2017 Chevrolet Impala Safety Report

The 2017 Chevrolet Impala presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a respectable 4-star rollover rating, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 113 total complaints, including 4 crashes and 9 injuries, there are notable issues that impact occupant safety and vehicle reliability. A significant concern is the 14 complaints related to AIR BAGS, with one specific complaint detailing a crash where no airbags deployed, despite a significant impact. This directly contradicts the high crash test ratings and suggests a potential real-world safety flaw. Common complaint patterns extend beyond airbags. The ENGINE component accounts for 15 complaints, with issues like catalytic converter failures and loss of forward momentum being reported. STEERING (8 complaints) is another area of concern, with multiple reports of power steering assist failure, which can severely impact vehicle control. POWER TRAIN (8 complaints) issues, including transmission failures and jerking, also pose a safety risk, as evidenced by a complaint where the car stalled out in the middle of the road. The 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category, with 25 complaints, suggests a range of miscellaneous but potentially serious problems not easily categorized. Despite these complaint patterns, the 2017 Chevrolet Impala has a clean recall history, with zero recalls issued by NHTSA. This absence of manufacturer-initiated safety campaigns is notable, especially given the recurring nature of some reported problems like catalytic converter issues and power steering failures. The high NHTSA crash test scores indicate strong passive safety in controlled environments, but the active safety and long-term reliability, particularly concerning critical components like airbags, steering, and powertrain, are undermined by the consistent complaint data. The vehicle's fuel economy is standard for its class at 22/30/25 mpg (city/hwy/combined) for the 2.5L engine.

Our recommendation: While the 2017 Chevrolet Impala boasts strong crash test scores, potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues with airbags, power steering, catalytic converters, and transmissions, which are not covered by recalls. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these components is highly recommended.