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2017 Chevrolet Impala Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
116
Latest Jun 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Impala, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine2119.8%
  • Airbags1716.0%
  • Electrical1413.2%
  • Steering109.4%
  • Exterior lighting65.7%
  • Interior & seats43.8%
  • Brakes43.8%
  • Fuel system43.8%
  • Visibility32.8%
  • Other / unspecified32.8%
  • Seat belts21.9%
  • Body & structure21.9%
  • Suspension21.9%
  • Driver assistance21.9%
  • Transmission10.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 of this defect. I also encourage GM to investigate this issue further and consider issuing a recall to prevent others from experiencing similar damage and expenses.

NHTSA ID 11675052 · filed Jul 21, 2025

Catalytic converter cracked and is a huge problem with these cars

NHTSA ID 11642382 · filed Feb 12, 2025
All 21 reports naming engine

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11574902 · filed Mar 1, 2024

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, a tractor-trailer crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle causing the vehicle to cross two lanes of traffic and collide with a barrier wall. During the crash no air bags deployed. The driver sustained injuries to the back, spine, torso, arms, knees, and shoulders which required medical treatment. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. Also, while the keys were inside the vehicle the doors had locked and the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. A locksmith was called to open the doors. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ID 11537742 · filed Aug 10, 2023
All 17 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11659982 · filed May 9, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11614923 · filed Sep 16, 2024
All 14 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11727869 · filed Mar 30, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11647855 · filed Mar 12, 2025
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11694490 · filed Oct 20, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11664482 · filed Jun 3, 2025
All 10 reports naming steering

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11539805 · filed Aug 21, 2023

HEADLIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT UP THE ROAD ON RIGHT SIDE, CANNOT SEE ROAD, CURBS OR PEDESTRIANS WHEN TURNING. PROJECTION SYSTEM, DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG, VERY DANGEROUS AT NIGHT ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN. THEY NEED TO FIX PROJECTION SYSTEM TO COVER RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE. MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB REGARDING THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11054048 · filed Dec 11, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, a tractor-trailer crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle causing the vehicle to cross two lanes of traffic and collide with a barrier wall. During the crash no air bags deployed. The driver sustained injuries to the back, spine, torso, arms, knees, and shoulders which required medical treatment. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. Also, while the keys were inside the vehicle the doors had locked and the contact was unable to enter the vehicle. A locksmith was called to open the doors. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ID 11537742 · filed Aug 10, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS FRACTURED WHERE THE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS LOCATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.

NHTSA ID 11163286 · filed Dec 24, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE PEDAL SQUEAK WHEN RELEASED.

NHTSA ID 11386783 · filed Jan 6, 2021

HIT THE BRAKES TO STOP AND THE THE CAR REVED AND HAD TO PUSH AS HARD AS I COULD TO TRY AND GET THE CAR TO STOP. 3RD TIME THIS HAPPENED. ALMOST GOT INTO A BAD ACCIDENT

NHTSA ID 11316899 · filed Mar 8, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11579427 · filed Mar 26, 2024

Pourous plastic fuel line located on top of gasoline tank is leaking slowly...confirmed by independent (Kaerchar Automotive..699 Castle Shannon Blvd 15234)(412-563-2827) official PA inspection station. Pourous plastic fuel line line to tank leaking fuel onto gasoline tank which is leaking down over tank towards whatever is located beneath

NHTSA ID 11522239 · filed May 16, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11597444 · filed Jun 28, 2024

NOV 2018: CENTER CONSOLE / TV FAILURE INCLUDING BACK-UP CAMERA ALONG WITH INFOTAINMENT. OCCURRED JUST AFTER 36,000 MILES, THUS GM WARRANTY DID NOT COVER AND REPAIR COST FOR HMI MODULE = $732 THOUGH WE DO HAVE A 3RD PARTY EXT. WARRANTY, WE STILL PAID $200+ OUT OF POCKET AND FEEL IT IRRESPONSIBLE FOR GM ELECTRONICS TO FAIL JUST 1 YEAR AFTER MODEL YEAR (AS ELECTRONICS NORMALLY SHOULD NOT RELATE TO # MILES) - SHOULD BE A FACTORY RECALL. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT CHEVROLET SENIOR SUPPORT BY PHONE TO DISCUSS SITUATION WENT UNANSWERED. DURING THE TIME THE CONSOLE WAS OUT (BUT CAR STILL DRIVE-ABLE), WE HAD REDUCED REAR VISIBILITY AND WERE MORE FEARFUL ABOUT BACKING UP, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WITH MANY CHILDREN PRESENT.

NHTSA ID 11160967 · filed Dec 12, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BALL JOINTS LOOSE FRONT END SQUEAKY ALSO TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULTY

NHTSA ID 11121517 · filed Aug 21, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD NEAR A FARM. THE CONTACT CALLED ALAMO RENTAL CAR TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 02/21/17*LJ

NHTSA ID 10938836 · filed Dec 30, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT THAT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MOUNT DETACHED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PETERS CHEVROLET BUICK CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT (4181 US-259, LONGVIEW, TX 75605, (877) 615-3187) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,600.

NHTSA ID 11415266 · filed May 5, 2021

THE BOTH REAR SEAT CROSSBODY SEATBELTS CLINK THE WAY ROLLER COASTERS DO WHEN GOING UP AN INCLINE AND JUST GET STUCK AND BEGING TO TIGHTEN. THE ONLY WAY TO LOOSEN THE BELT IS TO TAKE IT COMPLETELY OFF AND LET IT WIND UP ALL THE WAY BEFORE FASTENING IT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS THE CAR IS ON OR OFF, MOVING OR STOPPED, HIGHWAY AND CITY DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS.

NHTSA ID 11113171 · filed Jul 23, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11722274 · filed Mar 5, 2026

TAIL LIGHT GASKET, WATER LEAK INTO THE SPARE COMPONENT.

NHTSA ID 11386778 · filed Jan 6, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT END SUSPENSION IS MAKING NOISES, BALL JOINTS AND DRIVER SIDE AXLE LOOSE. WAS TOLD ALL THIS HAS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID 11306225 · filed Jan 31, 2020

BALL JOINTS LOOSE FRONT END SQUEAKY ALSO TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULTY

NHTSA ID 11121517 · filed Aug 21, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND SEEMED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING MOTIVE POWER. THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,836.

NHTSA ID 11349037 · filed Aug 13, 2020

RE: CAR RANDOMLY LUNGES FORWARD WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR EVERY TIME I COME TO A STOP. IT IS AN UNEXPECTED EVENT THAT HAPPENS FROM TIME TO TIME WHILE SLOWING FOR A STOP SIGN, STOP LIGHT OR JUST TO STOP PERIOD THAT THIS CAR SEEMS TO LUNGE FORWARD LIKE I'M ACCELERATING WHICH I DO THEN THE GEARS ADJUST DOWN BUT ONLY WHEN APPLYING MORE PRESSURE ON BREAKING. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW TIMES SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR WHERE I ALMOST RAN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DUE TO THIS.

NHTSA ID 11218622 · filed Jun 8, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11548849 · filed Oct 7, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .