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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

What owners actually said

258 reports
88,000 miles · Nov 1, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DURING RUSH HOURS MY 2012 CHEVY IMPALA'S DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP SAYING " SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILINK, ENGINE POWER REDUCED" TERRIFIED AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE TRYING TO GET OVER AS MY CAR BEGAN TO GO INTO LIMP MODE.I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM B…

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WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DURING RUSH HOURS MY 2012 CHEVY IMPALA'S DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP SAYING " SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILINK, ENGINE POWER REDUCED" TERRIFIED AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE TRYING TO GET OVER AS MY CAR BEGAN TO GO INTO LIMP MODE.I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM BEING STOPPED.

NHTSA ODI #11277612

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…

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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…

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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…

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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

35,000 miles · Sep 4, 2019
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, ALL OF THE MESSAGES AND WARNING INDICATO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND WAS HEARD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED, ALL OF THE MESSAGES AND WARNING INDICATORS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL SENSOR IN THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING WAS FAULTY. THE ENTIRE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. JACK MCNERNEY CHEVROLET (363 NY-281, TULLY, NY 13159, (315) 238-5110) WAS CONTACTED AND WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT OVER $100 TO PERFORM THE SAME DIAGNOSTIC TEST AS THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ODI #11253128

40,000 miles · Aug 27, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON CITY STREETS GOING STRAIGHT WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE THE A/C AND RADIO POWERED ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND "SERVICE STABILITRAK" FLASHED ON AND OFF THE DASH, THE RADIO POWERED DOWN, AND THE A/C TURNED OFF. AFTER A FEW SECOND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. …

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WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON CITY STREETS GOING STRAIGHT WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE THE A/C AND RADIO POWERED ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND "SERVICE STABILITRAK" FLASHED ON AND OFF THE DASH, THE RADIO POWERED DOWN, AND THE A/C TURNED OFF. AFTER A FEW SECOND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AT ALL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ODI #11246694

40,000 miles · Aug 27, 2019
Power Train

WHEN ACCELERATING FORWARD FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE TRACTION CONTROL COMES ON BY ITSELF CAUSING THE WHEELS TO LOCK UP & CAUSES HESITATION. THE GROUND IS NOT WET AT ALL ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKS ON CAUSING THE SAME REACTION ON DRY PAVEMENT. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR HESITATES & JERKS/JOLTS THEN THE TRACTIO…

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WHEN ACCELERATING FORWARD FROM A COMPLETE STOP THE TRACTION CONTROL COMES ON BY ITSELF CAUSING THE WHEELS TO LOCK UP & CAUSES HESITATION. THE GROUND IS NOT WET AT ALL ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKS ON CAUSING THE SAME REACTION ON DRY PAVEMENT. WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR HESITATES & JERKS/JOLTS THEN THE TRACTION LIGHT KICKS ON. THERE ARE NO CODES ON THE DASHBOARD & NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11246693

91,000 miles · Aug 10, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND CHIME ON AND OFF..............CAR RUNS OK BUT CHIME WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY.............NEED TO TURN IT OFF................

NHTSA ODI #11243021

113,000 miles · Jul 16, 2019
Engine

ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO THE ENGINE STARTING DIESELING (THE ENGINE WILL STILL HAVE COMBUSTION AFTER THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF). DURING A TRIP ON CITY STREETS THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHEN DRIVING. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN THIS TIME WHILE STOPPED O…

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ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO THE ENGINE STARTING DIESELING (THE ENGINE WILL STILL HAVE COMBUSTION AFTER THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF). DURING A TRIP ON CITY STREETS THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHEN DRIVING. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN THIS TIME WHILE STOPPED ON A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE AUTOLAB IN PLYMOUTH MI WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED IT WITH ENGINE FLOODING. YOU COULD SMELL THE UNBURNED GASOLINE ON THE TAIL PIPE. HOWEVER NO ERROR CODES WERE REPORTED. AFTER A FEW DAYS IN THE FACILITY AND WITHOUT THE EVEN DUPLICATED I HAD THE CAR BACK. COUPLE WEEKS LATER IT STARTED DIESELING AGAIN SO I WENT BACK TO THE AUTOLAB. THIS TIME THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE INJECTION PUMP AS BEING FAULTY AND THE O2 SENSOR NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL THE FUELING. THEY REPLACED THE INJECTION PUMP AND SINCE THEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING WITHOUT PROBLEM. THE LACK OF ERROR REPORTING BY THE OBD AND THE SUDDEN ENGINE STOP WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION MAKES ME FEEL I WAS LUCKY. I USUALLY DRIVE 30 MILE EACH WAY TO MY WORK PLACE. IF THE ENGINE STOPS ON THE HIGHWAY IT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AS I AM NOT ABLE TO USE THE BRAKES (POWER BRAKES!) OR THE STEERING WHEEL (POWER STEERING) PROPERLY TO TRY TO GET AWAY FROM THE TRAFFIC BEHIND BY GOING TO THE SHOULDER.

NHTSA ODI #11232229

34,000 miles · Jul 15, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM IS CONSTANTLY ON EVEN WHEN MY CAR IS STATIONARY MY ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT IS ALSO ALWAYS ON. SOME TIMES I LOSE POWER WHEN I START TO DRIVE. I HAD IT CHECKED AND HAD THE SENSOR REPLACED ,BUT THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT SOLVED.

NHTSA ODI #11231918

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.