About this problem
Most newer cars use electric power steering, where a motor on the steering column or rack helps turn the wheel. When the motor, its sensor or its control module fails, the assist switches off suddenly and the steering becomes very heavy. That usually happens while driving, often during a turn, which is why it is one of the most common serious complaints and the subject of several recalls.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Impala since 2012, 217 (12.1%) describe power steering failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the Impala. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2014 and 2015 model years, and the 2014 drew the most, with 121. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 40,000 and 94,000 miles. 7 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Impala owners report the power steering cutting out, making the wheel heavy, often with a warning on the dash. The 2012, 2014 and 2015 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The fix is usually a new steering gear or a software update. Some cars were covered by recalls.
Typical cost: A steering gear costs about $1,000 to $1,800.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Power steering was lost, stability light came on - was told this was due to erosion - had repaired at my cost - extended warranty would not cover as techician stated my fault although apparently this area is not visible during normal service."
2014 Chevrolet Impala, 53,000 miles
"Bought a pre-certified Impala, we were told that they had changed the power steering pump from the previous owner and everything was good."
2015 Chevrolet Impala, 29,000 miles
"The engine shut off after hitting a large bump in the road. The engine shut off a second time again after hitting a large bump in the road. The power steering and power brakes were both affected. The car restarted."
2012 Chevrolet Impala, 11,500 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system.
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to December 20, 2013.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Chevrolet has sent dealers 28 bulletins that mention this problem on the Impala. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of "Steering Assist Is Reduced" Message and One of The Following DTCs Are Set: C056D, U0415.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
Power Steering Cooling Lines and/or Engine Oil Cooler Line
Buick/cadillac/Chevrolet/GMC: due to an improper jump start, the power steering fuse was either blown or failed, causing a hard steering.
This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure to check the ground connection and reprogram the power steering control module if a customer comments on a intermittent service power steering message is displayed.
This preliminary informational bulletin provides a procedure to replace the power steering fuse for a condition of loss of power steering assist and/or service power steering message displayed.
Government investigations
Audit query AQ17002 · 2014 · opened Mar 2017, closed May 2020
Before you buy a Impala
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock with the car stopped and while parking; it should feel even and light.
- Watch for a power steering warning on the dash during the drive.
- Check by VIN for open steering recalls.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Impala years have power steering failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2014, 2015 model years. The 2014 drew the most, with 121 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 66,000 miles, and half reported it between 40,000 and 94,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A steering gear costs about $1,000 to $1,800.