2017 Chevrolet Impala Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Impala years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Impala year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 45 of its 117 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: A/C evaporator leak — no cold air (20 complaints, median 49,500 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 117filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 45,500miles, 72 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Chevrolet Impala (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Impala most often write about air conditioning that stops blowing cold air, which dealers commonly trace to a leaking evaporator core, and about the airbag warning light coming on intermittently, often linked to the passenger seat sensor. A second group of complaints describes stalling or loss of power while driving, sometimes with the engine still running, sometimes with the ignition cutting out entirely. Transmission and steering complaints appear in this sample as well, while headlight reach and sunroof glass failures are reported by a smaller group, mostly early in the car's life.
- Air bags
Airbag warning light on or flashing
- 12 complaints (10%)
- median 47,000 mi at 2.3 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2022
Complaints describe a service airbag message or warning light that comes on intermittently and later stays illuminated. When owners took the car to a dealer, the diagnosis was commonly a failed passenger seat occupancy sensor or airbag module, sometimes with a significant repair quote. A few owners report airbags not deploying in a collision, which complaints do not tie to the warning light. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 61,000 miles, often noticed at startup or shortly after.
What to check: With the key on, check that the airbag light comes on briefly at startup and then goes out; a light that stays on or flickers suggests a seat sensor or module fault. Ask whether the passenger seat sensor has been replaced and request any stored airbag codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I keep getting a message airbag service and the light comes on and stays illuminated. I took the vehicle to malcolm cunningham Chevrolet on 15 oct 2018. I was told that everything checked out fine and that there is no issue. I dont understand this because it has happened numerous times and I am concerned about my safety. This has happened when I start the vehicle and while I am driving I will get the message.”
NHTSA complaint #11140437, filed 2018-10, 20,665 miles“Airbag light comes on, on the passenger side when no one is sitting in the seat. The light comes on for service. The light would come on once I put the car in drive or once I put the vehicle in park. The first time the light would come on and go off but the second time the light stayed on.I took my car to the dealer twice and it was a bad sensor in the seat. It took a week to get the part from the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #11241989, filed 2019-08, 47,000 miles - Other or unknown
A/C evaporator leak — no cold air
- 20 complaints (17%)
- median 49,500 mi at 3.8 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report the air conditioning blowing warm or hot air, whether the car is moving or parked. Dealers using dye tests typically find refrigerant leaking from the evaporator core behind the dashboard, and some owners were quoted for evaporator or compressor replacement. Several mention a GM special coverage bulletin for this symptom and say they were told their vehicle identification number was not included in the coverage. Mostly reported between about 46,000 and 84,000 miles, though several appear nearer 40,000-55,000 miles.
What to check: Before buying, run the A/C on a hot day and confirm cold air at idle and while driving, and ask whether the evaporator has ever been replaced or dye-tested. Ask the dealer to check whether any special coverage applies to that vehicle's VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Air condition quit blowing cold air. Took it to the place where I bought the vehicle. They performed a dye test and found that dye was coming from AC drain from fire wall. Verified refrigerant leaking from evaporator. Judging from other complaints on here, I believe that the repairs should be fully paid for.”
NHTSA complaint #11407798, filed 2021-04, 290,000 miles“My 2017 chevy Impala's, equipped with a 3.6l v-6 engine, air conditioning evaporator is damaged and is leaking refrigerant and resulting in loss of air conditioning. This loss of air conditioning occurs all the time-stationary, in motion--the air conditioning no longer works at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11231387, filed 2019-07, 62,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 20 complaints (17%)
- median 47,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the car shutting off or losing power without warning, sometimes at highway speed and sometimes at a stop, with several saying it restarted after a wait of minutes. Some complaints describe a check engine light along with rough running, stalling after refueling, or hard starting; dealers have replaced batteries, purge valves and other parts with mixed results. A few report repeat visits where the cause could not be reproduced. Spread from very low mileage up to about 100,000 miles, with many occurring between 35,000 and 65,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for the full service history and any check engine or body control module codes, and test drive long enough to include a highway stretch and a restart. Note whether the car has had repeat electrical or fuel-system repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Impala vehicle in march of 2019 and a few month's after purchasing the vehicle I immediately started noticing that the vehicle wold stall and or hesitate to start every time I would put gas in it. Immediately after that the check engine light came on and remained on until this day. …”
NHTSA complaint #11320327, filed 2020-04, 44,000 miles“The car shut down completely on me three times while driving it, once an a residential street and twice on a busy highway. This is so dangerous. I had to wait 5-10 minutes each time before it would restart.”
NHTSA complaint #11322931, filed 2020-05, 80,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, harsh shifts, loss of drive
- 9 complaints (8%)
- median 129,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe jerking or harsh shifting, delayed gear changes, and in some cases the car failing to move forward while the engine revs. Owners report fluid leaks, catalytic converter and transmission cooler hose repairs, and diagnoses ranging from a torque converter issue to a transmission needing replacement. Several say the problem was intermittent at first and then became regular. Mostly reported at higher mileage, roughly 62,000 to 164,000 miles.
What to check: Check transmission fluid level and color, and drive at low speed and up a grade to feel for shuddering or delayed engagement. Ask whether the fluid has been serviced and whether any transmission work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In motion: unknown: while driving on an interstate, speed 74 set by cruise control, the car jerked like it was going into passing mode and made a horrific sound. The interstate we were on in mississippi was on a flat road. My husband and I thought the rear end had come out or it was about to blow up.”
NHTSA complaint #10956971, filed 2017-02, 9,600 miles“Starting in march 2019 the 2017 chevy Impala engine would stop and wouldn't start back up for at least 30 minutes. It would happen when I stop at a stop sign or light or whenever I stop the vehicle. Then in july of 2019 the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. It wouldn't reverse or go forward. It was identified as a transmission leak. All the transmission oil had leaked out. Took the vehicle to several repair shops which they couldn't identify the problem. My transmission is damaged by now. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373761, filed 2020-11, 65,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist loss or rubbing noise
- 10 complaints (9%)
- median 34,445 mi at 3.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners report the steering becoming suddenly heavy or difficult to turn, sometimes with a power steering failure message on the instrument panel. Others describe a rubbing or knocking noise when turning the wheel at low speed, and in one case a loud breakage that required a tow. Some complaints note that a dealer could not reproduce the problem after a restart. Reported from under 1,000 miles up to about 84,000 miles, with several between 28,000 and 40,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and at low speed and listen for rubbing or clicking, and confirm the steering feels consistent. Ask whether any steering assist codes have been stored or the steering column has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Steering wheel column rubbing when turning. When turning to the right something broke heard loud noise now when you turn wheel back and fourth hear a load noise sounds like a rod hitting something had to be towed to chevy dealer in murfreesboro tn.”
NHTSA complaint #11110694, filed 2018-07, 28,000 miles“Whenever you move the steering wheel to the left or right at a low speed or moving the just back and forth a rubbing/weird sound is made! Wondering if this is a major concern or just an inconvenience”
NHTSA complaint #11316482, filed 2020-03, 28,890 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection that includes an A/C leak check, a scan for airbag and steering codes, and an extended test drive covering highway speed, stops and a restart would surface most of what owners describe here. Service records showing whether the evaporator or seat sensor has already been addressed are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 117 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Impala. 72 of the complaints include a mileage, and 61% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 45,500 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,110 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 11 Chevrolet Impala model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown31 27%
- Engine21 18%
- Air bags17 15%
- Electrical system15 13%
- Steering11 9.4%
- Exterior lighting6 5.1%
- Brakes4 3.4%
- Fuel system4 3.4%
- Seats3 2.6%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Seat belts (2), Suspension (2), Electronic stability control (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “My vehicle was taken during a investigation and the person that took it died , and trying to locate it but for some reason it has 2 locations 1 in chandler and the other in kansas . Is there anyway you could help me locate it?”
NHTSA complaint #11217019, filed 2019-05, 65,000 milesEngine: “Recently purchased this vehicle 3 months ago took it in for a routine oil change after driving it for several miles and filling the gas tank loud exhaust sound with an onstar diagnostic p0151 code appeared. Thinking there was water in the line I purchased heat to remove the moisture with no results. I proceeded to open the hood of the car for inspection and found the oxygen sensors lying in the cooling fans and the catalytic converter disconnected from the engine block. …”
NHTSA complaint #11195313, filed 2019-04, 5 milesAir bags: “Airbag light started coming on and going off randomly. It began becoming more frequent so I took it to ourisman Chevrolet to get it checked out. I was told that the passenger seat occupancy sensor and airbag module were bad and needed to be replaced, and for $1979 they could repair it, imagine that. I let them know that if I had to put that kind of money in an airbag every 55,000 miles I would be looking at an airbag light for the next 10 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11197110, filed 2019-04, 55,000 milesElectrical system: “On november 17th and 20th of 2018 while at mall parking lot and at drug store as I proceed to leave my car's battery had completely drained it's power. No lights or doors were left on and I had to get aaa to boost me on those two occasions. When I took the car back to the dealer they simply said they could not find anything wrong or locate the problem after keeping the car for a day. I purchased this car new september 2017 and has less than 12,000 miles as of today. What am I suppose to dojust keep going as if no problem exist? …”
NHTSA complaint #11153928, filed 2018-11, 11,319 milesMileage when problems were reported
61% of the 72 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,000 and 63,450 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Impala. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 12.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: 4–5 stars overall; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Chevrolet Impala version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Impala FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impala FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Impala in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,110 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Impala
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 54,000 | 0 | 5 | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 28 | 36,338 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2018 | 59 | 40,400 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 117 | 45,500 | 0 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 111 | 55,461 | 0 | 4–5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 300 | 59,523 | 3 | 4–5 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 638 | 60,000 | 12 | 4–5 | 22 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 272 | 54,000 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 258 | 48,500 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 505 | 60,400 | 2 | — | 23 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 442 | 72,558 | 4 | — | 22 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 824 | 75,468 | 5 | — | 22 | 98 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 810 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 22 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 627 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 524 | 74,900 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 609 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,074 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 82,000 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 795 | 78,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 742 | 80,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 818 | 86,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 88 | 40,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 44 | 135,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 15 | 45,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Chevrolet Impala model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Impala?
Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Impala most often write about air conditioning that stops blowing cold air, which dealers commonly trace to a leaking evaporator core, and about the airbag warning light coming on intermittently, often linked to the passenger seat sensor. The issues reported most often: Airbag warning light on or flashing; A/C evaporator leak — no cold air; Engine stalls or loses power while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Chevrolet Impala have?
NHTSA recorded 117 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Impala as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Chevrolet Impala is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 31 complaints (27% of the total), followed by engine with 21.
Has the 2017 Chevrolet Impala been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Chevrolet Impala do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Chevrolet Impala 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Impala get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Impala (Impala, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Impala reported?
Among the 72 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 45,500 miles and the middle half falls between 24,000 and 63,450 miles; 61% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.