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2011 Chevrolet Impala Steering Problems

35 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

35
Complaints
3
Crashes
Jan 2024Dec 2019
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (35)

highSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2024

Your car displays a 'Service StabiliTrak' warning message, which then leads to reduced engine power and jerking motions while driving. This sequence suggests an electrical or engine control issue that's affecting how your engine performs. The repair will likely involve diagnosing the StabiliTrak system and engine control modules, possibly replacing sensors or updating software.

NHTSA #: 11563735
highSTEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2023

Your car makes a grinding noise when you turn the steering wheel, and you've experienced multiple radiator and transmission issues that keep recurring. You're noticing jerking movements instead of smooth acceleration, the engine stalls while driving, and your brakes and rotors are grinding. The control arm has needed replacement multiple times. Getting the steering, suspension, and powertrain systems thoroughly inspected and repaired is important to restore safe operation.

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NHTSA #: 11517964
highSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2021

Your brake warning lights (brake assist, traction control, StabiliTrak, and ABS) keep coming on. When you brake while turning, your brakes may slip or fade and then suddenly grab hard, making a grinding noise. Your car wobbles when these lights are on, affecting its stability and control. This likely requires a full brake system inspection and possibly replacement of brake components or ABS sensors.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11423489
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Nov 2020

ON MY FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES TO THE FRAME AND THE CONTROL ARM ITSELF HAS SNAPPED COMPLETELY OFF ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND YOU CAN TELL THAT THE WELD THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY HOLDING IT ONTO THE FRAME ITSELF WAS A WEAK POINT IN THE WHOLE CROSS MEMBER FRONT K FRAME AND I FOUND IT VERY DANGEROUS I HAVE NO CLUE ON HOW TO FIX THIS AND WAS WONDERING IF YOU GUYS HAD A RECALL ON IT AND ARE WILLING TO FIX IT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND VERY DANGEROUS I KNOW THAT I CANNOT HAVE IT REWELDED ON I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND ALMOST KILLED ME AS I WAS DRIVING.

NHTSA #: 11373536
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2020

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MESSAGE CAME ACROSS SAYING REDUCING ENGINE POWER. THEN SAID TO SERVICE STABILIZER. IT THEN TURNED OFF TRACTION CONTROL. WE WERE DRIVING HOME FROM VACATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AFTER A BIT DRIVING THE WHOLE CAR SHIFT OFF WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE MESSAGE ON DASH SAID IT DISABLED OUR STARTER. WE ALMOST DID NOT GET OFF THE ROAD SAFELY WE WERE IN THE LEFT LANE AND COULD NOT GET TO THE SHOULDER. MY HUSBAND HAD TO MAKE THE DECISION TO PASS ACROSS INTO ONCOMING BECAUSE THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ONE COMING. *TR

NHTSA #: 11328750
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2019

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND SUDDENLY IT FLASHED ACROSS THE SCREEN SERVICE STABILITRAK, THEN SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, THEN REDUCED ENGINE SPEED. THIS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO SLOW WAY DOWN OUT OF NO WHERE FROM 70 TO LESS THAN 30, AND MADE STEERING NEAR IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE MY TWO CHILDREN I DROVE AROUND AND I'M AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE BECAUSE IF THERE'S AN ACCIDENT WITH THEM IN THE CAR BECAUSE MY CARS SLOWING UNEXPECTEDLY SOMEONE WILL BE PAYING FOR THIS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND I SEE ALL OVER IT IS AND IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED!

NHTSA #: 11291678
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2019

TAKATA RECALL I KEEP HAVING THE ABS LIGHT ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT TURN ON EVERY OTHER DAY AND IN MORNINGS IT DISAPPEARS AS I DRIVE. CAR HAS 60129 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE READ ON IMPALA FORUMS IT IS COMMON BUT NO RECALLS ISSUED YET.

NHTSA #: 11231783
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Mar 2019

LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT STARTUP, BECOMES INTERMITTENT AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN SERVICE STABILITRACK NOTIFICATION COMES ON SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING. THE STABILITRACK NOTIFICATION WILL COME ON WHILE MAKING A TURN, DOESN'T MATTER IF IT IS A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN.

NHTSA #: 11191818
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Mar 2019

'TAKATA RECALL' WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER, WHICH CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN. ON THE DASHBOARD, SERVICE AIRBAG APPEARS AS WELL AS THE ABS LIGHT AND LOCK MODE COMES ON. THE VEHICLE KEY WILL NOT TURN TO OFF MODE UNTIL A FEW SECONDS. THEN ONCE THE VEHICLE ALLOWS THE KEY TO TURN TO OFF MODE, U HAVE TO WAIT A FEW SECONDS THEN THE CAR WILL START WITH NO PROBLEM AND THE ABS AND LOCK SIGNAL ON DASHBOARD GOES OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE TRIP ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE AT ALL BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO GET STIFF AND THE TRACTION CONTROL COMES ON THE DASHBOARD AS WELL. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS? SHOULD I TAKE MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP? THE LAST TIME THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME WAS MARCH 14, 2019

NHTSA #: 11186711
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Nov 2018

WHEN BRAKING THE POWER STEERING FAILS AND IS VERY HARD TO STEER WHEN TURNING

NHTSA #: 11153206
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Aug 2018

SERVICE STABILITRAK SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL ABS

NHTSA #: 11121158
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Feb 2018

HAD THE VEHICLE ALIGNED ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO DUE TO IT PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING WAS STILL SLOPPY AND CONTINUED TO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT. WELL COME TO FIND OUT THAT THE TIE ROD ON DRIVERS SIDE WAS FROZEN AND COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED. SO A YEAR LATER I DECIDED TO HAVE THE TIE ROD REPLACED SO IT WOULD DRIVE STRAIGHT AND TRUE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAD A CRACK ALMOST COMPLETELY THROUGH. I HAVE NEVER HIT ANYTHING IN THAT VEHICLE TO CAUSE A CRACK IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 37000 MILES ON IT. I KNOW THE POLICE EDITION HAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. CHEVROLET SHOULD HAVE RECALLED ALL IMPALAS FROM 2011 TO AT LEAST INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THIS ISSUE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO FIND OUT HOW MANY 2011 IMPALAS HAD THIS SAME DEFECT.

NHTSA #: 11072115
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2017

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE HOME FROM A TRIP AND STOPPED AT A STORE. WHEN SHE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT MOVE. WE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR ON THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 55,500 MILES ON IT. I DON'T FEEL THIS IS A REPAIR THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN NECESSARY WITH THIS FEW MILES. WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS ON THE VEHICLE AND TOOK POSSESSION FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON 2/2/11. I DO HAVE THE REPAIR BILLS. WORK WAS PERFORMED ON 6/9/17.

NHTSA #: 10994956
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2017

WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT ABOUT 65MPH MY CAR SUDDENLY ALERTED "SERVICE STABILTRAK, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, ENGINE POWER REDUCED" AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO UTILIZE CRUISE CONTROL ANYMORE AND IT STARTED TO SLOW DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 40MPH. THEN MY VEHICLE STARTED TO JERKILY MOVE & THEN IT ALERTED "STARTER DISABLED SERVICE THROTTLE" AND MY CAR SHUT DOWN (STEERING ALTERED & CAR SHUT OFF). I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD & TRIED TO RESTART MY CAR (UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES). DID I MENTION I HAD MY 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED? THIS WAS TERRIFYING AS MY CAR JUST STOPPED-I HAD MINIMAL WARNING & WHEN TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE IT COULD'VE BEEN A LOT WORSE. AFTER READING HOW FREQUENTLY THIS HAPPENS, WHY HASN'T IT BEEN RECALLED?

NHTSA #: 10993052
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2016

TRAVELING A STATE HIGHWAY AT THE LEGAL SPEED OF 70 MPH, HAD TO BREAK VERY HARD. AS THE CAR SLOWED DOWN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND POWER STEERING FAILED.

NHTSA #: 10895539
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Jun 2016

TAKATA RECALL THIS ISSUE IS THIS: I BOUGHT THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2015 FIRST MY ENGEN LIGHT COMES ON, THAN MY TRACTION CONTROLE LIGHT, THAN MY CAR TELLS ME TO SERVICE TRACTION CONTROLE, ENGEN POWER IS REDUCED, SERVICE STABIL TRACK, THE ENGEN CUTS I LOOSE POWER STEERING, AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER FOR 15 MIN WAITING FOR THE CAR TO REBOOT. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE GM SHOP EVERY 2500-3000 MILES. THE SHOP REPLACED ALL THE FACTORY COVERED PARTS AND NOW WILL START GUESSING. THE FIRST FIX IS REPLACING SOME WIRES THAT ANOTHER SHOP REPLACED IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS SAME PROBLEM. NO ONE WILL FIX THIS DEATH TRAP. I WILL NOT DRIVE IT.

NHTSA #: 10876914
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: May 2016

TODAY OUR 2011 IMPALA DISPLAYED MSGS FOR "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRACK, ENGINE POWER REDUCED". WE STARTED TO PULL OVER AS IT DRAMATICALLY SLOWED. THE ENGINE THEN DIED. WE WERE ON A 6 LANE HIGHWAY GOING 45. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. WE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR IT BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ERROR.

NHTSA #: 10871492
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2015

THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS SHAKING WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE MAKES WEIRD SOUNDS WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE JERKS ALL THE TIME OR SOMETHING WHEN TRYING TO STEP ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE WON'T GO

NHTSA #: 10780234
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2015

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH WHEN MY SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A MESSAGE STATING THE STABLITRAK IS ON AND THE ENGINE IS REDUCING SPEED! ACCELERATION PEDAL WOULDN'T DO ITS JOB

NHTSA #: 10749086
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Apr 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLICKERED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NOSE AND FACE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOOD AND SIDING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

NHTSA #: 10703869
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2015

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT, STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT, AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. WITHIN TWO (2) MINUTES OF THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT IT SELF OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE GOING 55 MPH. I LOST STEERING, HAD NO POWER, OR BRAKING. I THREW THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET IT STARTED IT WHILE I WAS IN MOTION WITH NO POWER. THE IMPALA DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO TURN OVER. THE CAR WASN'T RESPONDING BECAUSE THE POWER STEERING / BRAKING WAS NOT RESPONDING. THE IMPALA WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" WITHOUT WARNING. I LET THE CAR COST FOR A WHILE UNTIL I COULD FIND A SAFE SPOT TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I REALLY HAD TO MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH SOME SIGNIFICANT FORCE TO GET IT TO TURN. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE BEFORE THIS ISSUE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THE "PEDALASSEMBLY" GAS PEDAL SENSOR WENT BAD, CAUSING THE 2011 IMPALA TO GO INTO "LIMP MODE" WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA #: 10700572
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2015

2/17/2015 WAS THE SECOND EVENT. I WAS DRIVING APPROX- 65 MPH UP A MOUNTAIN WHEN MY ELECTRONIC DISPLAY PANEL SHOWED STABILITRACK/SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL/VEHICLE IN REDUCED POWER. AS THE POWER SUDDENLY REDUCED I LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL AND BRAKE FUNCTION. SINCE I WAS TRAVELING AT A UP HILL GRADE, I WAS BARELY ABLE TO JERK THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO ROLL ACROSS THE LANE OF TRAFFIC BESIDE ME TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WASN'T ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD COMPLETELY AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A LOGGING TRUCK. AFTER REMOVING THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION FOR A FEW MINUTES, I RESTARTED THE CAR WITHOUT ANY HESITATION. THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL REMAINS ON AT THIS TIME. I DID CONTACT ONSTAR AND HAVE THEM RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH REVEALED A PROBLEM WITH SUPPOSED FUEL SYSTEM. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALERSHIP YET. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS SITES THAT I HAVE REVIEWED, LOOKS LIKE GM WOULD DO A RECALL AND INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES THEIR LIFE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10684014
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Feb 2015

DRIVING AT APPROX 35 MPH, MY CAR SHOWED SERVICE STABILITRACK / SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL / VEHICLE IN REDUCED POWER. I DID HAVE REDUCED POWER, COULD NOT GO ANY FASTER THAN 15 OR 20 MPH. I CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD ANOTHER BLOCK AND WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR SHUTS DOWN WHILE GOING DOWN A SLIGHT GRADE,, WHICH CAUSE STEERING TO BECOME VERY HARD TO USE ALONG WITH LITTLE TO NO BRAKING, I ENDED UP GOING THRU A STOP SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRADE BECAUSE OF LACK OF BRAKING POWER, LUCKILY NO VEHICLES WERE COMING, I GOT THE VEHICLE STOPPED, AND LOOKED AT THE DISPLAY, IT SAID IGNITION DISABLED, SERVICE THROTTLE. BY THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER SHUT DOWN MAKING STEERING AND BRAKING ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE, IF IT FINDS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE, IT SHOULD JUST DISABLE THE THROTTLE SO I CAN STEER AND BRAKE WITHOUT PROBLEM. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE A FEW TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS, THE 4TH TIME I TRIED THE VEHICLE DID START BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO WORK, BUT WAS DID NOT SEEM TO BE RUNNING RIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. *TR

NHTSA #: 10683685
mediumSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2015

REDUCED ENGINE SIGNAL CAME ON SHORTLY AFTER SERVICE TRACTION, BRAKES, STEERING, CAME ON THEN CAR SHUT OFF NO POWER TO ANYTHING. BRAKES, STEERING NOTHING WORKED. PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL TO TRY A RESTART NOTHING. GOT CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP TOOK THE KEY OUT. THE DASH MADE A WEIRD NOISE ALMOST LIKE SOMETHING RESET. I PUT KEYS BACK IN TURNED THE KEY CAR STARTED NO PROBLEM ONLY THING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. TOOK VEHICLE HOME WENT BACK LATER THAT NIGHT. STARTED IT UP AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST ONCE AWEEK. 2ND ISSUE HEATER BLOWER GOING DOWN THE ROAD JUST SHUT OFF WEATHER -2 PLUS A WIND CHILL. HAD IT SERVICED THEY REPLACED A MODULE BLOWER RAN FINE FOR 4 DAYS, WEATHER ADVISORY WINDCHILL TEMP IS -10 45 MILES AWAY FROM HOME HEATER BLOWER NOT WORKING AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10683544
mediumSTEERING
CrashFiled: Feb 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, AND ANKLE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA #: 10683360
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2014

ON 7/22/2011 WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ABRUPTLY QUIT WORKING. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP (AL SERRA CHEVROLET NORTH - COLORADO SPRINGS) UNDER WARRANTY. MILEAGE 5875. *TR ON 9/27/11 WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ABRUPTLY QUIT WORKING. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP (AL SERRA CHEVROLET NORTH - COLORADO SPRINGS) UNDER WARRANTY. MILEAGE 7661. ON 2/16/2012 WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ABRUPTLY QUIT WORKING. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP (AL SERRA CHEVROLET NORTH - COLORADO SPRINGS) UNDER WARRANTY. MILEAGE 9948 ON 8/20/2013 WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ABRUPTLY QUIT WORKING. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP (AL SERRA CHEVROLET NORTH - COLORADO SPRINGS) UNDER WARRANTY. MILEAGE 23429 ON 8/13/2014 WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ABRUPTLY QUIT WORKING. VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. MILEAGE 27130. ON EACH OCCASION DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE SEAL FOR INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON RACK AND PINION FAILED AND THE RACK AND PINION WERE REPLACED. PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR THIS VEHICLE. . .

NHTSA #: 10622090
mediumSTEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2014

COMING OFF OF A FREEWAY, THE EXIT IS A WIDE CURVE. ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH THE TURN (GOING TOWARD THE RIGHT) THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I AM STRONG ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO MUSCLE THE CAR THROUGH THE REST OF THE CURVE AND PULL OVER TO SAFETY. THE MUSCLING CAUSED MINOR INJURY TO LEFT SHOULDER. CAR DID RESTART WITHOUT A PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA #: 10621703
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION
Filed: May 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SKIDDED DURING A RIGHT TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE WHEEL WAS SPINNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE WIRING HARNESS AND BOTH HUB BEARINGS ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

NHTSA #: 10592389
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Apr 2014

THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (PAGE 5-17 IN MY MANUAL) CAME ON AND THE MESSAGE WAS TO PREVENT SERIOUS DAMAGES, GO TO YOUR SERVICE STATION IMMEDIATELY. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE, AND MADE MY WAY TO THE INTERSTATE HEADING TO OUR SERVICE STATION WHEN MY CAR STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE 485 ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY MAYBE ( ABOUT 7 MILES FROM HOME AND OUR SERVICE STATION). I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR HWY THAT WAS/IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHEN I FELT SOMETHING UNUSUAL. I GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS I COULD BETWEEN THE CARS AND JUST MADE IT TO THE FAR RIGHT SIDE OF THIS MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE STEERING, A/C AND BRAKES WERE GONE AND THEN I REALIZED IF I DID NOTHING I WOULD HAVE BEEN RUN OVER BY THE TRUCKS ON THIS INTERSTATE. I GOT CLOSE TO THE GUARDRAIL AND COLLECTED MY WITS AND CALLED BOTH AAA AND THE CHARLOTTE NC POLICE. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE IF THE AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE GONE OFF! THE NC POLICE WERE TO COME IMMEDIATELY BUT NEVER SHOWED UP, BUT AN HOUR LATER THE AAA DRIVER CAME AND ASSISTED TO HELP ME OUT OF MY CAR INTO HIS TOW TRUCK. HE SAID TO SIT IN THE AC AND DRINK SOME WATER. IT WAS A HOT DAY IN THE CAROLINAS. NO AC, NOTHING TO DRINK AND COULD NOT OPEN MY WINDOWS. I COULD NOT OPEN MY DOOR AS CARS WHIZZED BY ME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAR JUST DIED. FINALLY GOT IT TOWED TO THE CHEVY SERVICE STATION AND THE REPAIRS COST (ENCLOSED) $696.84. AFTER SEEING THE EVENT ON TV I REALIZED I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!!! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT HIS ISSUE, AS I HEAR ALL THE HORROR STORIES OF THE INNOCENT KILLED UPSETS ME. I WAS FORTUNATELY TO BE ABLE TO GET ME AND MY CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY WHILE CARS WHIZZED BY ON A BUSY HIGHWAY BUT HOW MANY HAVEN'T. *TR

NHTSA #: 10576447
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Mar 2014

LOSES CONTROL OF VEHICLE AS IT SHUTS DOWN. THROTTLE RELATED WARNING WILL APPEAR FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. THIS HAS BECOME A FREQUENT AND VERY GUT WRENCHING OCCURRENCE.

NHTSA #: 10568334
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2013

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, MESSAGES WERE FLASHING: SERVICE STABILITRAC SOON, REDUCED POWER TO ENGINE, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL. CAR DECELERATED TO 30 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, HARD TO STEER. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD, TURNED IT OFF AND WAITED. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER IT RESTARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STILL COME ON. IT SHIFTS HARD (AND IT'S AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). IN ADDITION, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK DURING THIS CONDITION. *TR

NHTSA #: 10554150
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 2013

WE PURCHASED THE IMPALA IN APRIL OF 2013 WITH 35,408 MILES ON THE CLOCK, WE DROVE IT AROUND TOWN THEN WE TOOK IT ON A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA FROM LAS VEGAS A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN WE WHERE ON THE WAY TO CALIFORNIA ON A NOT SO STEEP DOWNGRADE WE HIT THE BRAKES AT ABOUT 70MPH TO SLOW DOWN THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY SIDE TO SIDE LIKE THE FAMOUS 'DEATH WOBBLE' BUT WE ONLY SLOWED TO ABOUT 60MPH. ON THE WAY BACK IT DID IT AGAIN THIS TIME WENT FROM 70 TO 67 MPH, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED AND GAVE ME THE DEALER COLD SHOULDER.. I REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND ALL 4 NEW TIRES AS OF TODAY AND IT STILL DOING IT, WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND SAME THING, THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE OVER 50MPH BUT THE DEALER DOES NOT CARE AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY... I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT EVER AS LONG AS I LIVE. I TOOK VIDEO OF THE SHAKING FROM 70 TO 67MPH I WILL POST IT ON YOUTUBE. THIS CAR IS CERTIFIED TOO NOT THAT IT MEAN ANYTHING TO ANYONE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10547338
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SQUEAL WHEN TURNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FOR THE STEERING SYSTEM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT REPLACE THE POWER STEERING UNIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,626.

NHTSA #: 10545056
mediumSTEERING
Filed: May 2012

WHILE GOING TO WORK APPROX. 6 MONTHS AGO A DEER CROSSED THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME. I ATTEMPTED TO STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER ONLY TO NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT AS IF IT HAD NO POWER STEERING. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE DEER CHANGED ITS COURSE OR I WOULD OF RAN INTO IT HEAD ON DUE TO THE STEERING BEING SO HARD. THE 2012 IMPALA HAS THE SAME ISSUE? GM IS NOT ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE A PI DOCUMENT FROM GM WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IT CONFIRMS THIS STEERING ISSUE WITH THE 2011 CHEVY IMPALA (ALL MODELS). THIS PI STATES TO THE MECHANICS TO TAKE CONSUMERS FOR A RIDE IN A PARKING LOT AND PERFORM PARKING LOT MANEUVERS AT SLOW SPEEDS.THEN TELL THE CONSUMER IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION IF THE STEERING ISSUE IS DUPLICATED. MY ATTORNEY STILL HAS POSSESSION OF MY INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL EXPERT REPORT WHICH STATES THAT THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY HARD AT LOW SPEEDS. MY CASE WAS LOST IN ARBITRATION AND THE DECISION WAS MADE IN A FEW HOURS. I DO HAVE THE DOCUMENT NO. [XXX]. DOCUMENT ID [XXX]. I WANT ALL CONSUMERS TO KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT IF THEY PURCHASE A 2011 IMPALA AND HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I DID NOTE THAT THE NHTSA HAS THIS STEERING ISSUE DOCUMENTED. HOWEVER GM STATES THAT THIS IS NOT THEIR BULLETIN AND NONE EXIST FOR THIS ISSUE. I WAS GIVEN THIS PI BY MISTAKE. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 10457155
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Aug 2011

WHILE DRIVING ON THRUWAY MY 2011 CHEVY IMPALA LOST POWER STEERING WENT DUE TO A BELT BROKE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF CAR. AFTER GETTING OFF THE THRUWAY,WE NOTICED THAT A PULLEY HAD COME APART. WHICH CAUSED THE BELT TO DISINTEGRATE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10421178

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