← New search

2012 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

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

About this comparison →

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

Wheels complaints

19 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2024
Electrical SystemStructureWheels

The actuators in the air vents are faulty and I've had to have them repla ed multiple times now. They still continue to make clicking noise sounds and blow cold air in winter/hot air in summer. The trunk deck lid paint is bad. The clear coat has been coming off. Paint all over the car's clear coat has been coming off. There is a…

Read full complaint

The actuators in the air vents are faulty and I've had to have them repla ed multiple times now. They still continue to make clicking noise sounds and blow cold air in winter/hot air in summer. The trunk deck lid paint is bad. The clear coat has been coming off. Paint all over the car's clear coat has been coming off. There is also some spots where it's down to the metal showing rust/corrosion. Finally, and most seriously, is the car's Traction Control System. It goes off constantly and without warning! It's been doing this randomly, in all types of weather conditions, for some time now. It goes off under normal driving conditions. I barely pull out of a parking space, or make a slow turn, or pull out of a parking lot at a very slow speed and it just goes off. The really dangerous part is that it stalls the car almost to a complete stop, when I've been making a turn well before oncoming traffic, and it stalls almost causing an accident on several occasions now. Most of the incidents are on sunny days where there's no inclement weather! This system is not safe and is unreliable. I've checked many public forums, like Reddit, and there are many other Chevy Impala owners who complain of the same exact problem. Yet Chevy has issued No recalls!? The only recall I've seen close to this is for 2011 year models. Although my car is a 2012, 2011 parts likely were used. If the recall affects 2011 Impalas, then any model that used 2011 parts should be included in this recall. I cannot trust the safety of my car's Traction Control System anymore as it comes on without warning, under no circumstances where it would need to come on. People are in danger with this defect! The car cosmetically, specifically the paint job and the flimsy actuators, are also defective. I've always taken excellent care of my vehicle, regularly having maintenance done at my local Chevy Dealership. Another defect that Chevy had to fix was my fuel pump that went out for no reason! I have receipt for this.

NHTSA ODI #11568249

Mileage unknown · Dec 24, 2021
Wheels

The front wheel hub assembly fails after numerous replacements. The after-market parts do not resolve the problem. Thw assembly girnds and hesitates on right turns during acceleration. This causes hesitation and an unsafe manner when making turns, suddenly, or moving away from emergency vehicles. This is a flaw in the manufac…

Read full complaint

The front wheel hub assembly fails after numerous replacements. The after-market parts do not resolve the problem. Thw assembly girnds and hesitates on right turns during acceleration. This causes hesitation and an unsafe manner when making turns, suddenly, or moving away from emergency vehicles. This is a flaw in the manufacturer with the wheel hub that must be addressed. Thousands of dollars in repairs. Safety is at risk when the vehicle hesitates on turns with oncoming traffic. The Dealer has inspected the part and several auto mechanics. The constant warning light in every case is the 'traction control' orange icon blinks when wheel grinds and hesitates. This will cause wear and tear to the sensor causing the ABS LIGHT, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK. Service documents attached from 3 mechanics and 5 warranty replacements in 2 years.

NHTSA ODI #11444926

162,500 miles · Mar 12, 2021
EngineStructureWheels

MY CAR'S ENGINE ALWAYS FEELS LIKE IT'S DRAGGING IN THE FRONT AND SOUNDS REALLY REALLY BAD LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO EXPLODE OR SOMETHING IT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE AND TICKING SOUND AS WELL WHEN I'M DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #11402608

90,000 miles · Sep 24, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringWheels

THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY IS CONTINUOUSLY DEFECTING. INHAVE REPLACED BOTH SIDES A MINIMUM OF 6 TIMES SINCE 2013. THE STEERING GOES OUT, THE BRAKES GRIND THE TRACTION CONTROL INITIATES AND IN SEVERE TIMES I LOOSE ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. THIS IS IN MOTION. FROM COMPLETE STOP TO MOTION, WHILE IN REVERSE AND WHILE TURNING IN IETHER DIRE…

Read full complaint

THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY IS CONTINUOUSLY DEFECTING. INHAVE REPLACED BOTH SIDES A MINIMUM OF 6 TIMES SINCE 2013. THE STEERING GOES OUT, THE BRAKES GRIND THE TRACTION CONTROL INITIATES AND IN SEVERE TIMES I LOOSE ALL POWER TO VEHICLE. THIS IS IN MOTION. FROM COMPLETE STOP TO MOTION, WHILE IN REVERSE AND WHILE TURNING IN IETHER DIRECTION.

NHTSA ODI #11257859

111,051 miles · Sep 16, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheels

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS! IVE REPORTED SOME OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES THAT PUT ME IN DANGER BUT NOT ALL AND THEY STILL HAVE YET TO STOP HAPPENING. IVE SPENT OVER 10K REPAIRING AND REPLACING STEERING, SUSPENSION DRIVE TRAIN/ DRIVE AXLE AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS. BUT NOTHING HAS HELPED. AS OF LATE I KEEP GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLA…

Read full complaint

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS! IVE REPORTED SOME OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES THAT PUT ME IN DANGER BUT NOT ALL AND THEY STILL HAVE YET TO STOP HAPPENING. IVE SPENT OVER 10K REPAIRING AND REPLACING STEERING, SUSPENSION DRIVE TRAIN/ DRIVE AXLE AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS. BUT NOTHING HAS HELPED. AS OF LATE I KEEP GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACED 2 TIE RODS STRUTS CONTROL ARMS AND WHEEL HUB AND BEARINGS ONLY TO HAVE MY TIRES WEAR DOWN UNEVENLY AND QUICKLY IN 2 WEEKS. I PURCHASED THE TIRES BRAND NEW 6 MONTHS AGO. WITH A NEW WHEELS AND FRONT OUTTER TIE RODS AS WELL (WHICH I AGAIN REPLACED 2 WEEKS AGO). ALSO REPLACED IN 2019; FRONT AND BACK BRAKE ASSEMBLY (SHOES, PADS, ROTORS) FRONT AND BACK (BOTH SIDES) CONTROL ARMS, LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY. NEW CV AXLE AND FRONT HUB BEARINGS FULL ASSEMBLY LEFT AND RIGHT (2 WEEKS AGO)ADDITIONAL LEFT FRONT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY (2 WEEKS AGO). THIS LIST IS JUST OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD BECAUSE THERE ARE MORE REPAIRS; TOO MANY. YET, THE CAR KEEPS LOOSING STEERING AND FALLING APART QUICKER EVERY DAY. PLUS, THE INSPECTION EXPIRES NEXT MONTH AND IT DID NOT PASS DUE TO EMMISSIONS SYSTEM ISSUES. IT IS A 2012 & SHOULD NOT BE PROBLEMATIC YET. I ONLY KEEP REPAIRING IT BECAUSE I AM STILL FINANCING SINCE BEING RIPPED OFF BY DEALERSHIP AT 23% APR ON TOP OF OVERCHARGED 2XS BLUE BOOK. WHICH HAS ME FAR TOO UPSIDE DOWN TO TRADE IN OR EVEN SELL PRIVATELY. I WOULDN'T SELL IT TO MY WORSE ENEMY ANYWAY. CHEVROLET SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THEIR FAILURE. HARD WORKING PEOPLE PUT TRUST IN MANUFACTURERS AND DEPEND ON THEIR CARS. I MAY LOSE EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF MINE BUT NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT AND LEGAL COUNSEL. MY NEXT STEP IS TO CONTACT A CLASS ACTION LAW FIRM TO PROCURE COUNSEL FOR THESE MATTERS. GMC, THE NHTSA, AND AUTO REPAIR BUSINESSES (IE. FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE) WILL BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE ISSUE AS WELL. THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI #11255678

111,051 miles · Sep 16, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrash

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS! IVE REPORTED SOME OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES THAT PUT ME IN DANGER BUT NOT ALL AND THEY STILL HAVE YET TO STOP HAPPENING. IVE SPENT OVER 10K REPAIRING AND REPLACING STEERING, SUSPENSION DRIVE TRAIN/ DRIVE AXLE AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS. BUT NOTHING HAS HELPED. AS OF LATE I KEEP GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLA…

Read full complaint

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS! IVE REPORTED SOME OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES THAT PUT ME IN DANGER BUT NOT ALL AND THEY STILL HAVE YET TO STOP HAPPENING. IVE SPENT OVER 10K REPAIRING AND REPLACING STEERING, SUSPENSION DRIVE TRAIN/ DRIVE AXLE AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS. BUT NOTHING HAS HELPED. AS OF LATE I KEEP GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACED 2 TIE RODS STRUTS CONTROL ARMS AND WHEEL HUB AND BEARINGS ONLY TO HAVE MY TIRES WEAR DOWN UNEVENLY AND QUICKLY IN 2 WEEKS. I PURCHASED THE TIRES BRAND NEW 6 MONTHS AGO. WITH A NEW WHEELS AND FRONT OUTTER TIE RODS AS WELL (WHICH I AGAIN REPLACED 2 WEEKS AGO). ALSO REPLACED IN 2019; FRONT AND BACK BRAKE ASSEMBLY (SHOES, PADS, ROTORS) FRONT AND BACK (BOTH SIDES) CONTROL ARMS, LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY. NEW CV AXLE AND FRONT HUB BEARINGS FULL ASSEMBLY LEFT AND RIGHT (2 WEEKS AGO)ADDITIONAL LEFT FRONT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY (2 WEEKS AGO). THIS LIST IS JUST OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD BECAUSE THERE ARE MORE REPAIRS; TOO MANY. YET, THE CAR KEEPS LOOSING STEERING AND FALLING APART QUICKER EVERY DAY. PLUS, THE INSPECTION EXPIRES NEXT MONTH AND IT DID NOT PASS DUE TO EMMISSIONS SYSTEM ISSUES. IT IS A 2012 & SHOULD NOT BE PROBLEMATIC YET. I ONLY KEEP REPAIRING IT BECAUSE I AM STILL FINANCING SINCE BEING RIPPED OFF BY DEALERSHIP AT 23% APR ON TOP OF OVERCHARGED 2XS BLUE BOOK. WHICH HAS ME FAR TOO UPSIDE DOWN TO TRADE IN OR EVEN SELL PRIVATELY. I WOULDN'T SELL IT TO MY WORSE ENEMY ANYWAY. CHEVROLET SHOULD HAVE TO ANSWER FOR THEIR FAILURE. HARD WORKING PEOPLE PUT TRUST IN MANUFACTURERS AND DEPEND ON THEIR CARS. I MAY LOSE EVERYTHING BECAUSE OF MINE BUT NOT WITHOUT A FIGHT AND LEGAL COUNSEL. MY NEXT STEP IS TO CONTACT A CLASS ACTION LAW FIRM TO PROCURE COUNSEL FOR THESE MATTERS. GMC, THE NHTSA, AND AUTO REPAIR BUSINESSES (IE. FIRESTONE COMPLETE AUTO CARE) WILL BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE ISSUE AS WELL. THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI #11255661

94,000 miles · Jan 14, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrash

WHILE DRIVING AT NO MORE THAN 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE CONTROL ARM GAVE OUT AND IT CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. THEN IT HIT THE BARRIER WALL AND THE 2 TIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE BLEW ON CONTACT. TOWED TO MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT THE TIE RODS ALSO WENT OUT. THE BRAKES AND SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE NEW AND IT IS REGULARLY IN THE SHOP FOR…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT NO MORE THAN 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE CONTROL ARM GAVE OUT AND IT CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. THEN IT HIT THE BARRIER WALL AND THE 2 TIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE BLEW ON CONTACT. TOWED TO MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT THE TIE RODS ALSO WENT OUT. THE BRAKES AND SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE NEW AND IT IS REGULARLY IN THE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE AND THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY RECALLED AND TAKEN OUT OF CIRCULATION.

NHTSA ODI #11166797

73,000 miles · Sep 28, 2018
Power TrainSuspensionWheels

USED CAR PURCHASED WITH APPROX. 72,000 MILES. MAJOR PROBLEMS BECAME APPARENT AT 73,000 MILES APPROX. GRINDING CLUNKING SQUEALING NOISES WERE 1ST WARNING SIGNS. ALL OF THESE NOISES OCCUR ANYTIME THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, INTERMITTENTLY, BUT EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE AC/HEATER WENT OUT BECAUSE THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED.…

Read full complaint

USED CAR PURCHASED WITH APPROX. 72,000 MILES. MAJOR PROBLEMS BECAME APPARENT AT 73,000 MILES APPROX. GRINDING CLUNKING SQUEALING NOISES WERE 1ST WARNING SIGNS. ALL OF THESE NOISES OCCUR ANYTIME THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, INTERMITTENTLY, BUT EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE AC/HEATER WENT OUT BECAUSE THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED. HANDLING WAS HORRIBLE SO REPLACED MOST OF SUSPENSION PARTS BUT ALIGNMENT REPEATEDLY GOES OUT AND MECHANICS ARE IDIOTS SO THEY JUST SAY THEY ARE STUMPED AND SEND ME AWAY. THAT PROMPTED ME TO RESEARCH ON MY OWN. I LOOKED UP THE SYMPTOMS AND HAVE CONCLUDED THAT THE HUB BEARINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD SEEING AS HOW I JUST SPENT A FEW GRAND ON OTHER REPAIRS.THEN I FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING WHICH MAKES IT JERK WHEN ACCELERATING, DRIVE VERY SLUGGISH, AND MAKES LOUD NOISES AT IDLE AND IN MOTION. THERE IS MORE PROBLEMS THAT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO LIST. I CONTINUE TO RESEARCH ALL OF THIS VEHICLES COMPLAINTS AND PROBLEMS AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS TIME FOR A REAL RECALL! GM SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR MAKING SUCH A NIGHTMARE OF A CAR. I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP FOR $10,000 ONE YEAR AGO AND STILL OWE $8,600. JUST HAD THE CAR APPRAISED AT $3,000, SO I AM UPSIDE DOWN $5,500. I CANNOT TRADE IT IN, CANNOT AFFORD PERPECTUALLY REPAIRING AND WOULD NOT BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS NO END. IT IS PARKED NOW BECAUSE I CANNOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE, SO I CANNOT GET TO WORK AND MAY HAVE TO HAVE IT REPOSSESED. THIS IS NOT RIGHT!

NHTSA ODI #11132050

10,000 miles · Jun 5, 2018
Wheels

ALL 4 AND 1 REPLACEMENT TIRE OR THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED GOODYEAR EAGLE TIRES FAILED DUE TO BELT SEPERATION FROM THE TREAD. ONE WAS A MAJOR FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND L HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY EXIT OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND GET IT REPLACED WHILE ON A TRIP AWAY FROM HOME. ALL TIRES FAILED BEFORE RHE 30,000 MILE RATING.…

Read full complaint

ALL 4 AND 1 REPLACEMENT TIRE OR THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED GOODYEAR EAGLE TIRES FAILED DUE TO BELT SEPERATION FROM THE TREAD. ONE WAS A MAJOR FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND L HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY EXIT OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND GET IT REPLACED WHILE ON A TRIP AWAY FROM HOME. ALL TIRES FAILED BEFORE RHE 30,000 MILE RATING. RHE FIRST ONE FAILED BEFORE 10,000 MILES. PURXHASED CAR FROM REDRIVER CHEVROLET SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY, LA.

NHTSA ODI #11099894

180,000 miles · May 11, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Wheels

MY CHEVROLET IMPALA WAS IN MOTION WHEN MY ABS AND TRAC SENSOR KEEPS COMING ON. NOW IT'S HAPPENING EVERYTIME I DRIVE. IT ALMOST LOCKS ON ME WHEN I'M DRIVING AND IT SCARES ME FOR MY SAFETY OF MY KIDS AND MYSELF IN THE VEHICLE. I LOOKED UP TO TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINS FOR THAT 2012 MODEL…

Read full complaint

MY CHEVROLET IMPALA WAS IN MOTION WHEN MY ABS AND TRAC SENSOR KEEPS COMING ON. NOW IT'S HAPPENING EVERYTIME I DRIVE. IT ALMOST LOCKS ON ME WHEN I'M DRIVING AND IT SCARES ME FOR MY SAFETY OF MY KIDS AND MYSELF IN THE VEHICLE. I LOOKED UP TO TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINS FOR THAT 2012 MODEL. MY LIGHTS WILL FLASH ON AND OFF (TRAC SENSOR AND ABS) AND IT MAKES A WEIRD NOISE

NHTSA ODI #11093432

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.