Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Chevrolet Impala problems

Owners filed 117 complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Impala with NHTSA between Sep 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (21).

Complaints
117
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine21
  2. Air bags17
  3. Electrical system15
  4. Power train12
  5. Steering11
  6. Exterior lighting6
  7. Fuel/propulsion system4
  8. Service brakes4
  9. Seats3
  10. Wheels3
  11. Seat belts2
  12. Suspension2
  13. Visibility/wiper2
  14. Visibility1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20163
201710
201816
201916
202022
202114
202210
202310
20245
20256
20265

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

21 reports1 crash
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2025EngineODI 11675052

Air bags

17 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 1, 2024Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11574902

Electrical system

15 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2026Electrical systemODI 11722274

Power train

12 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2025Power trainODI 11647855

Steering

11 reports
“Power steering failure at under 106k miles, yes Electric power steering rack failed internally making the vehicle dangerous to drive and control steering - CMA Chester dealer quoted me $8k (parts and labor) and said that it's "not a good car", independent mechanic referred me to different dealer as specialized equipment is required for programming Yes - others, codes CO475 CO56D-39 C0800-12 from independent mechanic, dealer diagnostic scheduled 10/21 No - only mechanics Yes, immediately after failure the dash warning "service power steering"”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026SteeringODI 11771345

Exterior lighting

6 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2023Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11539805
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.