2009 Chevrolet Impala: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

One of the weaker 9th-gen years: very high complaint volume led by passenger-airbag-sensor faults and electrical problems, plus power-steering failures. Inspect thoroughly; cheap to buy and run. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Chevrolet Impala ranged from $23,045 to $30,390 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10
Mixed track record

One of the weaker 9th-gen years: very high complaint volume led by passenger-airbag-sensor faults and electrical problems, plus power-steering failures. Inspect thoroughly; cheap to buy and run.

Sources (5)
  • repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala
  • fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-chevrolet-impala-grap…
  • slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1694132/chevrolet-impala-best-worst-years/
  • rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/chevy-impala-years-to-avoid/
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Smooth, comfortable highway ride
  • Roomy, comfortable interior with a large trunk
  • Strong, simple V6 power (3.5/3.9, plus the 5.3L V8 SS in 2006-2009)
  • Noticeably more dependable in the later 2012-2013 years
  • Cheap to buy used and inexpensive, above-average to maintain

Cons

  • Bland, rental-fleet image and uninvolving handling
  • Hydraulic power-steering leaks and failures, especially 2006-2009
  • Service StabiliTrak / reduced-engine-power and ABS faults, especially 2012-2013
  • Electrical gremlins: gauge-cluster dropouts, battery drain and Passlock no-starts
  • Passenger-airbag occupant-sensor faults plus a Takata recall
  • Fixed rear headrests obstruct rear visibility on later cars

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
LS $23,045 discontinued — —
LT $23,900 discontinued — —
LTZ $28,885 discontinued — —
SS $30,390 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-chevrolet-impala-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $550–600/yr
Expected lifespan~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2009 Chevrolet Impala have?

Documented issue patterns include: Heavy electrical problems: instrument-cluster gauge stepper-motor failures, battery drain, key stuck in the ignition and Passlock anti-theft no-starts; Hydraulic power steering frequently fails: leaking high-pressure lines and pumps cause heavy steering and sudden loss of assist, a leading complaint on these years; Passenger-seat occupant-classification sensor faults trigger a persistent "Service Air Bag" warning; some cars also fall under the Takata inflator recall; Front struts and suspension components wear early, producing clunks and vibration over bumps. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

One of the weaker 9th-gen years: very high complaint volume led by passenger-airbag-sensor faults and electrical problems, plus power-steering failures. Inspect thoroughly; cheap to buy and run.

How much did the 2009 Chevrolet Impala cost new?

Between $23,045 and $30,390 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Chevrolet Impala expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.