2009 Chevrolet Impala

The 2009 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It offered three engine options: a 3.5L V6 (211 hp, 214 lb-ft of torque), a 3.9L V6 (233 hp, 240 lb-ft of torque), and a 5.3L V8 (303 hp, 323 lb-ft of torque) which was only offered on the SS trim level. All engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Impala’s reliability, smooth ride, and roomy cabin. Common dislikes include the dated interior design and relatively poor fuel economy compared to newer vehicles.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, coolant loss, and possible overheating. Coolant may be visible near the intake manifold.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Throttle Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough idle, poor acceleration, and potentially a “Reduced Engine Power” message on the dashboard. Often caused by carbon buildup.
  • Solution: Clean the throttle body or replace it if cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

3.9L V6

• Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, rough idling, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light with codes related to the VVT system (P0011, P0014).
  • Solution: Replace the faulty VVT solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
• Throttle Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Stalling, rough idle, poor acceleration, and potentially a “Reduced Engine Power” message on the dashboard. Often caused by carbon buildup.
  • Solution: Clean the throttle body or replace it if cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfire, rough running, excessive oil consumption, and a tapping or knocking noise from the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed AFM lifters, often requiring significant engine disassembly. Some owners choose to delete the AFM system entirely.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erroneous low oil pressure readings on the dashboard gauge, check engine light. Actual oil pressure may be normal.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Hard Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear. Transmission may slip under acceleration.
  • Solution: Fluid Flush, Valve Body Replacement, or Full Transmission Replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, especially under light acceleration. May also cause a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise coming from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
• Rear Coil Spring Sag/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, especially when loaded. Rattling or clunking noise if a spring breaks.
  • Solution: Replace the rear coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic or non-functioning gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), dim or flickering display.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, or moving very slowly. Grinding noise from the door.
  • Solution: Replace the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent starting problems, engine stalling, difficulty turning the key.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight housings or attempt to seal them properly (not always effective).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (for new housings)
• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaking or becoming difficult to use, preventing the door from opening properly.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200

Interior

• Air Conditioning Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: AC blowing warm air, refrigerant leaks, or a faulty compressor.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the AC system. Common issues include refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, and blend door actuator issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the issue)
• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sweet smell inside the vehicle, fogging windows, coolant loss, and lack of heat.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000

Summary

The 2009 Chevrolet Impala, while generally reliable, does have some common issues. Engine problems such as intake manifold gasket leaks (3.5L), VVT solenoid issues (3.9L), and AFM lifter failure (5.3L) can be expensive to fix. Transmission issues, particularly hard shifting and torque converter problems, are also prevalent. Electrical problems such as instrument cluster malfunctions are common. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs costing thousands of dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and thoroughly inspect any used 2009 Impala before purchasing.