2017 Chevrolet Impala Complaints

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/08/2021

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)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/08/2025

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 02/28/2026

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/16/2024

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 10/12/2025

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 07/20/2025

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.

STEERING — Filed 05/30/2025

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/09/2025

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 03/12/2025

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 11/07/2019

Catalytic converter cracked and is a huge problem with these cars

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/07/2020

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 — Filed 06/28/2024

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.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/04/2024

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/01/2023

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

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/04/2024

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 11/21/2023

Unknown

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/05/2023

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 — Filed 02/08/2023

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

AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 12/16/2021

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/04/2022

While sitting in my car at a gas station my driver seat air bag went out. With no warning

ENGINE — Filed 11/01/2020

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/10/2019

FRONT END CRASH & AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/11/2019

MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A HOME DRIVEWAY, SOME HOW JUMPED OUT OF PARK AND STARTED TO ROLL INTO THE STREET. NO ONE WAS IN THE DRIVER SEAT TO CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 08/24/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND JERKED FORWARD. IN ADDITION, THE EMISSION SYSTEM AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CREST CHEVROLET (909 W 21ST ST, SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92405, 909-713-6481) WHERE THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN VALVE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT NO ONE ANSWERED THE PHONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.

WHEELS — Filed 12/26/2016

RENTED AN ALAMO RENTAL CAR AT THE DFW AIRPORT ON 12/23/16. . LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON TEXAS HWY 36 CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE CONTROL AND SPIN OFF THE ROAD. *TR