1997 Chevrolet Impala problems
The Chevrolet Impala (/ɪmˈpælə, -ˈpɑːlə/) is a full-size car that was built by Chevrolet for model years 1958 to 1985, 1994 to 1996, and 2000 to 2020. The Impala was Chevrolet's popular flagship passenger car and was among the better-selling American-made automobiles in the United States.
For its debut in 1958, the Impala was distinguished from other models by its symmetrical triple taillights. The Chevrolet Caprice was introduced as a top-line Impala Sport Sedan for model year 1965, later becoming a separate series positioned above the Impala in 1966, which, in turn, remained above the Chevrolet Bel Air and the Chevrolet Biscayne. The Impala continued as Chevrolet's most popular full-sized model through the mid-1980s. Between 1994 and 1996, the Impala was revised as a 5.7-liter V8–powered version of the Chevrolet Caprice Classic sedan.
In 2000, the Impala was reintroduced again as a mainstream front-wheel drive car. In February 2014, the 2014 Impala ranked No. 1 among Affordable Large Cars in U.S. News & World Report's rankings. When the 10th generation of the Impala was introduced for the 2014 model year, the 9th generation was rebadged as the Impala Limited and sold only to fleet customers through 2016. During that time, both versions were sold in the United States and Canada. The 10th-generation Impala was also sold in the Middle East and South Korea.
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Common 1997 Chevrolet Impala problems
The Chevrolet Impala, first introduced in 1958, has been a popular choice among car buyers due to its spacious interior, smooth ride, and dependability. However, like any vehicle, the Impala has had its share of common problems throughout the years. This article will focus on the 1997 model and its reported issues based on complaints from owners.
- Distributor Assembly Failure: The 1997 Impala, along with other model years, has experienced a history of distributor assembly failure. This issue can lead to the engine misfiring or stalling, and replacement costs can range between $461 and $677.
- Shifter Malfunctions: Another common problem in the 1997 Impala is shifter malfunctions, which can result in the key getting stuck in the ignition. This issue is caused by a wire on the solenoid in the shifter that routinely disconnects. The repair cost for this issue typically ranges between $217 and $252 at a certified repair facility or an ASE Certified mechanic.
- Erratic Shifting: The 1997 Impala, like some other model years, may develop erratic shifting in the automatic transmission due to a faulty transmission pressure control solenoid. This solenoid controls when the vehicle is supposed to shift, and when it wears out, shifting issues can occur, even when driving at speed. Replacing this solenoid can cost between $750 and $760.
- Recall: Ignition Switch Issue: In 2014, a recall was issued for certain 1997-2005 Impala models due to a defect that could affect the safe operation of the airbag system. The ignition switch could move out of the run position, turning off the engine, due to the weight on the key ring or road conditions. This issue could lead to the airbags not deploying in a crash. General Motors provided replacement key rings and key covers for all ignition keys, free of charge, to address this issue.
- Recall: Front Brake Caliper Bolts: Certain 1997 Impalas were produced with lower than specified torque on both front brake caliper bolts. This could result in reduced braking or steering control, potentially causing a crash. Dealers were instructed to tighten both bolts to the specified torque to rectify this issue.
When considering purchasing a 1997 Impala, it is essential to be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs. Regular maintenance, as recommended by Chevrolet, can help prevent some of these issues and ensure the vehicle's longevity. Additionally, being informed about manufacturer recalls and addressing them promptly can help maintain the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
What year Impala has transmission problems?
Ninth-generation Impalas have either 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 2007 Chevy Impala transmission is considered the most problematic, but the same issues extend to other years between 2006 and 2013. The most common issues with Chevrolet Impala transmissions are: Failed solenoids.
Is a Chevy Impala a reliable car?
The Chevrolet Impala enjoys good reliability scores. RepairPal gave the model a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 5th out of 12 cars in its segment.
Are Chevy Impalas cheap to fix?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Chevrolet Impala is $568, compared to an average of $590 for fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
How long do Impala transmissions last?
Transmission. Many early 2000s Chevy Impala transmissions are known to fail as they approach 100,000 miles. Drivers have reported heavy jerking and hesitation accompanied with loud noises before their transmission failed completely. Premature wear or leaking fluid lines are often the culprit.
Is a Chevy Impala a reliable car?
The Chevrolet Impala enjoys good reliability scores. RepairPal gave the model a reliability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 5th out of 12 cars in its segment.
What year Impala has transmission problems?
Ninth-generation Impalas have either 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 2007 Chevy Impala transmission is considered the most problematic, but the same issues extend to other years between 2006 and 2013. The most common issues with Chevrolet Impala transmissions are: Failed solenoids.
How long do Chevy Impala engines last?
Based on available data and owner reports, the Chevy Impala can last up to between 160,000 and 200,000 miles. Once again, folks from the Impala forums confirm these numbers. Generally, many users emphasize that the longevity of the Impala largely depends on how well the car is maintained.
Is Chevy Impala a good first car?
Yes. It is a big car - lots of metal for some protection, fairly easy to repair because the engine - drivetrain is really been around a long time, they are reasonable on gas - not great, but not bad - and widely available as used cars.
1997 Chevrolet Impala car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Impala problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Impala vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Chevrolet Impala complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Impala.
SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-07
- VIN: 2G1WB58K279
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA ON 5-25-07 WITH NO MILEAGE. ON 9-10-09 WE HAD A NAIL IN THE TIRE AND TOOK IT TO BE REPAIRED AT A TIRE SHOP AND THEY RECOMMENDED WE INSTALL 4 NEW TIRES B/C THE INSIDE OF ALL 4 TIRES WAS WORN DOWN TO THE CORDS. WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND THE REAR ALIGNMENT TO BE OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS AND PUT ON 4 NEW TIRES AT THEIR EXPENSE. ON 7-14-10 WE TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ROTATION, THE LOWEST TREAD DEPTH WAS RECORDED AT 8/32. ON 9-14-10 THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE LOWEST CAR DEPTH WAS RECORDED AT 6/32. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT THE DRASTIC CHANGE AND TOLD HIM I WAS CONCERNED WE WERE HAVING A REPEAT PROBLEM WITH THE ALIGNMENT AND OUR WARRANTY WAS ABOUT TO GO OUT. THE SVC MANAGER AGREED TO DO A FREE ALIGNMENT AND CHECK FOR THE PROBLEM AGAIN AT MY NEXT OIL CHANGE. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TIRES AND ALIGNMENT ISSUES SUBMITTED ON NHTSA. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE ON THE POLICE CARS AS WELL AND THOSE WERE RECALLED. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Impala problems:
Buying 94-96 SS, Problem Areas to Inspect? | Chevy Impala SS Forum
Jun 18, 2012 ... issues. 1996's use DEX-COOL, which if it wasn't changed, is a disaster area. The odometers are known to break.
2002 Impala reliability and major problems - Chevy Message Forum ...
A somewhat common failure is the planetary gear set in the transmission (link). No major maintenance is necessary until about 100k miles, just ...
FYI 4L60E common problems / failures | Chevy Impala SS Forum
Aug 7, 2009 ... There at least 5 other websites that have posted this unattributed. Before guessing at transmission problems, check the fluid level (car warmed ...
Transmission Shifting | Impala Forums
Mar 27, 2009 ... The problem is common with these tranaxles from 97 to current. They get hot and shift hard, code P1811, it is suppose to be the PCS.
Q&A: 2003 Chevy Impala Idle Air Control Valve & Common Problems
Dec 1, 2021 ... 2003 Chevy Impala 3800 RPMs keeps going up and down up and down new idle air control solenoid new throttle position - Answered by a verified ...
Other years of Chevrolet Impala
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