← 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

What owners actually said

258 reports
90,000 miles · Jul 13, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR CONTROL MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIR CONTR…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR CONTROL MOTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIR CONTROL REGULATOR ARM MOTOR WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11339176

120,000 miles · Jul 8, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I HAVE A 2012 CHEVY IMPALA, THE TRACTION SERVICE CONTROL AND ABS/STABILITRACK KEEPS GIVING ME ISSUES. I HAVE A GRINDING NOISE, DECREASED POWER AND CAR WILL NEARLY STOP ON YOU FROM TIME TO TIME, PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, MORE THAN ONE, THEY KEEP TELLING ME THE HARNESS ATTACH TO MY TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM SNA…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2012 CHEVY IMPALA, THE TRACTION SERVICE CONTROL AND ABS/STABILITRACK KEEPS GIVING ME ISSUES. I HAVE A GRINDING NOISE, DECREASED POWER AND CAR WILL NEARLY STOP ON YOU FROM TIME TO TIME, PARTICULARLY WHEN TURNING. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, MORE THAN ONE, THEY KEEP TELLING ME THE HARNESS ATTACH TO MY TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM SNAPS. IVE HEARD MY MODEL HAS THIS ISSUE. I SEE NO RECALL FOR MY VIN, BUT I HAVE THE SAME ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI #11338104

127,600 miles · Jul 2, 2020
Power TrainSteeringSuspension

I HAVE HAD MAJOR FAILURE OF ALL OF THE MAIN FUNCTION COMPONENTS OF THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION. MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE REPLACED, THE INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS, LL 4 WHEELBEARING ASSEMBLY, SWAY BAR LINKS, CONTROL ARMS, CV AXLES. I HAVE TO REPLACE BRAND NEW TIRES EVERY 6,000 10,000 MILES BECAUSE THE MECHANICAL FAILURES ARE WEARING O…

Read full complaint

I HAVE HAD MAJOR FAILURE OF ALL OF THE MAIN FUNCTION COMPONENTS OF THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION. MULTIPLE TIMES I HAVE REPLACED, THE INNER AND OUTER TIE RODS, LL 4 WHEELBEARING ASSEMBLY, SWAY BAR LINKS, CONTROL ARMS, CV AXLES. I HAVE TO REPLACE BRAND NEW TIRES EVERY 6,000 10,000 MILES BECAUSE THE MECHANICAL FAILURES ARE WEARING ON THE RUBBER SO RAPIDLY AND AL WAS AND UNEVENLY. I HAVE NEVER NOT HAD A N ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE PUT MORE MONEY IN REPAIRS THEN THE PAYMENT, WHICH ARE MORE THAN WHAT I OWE STILL ON THE REMAINDER (FINANCED). ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION IS FALILING RAPIDLY. I HAVE REPORTED PRIOR ISSUES PRIOR TO THIS DATE. I CANNOT JUSTIFY REPAIRING, MAINTENANCE OR EMERGENCY, A VEHICLE THAT IS LESS THAN THE VALUE OF THE REPAIR COST. GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED AND PUNISHED FOR SUCH CRIMES AGAINST CONSUMERS.

NHTSA ODI #11337097

95,312 miles · Jun 27, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering

CLUNKING , GRINDING NOISE SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE ABS LIGHTS COME ON LOSE POWER WHEN REVERSING OR MAKING A LEFT TURN. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS GOING TO THE SENSORS IN THE WHEELS. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM ACROSS MANY YEARS OF THIS VEHICLE. PEOPLE ARE SPENDIN…

Read full complaint

CLUNKING , GRINDING NOISE SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE ABS LIGHTS COME ON LOSE POWER WHEN REVERSING OR MAKING A LEFT TURN. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS GOING TO THE SENSORS IN THE WHEELS. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM ACROSS MANY YEARS OF THIS VEHICLE. PEOPLE ARE SPENDING MONEY UNNECESSARILY ON PARTS SUCH AS WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS WITHOUT FIXING SAID PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE ARE ALSO REPORTING CARS TURNING OFF AS A RESULT OF THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11331223

107,700 miles · May 6, 2020
Unknown Or OtherCrash

CAR LUNGED INTO CAR IN FRONT EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT ON BRAKE. PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND IT KEPT GOING IN REVERSE VERY FAST UNTIL CAR BACKED UP ONTO A CURB!!! IT WAS AS IF THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS ON BRAKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323506

45,545 miles · Mar 15, 2020
Engine

ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND CODES FOR TIMING CHAIN PROBLEM WHILE I WAS DRIVING. UNRESOLVED BY DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER; BBB AUTOLINE SAID I SHOULD TURN TO NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI #11318170

41,000 miles · Dec 22, 2019
Steering

THIS VEHICLE, IN EARLY NOVEMBER 2019, AT APPROXIMATELY 41,000 MILES BEGAN MAKING A "POPPING" NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING AREA, PRIMARILY WHILE TURNING LEFT (AND SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING RIGHT). THE NOISE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER A ONE MONTH PERIOD. SUSPECTING IT MAY BE A DEFECTIVE TIE ROD END (…

Read full complaint

THIS VEHICLE, IN EARLY NOVEMBER 2019, AT APPROXIMATELY 41,000 MILES BEGAN MAKING A "POPPING" NOISE FROM THE PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING AREA, PRIMARILY WHILE TURNING LEFT (AND SOMETIMES WHEN TURNING RIGHT). THE NOISE BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER A ONE MONTH PERIOD. SUSPECTING IT MAY BE A DEFECTIVE TIE ROD END (PASSENGER SIDE), I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE (ON 12/21/2019) AND FOUND THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE (AT THE STEERING KNUCKLE ARM - WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE PASSENGER TIRE ROD) WAS FRACTURED/BROKEN, CREATING A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM (THE STEERING KNUCKLE IS FRACTURED AT THE TIE ROD KNUCKLE ARM, AND THEREFORE IT APPEARS POSSIBLE THE STEERING KNUCKLE COULD SHEER OFF AT THE TIE ROD, RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL). THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, OR HIT ANY CURBS, POT HOLES, OR SIMILAR ITEMS. I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHILE MAKING A 90 DEGREE LEFT-HAND TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, ABOUT 500 FEET FROM MY RESIDENCE (WHILE DRIVING HOME). THE ISSUE/NOISE HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE SINCE THEN, AND BASED ON MY INSPECTION LAST NIGHT IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. IT APPEARS THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE WAS MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY (IT'S AN ORIGINAL GM PART, WHICH APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MADE OF CAST ALUMINUM). FROM MY ONLINE RESEARCH, IT ALSO APPEARS THAT A LOT OF OTHER 2000-2013 CHEVY IMPALA OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME. THIS VEHICLE, IN MY OPINION, NEEDS TO BE RECALLED FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE (BAD STEERING KNUCKLES). ALSO, THIS IS A CALIFORNIA VEHICLE WITH ZERO CORROSION ISSUES. ALSO, I WORK AS AN ACCIDENT/CLAIMS INVESTIGATOR FOR A MAJOR AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY (AND THEREFORE HAVE SIGNIFICANT KNOWLEDGE OF VEHICLES, COLLISIONS, ETC). THIS VEHICLE IS (BY ALL OBJECTIVE STANDARDS) IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND GM SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECALL (IN MY PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL OPINION).

NHTSA ODI #11290716

43,855 miles · Dec 5, 2019
Air Bags

WHEN ENTERING CAR THERE IS TAPPING NOISE BEHIND THE PASSENGER GLOVE BOX,THIS NOISE WILL CONTINUE FOR APPROX; 5 MIN ,WHEN KEY IS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION NOISE WILL CONTINUE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE STOPPING.. CAR IS GARAGE KEPT. MAIN DRIVER IS A SENIOR DRIVER.(83 Y.O )

NHTSA ODI #11287088

120,000 miles · Nov 22, 2019
SteeringSuspension

RECENTLY MY CAR MAKES A POP OR LOW CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. I'VE LOOKED INTO AND SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MODEL IN 2012 BUT I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY RECORDS OF MY CAR BEING REPAIRED. I WANT TO KNOW IF MY CAR CAN POSSIBLE BE REPAIRED SINCE THE RECALL FALLS IN LINE WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL. IT HAPPE…

Read full complaint

RECENTLY MY CAR MAKES A POP OR LOW CLICKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. I'VE LOOKED INTO AND SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MODEL IN 2012 BUT I HAVEN'T FOUND ANY RECORDS OF MY CAR BEING REPAIRED. I WANT TO KNOW IF MY CAR CAN POSSIBLE BE REPAIRED SINCE THE RECALL FALLS IN LINE WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL. IT HAPPENS WHEN I TURN ALMOST FULL TO THE LEFT WHILE IN MOTION, WHETHER I GO FORWARD OR BACK IT MAKES THE NOISE. I WANT TO KNOW IF I CAN GET THIS REPAIRED FOR FREE. THE CAR HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE JUNE 2019 AND I'VE OWNED IT SINCE MAY 2016. I HAVEN'T TRIED TO GET IT FIXED MYSELF DUE TO FUNDS AND I'M WORRIED SOMETHING DANGEROUS MAY HAPPEN AND I HAVE A KID, SO I WANT TO BE SAFE. I ALSO WANT TO KNOW IF IT WAS EVER REPAIRED FOR THE FIRST RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11281914

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

1ST - 8/11/2018 - 79,653 MILES - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CODE P0411 SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM INCORRECT FLOW DETECTED. DEALERSHIP STATED THE SOLENOID MALFUNCTION CHECK ENGINE CAME BACK ON, CODE P0411, CHEVROLET STATED THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED AND RESET THE CODE. CHEVY'S STATED TH…

Read full complaint

1ST - 8/11/2018 - 79,653 MILES - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CODE P0411 SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM INCORRECT FLOW DETECTED. DEALERSHIP STATED THE SOLENOID MALFUNCTION CHECK ENGINE CAME BACK ON, CODE P0411, CHEVROLET STATED THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED AND RESET THE CODE. CHEVY'S STATED THE FAULTY SIR INJECTION SOLENOIDS BANK 1 AND 2 WAS THE CAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE P0411. ADVISED ME THAT THE BATTERY TERMINAL MAY BE THE ISSUE AND RECOMMENDED CHANGING IT. RECOMMEND A NEW ALTERNATOR. CHEVY WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY THE CODE P0411 BUT MADE A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE ISSUE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN, NO OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. GM OPENED A TAC CASE. ADVISED BY TAC THAT CARBON BUILDUP IN THE CYLINDER VALVES FROM THE CYLINDER HEADS WAS THE CAUSE. TOLD TO DRIVE VEHICLE FOR A FEW DAYS. WITHIN 3 DAYS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. CHEVY INSTALLED A VEHICLE DATA RECORDER PER THE GM FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER. TEST RESULTS SHOWED BOTH AIR INJECTION CUT OF VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FUTURE ALSO UPDATED ECM CALIBRATION AND PROGRAMMED IT - COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. 6TH VISIT ON 9/3/2019 AT 85970 MILES CHEVROLET ADVISED THE CAUSE IS DUE TO THE LEFT TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND AIR INLET ACTUATORS. 7TH - 9TH TIME, ADVISED BY INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP, THAT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING AS NORMAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE WAS RESET. ADVISED CAR NEEDS TO BE CALIBRATED AT GM-APPROVED DEALERSHIP. AS OF TODAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. THE FINAL SHOP ADVISED THE ISSUE MAY BE THAT THE SYSTEM WAS NOT CALIBRATED OR JUST NEEDED TO BE CALIBRATED EVERY TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I BELIEVE THAT THOUSANDS OF GM CUSTOMERS ARE PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR UNNECESSARY P0411 REPAIR WORK.*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI #11280453

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.