2017 Chevrolet Impala

Routine

Owners filed 116 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
46,000 milesMedian miles at failure

72 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other29
000
Engine18
101
Air Bags17
305
Electrical System10
000
Power Train9
000
Steering8
000
Exterior Lighting5
000
Service Brakes4
001
Suspension2
000
Seats2
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 9, 2026MD

I am filing this complaint regarding a widespread design defect affecting 2016-2018 Chevrolet Impala vehicles with 3.6L V-6 engines, and General Motors' systematic denial of legitimate warranty claims under Special Coverage Adjustment N182186881-01 through arbitrary VIN-based exclusions. My 2017 Chevrolet Impala Premier (VIN: [XXX], in service August 5, 2017) developed an evaporator core failure in summer 2020, prior to reaching 72,000 miles -- within GM's published coverage window. Despite meeting every published criterion, GM denied coverage, claimed my VIN was excluded, and has refused to provide any substantive explanation of the exclusion criteria. GM's Special Coverage bulletin explicitly committed to notifying affected customers. I never received notification, despite GM demonstrably having my contact information (I received airbag recall notices for the same vehicle). This failure caused me to lose the benefit of both the Special Coverage and a separately purchased $1,766.00 extended warranty -- a documented double loss. My vehicle has been without air conditioning for over four and a half years. Documented expenses: $671.02 in diagnostics, $206.00 unreturned deposit to Criswell Chevrolet (Gaithersburg, MD). Repair estimate: $1,700-$2,680. Other 2017 Impala owners report identical VIN-based denials despite meeting all published criteria. I have filed complaints with the Maryland AG, BBB, and Montgomery County OCP (Case No. XXX active mediation). GM's Executive Resolut

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 8, 2026VA

There is a recall for my vehicle with the evaporator core freezing leaking on certain chevy 2017 impala just like mine and my car has the same issue but they only recalled a certain number of vehicles with this problem. Is there anything I can do to resolve this issue.

Power Train
Filed Mar 30, 2026SC

The car will not or is slow to shift into gear. The transmission will not shift into gear..

Electrical System › Body Control Module/Bcm
Filed Mar 5, 202666,890 milesIN

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the interstate, the hazard light was activated and the trunk spontaneously opened. The contact was unable to securely latch the trunk and used a net to secure it. While continuing the drive, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where a diagnostic test determined there was a failure with the body control module(BCM), and a malfunction with the trunk latch assembly. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,890.

Steering
Filed Oct 20, 2025MT

Power steering assist drive with care warning popped up on dash. Took the vehicle to the dealership and they said the power steering gear failed.

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2025FL

I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction regarding a recurring issue with my vehicle’s catalytic converter pipe. At 37,000 miles, the left-hand (front bank) catalytic converter pipe near the cylinder head mounting flange weld failed and was replaced under warranty by GM. Now, at just 88,000 miles, the same pipe has cracked again—at the identical location—and is not being covered by GM, forcing us to pay for repairs out of pocket. This is not simply a case of wear and tear. The failure not only resulted in significant performance issues, but also caused the housing of the fan to melt due to excessive heat exposure, posing a serious safety hazard. This repeated failure clearly indicates a design or manufacturing defect, and I’m appalled that GM has not acknowledged this as a broader issue—despite evidence suggesting this is a known and frequent problem with this vehicle model. In my view, the failure of the same part in the same location twice, within a relatively low mileage span, reflects an unacceptable lack of quality control. It is deeply disappointing that GM has not issued a recall or offered to cover this repair, which is demonstrably caused by the same flaw as before. This situation feels less like responsible customer support and more like an attempt to profit from known issues, leaving loyal customers to shoulder the financial burden. I am requesting immediate reassessment of this case, full coverage for this second repair, and a formal acknowledgment

Steering
Filed Jun 3, 2025MD

I've only had my car for about 2 1/2 months, when I started to notice my car moving to the right without me moving it. I figured it needed a front-end alignment. So, I took it to a mechanic. Once he got it up on the stand, he noticed something wrong with the front suspension. He didn't do the alignment, but he told me that my "Rack and pinion" was going out. I then made and appointment with the dealership. They looked at it and told me it was my steering and that it wasn't cover under my warranty and that the part to fix it was "Nowhere in the country to be found", and if I brought the part to them. They wouldn't put it on. So now I have a car note and insurance bill on a car that I'm afraid to drive. What are people supposed to do about these cars? It would seem that It's not just a me problem.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed May 9, 202564,484 milesOH

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 117,892 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was registered as 64,484.

Power Train
Filed Mar 12, 2025129,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the catalytic converter and transmission oil cooler hose. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 12, 2025TX

Catalytic converter cracked and is a huge problem with these cars

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 16, 2024HI

I have had this car for a few years and the evaporator core has failed, the car will blow air but it is very VERY hot air. The faulty evaporator core is a direct result of GM using cheaply made parts not inspected to the standard prior to installation into the vehicle. having previously owned this car in Hawaii and still owning it in a hot climate, the interior temperature exceeds well over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This presents a serious safety hazard due to the potential for heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps which can effect the ability of the driver to control the vehicle appropriately. Children in the back seat, the elderly and even competent adults ARE AT RISK. NO ONE should be expected to pay to repair a safety hazard that GM has known about and ignored other than a bulletin the left many owners without a repair. This issue is clearly a serious safety concern and should be handled appropriately by GM.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Jun 28, 202453,548 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while starting the vehicle he noticed that the air conditioner was blowing hot air. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the evaporator core leaked in addition and Freon was leaking into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the evaporator core and the A/C compressor. The contact was informed that the evaporator core and the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,548.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 4, 202484,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, she noticed that the A/C feature was not functioning properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed a leakage coming from the A/C evaporator and the compressor. The contact stated that the instrument panel needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel while turning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was contacted and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 26, 2024CA

Unknown the check engine light comes on supposedly is the active shutter on the front is malfunctioning

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 1, 202489,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle crashed into the passenger's side door of an oncoming truck that was hidden behind a box truck and had suddenly intruded into his lane. The front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained neck pain, back pain, and bruises on the forearms. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The contact was able to drive the vehicle from the scene. A police report was filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 21, 2023AK

Unknown

Power Train
Filed Nov 2, 2023151,343 milesOH

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and ascending a grade, the vehicle lost forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle revved but failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that she shifted the vehicle into reverse (R) and drove back down the hill. The contact stated that the transmission failure was intermittent at first but had gradually become a recurring failure. The contact stated that at the first failure there were no warning lights; however, in the later failures the transmission overheated warning light would become illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure the transmission had begun to jerk and hesitate. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,343.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission1 injured
Filed Oct 7, 2023OH

The Transmission failed, yes it is available for inspection upon request The car was jerking extremely hard from 1st to second gear. Doing damage to my back. The car has been confirmed by a dealership. The vehicle is set to be inspected by the manufacturer on 10-16-2023 There was leaking from the transmission coolant lines. 01-31-2023

Power Train
Filed Sep 13, 2023FL

I WAS DRIVING MY 2017 CHEVROLET IMPALA IT STARTED JERK AND THEN STALL OUT I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED HOME ONSTAR SENT ME THE CODES SAYING IT WAS ECM AND TCM PROBLEM THAT VERY SCARY I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 21, 2023GA

I continuously have water leaking into the trunk of my 2017 Chevrolet Impala, specifically the spare tire compartment. I noticed through research that the issue has been recalled for select years, but not my vehicle year. If the issue is a known defect, this should be covered by the vehicle manufacturer. I am constantly having large amounts of water after rain and it is causing a moldy smell. I try to scoop water and then dry the area, however this is a repeat issue.

20 of 116 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202015000Routine
201928110Routine
201859100Routine
2017 — this page116000Routine
2016111040Routine
20153003110Above average
20146341280Above average
2013272100Above average
2012258350Above average
2011505250Above average
2010441430Above average
2009824591Fatalities reported
20088102101Fatalities reported
20076273101Fatalities reported
20065242221Fatalities reported
20056094130Above average
20041,0727210High concern
20036948320High concern
20027957320High concern
200174210672Fatalities reported
200081810732Fatalities reported
19994000Routine
19982010Routine
19971000Routine
199688120Routine
199544110Routine
199415100Routine
19932110Routine
19920100Routine
19910100Routine

Compare every Impala year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.