RoadVitals

2007 Chevrolet Impala Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
85
Latest Oct 10, 2017
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
14%
of 627 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
5

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2007 Chevrolet Impala submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 85 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

The 25 most recent of 85, in the owner's own words

Suspension
Filed Oct 10, 2017
Crash reported

WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD MY TIE ROD BROKE CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. IT COMPLETELY TURNED AROUND AND LANDED IN SOME TREES.

NHTSA ID
11032686
Incident
Oct 7, 2017
Mileage
37,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 22, 2016

COMPLAINT: REAR WHEELS LINKAGE WAS DESIGNED SO THAT THE "CAMBER" CANNOT BE ADJUSTED. THE REAR TIRES WEAR AGRESSFULLY ON THE INBOARD EDGES TO A POINT THAT THEY ARE BALD WHILE THE OUTSIDE, WHICH IS VISIBLE, APPEARS TO BE GOOD. THE REAR TIRES BECOME UNSAFE, WITH A WEAR RATE THAT ONLY LAST ABOUT 15,000 MILES. I AM ON MY 5TH SET OF TIRES WITH THE CAR MILEAGE AT 66,000. GM WAS AWARE OF THIS CONDITION IN 2008, BUT THEY ISSUED A TSB (08032A) TO CORRECT ONLY "POLICE CARS" AND DID NOT REPAIR OR LET OTHER PRIVATE CUSTOMERS KNOW ABOUT THIS. MY CAR SERIAL NUMBER IS LISTED UNDER THE ONES ON THE TSB. THIS CONDITION ALSO CREATES A PROBLEM WHEN OPERATING THE CAR IN WET AND SLIPPERY ROADS, SINCE THE REAR TRACKING IS NOT THE SAME AS THE FRONT TIRES. THE CAR TENDS TO WHIP FROM SIDE TO SIDE, AN OPERATORS CAN LOOSE CONTROL. THE PARTS USED BY GM ARE THE SAME AS ON POLICE VEHICLES AS PERSONAL CARS. THEY CLAIMED A PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME REASON DENY ANY ISSUES ON A PERSONAL CAR! GM DEALERS REFUSE TO EVEN SPLIT THE COST, AND GM WILL NOT CORRECT MY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
10837424
Incident
Feb 4, 2008
Mileage
15,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 26, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VEERED OFF THE ROAD INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY BOTH THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY BOTH CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR AXLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10701951
Incident
Jan 5, 2015
Mileage
20,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Nov 20, 2014
Crash reported2 injuries reported

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A STRAIGHT DRY ROAD WHEN IT STARTED TO DRIFT AND GO OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10659783
Incident
Nov 8, 2014
Mileage
128,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingSuspension
Filed Oct 12, 2014

I HAVE 2007 CHEVY IMPALA....I HAVE TROUBLE WITH MY ELECTRICAL...EXAMPLES: RADIO LIGHTING DIM OR NORMAL, ALARM FOR IGNITIONKEY LEFT IN PLACE DINGS MUFFLED OR NORMAL ..HEADLIGHTS WORK OR ONE SIDE OR ANOTHER GOES OUT PERIODICALLY, VISIBILITY...HUGE WINDSHIELD POST; EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AT LOW MILEAGE...SUSPENSION PROBLEMS WITH "WEIRD TIRE WEAR ON INSIDES OF REAR TIRES; MANUFACT. DEFECT NUMBER TSB#08032. AND OTHER CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS THERE ARE IGNITION PROBLEMS, FUEL TANK ADHESIVE PROBLEM AND A STEERING KNUCKLE PROBLEM; THIS MEANS IGNITION CAN TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING, EXCESSIVE REAR TIRE WEAR RESULTING IN TIRE BLOW OUTS(HARD TO SEE BECAUSE IT IS INSIDE OF REAR TIRES AND UNEVEN WEAR, ALSO LET US NOT FORGET THAT THE FUEL CAN ESCAPE FROM GAS TANK AND CAUSE A FIRE AND WINDSHIELD POSTS TERRIBLE FOR VISIBILITY ETC....GM IS WELL AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS AND HAS RECALLED POLICE IMPALAS AND NOT CIVILIAN OWNED IMPALAS,,,,COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY GM IS ALLOWED TO MAKE SUCH A VEHICLE...MILLIONS OF PEOPLE HAVE THEM AND ARE IN DANGER, THIS WAS TO BE MY LAST CAR..I AM A SENIOR, DISABLED AND WANTED TO BE A LOYAL MADE IN THE USA CUSTOMER...I CANNOT AFFORD ALL THESE REPAIRS AND IT SEEMS GM IS NOT DOING THE MAJORITY IE OUT OF MY POCKET. I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER CAR AND DO I PASS THIS ON TO ANOTHER PERSON TO BE UNSAFE. ALSO I HAVE 63,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND ALL FOUR DOORS ON THE INSIDE NEED REPAIR DUE TO RUST. KEPT IN GARAGE. ALSO NOTICED ANOTHER IMPALA HAS RUST SPOT SAME PLACE I DO ON TRUNK NEAR IMPALA NEED CAMBUR KIT AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT...PURCHASED NEW SET OF TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10644194
Incident
Oct 10, 2013
Mileage
31,000 mi
SuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Jun 17, 2014

BOUGHT 2007 IMPALA NEW. HAVE REPLACED REAR TIRES 6 TIMES DUE TO CAMBER ISSUE. IMPALA IS DESIGNED WITH NO ADJUSTMENT FOR CAMBER ON THE REAR SUSPENSION. TIRES WEAR ON THE INSIDE AT A FAST RATE. NOTHING IN THE TRUNK TO CAUSE WEIGHT ISSUES, STANDARD HIGHWAY DRIVING ON A DAILY BASIS. TIRE SOUND IS HORRIBLE AND INCREASES WITH SPEED. FIRST SET OF TIRES REPLACED AT 9,000 MILES. GM RECALLED POLICE MODELS OF THE IMPALA TO FIX THE ISSUE, BUT NOT IMPALAS THAT WEREN'T POLICE MODELS. SO GM KNOWS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION CAUSING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR BUT WON'T PERFORM A RECALL. MY WIFE WOULDN'T EVEN DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE SHE WAS AFRAID TIRES WOULD BLOW OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. 6 SETS OF TIRES ON A VEHICLE WITH 90,000 MILES IS ABSURD. I FINALLY HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER SHOP INSTALL AFTERMARKET CAMBER ADJUSTING BOLTS AND GET AN ALIGNMENT TO FIX THE ISSUE. SHOP I DEALT WITH SAYS THEY'VE BEEN PERFORMING THIS REPAIR ON IMPALA'S SINCE MID 2007. $20 FOR THE BOLT KIT AND $80 FOR THE ALIGNMENT. $100 TO FIX AN ISSUE (NOT INCLUDING TIRE REPLACEMENT COSTS) AND GM WON'T OWN UP TO IT. THIS IS A BASIC DESIGN FLAW THAT GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF, WITH NO ACTION BEING TAKEN ON THERE PART. *TR

NHTSA ID
10598737
Incident
Jun 3, 2008
Mileage
9,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Mar 20, 2014

IN NOVEMBER OF 2013 I NOTICED WEIRD TIRE WEAR ON MY 07 IMPALA LT (REAR).. THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO LOW GRADE TIRES SO I PURCHASED A TWO BETTER TIRE FOR THE REAR.. MARCH 16 2014 I RECEIVED A FLAT WHILE PARKED... ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE AND INSIDE TIRE WEAR FOUR MONTHS BRAND NEW TIRES DESTROYED. SO I RESEARCHED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN AND FOUND OUT THAT GM HAD CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THEM FOR KNOW ABOUT THIS AND ONLY RECALLING LAW ENFORCEMENT ISSUED IMPALA'S.I PURCHASED THE CAR 2010 AND NOVEMBER 2013 IS WHEN I FIRST SEEN PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10573656
Incident
Nov 11, 2013
Mileage
140,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Feb 10, 2014

EXCESSIVE WEAR ON INSIDE EDGES OF REAR TIRES I'M JUST FORTUNATE I CAUGHT THE WEAR EARLY . SO I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER FOR A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. I WAS TOLD THAT BOTH REAR SPINDLE RODS NEEDED REPLACING TO THE TUNE OF $700.00. THE SERVICE DEPT. TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT GET ENOUGH ADJUSTMENT IN THE CURRENT SPINDLE RODS TO BRING THE ALIGNMENT INTO SPEC. AND THERE IS AN UPDATED PART TO REPLACE THEM. GM HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2009 AND IT EFFECTS BOTH 2007 AND 2008 CHEVY IMPALAS. THEY DID A RECALL ON 07 AND 08 POLICE VERSIONS OF THE IMPALA BUT NOT ON THE CIVILIAN VERSION. THE NHTSB NEEDS TO TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THIS DESIGN PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED DUE TO A BLOW OUT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10563769
Incident
Feb 3, 2014
Mileage
55,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Nov 12, 2013

DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH DUE TO ICY/SNOWY CONDITIONS ON HIGHWAY, CAR HAD POOR TRACTION AND REAR END WAS SWAYING, FISH TAILING.. WHEN ON DRY PAVEMENT IF ROAD CONDITIONS ARE ROUGH, BUMPY OR HAS MAN HOLES THE REAR SWAYS WHEN THESE AREAS ARE DRIVEN OVER AT MULTIPLE SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10551985
Incident
Nov 11, 2013
Mileage
94,694 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 2, 2013

EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR, DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE INSIDE WEARS ABNORMALLY. SUSPECT REAR WHEEL SPINDLE ROD, WHICH WAS RECALLED FOR POLICE MODEL BUT NOT CIVILIAN MODEL FOR REAR WHEEL MISALIGNMENT. DANGER OF WEAR NOT BEING NOTICED SINCE IT IS EXCESSIVE ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE BLOW OUT AND CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10501029
Incident
Mar 15, 2012
Mileage
48,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Feb 23, 2013

CHEVROLET IMPALA DISPLAYS EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES. I AM ASSUMING IT IS THE REAR TIRES AS ONLINE SEARCHES DESCRIBE THE SAME CONDITION AFFECT THE REAR TIRES. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED EVERY TIME THE OIL WAS CHANGED, SO THE FRONT TIRES SHOW SOME WEAR BUT NOT NEARLY THE SAME AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. IT IS MY GUESS THIS WEARING STARTED BEFORE THE MOST RECENT TIRE ROTATION. THE TIRES ARE WORN TO THE POINT THE CORDS ARE SHOWING ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES. THE TIRE IS VERY ROUNDED ON THE INSIDE EDGE OF EACH TIRE WHILE THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF EACH TIRE LOOKS LIKE THEY DID WHEN NEW. THE TIRES ARE MICHELIN HYDROEDGE TIRES WITH APPROXIMATELY 50,000 MILES, THEY ARE RATED FOR 90,000 MILES. ONLINE INFORMATION SAYS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SPINDLE RODS. THERE IS A PENDING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST "NEW GM" TO HONOR DESIGN PROBLEMS OF "OLD GM." GM ORDER A RECALL ON ALL POLICE IMPALAS FROM 2007-2008 WITHIN A VIN RANGE TO REPLACE THE SPINDLE RODS. BULLETIN NO. 08032A. ALSO SEARCH DOCUMENT PIC5406A FOR MORE INFORMATION. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM WHICH COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE.!!! *TR

NHTSA ID
10499807
Incident
Feb 23, 2013
Mileage
90,151 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jan 16, 2013

EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR, DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE INSIDE WEARS ABNORMALLY. SUSPECT REAR WHEEL SPINDLE ROD, WHICH WAS RECALLED FOR POLICE MODEL BUT NOT CIVILIAN MODEL FOR REAR WHEEL MISALIGNMENT. DANGER OF WEAR NOT BEING NOTICED SINCE IT IS EXCESSIVE ON THE INSIDE OF TIRE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE BLOW OUT AND CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10493147
Incident
Jan 1, 2013
Mileage
45,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Sep 25, 2012

I BOUGHT MY CAR USED WITH 40,000 MILE ON IT. THE TIRES WERE PERFECT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. 9,000 MILES LATER, MY FRONT TIRES KEPT GOING FLAT. I LOOKED AT THEM AND THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE TIRES WERE WORN THROUGH. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL TIRE SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THE TIRES WORE LIKE THAT DUE TO A BAD ALIGNMENT. MY STEERING SEEMED FINE. THE MANAGER OF THE SHOP CAME OUT TO TELL ME THAT MANY OF HIS CUSTOMERS WITH IMPALAS HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES. A EXTRA LONG FACTORY INSTALLED CAMBER BOLT CAUSES THE VEHICLES TO BECOME UN ALIGNED, AND CAUSES EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE TIRES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10476951
Incident
Aug 15, 2011
Mileage
49,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Sep 15, 2012

I PURCHASED A 2007 CHEVY IMPALA 3.5 LT IN 2011. SOON DISCOVERED THE BACK END SHIFTS WHEN GOING OVER ROUGH, UNEVEN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. IT ALSO SHIFTS WHEN GOING OVER MANHOLE COVERS. WHEN DRIVING IN MN SNOW AND ICE, IT IS VERY UNSETTLING TO HAVE THE BACK-END FISHTAIL. I'VE COMPLAINED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, ATTORNEY GENERAL, AND GM MOTORS HQ. I SOON LEARNED OF THE PROBLEMS AND EXACT SAME COMPLAINTS THAT OTHER 2007 CHEVY IMPALA OWNERS ARE HAVING WITH THIS CAR. THE OTHER DAY MY SON USED MY CAR TO RUN AN ERRAND AND EVEN HE NOTICED THAT THE BACK-END IS FAULTY. I'VE HAD THIS CAR ALIGNED TWO TIMES WITHIN SIX MONTHS. I AM FRUSTRATED THAT THE LOCAL DEALER WILL NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK AND ALSO THAT GM MOTORS HQ WILL NOT FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I'M STUCK WITH A CAR THAT'S NOT SAFE, THUS LIMITING ANY FREEWAY DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IN WINTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10475495
Incident
Aug 4, 2011
Mileage
41,232 mi
BrakesOther / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Aug 26, 2012

I HAVE NOT HAD AN INCIDENCE BUT VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE MALFUNCTION THAT IS GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME..I NOTICED A SCRUBBING/GRUMBLING NOISE WHEN I WOULD TURN THE WHEEL EITHER WAY LEFT OR RIGHT. AFTER VEHICLE BEING PUT ON MACHINE FOR TESTING IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UPPER STRUT MOUNTS AND BEARING WERE WORN AND NOISY ON FRONT STRUTS......ALSO MY ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT BOTH CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AND WOULD NOT GO OFF, THE INFORMATION SYSTEM IN VEHICLE RECOMMENDED BRAKES BE SERVICE.....THE RESULTS FROM CAR BEING TESTED SHOWED BOTH FRONT HUBS HAVE SLACK AND BOTH FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR HARNESS ARE COMING APART INSIDE WIRE INSTALLATION. THE CODES FOR ABS/TRACTION CONTROL IS...C0040 00.C0040. *TR

NHTSA ID
10472531
Incident
Aug 17, 2012
Mileage
55,636 mi
Suspension
Filed Aug 25, 2012

NOV 5, 2007. VEHICLE NEEDED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT 14,566 MILES. TIRES HAD ABNORMAL WEAR BECAUSE OF ALIGNMENT. FEB 2008. 4 NEW TIRES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT 29,000 MILES. DEC 2010. 4 NEW TIRES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT 48,900 MILES. AUG 2011. 4 NEW TIRES AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT 56,600 MILES. AUG 2012. WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT 65,400 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10472453
Incident
Nov 5, 2007
Mileage
14,566 mi
BrakesSuspension
Filed Aug 14, 2012

I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR DOWN ANY STEEP GRADE. GOING DOWN CUESTA GRADE AND APPLYING BRAKES, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. WE HAD THE CAR CHECKED OUT AT A DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS PROBABLY THE ROTORS. WE THEN HAD THEM TURNED FRONT AND BACK AND GOT A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THAT DID NOT CHANGE ANYTHING. WE THEN HAD A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE AND REPLACED THE BRAKES. NO DIFFERENCE. THAT IS WHEN WE WERE TOLD WE NEEDED TO REPLACE OUR TIRES. THE REAR WERE WEARING OUT AT VERY FAST. THEY LASTED UNDER 20K MILES. WE ARE NOW ON OUR THIRD SET. IT'S TOO BAD GM WILL NOT RECALL 2007/2008 IMPALAS. ONLY THE POLICE VERSION.THIS IS NOT RIGHT. OUR REAR SPINDLES AND FRONT UPPER/LOWER CONTROL ARMS SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO US. IF NOT WHO WOULD BOTHER BUYING THIS CAR WHEN WE SELL IT? *TR

NHTSA ID
10470686
Incident
Mar 5, 2008
Mileage
12,675 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 22, 2012
Crash reported1 injury reported

TRAVELING DOWN FM 247 SOUTH IN HUNTSVILLE, TX. @ POSTED SPEED OF 60 MPH AROUND THE TIME OF ABOUT 1:10 PM, WHEN MY REAR TIRES INVOLUNTARILY SWERVED CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO STEER CROSS LANES AND CRASH OFF ROAD ONTO GRASSY AND WOODED SHOULDER. CRASHED INTO DEBRIS INCLUDING TREES LIMBS, STUMPS. CRASH CAUSED PERSONAL INJURY AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED GM WAS WELL AWARE THAT THE CHEVROLET IMPALA'S WERE WITHIN THE RECALLED VIN BREAKPOINT. THEY WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN IDENTICAL FRAME, CHASSIS, SUSPENSION, SPINDLE RODS AS THE POLICE PACKAGE LISTED FOR THE RECALL. UPDATED 08/09/12 UPDATED 08/14/12 THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING NHTSA POLICY WHEN AN AUTO MANUFACTURER IS TO FILE A RECALL WITH THE PUBLIC. UPDATED 05/08/14

NHTSA ID
10466916
Incident
Oct 10, 2010
Mileage
59,596 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed May 14, 2012

2007 IMPALA SS THAT I HAVE OWNED SINCE APRIL 2011 AND BOUGHT WITH 24,000 MILES.THE PROBLEM IS WITH REAR TIRES ON THE CAR WEARING WITIHIN ONE MONTH AFTER REPLACING, THE INSTALATION OF TIRES IS FOLLOWED BY A PROFESSIONAL ALIGNMENT AND THE TIRES STILL WEAR DOWN TO THE WIRES. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH SEVERAL SETS OF TIRES AND ALIGNMENTS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND HAVE NOT YET FOUND A FIX OTHER THAN TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. DOCUMENTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THERE ARE BAD REAR SPINDLE RODS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR THAT GM HAS AKNOWLEDGED ARE PRESENT AND GM FAILED TO REPAIR THEM ON ALL 2007-2008 IMPALAS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF POLICE VEHICLES (APPROXIMATELY 23,000 POLICE DUTY CARS OUT OF 450,000+ AFFECTED). GM WILL NOT REPLACE THESE UNDER WARRANTY AND I CANNOT FIND A REPAIR FOR THE ISSUE. THE CAR WILL SLIP OUT OF ALIGNMENT WITHIN A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS AND CAUSE VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS IF DRIVEN ON RAIN, SNOW OR ANY SLIPPERY SURFACE, CAUSING THE CAR TO SWAY IN THE REAR, HYDROPLANE AND EVEN LOSE CONTROL. THIS IS AN ENOURMOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR IMPALA OWNERS AND ALSO OTHER DRIVERS THAT MAY HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS ISSUE. *JS

NHTSA ID
10458484
Incident
May 7, 2012
Mileage
40,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 3, 2012

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN CARTER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE ISSUE OF GM'S LIABILITY FOR DEFECTIVE PARTS ON CARS THEY MANUFACTURED *TGW AS A RESULT OF A DESIGN FLAW AND DEFECTIVE PARTS, THE TRI-COILED REAR SPRINGS, TRAILING ARMS AND SPINDLE RODS ARE CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR TIRES. GM RECALLED VEHICLES USED IN POLICE WORK; BUT NOT THE GENERAL PUBLIC. GM SAYS THEY ARE NOT LIABLE, BECAUSE ITS 2009 BANKRUPTCY AND SUBSEQUENT REORGANIZATION SHIELDS THEM FROM LIABILITY OVER THE ALLEGED DESIGN FLAWS. *TR UPDATED 04/010/12

NHTSA ID
10454126
Incident
Feb 16, 2012
Suspension
Filed Mar 30, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER OUT OF LANE THAT THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING IN WITHOUT INTENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOUR TIMES REGARDING THE DEFECT. THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED TWICE AND THE REAR BRAKES WERE ALSO REPLACED TWICE. THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL ISSUED BY THE MANUFACTURER PERTAINING TO THE REAR SPIN ROD ON THE 2007-2008 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES AND THE 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA POLICE CRUISERS. THE CONTACT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ID
10453577
Incident
Mar 4, 2011
Mileage
72,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 15, 2012

DURING THE COURSE OF OWNING THIS IMPALA SINCE IT WAS NEW, IT HAS HAD 12 REPLACEMENT TIRES INSTALLED IN ORDER TO CORRECT A VIBRATION PROBLEM, WHICH IS FELT AT OR AROUND 55 MPH. IT HAS TAKEN APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES FOR EACH OF THE TIRES TO WEAR UNEVENLY. EACH TIME A TIRE WAS REPLACED, I WAS GIVEN AN EXPLANATION THAT THE DEFECTIVE TIRE WAS NO LONGER ROUND (EGG SHAPED) AND WOULD NOT PROPERLY BALANCE. A MAJORITY OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRES WERE FROM THE REAR OF THE IMPALA. THE LAST REPLACEMENT TIRES WERE INSTALLED ON 06-28-10 WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 26,264 MILES ON IT. DURING THE DOZENS OF VISITS TO MULTIPLE CHEVROLET SERVICE DEPTS, NO MECHANICAL SUSPENSION PARTS WERE REPLACED. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE GENERAL MOTORS EXECUTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE (GMECSO) FOR YEARS AND HAVE DEALT WITH MULTIPLE REPRESENTATIVES. THE IMPALA AGAIN HAS A VIBRATION, AND I WOULD LIKE TO GET THE VEHICLE SERVICED. GMECSO INFORMED ME THAT THEY WANTED ME TO TAKE THE IMPALA TO A DIFFERENT CHEVROLET SERVICE DEPARTMENT IF I NEEDED TO GET THE CAR LOOKED AT FOR ISSUES REGARDING THE TIRES. SINCE 02-05-12, I HAVE MADE 5 PHONE CALLS TO THE GMECSO AND HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A CALL BACK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10451851
Incident
Aug 29, 2008
Mileage
11,278 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Feb 22, 2012

I NOTICED THINGS ABOUT MY CAR BUT IGNORED THEM BECAUSE I THOUGHT, THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR AND IT SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY ISSUES. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING I WOULD NOTICE THAT MY CAR WOULD SLIDE A LOT WHEN THERE WAS SNOW/ICE/RAIN ON THE GROUND. AS IF IT WASN'T SITTING ON THE GROUND PROPERLY. I WOULD LOOK AT IT FROM THE REAR AT A DISTANCE AND IT ALWAYS SEEMED TO SLANT/DROOP AT AN ANGLE. ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF OF OWNERSHIP WHILE GETTING MY OIL CHANGED A SERVICE TECH FROM AN AUTHORIZED CHEVROLET DEALER INFORMED ME THAT I HAD EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AND STATED THAT I NEEDED ALL NEW TIRES. NOTE HE NEVER STATED THAT I NEEDED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT OR THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBLE RECALL NOTICE THAT WE COULD FIX WHILE YOUR CAR IS STILL UNDER. HE JUST WANTED TO SELL ME TIRES. FROM DOING MY RESEARCH IT LOOKS LIKE I AM NOT ALONE WITH THE ISSUE OF EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. LOOKS LIKE GM IS ALSO AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THERE IS A GM BULLETIN 08032 BUT GM ONLY STATES THAT GOVERNMENT CARS ARE AFFECTED. I KNOW OF SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT WORK ON GM ASSEMBLY LINES AND THEY WILL STATE THAT THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE, SO WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR GM TO KNOWING KNOW THAT SOMETHING IS NOT CORRECT ON THESE CARS AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. HOW MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST OR HAVE TO BE LOST FOR GM TO CALL A RECALL AND FIX THE ISSUE ON THESE CARS. UPDATE 2/22/2012: I HAVE GOTTEN THE "NEEDED" "SPECIAL" WHEEL ALIGNMENT BUT AM STILL CONSTANTLY REPLACING TIRES THAT HAVE BEEN ON MY CAR NOT EVEN A YEAR. WILL NEVER BUY A CHEVY AGAIN. NOT REPUTABLE AND DOING THE RIGHT THING WHICH IS TO CORRECTLY FIX OVER 400,000 CARS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10449019
Incident
Jun 16, 2008
Suspension
Filed Feb 22, 2012

MASSIVE REAR TIRE PREMATURE WEAR CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND DEFECTIVE TRI-COILED REAR SPRINGS, TRAILING ARMS, AND SPINDLE RODS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10448932
Incident
Feb 1, 2012
Mileage
41,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 19, 2012

REAR SUSPENSION IS UNSTABLE, THIRD SET OF GOOD REAR TIRES BEING PUT ON, AGAIN. THE CAR NOW HAS 69K MILES. *TT

NHTSA ID
10444604
Incident
Aug 15, 2011
Mileage
60,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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