What 116 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Impala

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 ODI 11742870

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 ODI 11730036

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

NHTSA ODI 11727869

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 ODI 11722274

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 ODI 11694490

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 ODI 11675052

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 ODI 11664482

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 ODI 11659982

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 ODI 11647855

Catalytic converter cracked and is a huge problem with these cars

NHTSA ODI 11642382

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 ODI 11614923

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 ODI 11597444

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 ODI 11592361

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

NHTSA ODI 11579427

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 ODI 11574902

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11556383

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 ODI 11553159

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 ODI 11548849

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 ODI 11544426

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 ODI 11539805

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 ODI 11537742

Radio isn’t giving out any sound. But it’s on.

NHTSA ODI 11532569

Evaporator Core failed. My safety isn't at risk although I get very hot riding in the car without AC. It was confirmed by a dealer. It has not been inspected by police or anyone else other than a dealer. No warning lamps or messages. My 2017 Chevrolet Impala has been without Air Conditioning since approximately June 2020. I took it to a local Chevrolet dealer and they diagnosed it stating the Evaporator core had failed. After doing research online, I found a Special Coverage Adjustment N182186881 on nhtsa.gov stating that on some 2016-2018 model-year cars, the evaporator core may become damaged and the customer is eligible for it to be replaced at no charge. I never received this paper in the mail saying mine was affected but mine was affected. Due to me having no copy of this, no dealer will fix it free of charge. I am not just looking for a free repair, I am looking for it to be repaired for free specifically due to the fact it has been affected. There is less than 72,000 miles on my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11529663

Pourous plastic fuel line located on top of gasoline tank is leaking slowly...confirmed by independent (Kaerchar Automotive..699 Castle Shannon Blvd 15234)(412-563-2827) official PA inspection station. Pourous plastic fuel line line to tank leaking fuel onto gasoline tank which is leaking down over tank towards whatever is located beneath

NHTSA ODI 11522239

Water leaking in trunk through the gaskets by brakes lights shorts out brakes lights and stops them from working as well as builds a poodle. where the spare tire is and rust the bottom .

NHTSA ODI 11515954