2007 Chevrolet Impala: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · 105,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving and turning into a shopping center, there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence and inspected by an independent mechanic, who discovered that the spark plugs were bent, and that the engine had seized. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2016 · Engine · IL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 chevrolet impala. While the vehicle was parked with the engine running, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jun 26, 2015 · Electrical · 67,000 miles · OK · fire · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2007 chevrolet impala. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled, began to smoke, and caught fire. The contact sustained smoke inhalation that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

Filed Mar 8, 2015 · Electrical, Visibility · 99,850 miles · CO · fire

The rear window defogger failed to operate and a burning smell was detected by passengers. It was discovered that an electrical connector that routes the power to the rear window defogger has a defective design and overheats and burns due to improperly sized connector pins in wiring harness connector located near the passenger kick panel. The problem is also documented in a number of sites on the internet including youtube where a video of the exact failure was found to be the identical failure as in our impala. This is the website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfwbdzjqaru I have photographs of the failed/burned connector in my car but I don't see where I can submit them. Judging by the design problem, this same problem would be found in every impala using this connector since the electrical contacts are not sized properly to carry the high current to the defogger. This is a definite fire hazard and the cars should be recalled for the failure - I contacted chevrolet and they would not acknowledge the defect/problem.

Filed Feb 16, 2015 · Airbags, Electrical · 152,000 miles · OH · fire

At about 35 MPH after driving the car at 70mph for half an hour, the passenger side fuse box burst into flames.

Filed May 18, 2012 · Driver assistance, Engine · 9,100 miles · IL

My impala's service traction control and engine power reduced lights came on 05/07/12 and I loss power to my car. I took my car in to a chevy dealership to have it serviced, I was told after they diagnosed it that I needed a new throttle body so I had it replaced for the cost of $647.00 1 week later I was driving home and my car loss power and shutdown completely luckily I wasn't in heavy traffic and was able to pull over to the side of the road. I tried to restart it and white smoke came from the tailpipe so I had it towed back to the same dealership they told me after looking @ it that now I needed a new engine which would cost me $6200 I didn't get any lights on the dashboard or any other indication that I was having engine trouble and they cant tell me why it happened. I have my car serviced like clockwork @ the dealership spending good money for supposedly good quality service instead of some rinky dink garage but I guess that didn't matter. This happened just after warranty expired, I have 9100 miles and 3 car payments left.

Filed May 10, 2011 · 41,988 miles · AZ

A/c failure to a 2007 impala lt chevrolet sedan. Smoke coming from the engine compartment LED to discovery of broken serpentine belt. A/c compressor had seized making vehicle impossible to drive. All control of vehicle happened as pulling into parking space. Tow to repair station where complete A/C was replaced. Mileage at 41,988.

Filed Apr 8, 2007 · Fuel system · 3,751 miles · NY · fire

Driving on highway check engine light came on reduced power light came on, few seconds later engine stalled. Pulled to side of road, called on star svc advisor performed onboard diagnostic test, results indicated failure in throttle system/traction control system. Advisor attempted field repair cycling ignition switch 3 times and I attempted to start engine. It would not start. Burning smell coming from vehicle, opened hood- air box smoking. Informed on star I am disconnecting battery. On star advisor call on my cell phone, and told me tow truck was coming. While awaiting tow truck smoke became more intense from air filter. Opened the air box and found mass air flow center burning. Removed air filter and discounted duct work to prevent fire from spreading. Vehicle was towed to local dealership. Service dept. Was closed and salesman open shop to allow car to be stored inside. Exchanged phone numbers. Received call 4/2/07 and was advised foreign object (possibly a cigarette) was ingested into filter which caused fire. At the suggestion of the service manager I contacted my insurance agent since I was told this was not a warranty issue. After inspection by my insurance co. Who consulted with a fire investigation/adjuster, in his expert opinion, the fire began at the mass air flow sensor and worked it's way out. The investigator feels it is impossible for a cigarette to be thrown from a moving vehicle, remain lit, and works it's way up a 2.5" opening inside a fender of a moving car. Photos and documentation are available incident a full report from the insurance company. After numerous calls to gm, they refused to cover any repairs or consider this may be a defect in their product. My insurance company refused to reimburse me as they feel this was a repair incurred by a defect in the vehicle.