Owners have filed 138 complaints
about the 2017 Chevrolet Impala with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 11
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Impala. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 63
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Chevrolet Impala
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
89.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1112.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
66.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3033.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1820.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
910.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
44.5%
150,000+ miles
33.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2016peak 7Jun 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 89,000 milesRancho Cucamonga, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11574902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 complaint #11548849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11537742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesBaltimore, MDCrash1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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 complaint #11537742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Haltom City, TX1 injured
AIR BAGS
While sitting in my car at a gas station my driver seat air bag went out. With no warning
NHTSA complaint #11455248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Celina, TX1 injured
ENGINE
THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE WOULD SMELL AN ABNORMAL, EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE'S CABIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, HE HAD HEARD A LOUD NOISE EMIT FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER AND UPON INSPECTION OF THE HOOD, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD BROKEN OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND THEN CALLED EL DORADO CHEVROLET(2300 N CENTRAL EXPY, MCKINNEY, TX 75070) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE ZERO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE; THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NHTSA ID NUMBER:10116660 WHICH HE LINKED TO HIS FAILURE. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER AND THE CONTACT HAD LINKED THE PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO THE EXHAUST ODOR AS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11416551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Germantown, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 Resolution Team failed to meet my written response deadline of December 11, 2025. Complete documentation (100+ pages) available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11742870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopewell, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11730036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, SC
POWER TRAIN
The car will not or is slow to shift into gear. The transmission will not shift into gear..
NHTSA complaint #11727869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,890 milesIndianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
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 complaint #11722274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Billings, MT
STEERING
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 complaint #11694490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
ENGINE
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 complaint #11675052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenbelt, MD
STEERING
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 complaint #11664482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11659982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesMilwaukee, WI
POWER TRAIN
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 complaint #11647855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearland, TX
ENGINE
Catalytic converter cracked and is a huge problem with these cars
NHTSA complaint #11642382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wahiawa, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11614923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wahiawa, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11614923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,548 milesEast Orange, NJ
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
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 complaint #11597444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesMiller Place, NY
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11592361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesMiller Place, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11592361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Bernardino, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown the check engine light comes on supposedly is the active shutter on the front is malfunctioning
NHTSA complaint #11579427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Bernardino, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown the check engine light comes on supposedly is the active shutter on the front is malfunctioning
NHTSA complaint #11579427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesRancho Cucamonga, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 complaint #11574902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jber, AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11556383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,343 milesColumbus, OH
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11553159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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 complaint #11548849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City, FL
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #11544426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11544426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 complaint #11539805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 complaint #11539805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.