AI Damage2017 Chevrolet Impala: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Impala filed 117 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and air bags. The maker issued 759 service bulletins for this year. We found 1 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 117
- involving a crash
- 4
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 759
- YouTube repair videos
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 18% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 15% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 13% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 9% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 3% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 3% of all complaints
- Engine: 21 complaints (18% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 78.
- Air bags: 17 complaints (15% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Electrical system: 15 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 148.
- Powertrain: 12 complaints (10% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 55.
- Steering: 11 complaints (9% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 15.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 3.6 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 3 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 117 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 21 | 1 | 78 |
| Air bags | 17 | 3 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 0 | 148 |
| Powertrain | 12 | 1 | 55 |
| Steering | 11 | 0 | 15 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 0 | 11 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 | 18 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 | 41 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 20 |
| Seats | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 16 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 31 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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, [ZIP], [phone]) where the battery was replaced, but the failure recurred.
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…
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 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 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 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.
Unknown the check engine light comes on supposedly is the active shutter on the front is malfunctioning
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 512 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Impala has 66 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 117, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have…
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 vibration conditions…
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle…
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police…
This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have…
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may…
NHTSA lists 759 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Impala?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, air bags, electrical system. Total complaints: 117. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (18%), A/C or heater (14%), airbag warning light (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA lists 759 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Chevrolet Impala from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.