2007 Chevrolet Impala — Known Issues & Recalls

Your driver's side airbag failed to deploy during a crash, leaving you unprotected when you hit the steering wheel and injured your ribs. You expected the airbag system to be working properly. The airbag not deploying meant you didn't get the cushioning protection it should have provided during the impact.

Your vehicle rolled onto its roof after swerving to avoid a dog while traveling over 40 mph. The airbags failed to deploy during the rollover crash, and the driver required emergency room treatment for neck and left-side injuries. This indicates a critical failure in the airbag system that should be inspected immediately by a qualified technician.

Your vehicle was involved in a serious crash where it hit a tree after going into a ditch, but the airbags did not deploy during the impact. The rear of the vehicle was lifted off the ground and came back down hard. This is a safety concern since airbags are designed to protect you during collisions.

Your 2007 Impala was involved in a T-bone collision at 40 mph, but the airbags failed to deploy. The driver sustained injuries to the chest, back, and neck requiring hospitalization. The vehicle was totaled and towed away. The reason the airbags didn't inflate during the crash was never determined. A professional diagnostic inspection of the airbag system and crash sensors would be needed to identify what prevented deployment.

Your dashboard check airbag warning light has been on for about a year. When you scanned the vehicle with a diagnostic code reader, it indicated that incorrect airbags were installed—likely from the accident repair done by GMC in 2007 before you purchased this used car in December 2007. The airbags will need to be replaced with the correct ones to resolve the warning and ensure they function properly in a crash.

Your car has an electrical connector behind the right kick panel that overheats and chars the plastic housing when the rear defroster operates. This connector cannot handle the electrical current the defroster grid requires, creating a fire hazard in your passenger compartment. Fixing this typically involves replacing the connector with one rated for the proper amperage, or rewiring the circuit to handle the load safely.

Wiring under the gear shifter broke, which prevented the ignition cylinder from turning off properly—so you couldn't remove the key. This triggered the car's theft mode, leaving you unable to start the engine. The windows won't operate, the trunk won't open, and most electrical systems are disabled, though the dash lights and horn still work. The repair will likely involve replacing the damaged wiring harness and possibly recalibrating the vehicle's security system.

While driving at 30 mph, your car suddenly lost power and wouldn't accelerate, though the engine didn't shut off completely. You also couldn't turn the key to remove it from the ignition. A local Auto Zone checked your battery and alternator and found both were working properly, so the source of the problem wasn't identified. The issue may require a full electrical system diagnosis to pinpoint the cause.

Your car's engine is reducing power, and a diagnostic code P2138 has been triggered. This typically indicates an issue with the throttle pedal or electronic throttle control system that's preventing your engine from operating at full power. The repair will likely involve inspecting or replacing the throttle pedal sensor or electronic throttle body components.

Your car's coolant crossover pipe gaskets have rotted away, causing the heating system to stop working. This left your family without heat during winter driving. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the damaged gaskets and possibly the crossover pipe itself.

While driving at 25 mph and approaching a stop sign, your car suddenly started shaking badly and displayed an "engine losing power" warning code. You were able to pull over safely, but the incident was frightening. The previous owner reported experiencing the same problem about 6 months earlier. The issue may involve a failing sensor, ignition component, or fuel delivery problem that needs diagnostic testing to identify the root cause.

Your seat belt buckle won't latch securely when you try to fasten it, even though no warning lights appear on your dashboard. This is a safety concern since a properly functioning seat belt is critical in a crash. The issue may require replacing the seat belt buckle assembly or the entire seat belt unit.

You were driving at 55 mph when another vehicle veered into your lane, causing you to lose control and spin into a cement road block. When you turned the steering wheel, you heard an abnormal grinding noise. Most concerning, your airbags failed to deploy during the crash, and you sustained neck and back injuries. The electrical system may have prevented the airbags from functioning properly, which is a critical safety issue that needs immediate diagnostic evaluation and repair by a qualified technician.

Your Impala has repeatedly stalled and lost power while driving, including on a busy highway during rush hour, creating a dangerous situation. You've replaced the throttle body and throttle pedal twice and had the engine computer reprogrammed at a GM dealer, but the car now displays "reduced engine power" and "service throttle" warnings before shutting down completely. The engine is cutting off abruptly instead of gradually reducing power, forcing the driver to regain control in heavy traffic. A thorough diagnostic of the throttle control system and possible engine computer reprogramming may be needed to resolve this issue.

While driving, your dashboard displayed warning messages for service traction control, engine reduce power, and service throttle disable, and your steering wheel became unresponsive. You were able to coast safely to the roadside, turn off the engine, and after waiting five minutes, the vehicle returned to normal operation. This issue typically involves diagnosing the throttle control system and engine computer codes to identify the underlying cause.

Your car's engine power suddenly drops to a limp mode state, triggered by warning lights for reduced engine power, traction control, and the check engine light. This has happened multiple times since June, even after you replaced the accelerator pedal position sensor. When it occurs, your car slows dramatically, which can be dangerous in traffic; pulling over for 10 minutes usually restores normal driving, though the check engine light may stay on for a day or two. The underlying electrical or sensor issue needs diagnostic testing and repair to prevent these unpredictable power loss events.

Your car hesitates or feels like it's struggling to accelerate when stopped at traffic lights, which could be dangerous in traffic. This hesitation might occur when you try to move forward from a stop. The issue appears to involve the engine, fuel system, or electrical components working together.

Your car's check engine light came on with error code P2138 related to the throttle pedal position sensor. After replacing the sensor, your car suddenly limited its speed to 5-10 mph, the traction control light turned on, and the information center displayed "engine safety reduced." When you reinstalled the original sensor, the car returned to normal speed, but the problem may happen again. The underlying issue likely requires a proper throttle pedal position sensor replacement or electrical inspection, and your car is currently failing state emissions inspections due to the fault code.

Your dashboard has cracked due to heat exposure, and the crack has extended to the passenger side airbag area. This could potentially affect the airbag's ability to deploy properly in a crash. You should have a dealer inspect the airbag system to ensure it will function correctly.

The complaint references an attached document with details about a tire issue, but the specific problem is not described in the summary provided. Without knowing what the tire problem is, it's difficult to determine what repair or replacement might be needed.