2009 Chevrolet Impala: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed Feb 27, 2017 · Acceleration, Brakes · 124,950 miles · MN

The traction control light is on, the cruise control does not work and the brake lights are on all the time.

Filed Nov 29, 2016 · Acceleration, Airbags · 143,000 miles · TX · crash

The airbag light comes on intermittently. Was in a collision and the airbag did not deploy. The car was repaired but airbag light still comes on. Also the horn does not work when I press on the steering wheel. The cruise control does not work either. The lights on the cruise control buttons do not light up.

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 122,800 miles · TN

I was on the interstate, going the speed limit. I had the cruise control on when the car alerted me that the engine power reduced and service traction control. I continued to drive as these messages have appeared on my car before. I traveled another 40 miles along the interstate and was about a mile from my exit. I was passing an over-sized tractor trailer going up hill when the car displayed starting disabled throttle service and the car shut off. I was in the left lane and had to initiate my emergency lights and wait for the tractor trailer to pass me so I could move the car over to the right shoulder. As the car was completely shutoff and was just coasting, I had to fight the steering wheel to control the car. I feel like had my situation was just a little different, the car could have came to a complete stop in the middle of the interstate with cars traveling 70+ MPH and possibly caused a crash. I've already replaced the throttle position sensor and that remedied the situation for a couple months. This a highly dangerous occurrence that I know is common with the impala's as I've heard it happening to several other people owning impala's.

Filed Apr 8, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 68,000 miles · MN

'service traction control' 'engine power reduced' and engine light came on. Car lost all power. I had to wait several minutes before it would start again. I was driving 65 MPH on my daily drive of 60 miles one way. Thank goodness I wasn't passing and did not have my children in the car! This has happened several times since where I have not lost all power but partial, the cruise control will quit working and the car has very little power.

Filed Jun 17, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 65,500 miles · OH

I was on highway one evening and my cruise control was engaged. My power went out completely on the car. I immediately noticed that the car shut down and I was able to coast to the side of the highway. After gathering my bearings, I was able to turn the car back on and drive off the freeway. It was determined that my oil was low (no warning light). Prior to this incident, I was going down hill on a local street when my warning system came on and indicated that I had reduced engine power and traction stability control issues. After going to the dealer, it was determined that my oil was extremely low, however no leaks or cause was ever found. Prior to this, I had to get my accelerator sensor replaced because the reduced engine power warning came on. It was not covered under warranty and I had to pay several hundred dollars to 'fix' the issue. As recently as yesterday, june 16, 2014, I turned my car on and the reduced engine power and traction control warning came on. I immediately turned the car off and checked the oil. It was low but no warning light to indicate this issue came on (same as in the past). I faithfully get my oil changed every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever is first. My oil life was at 54% yesterday and I did take it in for an oil change this morning. It is obvious based on others experiences, that this is a known issue amongst 2009 impala owners. The fact that I did not receive a warning when I was on a major highway and my car shut off while still in motion, is extremely scary and it traumatized my son tremendously. I am hoping that some type of investigation will be initiated because it could result in serious injuries or even death.

Filed Jun 16, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 80,775 miles · ID

Climbing up alpowa grade on highway 12 in washington state, the check engine light came on, "engine power is reduced" came on in the odometer window. Approximately 35 miles later, beyond dodge junction and before starbuck turnoff, there was another message flashed in the odometer window, "ignition switch disabled. Service engine" the engine shut down, and the power steering became super sluggish. The car slowed down, and we were able to get stopped on the side of the road. At this point when we got the car running again, the cruise control would not work. When we reached walla walla, washington, we stopped at o'reilys auto parts, had one of the parts specialists come out and check what the code was on the computer, and found out it was the electronic throttle sensor that is defective. This is a pilot car escort vehicle, making the hazard even more dangerous, because had I been traveling with an oversized load, I could have been hit by the semi pulling the load, or I could have impacted the rear of the load, depending if I were following or leading. Also, had that happened while on a job, the load would have had to stop until another pilot car escort vehicle could arrive to continue with the load. This is a dangerous thing to have shut off when driving in areas that are not straight. Unable to control steering, brakes less than responsive, and possible hazards of vehicles oncoming or following us could become impact hazards. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 20, 2013 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 70,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH in cruise control, the vehicle began to stall. The vehicle also failed to increase speed when the contact depressed the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the fuel gauge also failed simultaneously. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the incident and informed the contact that the vehicle was not listed under any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Aug 9, 2013 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 98,659 miles · TX

This the second time this has happened. Wife was driving down the freeway when traction control and check engine lights came on. Car went into reduced power mode and finally died while still moving. Lost power steering and finally brought car to a stop on left inside of expressway. After a short time she was able to restart the car and limp home. Note that the cruise control was on, but I do not know if it was set. Had the codes read that indicated a throttle position sensor caused the fault. There are two sensors which have to agree and if they don't car will go into reduced power mode. When she got home I found only the check engine light on. I have in the past moved the wires on the brake fluid sensor to get the check engine light to go off. Not knowing exactly how all of these different systems are tied together, I tend to think that the cars computer is the problem which sets off all the different warning lights on the dash. I went to the chevy dealership and the service advisor asked if this was a recall issue. I thought this was some what strange. After reading complaints on the net I can see why she might have thought it was a recall issue. The throttle body part is $300 dollars plus labor rate of $105/hr. As of now I cannot find any recalls for this issue. The federal safety agency needs to look at this problem because the loss of steering with all systems due to motor stalling while in motion is a hazard to everyone.

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Engine · 80,000 miles · FL

About 2 months ago I was on the interstate & I received the message 'service stabilitrak , engine power reduced '. I was using cruise control at about 75 which immediately cut off , the cars speed dropped quite a bit, I stopped for fuel, turned the car back on & the error was gone. Just a few days ago the same issue happened, I was only going about 40 this time, the message flashed & my cars power immediately began to drop. I could feel the cars hesitation when I attempted to accelerate & then it jolted a few times & cruised fine. The issue seems to be a sensor in the pedal which is common with this car. The fact that my engines power can cut at anytime ,including in the middle of highway traffic is a scary thought.