Two problems related to steering is tight have been reported for the 2009 Chevrolet Impala. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 Chevrolet Impala based on all problems reported for the 2009 Impala.
I was deriving down a steep grade on the gatlinburg bypass toward pigeon forge, TN in second gear for engine breaking. I first noticed the car getting warmer and I checked the dual climate control by feel to make sure my rider had not increased the temperature. Then I noticed the steering was harder on slight curves; then I noticed the tachometer going to zero and sone other gauges decreasing; then I had to slow for a charper curve where I had no power brake assist and no powering steering assist. I managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop where I tried to restart the engine. The vehicle restarted after a short cranking but acted if it was starving for fuel. Once restarted the vehicle ran satisfactory, if I had been a weak person or had panicked this incident would probably have resulted in a crash. The ignition switch recall had recently been accomplished. The fuel level was 1/2 tank. As an electrical engineer this appeared to be an electrical problem where the engine power was cut off shutting down the fuel pump, instrument cluster, ignition, and electric steering assist.
Reference# 678792. As I approached the intersection, another vehicle was turning onto the street I was on. I moved over to make room, as I moved over I had to cross over a clump of snow and ice that had re froze making a rough and bumpy transition. I was about 20 feet from the stop sign. I placed my foot on the brake which was hard and unresponsive. The steering was hard and unresponsive as well. I was driving about 3-5 mph at the time. When I placed my foot on the brake it was unresponsive and it took me into the intersection where I was hit by another vehicle on the drivers side front. My airbag did not deploy. The total damage for my vehicle was $ 5,615. 93. We were confused and did not understand why the brakes and the steering did not function and why with this violent of a crash that the airbag did not deploy. After reading the recall notice explaining the ignition recall it made sense that why the failure occurred.