On my commute to work on the interstate my impala shut itself off. I was in the left lane when the car showed the reduced engine power on the information panel, it then fully disengaged all engine power and powersteering. Being in the outside lane I had to maneuver my impala through the heavy traffic and almost caused numerous accidents trying to squeeze to the shoulder. I then coasted off into the grass almost into a large ditch but I slammed on the brakes hard and went into a skid coming to a full stop. I scanned the car with my obd2 scanner, it read p0601.
2009 Chevrolet Impala engine complaints
Page 7 of 8: complaints 161 to 190 of 199, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I was driving down a very busy street looking for a restaurant and my car made three dinging sounds indicating a issue. Before I even could read what was displaying on my information panel the car lost all power steering and engine power. Because I was traveling at about 55mph I could very luckily coast to a parking lot near by. After coasting to a parking spot I put the car in park and read the information panel, it read reduced engine power, service stabilitrak, and service throttle body. Because I know most american made cars are pure garbage I wont drive one without a ebdii scanner. After reading the ebdii scanner it showed a p0601 code, which indicates a PCM memory issue. After clearing the code it started right back up and drove for about 10 more minutes until I was at a parking lot on a steep grade. The 3 dings happened again and my engine shut off causing me to roll backwards about 10 feet almost into over vehicles. I have done some research on this and have come to found that this is a engineering fault caused by to much current flowing into the power control module, which creates a small hairline crack on the PCM onboard computer, with which many many other gm products have experienced. I feel a recall should be done on all gm products affected by this, this is very unsafe and I feel could lead to deaths. I am a [xxx] male who could control the vehicle with no power steering, imagine a student driver encountering this issue and not being able to maneuver the vehicle away from other drivers or even innocent pedestrians! I know for a fact this has happened to many other gm vehicle owners so does a body count have to stack up before a recall is issued by gm??
I drive a 2009 chevrolet impala. On 8-6-13 driving the far lane on the highway I experienced a series of warning messages on the dashboard. The messages were, "service traction control, engine power reduced and service engine." as the speed of the car began to reduce, I went to merge into the slow lane to prepare to take any necessary precautions. Before I could switch one lane a message popped up saying, "steering column has been locked." at that point the steering wheel became very tight almost enabling me to steer into the right lane. At the same time, the vehicles mileage has dropped down to practically nothing. Lets remember I'm on the highway during 5:00pm rush hour. By the time the oncoming traffic reached me, I was able to get off onto the should of the highway. I then get a warning message saying, "engine has been disabled." at that point I shut the car off. I've lost a family member to car failure on the high way. At this point I sit for about a minute or two and then start the car back up. After turning over a couple of times, the car starts and operates at an exceptional speed. Imagine had the cars behind not been paying attention. Maybe they were texting, fatigued, looking behind them or anything to have made them not notice the disabled vehicle ahead. This could've been a massive fatal crash. My [xxx] year old child would not have stood a chance. After researching on the internet that this is a known issue and gm has done nothing to justify the poorly assembled parts, I am very upset at the lack of concern for their buyers safety. As a single parent, I had no choice but to have the car serviced as soon as possible to eliminate any safety hazards to my child. Coming out of $300+ for something gm should've recalled when notified is unacceptable. I will be contacting all sources possible to inquire on getting a recall and hopefully saving someone's life. *tr parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u
I am having problems with my 2009 chevy impala, it started at 43k, the acceleration pedal was changed when the reduced engine power/service traction control came on. Then again at 100k same problem, this time the dealership told me it was a bad throttle position sensor, the throttle body needed to be changed. I changed it, but it came back again less then 3k miles. I replaced the throttle body again. 3k later same thing. The problem is when it is raining the throttle sensors go nuts. I took the car to advance auto and read the codes, same as before, p0121, p2176, throttle position sensor. Once in a while you can remove the batter lines and unplug the throttle body and mass air flow sensor to get it to restart. Other times you have to go to advance or autozone to clear the codes in order to get it to run long enough for a sunny day. I had one occurrence were the car would not start and it said service throttle position. The throttle sensor needs to be recalled before someone get killed. I have renamed my car to the ford impala. Found on the road dead impala.
While merging onto a two lane highway my impala suddenly lost power and I received a "low engine power" warning and then " service traction control" the check engine light comes on and the car runs roughly at reduced power - you need to pull over and shut the car off until you can start it again. This is a very dangerous issue that gm refuses to acknowledge. In this instance I had my daughter in the car - I also lost the power brakes. I have been to two chevrolet dealers and a buick dealer because this has happened several times over the past year and a half. They replaced my throttle body, oil sensor, battery and something else and charged me over $2000 for the three visits and I am still experiencing the issue. I have also been to a local repair shop and had the wiring harness changed and had several diagnostics done. After all this the problem still exists. I normally don't write letters but, this is a very dangerous situation and many others are experiencing the same thing based on the message boards I have read. My concern is that gm refused to help or issue a recall. My fear is that someone gets seriously hurt or killed before gm answers for this. This is not good for gm. My hope is that someone finally addresses this issue before someone is killed. In my last communication with gm - I was told to take my car to a dealer for a diagnostic at my own expense. So, basically I am on my own and they offered to do nothing. Just not right!
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.
I recently purchased a chevrolet impala ltz 2009 model a few months ago and it has 82,000 on it. While driving on the highway my check engine light came on. It said that I had a bad accelerator sensor. Followed by a flashing light that said my car had reduced engine speed. I have looked up many times about this issue with my car and many other people have had problems with a bad gas pedal. Gm knows and I'm confused as to why they never asked for a recall on this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH when the check engine warning indicator illuminated continuously as there was a sudden reduction in engine power. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
About 2 weeks ago my service traction control light appeared on the dash. Being the person that I am I was very concerned with this issue and took it to have it checked by the dealership. They told me that this will occasionally come on with the amount of rain we had in our area.they said when it has the opportunity to dry out it will go off. Well to date it has not gone off but stays on the majority of the time. Now it is having fun with the reduce power light which basically slows down the car. Not only are the flip flopping but when I push the brakes it sometimes acts as if it will catch but then let go and catch again. How scary is this when you feel your brakes will not stop the car? This is not a good feeling. Called the dealership to get an appointment and it will cost me $85 to $100 to have this put on a machine to see what the problem is. And get this just like everyone else this is not a covered problem. My question is why? I have tried very hard to stick with chevrolet products but this is really making me rethink my decision. Everyone seems to be having the same issues with these alerts and sensors. I am not one to sink a whole lot of money into a car with repairs, I will get rid of it immediately. I maintain my car on a regular basis.
While driving. Apprx 30-45mph. Random service light appeared showed as "reduced power engine" vehicle then automatically slowed down. Turns off without notice. Un-safe. Over 1500 reviews same situation same vehicle.
My chevrolet impala reduces the power of the engine down to 20 MPH or less and indicates check traction control and reduced engine power. I was almost rear ended because of this and had to pull off the freeway to avoid further potential collisions.
The vehicle suddenly decelerated and displayed messages: "reduced engine power" and "service traction control". This was the second incident. The first incident resulted in the engine shutting off completely after the same initial symptoms described; locking up the steering during rush hour traffic (estimated 65 MPH, no injures, approx. 4 month ago). Our mechanic cleaned out the throttle body sensor after the first incident, and phoned the dealership with the trouble codes. The dealership refused warranty service as the trouble codes had gone by the time the car had arrived at their shop, and would not take our mechanic's phone conversation as evidence. We were informed that the three services commonly performed to fix the problem were to replace the throttle body, throttle body sensor, and accelerator pedal; the latter not covered under warranty.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while traveling 65 MPH, the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle stalled. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The failure and current mileage was 62,000. *tr updated 06/17/13
I was driving on the hwy when the message appear on the boar "engine power reduce " I was scared because I have never had that problem. I when online and saw that people were having the same problem. It was weird because they all seen to be in the same month like if it was program to happen. So I want an explanation on what's going on with my car? What's the message about? Do I have to change the motor ? I just don't know what to do anymore this car has a lot of problem I just want some answers . Thanks for reading.
Service traction engine power reduce. *tr ## VIN failed ##
Turned car on and the check engine light came on. Took to mechanic who said it was the air injection solenoid valve and that it is such a common part replacement on these models that they keep the exact part in stock! They want over $400 to repair.
Reduced engine power light/ servicetraction control light flash across my dashboard every morning when I drive my car. The car slows down and will not gain speed. It does this every morning. This issue need to be a recall. This problem is happening to every chevy impala owners I know.
The vehicle suddenly decelerated and displayed messages: "reduced engine power" and "service traction control". This was the second incident. The first incident resulted in the engine shutting off completely after the same initial symptoms described; locking up the steering during rush hour traffic (estimated 65 MPH, no injures, approx. 4 month ago). Our mechanic cleaned out the throttle body sensor after the first incident, and phoned the dealership with the trouble codes. The dealership refused warranty service as the trouble codes had gone by the time the car had arrived at their shop, and would not take our mechanic's phone conversation as evidence. We were informed that the three services commonly performed to fix the problem were to replace the throttle body, throttle body sensor, and accelerator pedal; the latter not covered under warranty.
Driving on freeway, check engine light come pn...few miles on freeway car jerk...message on dash engine power loss then throttle body disabled the engine shuts off while im driving 60 MPH...18 wheeler blind me so I swerve off freeway due to steering wheel hard to turn...I sit on side of freeway f 10 minutes...turn key and no sound. Car will not start...call friend for help. After 30 minutes car starts I could have been killed with car shutting down on freeway...gm fix issues. Or pay big later..death trap.
As I was driving on the interstate all of a sudden I feel the vehicle slow down and the message center displays "traction control off" "engine power reduced". I was traveling about 65mph at the time however to maintain that speed after this happened I had to press the gas pedal further. The stabilitrak light stayed on for a days also.
"service traction control message came on, the check engine light came on & engine power will be reduced message came on". The cars speed dropped down to about 40mph & would hardly go. I didn't know what was going on. It really scared me because I thought my car was going to cut off. I did get to work safely but I am terrified to drive this car. Me and my [xxx] yr old was on a 4 lane when it just cut off after receiving this error message. I travel alot and and scared when this message appears!! *tr parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I have a 2009 chevy impala lt & was driving aproximately 50mph down the road when all of a sudden the "service traction control message came on, the check engine light came on & engine power will be reduced message came on". The cars speed dropped down to about 40mph & would hardly go. I didn't know what was going on. It really scared me because I thought my car was going to cut off. I did get to work safely but I am terrified to drive this car. I searched message boards on the internet & came across 297 messages from other people who own gm vehicles that this has happened to. A couple of people said their cars actually cut off on them while going down the highway at a high rate of speed. One was involved in an accident. The problem from what I have read has something to do with the accelerator pedal position sensor or throttle body. From what I have read gm knows about this problem but has not done a recall on this. A couple of people posted that their local chevy dealership covered the repair even though their cars were no longer under warranty. I called my local chevy dealership and they told me that they couldn't do anything about it. They said that I would have to pay for repairs myself. To me, this is unacceptable. I could have a wreck & get killed or kill someone else. I don't understand why a company would clearly know about a problem with their vehicles and do nothing about it. I think that gm should cover the repairs to my vehicle and to any others that are having this problem.
I have a 2009 chevrolet impala that I purchased in 2010. Several months later, the car began to read check engine, service traction control, reduced engine power, then stalls and jerks while I'm driving. It happens intermittently. I took it to autozone to have them check the computer code. They said it was the accelerator pedal position sensor. The car only has about 50,000 miles on it. I am planning o taking it to the dealership because it is happening more often and I am afraid that I will have an accident as a result of this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet impala. The contact was driving approximately 60 MPH when the engine stalled with the illumination of the check engine and traction control warning indicators. The contact restarted the vehicle and it resumed as normal. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Purchased vehicle on 9/6/2012 used with 27,479 miles. On 9/19/2012 with 27,960 miles, I was accelerating on an onramp getting on a highway and two messages appeared on my dash: "reduced engine power" and "service traction control as well as the check engine light. Experience rough and hesitant shifting between gears and could not go faster than 35mph. Was able to safely navigate home on side roads. I took it to the dealer I purchased it from for service and was told it was reading code p2138 and the throttle pedal assembly needed to be replaced. The service was covered under the dealer's warranty and I was set to go. Flash forward to 10/24/2012 with 29,355 miles, I was driving on a side road and the same messages came up. I called on star and they performed a diagnostic which resulted in the computer reading codes p2138 and c0242. Experienced out of control wheel spinning and sensitive braking. Took it to a dealer in the area I was currently in traveling for business and they could not diagnose with any issue. All codes and lights were not engaged. I still did not feel safe driving my vehicle due to problem with accelerator and had towed to the purchasing dealer near my home. They also could not diagnose with any issue as they could not duplicate the error. This is a serious safety concern and a problem (especially on the highway) with a popular model. I have also filed a complaint with gm on this issue and am hoping to have it resolved immediately.
While traveling on the expressway a check traction system warning appeared along with reduced engine power. After approx. 10 miles the engine shut down and I was forced to pull off to the side of the road. I shut the engine off and attempted to restart and the starter would not engage. After waiting approx. 3 minutes I was able to start the car and warning system was gone however the check engine light remained.
As I was driving to golf on monday september 24th, on interstate I-80 heading west, my 2009 chevy impala onboard computer stated the following, service traction control, reduced power, starter disabled and the check engine light all at roughly the same time. My car completely died and I had no power steering. Luckily I was able to coast out of harms way and get to the side of the road. I checked some wires under the hood and didn't find anything loose. When I attempted to start the car back-up, the onboard computer flashed, starter disabled. I sat with the car for about 15 minutes and tried once more. This time it started and ran normal, but the check engine like was on(still is). How scary is this really? Enough to make me hate driving this car anywhere. Not to mention I'm a single dad of 4, who needs to get to work, school and many other things.
While traveling on I-95 at about 75mph, the following message appeared on the dash," repair traction control system... Engine power is reducing". Thankfully, I was approaching a rest area, so I safely coasted to a secure area. After escaping a potentially fatal accident, I researched this traction control message, only to discover innumerable customers had the same problem. This issue should be investigated since it is a universal problem, one that is endangering the lives of gm and other drivers on the highway.
I was driving to work on the freeway then I noticed that my car's RPM started bouncing up and down from two and a half to two and back and forth and then my check engine light turns on and says engine power is reduced and as well as the service traction light turns on. I see that I have to press on the gas pedal a lot more further down for my car to stay at 60 MPH and after 2 minutes of this my car's RPM drops to 0. My car turns off with the car reading starter disabled and service throttle. I had to pull to the shoulder. This incident had made me late for work and this incident happens a lot now. This can happen from once every two or three weeks to twice a week. Just recently my car's seat belts will become undone without anyone clicking the button for it to release. Also recently my service airbags light has came on.
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.
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