I was driving and when I brake I notice a violent shaking in the steering wheel and the car also shakes.
2009 Chevrolet Impala brakes complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 75, newest first, as owners wrote them.
After braking to make a turn, the following warnings came on: reduced engine power, service stabilatrak, and traction control off. Plus the engine warning light came on. Fortunately no accident occurred from this and I did experience reduction in engine power. These warnings remained on from the onset until this morning, 06/25/12, when I checked it again. Now the warnings are not there. I started the car and moved it to see if they would come back on and so far, nothing. I have read that there have been numerous complaints of this problem with gm vehicles particularly this model. I want to add our vehicle to the complaint list due to the uncertainty of dependability of the car and the potential for serious problem and potential for accident.. I hope that with enough complaints, a recall will be issued by gm.
This has happened several times in the last 2 years, really sporadic sometimes two or three times a day sometimes not at all. While driving down the highway a message pops up on my display stating service traction control and engine power reduced. On several occasions it completely shuts down the vehicle; brakes, steering and all. Fortunately I have not had any accidents although there have been some close calls. I have found several forums with numerous people with the same issue. A recall is prominent!
When slowing down at any speeds above 30 MPH at times too often I'm getting a violent shaking of the steering wheel left to right about 1" in both directions. It's not causing me to lose control of the vehicle but it is noticeable when riding and doesn't feel nor look normal at all! It feels like the anti-lock brakes system isn't working correctly - releasing/compressing fast enough.
There appears to be many issues related to brakes and suspension for the chevy impala. After only 10k miles, the brakes began to pulsate. The dealership resurfaced them. They were fine for a bit longer but then the issue reoccured. I am not sure if its a overheating issue or what but it has had other brake and suspension issues as well. There is under 30k miles on the car and it has already had: left front tensioner replaced, rear left sway bar removed/reinstalled, rotors refinish, and a whole new set of tires now. We have had many other gm vehicles over the years from both chevy and buick. No other vehicle has given us as many issues in such a short period of ownership that this car has. It all appears to be related to the brakes and suspension. Based on online searches, we are not alone as many impala owners have had similar brake related issues/complaints.
Cost over $483. To have dealer replace brakes on this vehicle. They also said they were replacing rear rotors in the deal. When car was returned we noticed that while going downhill, applying the brakes that the front shook violently. Called service mgr at gm dealer who performed this work, and he told me not to use brakes going downhill to maintain speed, but to gear the car down with the use of transmission. I live in southwestern pa where there are hills everywhere. Do I damage the transmission using this process suggested by the gm service mgr, or use brakes? Thought that was why cars had brakes on them anyhow??
This vehicle is very difficult to maintain control when applying the brakes due to the warping of the rotors. After researching information on the rotors to a 2009 chevy impala lt, I see that there are many complaints about constantly replacing them on this vehicle. At first I thought it was my brakes, but after paying that "over-the-head price at the dealership" to inspect further, my suspicion LED me to believe that it could have something to do with my rotors; the findings were that it was indeed my rotors and not just 1, but all four. Something has to be done about this because no one should have to constantly replace rotors, due to some poor engineering on certain components. I almost got into 3+ accidents trying to apply my brakes when drivers decided that they were going to engage in poor, life-threatening judgments. Applying the brakes to these easily warped rotors, even when coming down from a speed of 50, causes the pedal, steering, and entire car to shake as if there was an earthquake or you are basically like fred flinstone and using your feet on the roadway as oppose to your engine.
The vehicle traction control system (tcs) - "service system" warning message appeared ( lit up ) on dash display as the vehicle operator attempted to pull out into traffic, making a left turn onto the roadway.the warning message was accompanied by a grinding noise in area of the left front wheel and a sudden decrease in engine power and self slowing/braking of the vehicle suddenly, causing other vehicle operators on the roadway to take evasive action to prevent a collision. The owner contacted several dealers about this problem as the "service traction control" warning activated three times previously but without power loss on those occasions. The vehicle owner was advised by all the dealers that they "can only diagnose the problem when the warning light is lit as it is a random problem." this is a life threatening defect that is widely known by impala owners and chevrolet dealers for the past seven or eight years and nothing has been done to effect a safety recall. Google { impala traction control problem and you will see many,many complaints about this defect.
Had to replace brake rotors in feb. Brakes are locked up now oct 29 same problem again.
With brake application the vehicle vibrates, shudders, and the steering wheel becomes hard to hold. Condition is most evident on down hill braking. After brakes cool the problem is less noticeable. The problem can then happen at any given brake application, without warning. The vehicle is hard to control in this condition and the driver and occupants are startled by the vibrations taking away the drivers focus on driving.
I noticed some time back that when applying the brakes that I would get a rough vibration, such as with bad rotors. I took the car to the dealer that I purchased it at and they looked it over and stated that everything was fine. Since then everytime I hit the brakes the vibrations have only gotten worse, it's to the point now that it violently shakes the entire car and feels as if it's going to jerk the steering wheel right out of my hands. So I made another appointment for this issue and a new one; sometimes my dash lights will flicker and it will tell me it's 102 outside when it's only 70 and automatic tire pressure sensor is way, way off. I have also noticed recently that my front tires have become excessively worn on the outer edges to where there is only tread in the center and this shouldn't be a problem with only 21,500 miles on the vehicle; I should have been able to get about twice that out of the factory tires. At my last appointment they have still said there is no notable problems with my impala.
We live near mountain drives. On steep descents the brakes warp and chatter to the point that the car shakes violently and is difficult to hold steady. The last trip the shaking was so violent that a cup was thrown from the cup holder in the front of the car. This has happened three times and three times the dealer has not been able to correct the problem. It is extremely dangerous and we no longer take our car into the nearby mountains. We have a car we cannot drive safely in our area.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact stated whenever you are driving down a hill the steering wheel began to shake violently and the brakes overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who installed new rotors under the warranty but within two months the identical failure occurred. The vehicle was taken again to a mechanic who installed new brake pads and heat shields behind the rotors so they would not overheat but the failure recurred within a month. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 25,000 and the current mileage was 35,000.
The steering shakes so violently when brakes are applied when needed to slow suddenly in traffic or leaving the interstate that have to release the brake and apply brake several time to slow down. Installed new rotors and less then 3000 miles had to have them turned also balance all wheels, they warped again after not even 500 miles. I'm afraid when I need to use the brakes in a emergency situation I am not going to be able to stop in time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact stated rotors on the vehicle were warped. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the failure was caused because the contacts foot remained on the brake pedal. The contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect, because they live in the mountains and the brakes are used often; but the failure never happened with any other vehicle. The failure mileage and current mileages was 28,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving down a hill, he applied the brakes and the vehicle began to violently vibrate. The dealer repaired the rotors on more then one occasion, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified, but did not assist with the repairs. The vehicle was not taken back for repair. The failure mileage was 24,504 and the current mileage was 34,500.
At 10,000 miles the vehicle would shudder under high speed braking ie. A freeway exit ramp. Dealer turned rear rotors. At 16,000 miles vehicle would shudder during high speed braking and when on downhill mountains the shudder would lead to the car bouncing on the road. Dealer turned front rotors. Now at 40,000 miles the brakes are only 1/2 worn and both rotors are warped. Dealer claims the problem is due to driving style. No warranty repair.
I took the vehicle for maintenance and for a problem with the brakes vibrating and grinding. The vehicle has been to the dealer six times. I have contacted gm twice. The first time, they authorized services. They are looking in to it now. I do not feels safe in this vehicle when driving on mountains. I am concerned when the brakes get hot, they will not work. I live in the mountains and avoid certain areas because of the brakes. I have talked to several people with the same problem with gm products. I feel like this is a problem from the factory and they should issue a recall before someone is hurt. I bought this vehicle new and I am very frustrated with gm for not taking responsibility for this problem. Updated 06/08/11
While applying my brakes the front end shakes and steering wheel shakes so badly, it makes you want to not use the brakes and pull your foot off the brake pedal. The brakes appear to have hard spots in the rotor. There are 35,900 miles on this car which we purchased brand new in july 2009. My wife drives this car and she says it has vibrated since 13,000 miles, but has recently been a more almost violent vibration when coming to a stop. This happens when coming off an expressway ramp after driving maybe 20-40 miles and not even using the brakes prior to having to apply on the exit on a gradual slowdown, not a sudden stop. This causes one not to want to drive this car. I was a master tech on trucks for 20 years, and just driving this one time, I knew the probable cause, I was not just guessing. I checked the web and was astounded to see the car manufacturer I had always aligned myself to, in the complaint section responding negatively to customers. I called 2 local dealers today to try and get the car in to be repaired and asked both service reps if it would be covered under warranty, and they both in the cincinnati area said no, it was a wear problem. Waiting to hear a response from this complaint.
I was traveling south on 395 going to bishop ca. When on the downhill side on stepped on my brakes to slow down when the car started to vibrate and shutter violently,when I took the car 2009 chevy impala to the dealer they said my rotors were warped,this was at 4200 miles so they turned the rotors . At 7900 miles the dealer then changed both rotors because they warped again, at 13000 miles the dealer changed front calipers and installed a shield kit to help cool the rotors plus turned the rotors again. Now at 21,000 miles the car shudders and shakes like before and when I called gm cust serv they told me there nothing they can do for me and I would have to pay for the rotors this time.as this is a on going problem that has not been fixed I feel gm is turning their back on there customers with owell attitude.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving approximately 60 MPH when the steering wheel began to vibrate excessively as he engaged the brakes. In addition, the contact stated that the engine would roar extremely louder than usual. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the dealer advised the contact that when the rotors were heated, they would become warped as it was a normal occurrence. The dealer took the vehicle for a test drive while the engine was cold and the vehicle performed normally. The contact stated that the failure occurred twice and only hap when driving long distances. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 11,500 and the current mileage was 16,900.
In june 2010 I was driving on the interstate 90 west toward denver co. The terrain was steep and winding and due to heavy traffic the pace was fast. The traffic ahead of me began slowing and I began to slow by steady light pressure on the brake pedal. My brakes heated up fast and I found myself without breaks for a short period of time due to the rotors feeling as though they were warped and the front end started vibrating. I down shifted to 3rd. Gear but that was not enough to slow me enough so I downshifted to 2nd and this still was not enough to maintain a downhill speed to keep from having to use the brakes. Finally I shifted to !st gear to maintain the safe speed that I needed. The problem seems to be that the car freewheels so excellent that even on lower grades as experienced in the carolinas in october when we were there the car is almost impossible to gear down so as not to overheat the brakes when trying to maintain posted speeds in mountainous country. I discussed this with solomon chevrolet in dothan where I get the car serviced and the dealer from whom I purchased the car. They had no suggestions but assured me there was nothing they could do dealership wise to help me. I feel it is a very dangerous situation which does not surface unless you drive in the mountains.
Driving down a steep hill heading from the california coast back to arizona, upon braking car started shuttering and shaking badly almost causing me to lose control. Later found out after searching this site and many others that there appears to be a warped rotar problem. After all the complaints on this one item that I have seen online, why is this company not being put to the fire to fix this. My car is now out of warranty so I am going to have to pay out of pocket close to 1k for a fix that might last 20,000 miles? I wonder how many people have lost control or worse their lives because of their new chevy and didn't even know about this. Oh, by the way your welcome for the money. At least toyota is fixing their problems!!!
Brake rotor warp on 2009 impala lt with 30k miles. Car violently shakes between 25mph - 35 MPH. Happens when slowing down from speeds 65mph and above. At the dealer now but they are trying to say the cause is driver habit related.
Driving a rented chevy impala with 7,000 miles on the odometer in reno, nv, I was on a moderate downward slope at 65 miles an hour when I used the brakes to slow the car. There was an immediate shaking in the front end and steering wheel, enough to believe that I had a flat in a front tire, or had some other substantial mechanical problem. Releasing the brakes, the shaking stopped. This shaking occurred several more times on the hill as I slowed the car. I immediately returned the car to the rental company and reported the problem. I was told that this commonly occurs with impalas and was due to the poor brakes installed on the car. The shaking was severe enough to, in my opinion, cause drivers to lose control of the car in a situation where they were required to brake and maneuver simultaneously. I won't be renting any more impalas.
Brakes began pulsating rapidly while going down steep decline. This resulted in extreme difficulty to control car. Car was taken to dealership and rotors were turned down. The car began doing the same thing 2 months later. Dealership said there was nothing they could do and handed me papers stating to just gear car down when driving down mountains. Unfortunately, this doesn't correct the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevy impala. The contact was driving 20 MPH around a curve when the steering wheel began to shake and the front brakes overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer refused to inspect the vehicle and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that they had not received any similar complaints and provided no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 11,000. Updated 01/06/11 *bf the consumer stated after the brakes cooled down the shaking of the steering wheel did stop. Updated 01/24/11
I purchased a 2009 chevy impala from a local dealership on 05/12/10 the car was sold as new 32 mi. On 05/20/10 car was taken back to dealership for driveability problems, a rear sway bar was installed at first oil change I was alerted by service attendant that car had severe rust and corrosion problems on underside of car I had another independent mechanic inspect car, he said brake lines and other parts were so eaten away by corrosion that he considered this to be a safety issue I returned car to dealership for inspection dealership refused to inspect problem, was told car has lots of warranty left and if brake failure occurs they will look at it then I then took car to another independent mechanic and we made video ---dvd--- of underside of car and got a statement from mechanic to verify problem I am taking car to another car dealership in rockingham nc to get another opinion and verify I can furnish you with a copy of dvd and statements from mechanics to verify please let me know where to mail summary--- I thought that I was getting a good car from a reputable manufacture and dealership---what I got was a bucket of rust and corrosion and potential safety concerns to worry about----this is a new car 3611 mi. On odometer now---have you had any other similar complaints on new 2009 chevy impalas?---rust and corrosion in all on under carriage from bumper to bumper------------------thank you
2009 chevrolet impala. Consumer states extreme vibration, severe steering difficulties and brake unresponsiveness *tgw the consumer stated the brakes were frozen in one position . The dealer machined the front rotors and sanded the pads. The engine shut down and the consumer had to drive in 3rd gear.
We were driving through the mountains in our 2009 chevy impala when we came upon a steep grade. I applied the brakes to prevent from accelerating too fast downhill. About halfway down the front end of vehicle violently shook as I applied the brakes. The longer I applied them, the worse the vibration. If I were in an emergency braking situation, I know that my stopping distance would be severely affected. Luckily, I wasn't put in that situation this time, but next time I might not be that fortunate. This problem is nothing new for chevy - I had the exact same problem with a 1995 chevy cavalier I owned some years ago. It appears chevy has done nothing to fix the problem on its vehicles. Why did my tax dollars go to this car company?!?
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