5weeks ago I took my car in for a heating problem the dealers service dept. Put a gallon of antifreeze in charged me 67.00 and said it was fixed one week later same problem took it in they had it for 6hours said it was fixed a week later same problem again they said it was fixed a week goes by same problem , and so on it goes ,this will be my fifth trip for same problem ,has there been other…
2007 Chevrolet Impala engine problems
moderate 53 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 53 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 53 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 13 model years of Chevrolet Impala in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2007 Impala may develop serious intermittent "Reduced Engine Power" warnings that cut acceleration and occasionally stall—even after multiple dealer repair attempts—plus excessive oil burning and random stalls that dealers can't diagnose. Budget for repeated diagnostic visits and expect potential engine or transmission problems before 100,000 miles.
The 2007 Impala engine complaints fall into a cluster of recurrent issues that dealers struggle to diagnose or fix. The most common and dangerous is the "Reduced Engine Power" / "Service Traction Control" warning that appears intermittently—sometimes after a few minutes of driving, sometimes after sitting for hours. When it happens, the car limps along at severely reduced speed (often 10–25 mph), shakes, and occasionally stalls outright. Several owners reported near-miss highway incidents. The warning persists even after dealers replace throttle bodies, sensors, and other components; some shops tell owners the fault cannot be replicated or fixed.
Oil consumption is another widespread problem. Owners report burning 2–3 quarts between 3,000-mile oil changes despite no visible leaks. Dealers have replaced sensors and inspected for leaks without success.
Stalling without warning—sometimes at idle, sometimes at speed—occurs across multiple examples, with causes ranging from bad crank bearings to failed head gaskets to cam shaft sensor problems. One vehicle caught fire while parked. Other issues include intake manifold gasket failure, coolant crossover gasket leaks, erratic idle and throttle response, and a skunk-like odor (GM issued TSB 08-08-110-019 but won't cover out-of-warranty repairs). Transmission slip on acceleration and muffler corrosion also appear in the complaints.
Same Chevrolet Impala engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Reduced Engine Power / Service Traction Control Warning
Engine power involuntarily cuts or severely limits, typically triggered by a dash warning for 'Reduced Engine Power' and/or 'Service Traction Control.' Vehicle limps at 10–25 mph, shakes, and may stall. Occurs intermittently; sometimes persists for a mile or two after startup, then clears. Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose when vehicle is in shop. Some owners report multiple failed repair attempts (throttle body replacement, throttle sensor replacement, gas pedal replacement).
When: Typically 30,000–138,000 miles; first instances reported within 2–3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning on dash; Service traction control warning on dash; Check engine light; Vehicle speed limited to 10–25 mph; Engine shaking or jerking; Engine stalls or shuts off; Vehicle unable to accelerate or maneuver; Loss of power steering when stall occurs; Cruise control disables
Codes mentioned: Throttle body fault (owner-reported), Throttle sensor fault (owner-reported), Check engine code (specific codes not provided in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report throttle body replacements, throttle sensor replacements, gas pedal replacements, and fuel injector work; problem often recurs within days or weeks. Multiple dealership visits have been unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service told owners no recall exists for this issue. One complaint indicates an open case with GM. Most owners report dealers unable to diagnose when vehicle is present.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns 2–3 quarts of oil between 3,000-mile oil changes despite no visible external leaks. Oil level warning light illuminates mid-interval. Owners have taken vehicles to dealers multiple times; shops have checked for leaks, replaced suspected sensors (e.g. PCV), and drained/refilled coolant; all with no resolution. One owner concerned engine will seize.
When: 25,000–83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level warning light illuminates between oil changes; Low oil level when checked; No visible leaks detected by mechanics; Engine ticking noise (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced suspected sensors and checked for leaks but cannot find cause. No successful repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner mentions 10-year/100,000-mile warranty coverage for this issue; dealership monitoring oil consumption every 1,000 miles but not concerned.
Stalling Without Warning
Engine suddenly stalls during acceleration, braking, or idle—sometimes at low speed (15–30 mph), sometimes on highway (50–65 mph). Vehicle may not restart immediately or may require 15+ minutes before restarting. Occurs multiple times on some vehicles. Causes vary: crank bearing seizure, blown head gasket, cam shaft sensor failure, body control module failure, ignition switch failure. Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate.
When: 55,000–138,000 miles; one case at 12,500 miles with ignition issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; No restart or delayed restart (15+ minutes); Check engine light may illuminate; Service traction control light (some cases); Air bag warning light (one case after electrical recall service); Loss of power steering when stall occurs
Codes mentioned: Body control module fault (dealer-diagnosed), Cam shaft sensor fault (mechanic-diagnosed), Crank bearing seized (mechanic-diagnosed), Head gasket failure (mechanic-diagnosed), Ignition switch failure (dealer-diagnosed)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs mentioned include ignition switch replacement ($0 cost not specified), body control module replacement (attempted but not completed), cam shaft sensor replacement (temporary fix); head gasket and crank bearing repairs not completed by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer told owner stalling occurred after recall service (electrical system, NHTSA 14V355000). No other manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Check Engine Light and Persistent Fault Codes
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly, often alongside reduced engine power warning. Owners have returned to dealers multiple times; light goes off temporarily then reappears. One case involved emissions solenoid corrosion; another involved stuck carbon or water in solenoid.
When: School years (Virginia then New York move); another case 66,000–73,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Reduced engine power warning; Engine will not accelerate above 25 mph (one case); Corrosion visible on emissions solenoid (one case)
Codes mentioned: Emissions solenoid fault (one owner-reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repairs (Virginia and New York) were temporary; light returned within days to weeks. Emissions solenoid cleaned/repaired at one dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Virginia and New York GM dealers attempted repairs; no lasting fix provided.
Erratic Throttle Response
Accelerator pedal does not respond linearly; RPMs climb when pedal is released, or RPM remains elevated after releasing pedal. Vehicle continues to accelerate for a few seconds after pedal release before returning to idle. Occurs occasionally; behavior described as unpredictable.
When: 12,500–14,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: RPM increases when accelerator pedal is released; RPM remains elevated after pedal release; Vehicle continues to accelerate briefly after releasing pedal; Delayed return to idle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was unable to determine cause or provide solution; vehicle not repaired.
Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
Intake manifold gasket fails, causing coolant and oil leaks and smoke under hood. Vehicle leaks coolant and oil; warning light illuminates.
When: 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under hood; Engine warning light illuminates; Coolant leaks; Oil leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; informed owner VIN not included in any recalls.
Transmission Slip on Acceleration
Transmission slips when accelerating from a stop at an intersection; engine revs for 1–2 seconds before engagement. Occurs intermittently—approximately once every two days. Dealer has serviced vehicle twice but cannot replicate problem in shop.
When: 45,000–50,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs without immediate transmission engagement; Delay in power transfer to wheels; Vehicle jerks during idle or acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose or repair; problem does not occur during dealer test drive.
Skunk-Like Odor in Cabin
Strong skunk-like odor emits from vehicle interior, particularly when outside temperature warms up. Odor is severe enough to cause headaches and nausea; vehicle must be stopped and aired out. GM issued TSB 08-08-110-019 attributing odor to incorrect parts (rubber brake booster boot and instrument panel insulator pad) installed between January 1, 2007 and March 1, 2007.
When: Occurs as vehicle ages and temperature increases; complaint filed at ~129,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong skunk-like smell from interior; Severe headaches; Nausea; Smell worsens in warm weather
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued TSB 08-08-110-019 but will not repair vehicles out of warranty. TSB identifies incorrect rubber brake booster boot and instrument panel insulator pad as cause.
Coolant Crossover Gasket Leaks
Coolant crossover gaskets leak coolant, causing heater to malfunction (no heat output when sitting, very slow leak observed). Owner has replaced gaskets at least twice; leaks recur.
When: Not explicitly stated; pattern suggests recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leak from gasket seam; Heater does not blow hot air when vehicle is parked; Slow coolant leak; Antifreeze smell (one related complaint)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement gaskets: part numbers 12623852 and 12577704. Owner has replaced gaskets multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges issue in bulletin 07-06-02-006E.
Muffler Corrosion and Failure
Muffler develops corrosion or cracks (seam splits), producing loud exhaust noise. Failures occur relatively early in vehicle life (48,000–69,000 miles). Cause attributed to road salt. Dealer quoted $1,152 for replacement; independent shop quoted $160.
When: 48,000–69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud exhaust noise; Visible crack on top of muffler; Seam split in muffler
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $1,152; independent shop quoted $160 for muffler replacement.
Battery and Electrical Corrosion
Battery cable corroded; battery fails prematurely. Two mechanics inspected vehicle and stated failure was not caused by normal wear and tear.
When: 66,000–73,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery corrosion; Premature battery failure
Repairs/costs cited: Battery cable repaired/replaced.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 53 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 56,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 79,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chevrolet/Impala.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.