2014 Chevrolet Impala engine problems
moderate 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 28 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Impala has serious, unresolved engine issues—most notably failing rocker arm oil control valves that GM won't recall or supply parts for, along with catalytic converter failures and sudden stalling in traffic. Parts shortages can leave the vehicle undrivable for months; avoid this model year unless you're prepared for costly, lengthy dealer battles with no guaranteed fix.
Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Impalas report a cluster of engine failures centered on variable valve timing components. The most widespread complaint involves the rocker arm oil control valve (GM part #12633613), which fails and triggers check engine codes P2645 or P2646. Failures occur between 50,000 and 122,000 miles, causing loss of power, hesitation, shaking, and stalling. Dealers consistently cite parts on backorder or discontinued—some owners waited months with no resolution. GM refuses to recall the part despite acknowledging the failures.
Catalytic converter fractures or separation is another recurring problem. Converters break off or fracture, causing loud noise and exhaust fumes in the cabin. One owner experienced repeat failure (first at 81,000 miles, again at 121,000 miles) after dealer replacement, and GM denied warranty coverage.
Engine stalls without warning—sometimes in traffic—with reduced engine power or check engine lights appearing. One owner's engine shut down on a four-lane highway, and another paid $663 for manifold bolt tightening and battery replacement only to have the same failure occur the next day.
Additional issues include exhaust smoke from the engine compartment, thrust bearing wear requiring engine/transmission removal, engine overheating, hard idle on startup with stalling during braking, and one case of 11 variable valve timing actuator replacements on a single vehicle since 2018. Owners consistently report dealers are unable to source parts or provide lasting repairs, and GM has not initiated recalls despite the volume and safety implications of these failures.
Same Chevrolet Impala engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve / Solenoid Failure
Variable valve timing solenoid or rocker arm oil control valve fails, triggering check engine light and loss of power or hesitation during acceleration. Multiple owners report the part (GM #12633613) is unavailable, on backorder for months, or discontinued, leaving vehicles undrivable.
When: Between 50,000–122,000 miles; some failures reported early (5,800 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Loss of power during acceleration; Engine hesitation or stalling; Engine shaking or surging; Stuttering during motion; Lack of acceleration
Codes mentioned: P2645, P2646
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement part GM #12633613 quoted at ~$407 plus labor at dealerships; parts unavailable or on long backorder (weeks to months). Independent mechanics have performed repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges the part fails but refuses recall. Some owners report GM states the part is discontinued and no ETA for availability given. Service bulletin PIP5507B references hesitation/stalling in high ambient temperatures.
Catalytic Converter Fracture or Separation
Catalytic converter fractures, breaks completely off, or separates from the exhaust system, causing loud engine noise, exhaust fumes in cabin, and check engine light. One failure recurred at 121,000 miles after initial replacement at 81,000 miles.
When: 81,000–121,000 miles reported; one incident at undisclosed mileage early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from engine/exhaust; Check engine light; Exhaust fumes entering cabin; Catalytic converter visibly fractured or separated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacement performed in some cases; independent mechanic repair noted. One repeat failure occurred out-of-warranty. Estimated costs not provided by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blamed owner for impact damage or weather; GM responded similarly. NHTSA has open preliminary investigation PIP5419B. No recall or warranty coverage offered after initial failure.
Sudden Engine Stall or Loss of Power
Engine shuts off without warning while driving, sometimes in traffic, with reduced engine power warning and/or check engine light. Vehicle may be difficult to restart or require key-off and key-on cycle. Stalling poses serious safety risk, particularly on highways.
When: 5,800–113,000 miles; one incident at low mileage (54 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts off while driving; Reduced engine power warning light; Check engine light; Difficulty restarting engine; Loss of all engine power
Codes mentioned: B101D, U150F, B1325, U0028, U0140, U0184, U15E1, U2098
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $663 for manifold bolt tightening and battery replacement; failure recurred immediately after. No successful repairs documented in narratives; dealer cited loose manifold bolts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has not formally acknowledged or recalled. Service bulletin PIP5507B addresses hesitation/stalling in high ambient temperatures, suggesting workarounds (higher octane fuel, no idling, covered parking only)—not a real fix.
Engine Overheating and Component Failure
Engine overheats, causing brakes to lock up, catalytic converter failure, and cabin lockout. High beam headlights dimmer than daytime running lights. Dealer unable to determine root cause; vehicle designed that way according to dealer diagnosis.
When: Very early (54 miles) and later in service life
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Brakes locking up; Catalytic converter failure secondary to overheating; Occupants locked in vehicle until engine cools; High beam headlights very dim relative to daytime running lights
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired multiple times but remedies failed; independent repairs unsuccessful. No specific part or cost details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated high beam dimness is design intent. Manufacturer notified; no recall issued.
Engine Misfire and Stalling with Check Engine Light
Engine misfires and vehicle stalls with check engine light or unknown warning illuminated. Rocker arm and control valve solenoid identified as the cause in at least one case, but parts unavailable.
When: 91,000 miles documented; timing for others unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire; Vehicle stalling; Check engine light or warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arm and control valve solenoid replacement needed; parts on backorder preventing repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no recall or remedy offered.
Variable Valve Timing Actuator Repeated Failure
Engine produces abnormal ticking sound traced to failed variable valve timing actuator. One owner reported 11 actuator replacements since 2018 on a 2014 model with 122,000 miles—indicating a systemic defect or misdiagnosis.
When: Recurring failures from 2018 onward; 122,000 miles final reported mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal ticking sound from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Actuator replacement performed at dealer multiple times (11 replacements documented). Costs not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware; no response documented.
Exhaust Smoke and Heat Issues
Smoke emanates from engine compartment, particularly during parking or early in vehicle ownership. Exhaust repair attempted but failure recurs; parts unavailable for full correction.
When: Very early ownership (634 miles) and later
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Recurrent failures after repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust repair performed; parts needed for full repair unavailable. Specific costs not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no recall issued.
Thrust Bearing Wear and Rear Main Seal Leak
Rear main seal leaks oil; inspection reveals thrust bearing pieces in oil pan. Engine and transmission removal required for thrust bearing replacement. Owner reports downshifting surges that nearly overcome brakes.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from rear main seal; Downshifting surge with excessive power delivery; Thrust bearing degradation (pieces found in oil pan)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine and transmission removal required; thrust bearing replacement performed. Owner did not retain or document part costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement documented.
Catalytic Converter Efficiency Below Threshold
Catalytic converter fails efficiency test; system remains below threshold despite multiple part replacements including new catalytic converter, upstream/downstream O2 sensors. Check engine light does not stay off.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light stays on or recurs after brief off-period; Catalytic converter system below threshold bank one
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter, upstream O2 sensor, downstream O2 sensor replaced; owner has limited funds for continued repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement documented.
StabilityTrak and Reduced Engine Power Warning
StabilityTrak light and reduced engine power warning illuminate simultaneously, vehicle cannot accelerate normally in traffic. Restarting engine provides temporary relief, but failure recurs.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: StabilityTrak light illumination; Reduced engine power warning light; Inability to accelerate in traffic; Recurrent failure after restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner contacted OnStar for assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement documented.
Engine Does Not Auto-Shut Off When Forgotten
Push-button engine start allows engine to run indefinitely if driver forgets to press shut-off button. Vehicle left running in parking lot for ~1 hour unattended. Owner expresses concern about carbon monoxide buildup if vehicle left running in closed garage.
When: Not tied to mileage; design defect
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs indefinitely if shut-off button not pressed; No automatic shutoff timer or safety feature
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted; owner requesting manufacturer add 15–20 minute auto-shutoff timer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Hard Idle on Startup and Stalling When Braking
Engine idles hard on cold start and shuts off when brakes are applied. Restarts but stalls again on next brake application.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Hard idle on engine startup; Engine stalling when brakes are pressed; Recurrent stalling after restart
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement documented.
Strange Odor from Engine and Trunk Moisture
Poignant smell detected from engine after turning down A/C while driving; occurs repeatedly. Trunk is wet with rust developing on spare tire and jack from moisture intrusion.
When: Multiple incidents; timing unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual odor from engine area; Water intrusion into trunk; Rust formation on tools/spare tire
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement documented.
Persistent Check Engine Light with No Diagnosed Defect
Check engine light remains illuminated after multiple dealer diagnostic visits (four visits documented in one case) with no defect found. Owner feels unsafe driving vehicle.
When: 50,000 miles and undisclosed mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; No diagnosed defect found despite multiple diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed after four diagnostic visits found no defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no resolution offered.
Engine Clicking Noise from Front End
Clicking noises originate from front of vehicle and grow louder at stops and engine startup. No warning lights illuminated.
When: Mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from front end; Noise increases when parked and engine started
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not contacted.
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 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 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; 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.