What 298 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Chevrolet Impala

Side Blind Zone Alert (SZBA) system continues to be an issue with this vehicle. Sensing module(s) on inner left or right side of bumper cover fail due to water intrusion. When sensing module fails, "Service Side Detection System" message will appear on driver information center on instrument cluster. General Motors has previously issued a special coverage "N172097060", which is available on NHTSA website. As indicated in the special coverage document, if the issue is ignored, "the condition could result in the corruption of LS GMLAN that may result in the loss of some driver interface functions such as cluster, infotainment, displays, chime, and passenger presence detection (passenger airbag could be suppressed). Within approximately 30 days of the "Service Side Detection System" message, while driving, instrument cluster speedometer and tachometer went dead, and airbag warning system notification, anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system all illuminated. In addition to no speedometer reading, vehicle ignition/security interlock was causing vehicle to run rough. Vehicle would not immediately restart after shutting vehicle off. This is the 4th time a SBZA sensing module has failed on this vehicle. First failure was replaced under factory warranty, second failure was replaced under special coverage N172097060, third failure was replaced out-of-pocket. Contacted General Motors/Chevrolet, and they are not interested in providing continued coverage of the issue, which is a known issue, and likely a design defect, as the design was changed for later model years.

NHTSA ODI 11655024

GM has a know issue with the side detection system and refuses to do anything about it even after there service bulletin expired. When this fail it can cause other issues with the dashboard system failure and more. In this case the system would never shutdown draining the battery.

NHTSA ODI 11631054

The blind spot warning system stopped working, and yes it is available for inspection upon request. I have heard this leads to further electrical problems and am worried this may compromise my safety if not dealt with. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. The component has not been inspected. There was a warning that popped up stating “service side detection system” that appeared randomly on my drive home the other day. I had not hit anything or done anything to the car that might have caused this.

NHTSA ODI 11573243

The Side Detection System failed. Both rare modules are shorted. The defective module drain out the battery, causing engine start failure. And the defective module may cause fire. I have one side of the modules repaired in three years ago. Now both sides are failed. I had two jump start in the recent month. Every time I start the engine, warning for service of Side Detection System shows up.

NHTSA ODI 11570176

In April 2019, the side detection module was replaced under warranty, at 21,500 miles. The same ‘issues’ are reappearing, where a warning is illuminated on the side mirror when no cars are present. If the dealer/ mfr replaced the original modules and wiring harness with the same items, this would only delay a reoccurrence. I called Chevy Cust. Sec for assistance, and they said their ‘recall’ program expired in 2019. The car currently has just 47,000 miles and the the modules should not have failed a second time. There is obviously a design flaw, allowing water penetration, and Chevy did nothing to prevent it.

NHTSA ODI 11567164

This system failed causing the cars computer to go haywire. I lost my speedometer and total dash display while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11518537

Side Blind Zone Alert Module, Service Side Detection System

NHTSA ODI 11516403

Have had issues 2 times since owning this vehicle, both times sensor was replaced by dealership. Was told by service at dealership that this is a known issue for GM. Dealership found side detection modules swelled and connections corroded. Again for the 3rd time since owning this car from new. They, the dealership, cost the replacement of the module at $980.00 including labor. To fix an issue they have known about for years

NHTSA ODI 11515911

I have had the blind spot modules replaced two times already and they are out for the third time. I have had to replace them like just over every 2 years. This time I had loan my car to my daughter, due to any accident she had with a deer, and had her four kids in the car when multiple modules started shutting down and nearly leaving her stranded. When I was able to inspect the car i found the the blind spot modules where extremally corroded and showed signs of melting to almost catching fire. I believe that these are a safety issue, and need to be recalled and problem fixed with a reliably solution. I am a ASE Certified Master Technician and have been for well over 38 years. and have seen many of these GM modules go bad multicable times.

NHTSA ODI 11513557

My dealer is charging me $1606 for 2 sidevew detection modules caused by water damage and corrosion and that’s not covered under my extended warranty for my 2015 Chevy impala ltz 108k miles my cars has trouble starting and I have no working dash indicators no speed no gas no temp no rpm’s air bag light on and trac control on light . No turn indicators and no heat or ac and key fob don’t work unless I insert key fob arm rest slot all because of the sideveiw modules wow that is mind blowing $453 to diagnose and $1606 to fix

NHTSA ODI 11512091

System failed suddenly stabilitrac , abs power steering, side detection all flashed on dash . Had to replace computer to restore power steering and stabilitrac and abs . Side detection a safety item still inoperative.

NHTSA ODI 11510691

Service side detection notice came on, after replacing twice. While driving on the highway my speedometer dropped to zero. My odometer stopped advancing. My blinkers stopped working, as did my radio. Speedometer went to 12 (while driving at highway speeds) stayed at 12.

NHTSA ODI 11510173

My side detection system has failed and not working on my 2015 ltz. Blind spot light stays on even when car is off. It’s causing other lights going crazy on and off. No check engine light on just the side blind spot indicator lights stay on. My car only has 70k miles it’s been happening for 1 wk I’m afraid to drive it after reading online that a clients impala nearly caught on fire. I’m reading that there is a recall with 2015 impala # n172097060 side blind zone alert module water intrusion. Please advise if there is anything Chevy/GM can do for me. I’m afraid to drive car and feel it’s a hazard driving around with faulty blind spots light.

NHTSA ODI 11509141

Side detection system is failed. Used for blind spots and I know this can cause more issues with car.

NHTSA ODI 11508038

Taillight gasket failed and leaks water resulting in water leaking into trunk anytime it rains or go through car wash. This caused corrosion to the amplifier shorting it out, there is now no sound or on star available. It also caused the blind spot detection monitor to have issues and no longer work. Upon inspection when the vehicle is running the wires sometimes start smoking white. Dealer said there was no issue, obviously the radio doesn’t work, the screen doesn’t even light up, no backup camera, no sound warning if the forward collision system is engaged, no seatbelt ding, no blinker sounds, no rear detection system or cross traffic warning system.

NHTSA ODI 11474001

WE ARE STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THIS STUPID SBZA BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM, TWICE NOW, FIRST TIME WE HAD FIXED, 2.5 YRS AGO NOW, AT A $1000 COST TO US, AS MILEAGE WAS SLIGHTLY OVER THE QUALIFYING MILES WITH RECALL LETTER WE RECEIVED PRIOR TO HAVING BOTH MODULES REPLACED. THOSE BRAND NEW MODULES ONLY LASTED 16 MONTHS OR LESS AND WEVE BEEN DEALING WITH SAME SAFETY ISSUES FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW, SOME DAYS WORSE THAN OTHERS. ITS A DUMB FLAW AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SOON BUT WE DONT HAVE ANOTHER $1000+ TO COME UP WITH!! PEOPLE LIKE US, WHO LIVE IN THE SNOW BELT AREAS AND HAVE TO DEAL WITH ROAD SALT AND CORROSION ARE GOING TO KEEP HAVING ISSUES WITH THEM, EVEN THOUGH WE KEEP OUR CAR AS CLEAN AS WE CAN!! ITS A PAIN IN OUR ASSES AND NOT OUR FAULT FOR A LOUSY STUPID DEVICE THAT WILL FAIL HERE!! THANK YOU!!

NHTSA ODI 11464787

We are having issues with our bling spot warning system not working warning light stays on in mirror and not going off its seams GM mounted sensor module behind rear wheel which gets exposed to water and then corrodes and malfunctions this also leads to many others safety issues including shutting vehicle down while driving because other systems are connected to it cannot isolate There should be a recall thankyou

NHTSA ODI 11463769

Service blind spot detection system alert come on i took it to the dealership and paid 95.00 to diagnosis they wanted 1900.00 to fix the problem 2 weeks later while waiting for an appointment the entire system is failing Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning ,and Parking collision warning. the dealer now wants another 95.00 to re-diagnosis seeing as only the blind spot was the only warning at first. I'm being told this could lead to the vehicle shutting down even while driving

NHTSA ODI 11461932

All the lights are flashing on dashboard. Car won't start. No gages work on dash. Lights won't work blinkers don't work. Radio panel is black. I had same issues in 2018 and had to replace detection module and harness on both sides. Paid $1200. Now I am having the same issue again.

NHTSA ODI 11460256

Blind spot module has corroded and failed due to water intrusion. The module is very poorly sealed and clearly would lead to corrosion, very poor design. Potential for fire from electrical short is extremely high.

NHTSA ODI 11460102

There is a bad sensor I believe on my impala- the passenger blind spot warning light is staying on all the time - even when the car is off.

NHTSA ODI 11460121

I received an error Service "Side Detection System". Dealer says it needs to replace the Side Blind Zone Alert Modules (part #84648920) due to water intrusion on the module. They say it can affect the entire dashboard, causing it to fail. The Chevy Impala forums have many mentions of this issue with this car. There have been reports of smoke coming from these modules. GM had issued a Special Coverage N172097060 in 2019 but only covers cars 6 years old or less and less than 80,000 miles. Due to the widespread occurrence of this issue, it should be recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11459215

Side detector system

NHTSA ODI 11458073

side detection system failing and will not shut off

NHTSA ODI 11456574

This is the second time the blind side detection system has failed on both my vehicle and daughter's 2014 Impala. GM is aware of this is a problem and issued a special program, however; it expired last year. This issue can also cause issues with other electrical systems. Spending $1500+ every 2-3 years for an issue that is a manufacturer problem is not acceptabe.

NHTSA ODI 11455616