2012 Chevrolet Impala problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (35) · Electrical System (22) · Engine (19)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Chevrolet Impala model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
204 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (3)
Electrical System:ignition 2014-06-23 · campaign 14V355000 · 3,141,731 vehicles
Defect: 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 af
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm 2012-08-03 · campaign 12V377000 · 36,413 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections 2011-08-05 · campaign 11V398000 · 10,344 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (1,471)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-04 · PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Unknown Or Other 2026-05-04 · PIT6247B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for police and special service vehicles.
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-01 · PIT3271Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP6104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a gds2 session log and upload to a technical assistance case in cx connect.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP4902V · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Unknown Or Other 2026-01-08 · PIP4902U · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Showing the 6 most recent of 1,471 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-03-09 · Unknown Or Other“to be able to afford repairs and return it to release date price close to around 27,000 to 28,000 tire got needed air awhile and radiator and the reservoir or holder got replaced still not knowing how to repair the rest with getting the money to for safety standards or requirements wondering if program help getting it repaired and or a new vehicle …”
2026-02-10 · Steering · 201,000 mi“the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. the contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. there was no warning light illuminated. the dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufactur…”
2025-09-23 · Engine“i have about 08/1825 had the throttle body replaced on my vehicle which assisted with the problem temporarily. then the problem started again 09/20/25 the car act like it’s stalling while driving and can’t see what hear the vehicle is in. the car is not getting any signal to the engine as i have been advised the tcm is faulty. there was a code of u…”
2024-12-01 · Unknown Or Other“stability traction control i have had to fix it 3 times once was ball bearing and the other was a wire harness and it has to go in shop again for stability traction issues again also the door blending parts keep failing in my car i have had 3 replaced…”
2024-05-10 · Fuel/Propulsion System“i have trouble codes that occasionally come up even after vehicle has been serviced. the vehicle used to drive fine. now it started miss firing. i was told the problem was coming from the engine compartment/sensors. an obdii diagnosis detects a problem with b camshaft position timing over advanced or system performance bank 2 (p0024). i fear that w…”
2024-01-27 · Wheels“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…”
2023-10-30 · Steering · 127,000 mi“the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware of condensation under the vehicle. the oil pressure light was illuminated. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake hose needed to be replaced. the contact associated the failure with nhtsa ca…”
2023-07-01 · Service Brakes“stability control light comes on which puts the engine in restricted power abs and brake light comes on front driver side brake continuously holds on when trying to accelerate…”
2023-07-01 · Fuel/Propulsion System“fuel pump replacement with gm dealership parts provider now car engine doesn't shut off right after key is turned off and car doesn't want to talk gas when fueling then doesn't want to start after fueling …”
2023-05-28 · Unknown Or Other“i put my car in reverse and the car turned off and have turn back on. when i try to start it, i don’t hear any fix or crank. before this happened, my car was slow to change gear or it would will change so fast that my car will lose control and i did not feel safe at all. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.