a police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Sep 25, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 78,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure occurred twice. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the technician stated that the rack and pinion, both front wheel bearings, and the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 125,000 miles · PA

I was driving in the rain on my way to work on a highway. With out warning my steering locks up, my battery light and engine lights turn on. Along with this my cars temp goes through the roof. This is happening at 65 MPH its 3 am I can no longer see or control my vehicle. Thanks to my skilled driving I was able to pull the car over. I can't figure out what is wrong with my car I've had a professional look at it he doesn't know what do over than replace parts and do trial and error. Im lucky to be alive every time I drive in the rain but its not me that I'm worried about. I don't want anybody to get hurt or killed due to my steering locking up.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Steering · 121,000 miles · IN

Whenever it is raining or I drive through a puddle of water on the ground, the steering wheel locks up for about 10-15 seconds and the car seems to lose power. For this reason I dread driving my car when it rains. Is this being recalled????

Filed Feb 17, 2014 · Steering · 60,000 miles · TX

Slowing for red light, went through a small puddle on right side of the road. Steering wheel locks up. Thankfully I was stopping and not needing to turn. It only lasts for 10-20 seconds, but is frightening for the loss of control. I'm afraid to get on the freeway when it's wet, because I don't know if it's the depth of water or just getting the tires wet period. I've checked with the dealer where I bought the car, but there are no recalls for this model year. It has happened several times since, but since I know of the problem I try to avoid all puddles and freeway if it's raining. I've read other sites that this has happened often with other 2008 impala, same conditions(most dealers unable to fix problem - seems to keep happening). Would be great if gm would come forward to fix the problem or recall the vehicle all together.

Filed Oct 31, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · TX

Whenever it is raining or I drive through a puddle of water on the ground, the steering wheel locks up for about 10-15 seconds and the car seems to lose power. I've concluded that this must be some sort of serpentine belt issue as a lot of components are affected at once such as alternator, power steering etc. This is extremely dangerous in my opinion as onset is unpredictable especially in hazardous conditions such as raining and for this reason I dread driving my car when it rains. Please someone acknowledge this as a legitimate concern!!!

Filed Sep 13, 2013 · Steering · 50,000 miles · TX

This situation happens frequently with this car when it rains and the ground is wet. My steering wheel locks when driving my car in the rainy weather. It appears that when something underneath the car gets wet the steering wheel locks. I've taken it to the dealer for this problem and they can't find anything wrong with it. The belt was replaced and the problem persist. I'm afraid to drive the car, especially, when it rains. I'm afraid the steering wheel will start locking when driving in dry weather too!

Filed Jul 17, 2013 · Steering · 47,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 3 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred seven other times at various speeds and always when the ground was wet. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 47,000.