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2012 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

204 reports with mileage · 54 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports5 fire reports12 injury reports

Steering complaints

49 reports
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64,000 miles · Apr 26, 2015
Steering

DROVE FROM HOME, TO WORK, MAYBE 3 MILES. ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES ON DASH. SPEED LIMIT IS 35MPH. FOR PART OF THE DRIVE, AND 25MPH THE LAST PART. PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AS USUAL. STILL NO PROBLEM. SLOWED TO PARK. AS I TRIED TO TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT FROM THE MAIN LANE, THE STEERING SUDDENLY B…

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DROVE FROM HOME, TO WORK, MAYBE 3 MILES. ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES ON DASH. SPEED LIMIT IS 35MPH. FOR PART OF THE DRIVE, AND 25MPH THE LAST PART. PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AS USUAL. STILL NO PROBLEM. SLOWED TO PARK. AS I TRIED TO TURN INTO THE PARKING SPOT FROM THE MAIN LANE, THE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. I WAS TURNING RIGHT, AND HAD TO FORCE THE WHEEL. I STOPPED AND CHECKED TO MAKE SURE I HAD NOT STALLED, OR TO SEE IF ANYTHING ELSE WAS WRONG. I TRIED PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK. THEN I TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON. I TRIED REVERSE. NONE OF THOSE THINGS MADE IT ANY BETTER. I INCHED THE CAR INTO THE PARKING SPOT AND CALLED MY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BAIERL CHEVROLET IN WEXFORD, PA. THEY TELL ME IT WILL COST ME AT LEAST $1600 TO FIX.THEIR REPRESENTATIVE DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM AS STEERING, HYDRAULIC, POWER ASSIST, ETC. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS PARTICULAR YEAR AND MODEL HAS HAD RECALLS FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM I SEEM TO HAVE. MOTORTRENDS AND CARCOMPLAINTS.COM HAVE DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM. IT IS NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 11V398000. THE DEALER I USE IS A CERTIFIED GM DEALER. WHY ARE THEY NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY IF IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT? THANK GOD THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT, AND NOT WHILE I WAS OUT ON THE HIGHWAY, OR ANOTHER MEMBER OF MY FAMILY WAS DRIVING. WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE TRAVELING 55MPH OR MORE AND YOUR STEERING JUST QUITS? NOW I HAVE TO RENT A CAR, AS THEY WOULD NOT EVEN OFFER A VEHICLE TO DRIVE OVER THE WEEKEND TO GET TO WORK AND SUCH. ANOTHER EXPENSE I DID NOT NEED. I AM NOT SURE I WANT TO HAVE THIS CAR FIXED, BUT I DO NEED A CAR TO DRIVE. DON'T TRUST THAT IT WILL BE SAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10712985

18,120 miles · Jan 11, 2015
EnginePower TrainSteering

ACCELERATOR RESPONSE TIME TAKES TOO LONG TO RE-ACCELERATE . AFTER LETTING OFF GAS THEN RE-APPLYING PEDAL WHILE DRIVING, RESPONSE TIME SHOULD BE 800 MILI SECONDS FOR AN ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR BUT , IT IS WAY LONGER AND MAKES CAR BACKFIRE AT TIMES IF I HOLD PEDAL AFTER THE LAG IN RESPONSE . THIS CAUSES CAR TO LUNGE AND COULD CAU…

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ACCELERATOR RESPONSE TIME TAKES TOO LONG TO RE-ACCELERATE . AFTER LETTING OFF GAS THEN RE-APPLYING PEDAL WHILE DRIVING, RESPONSE TIME SHOULD BE 800 MILI SECONDS FOR AN ELECTRONIC ACCELERATOR BUT , IT IS WAY LONGER AND MAKES CAR BACKFIRE AT TIMES IF I HOLD PEDAL AFTER THE LAG IN RESPONSE . THIS CAUSES CAR TO LUNGE AND COULD CAUSE ME TO GET REAR ENDED OR DAMAGE ENGINE. SECOND, RUBBING GRINDING NOISE (NOT LOUD) FROM RIGHT FRONT AND MORE NOTICEABLE WHILE TRAVELING AT 35-40 MPH AROUND A LEFT BEND IN ROAD OR BY MOVING STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT ABOUT AN INCH WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT DOWN ROAD. DEALER CLAIMED NO PROBLEM FOUND ON EITHER ISSUE , ALTHOUGH THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE REPLACED A STRUT BEARING ON RIGHT FRONT. THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A PREVIOUS ISSUE JUDGING BY THE WORN TIRE BEFORE I PURCHASED CAR. I FIGURED IT WAS AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM THAT MAY HAVE BEEN FIXED BECAUSE CAR DIDN'T PULL TO ONE SIDE AND DROVE STRAIGHT , BUT APPARENTLY THERE IS STILL AN ISSUE AND NOISE IS SLOWLY GETTING MORE NOTICEABLE UNLESS I'M JUST TUNED INTO IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671647

20,000 miles · Dec 31, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING T 25 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING T 25 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #10669276

40,000 miles · Sep 23, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE REVERSING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE RESTARTED IN ORDER FOR THE STEERING WHEEL TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE REVERSING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE RESTARTED IN ORDER FOR THE STEERING WHEEL TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONTACT, WHO WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10638426

58,000 miles · Sep 19, 2014
SteeringCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WAS THE ONLY KEY IN THE IGNITION AREA AND NO ADDITIONAL KEYS OR WEIGHT WERE ADDED. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BECAME …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WAS THE ONLY KEY IN THE IGNITION AREA AND NO ADDITIONAL KEYS OR WEIGHT WERE ADDED. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BECAME DISABLED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE GUARD RAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING AND EXTENSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10637560

88,000 miles · Aug 19, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #10626467

21,927 miles · Aug 8, 2014
Power TrainSteering

REPLACED FRONT WHEEL DRIVE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND RIGHT SIDE TRANSAXLE SEAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621022

40,000 miles · Aug 1, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULTY TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING LINE WAS LOOSE AND WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME OF THE VEHIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULTY TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING LINE WAS LOOSE AND WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 09/05/14*LJ UPDATED 12/3/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10618223

30,000 miles · Jul 25, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MATERIAL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SEVERELY ROTTED AND SEPARATED FROM THE METAL INTERIOR OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MATERIAL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SEVERELY ROTTED AND SEPARATED FROM THE METAL INTERIOR OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ UPDATED 01/13/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10616358

49,341 miles · Jul 3, 2014
Steering

TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,341.

NHTSA ODI #10608057

Official recalls

3

14V355000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jun 23, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

12V377000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Aug 3, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

11V398000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Aug 5, 2011

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE UPPER POWER STEERING HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED SO THAT IT CAN COME IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AND/OR CONTACT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WITH THE ENGINE ON, HEAT FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MAY MELT THE POWER STEERING HOSE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THAT THE UPPER POWER STEERING HOSE IS ROUTED CORRECTLY AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.