2017 Chevrolet Impala Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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%
- Powertrain (other)1110.4%
- 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.
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.
Catalytic converter cracked and is a huge problem with these cars
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car will not or is slow to shift into gear. The transmission will not shift into gear..
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE PEDAL SQUEAK WHEN RELEASED.
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
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown the check engine light comes on supposedly is the active shutter on the front is malfunctioning
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
BALL JOINTS LOOSE FRONT END SQUEAKY ALSO TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULTY
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TAIL LIGHT GASKET, WATER LEAK INTO THE SPARE COMPONENT.
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.
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.
BALL JOINTS LOOSE FRONT END SQUEAKY ALSO TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULTY
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .