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Chevrolet Impala fuel smell problems

45 of the 10,418 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Impala describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
45
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
80,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2017
    3
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    2
  • 2012
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    16
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    5
  • 2002
    5
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    3

What owners say

Filed May 16, 2024 · Engine · 136,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while the vehicle was started, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the engine. Additionally, there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the contact who became aware of a gasoline leak coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the pressure pump needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2022 · Engine · NC

2017 Chevy Impala 3.6L engine exhaust leak at the exhaust manifold / turbo charger. Resulting in exhaust fumes leaking driver/passenger area could cause fire and or damage to engine. Checking on the customer review and complaints page on the internet I have a lot of other complaints even to the point one persons wife developed lung cancer possible related to inhaling the exhaust according to her doctor. Who knows but I had a hard time getting my car to pass NC inspection because of the lake, please advise. As I am hard of hearing and didn't know I had this problem until the local NC Inspection station pointed it out all I knew was I could smell it or something. PS the email is that of my local mechanic, as I don't have one or how to even turn a computer on.

Filed Sep 22, 2022 · VA

The exhaust manifold cracked, took to shop to see if can weld and was told it is connected to the Cadillac converter. This was putting MAJOY exhaust fumes into car. making myself and children sick. at the shop they said this is VERY COMMON and he is not sure WHY no recall has been placed on this and why they wont fix. In the process of saving to get this fix the car rode rough, stalled, exhaust fumes and sensor's went. I replaced and I am now HAVING this issue AGAIN. Chevrolet needs to get this fixed and a recall should be done. Had this car just for a year and I SWEAR once warrenty went EVERYTHING this

Filed May 14, 2021 · Engine · TX · 1 injury

The contact's wife owns a 2017 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she would smell an abnormal, exhaust odor inside the vehicle's cabin without warning. The contact then stated that while driving at 50 MPH, he had heard a loud noise emit from the engine without warning. The contact then pulled off to the shoulder and upon inspection of the hood, the contact discovered the catalytic converter had broken off the engine. The contact was able to slowly drive the vehicle home and then called el dorado chevrolet(2300 n central expy, mckinney, tx 75070) where he was informed him that there were zero recalls on the vehicle; the contact was informed to bring in the vehicle for inspection. Upon investigation, the contact discovered a technical service bulletin the federal safety agency id number:10116660 which he linked to his failure. Recently, the contact's wife was diagnosed with lung cancer and the contact had linked the prolonged exposure to the exhaust odor as the possible cause of the diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 7, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 79,000 miles · CA

My car has been stalling on occasional incidents for the past 3 years, I have brought it up to my chevrolet dealer and they say nothing is wrong, but on friday january 17, 2020 I was driving down the fwy at 65 miles an hour and my cars speed gauge dropped to 1 and my speed began to decrease, I had to act quickly, as I was on the fast lane, I stepped harder on the gas and after like 5 sec. My speed and gauge began to increase. I also had an incident with my car on feb. 21, 2020 as I going to park at my college, I began to turn left and my cars engine completely turned off, my car lights and radio were on the battery voltage was at 14.9, but my car no longer wanted to start. I tried numerous times to turn it on after the 8th time I gave up because I got the smell of gas, my car had 3/4 of gas so I new that was not the issue. I had to call triple a to get my car towed and I was I formed that my car turned on with no issue when they delivered it home. This past few weeks my car has been stalling but not to that degree, I will be taking it back to my dealer to see if the can find anything, but I'm very worried with these issues.

Filed Feb 3, 2020 · Fuel system · 123,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The instrument cluster showed low levels of oil and power steering fluids. A dealer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.

Filed Jan 22, 2020 · Engine · 121,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that at 81,000 miles, the catalytic converter fractured and was replaced at patriot chevrolet buick gmc dealer, (4401 fort campbell blvd, hopkinsville, ky 42240, (270) 886-1207) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving there was a loud noised coming from the motor and exhaust fumes entered into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband noticed the catalytic converter was fractured. The same dealer was contacted and the vehicle was taken to the same dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was then referred to a gmc dealer for a diagnostic test. A case was filed by the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken the an independent mechanic and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Fuel system, Steering · 37,000 miles · PA

While driving home from work power steering lost power on bridge & could barely turn wheel had the vehicle towed to dealer when I was informed it was also leaking gas fumes

Filed Aug 15, 2016 · Fuel system · 140,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle after it was started without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v090000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2016 · Engine · 158,000 miles · TX · fire

While driving on highway got a faint fuel smell (not seen in past). Shortly another motorist flagged me and said he saw flames under the car. I pulled over and evacuated vehicle. Smoke and flames came from engine. The vehicle has been maintained no recent engine work. Car had been running fine with no problems.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported October 31, 2006 · 1,602 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles, the fuel tank is missing the adhesive layer that bonds the barrier layer to the outer shell of the fuel tank.
Risk
With this condition, fuel and/or fuel vapors could seep out between the layers, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the serial number on the fuel tank and replace the fuel tank if necessary. The recall began on november 13, 2006. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.

Recall number 06V419000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported February 24, 2004 · 910,873 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire.
Risk
The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.

Recall number 04V090000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 24, 2001 · 126,745 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a 3.4l engine and non-antilock braking system (ABS). These vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." a fuel return line can become severed in a frontal collision, resulting in fuel spillage.
Risk
If an ignition source was present, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a brake master cylinder bracket that will maintain positioning of the fuel line in a frontal crash. Owner notification began june 29, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020.

Recall number 01V136000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Impala fuel smell

Which Chevrolet Impala years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (16 complaints), 2002 (5 complaints) and 2003 (5 complaints).

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