2012 Chevrolet Impala Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Impala years
Typical for this model
59/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.2× that of a typical Chevrolet Impala year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 83 of its 258 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Traction control, StabiliTrak and ABS warnings with grinding (76 complaints, median 70,675 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 258filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 48,500miles, 204 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Impala most often describe dashboard warnings for traction control, StabiliTrak and ABS, often with a grinding or popping noise and a loss of power when pulling away or turning. Steering complaints are also common, including sudden loss of power assist and a locked or hard-to-turn wheel, and a smaller group reports engine stalls, noisy engine operation and heating/AC actuator clicking behind the dash. Reports appear across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles to well over 100,000, with many clustered under 60,000.
- Electronic stability control
Traction control, StabiliTrak and ABS warnings with grinding
- 76 complaints (29%)
- median 70,675 mi at 5.7 yrs old (66 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2024
Owners describe the Service Traction Control, Service StabiliTrak and ABS lights coming on, often with a grinding or popping noise and a brief loss of power, hesitation or braking when moving off, turning or reversing. Several say the lights clear after switching off and restarting, then return. Complaints mention dealers or mechanics replacing wheel hubs, bearings or a wheel speed sensor harness, sometimes without lasting results. Reported from about 30,000 to 180,000 miles, frequently on cold starts or during turns at low speed.
What to check: Ask whether the wheel speed sensors, hub bearings and sensor harness have been checked or replaced, and drive the car through a slow full left and right turn from a cold start to see whether the lights or grinding appear.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hello, I have been experiencing the following lights coming on since I have received my Impala with 60,000 miles on it. It tells me to service stable link, service traction control, the ABS slit stays on and I have replaced both hubs on the front. What else is there to do unless I rewire everything. This all happens when I first move the vehicle and during my trip.”
NHTSA complaint #11013489, filed 2017-08, 60,000 miles“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 complaint #11093432, filed 2018-05, 180,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalls, rough running and abnormal engine noise
- 43 complaints (17%)
- median 44,727 mi at 3.6 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2025
Complaints describe the engine shutting off or losing power while driving, sometimes on left turns, after hitting a bump, or with reduced engine power and warning lights. Others report ticking, knocking or loud engine noise, overheating, and a timing chain warning code. Dealers are often described as unable to duplicate or diagnose the problem. Mostly reported between about 11,000 and 100,000 miles, including some at very low mileage.
Recall 14V3550003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask about the ignition recall 14V355000 and whether it was completed, and listen for ticking or knocking on a cold start and during acceleration; check oil level and coolant condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine makes a ticking noise or knocking noise while accelerating , I'm very concerned with this being that this noise started the next day after I had the car home from the dealership . I'm hoping this isn't a safety concern but it sure is a customer dissatisfaction. The dealer has tried to isolate the noise and could not and said I would have to wait for the manufacturer GM to figure out what is wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10449788, filed 2012-02, 120 miles“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 complaint #11402608, filed 2021-03, 162,500 miles - Steering
Steering assist loss or wheel that is hard to turn
- 39 complaints (15%)
- median 49,341 mi at 3.7 yrs old (35 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2026
Owners report the steering wheel suddenly becoming very hard to turn or feeling locked, sometimes while moving at low speed, in the rain, or after backing out of a parking space. Some complaints describe the power steering hose or line being replaced, and one describes a power steering hose near the catalytic converter, matching the hose-routing recall. Others describe tie rods, control arms or the steering gear being replaced after noise or a broken part. Scattered across the sample from about 17,000 to 200,000 miles, often at low speed or while turning.
Recall 11V398000Recall 12V3770001 related service bulletin
What to check: Confirm whether recall 11V398000 (power steering hose routing) was performed for this vehicle, and check for power steering fluid leaks or a whine; note that the front control arm recall 12V377000 covers police vehicles only.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11281914, filed 2019-11, 120,000 miles“When I back out of a parking stall or driveway and still have my foot on the brake and then I put it in drive, when I try to turn the wheel to start to drive down the street, it is like I lost power steering and it takes everything in my power with my hands to turn the steering wheel. It feels like the steering wheel locked up. Also when I am starting to pull into a parking stall when the car is barely moving the steering wheel seems to lock up with no power steering and I have difficulty turning the wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10945418, filed 2017-01, 17,000 miles - Electrical system
Clicking behind the dash, heater and AC not working
- 30 complaints (12%)
- median 68,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2024
Owners describe a loud clicking or knocking sound from behind the dashboard when the vehicle is started, followed by the heater or air conditioner not changing temperature or blowing the wrong temperature. Complaints mention the air control or blend door actuator being replaced, in one case repeatedly, with the noise returning. Some also describe intermittent radio, chime or lighting failures. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 110,000 miles, often noticed at start-up.
What to check: Start the car with the blower on and listen for ticking behind the dash, and cycle the temperature from full cold to full hot to confirm the blend doors move and the air changes temperature.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The radio works when it wants to shows a blank screen and does absolutely nothing. My door chimes, ignition chime, seat belt chimes, turn signal chimes none of that works either. Not sure if it's an electrical issue. However I had my battery and alternator tested. Have been having this issue for maybe 2 months now.”
NHTSA complaint #11138835, filed 2018-10, 104,000 miles“The door blend actuators go out constantly. The car has three of them. When they go bad, there is a loud clicking or knocking sound behind the dashboard and the air conditioner and heater stop working. If it's cold, it blows cold air and if it's hot it blows hot air. I have replaced at least 20 actuators. Once they go bad, a new one last only a few months, which means there is a deeper issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11348561, filed 2020-08, 60,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinking or needing extra travel
- 38 complaints (15%)
- median 42,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (31 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2025
Owners report the brake pedal slowly drifting toward the floor while stopped, or needing to be pressed more than once to stop the vehicle. One complaint says a dealer attributed it to the master cylinder location and bleeding did not correct it; another describes ABS and brake assist warnings with an abrupt stop. Reported from very low mileage (a few thousand miles) up to about 145,000 miles.
What to check: With the engine running, hold firm pressure on the brake pedal at a stop and see whether it sinks; ask for service records on brake fluid flushing and master cylinder work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When stopped at a red light the peddle would slowly drift towards floor. The car began to roll as if the brakes were releasing. I applied more pressure to the pedal halting the vehicle. I took the car to a dealership and was told it was due to the location of the master cylinder and GM was aware of it. My concern is that this may cause loss of brakeing when in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #10514990, filed 2013-06, 18,800 miles“Purchased a GM certified vehicle. Vehicle stalled several times whenever making a left hand turn. When I would make a left hand turn, the vehicle would die completely in the middle of the turn. I would have to restart the car. One instance when trying to restart the car, the ignition acted stuck. I only turned the ignition once and the car continued to crank over to restart the car on its own. The last couple of instances when taking the car to the dealership, it died, even when not making a left hand turn. …”
NHTSA complaint #10521550, filed 2013-06, 55,000 miles
Buying note. Check that both open recalls (ignition 14V355000 and power steering hose 11V398000) were completed, then test the car through slow turns, a cold start and a firm brake-pedal hold to see whether the traction, steering or brake symptoms appear.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 258 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. 204 of the complaints include a mileage, and 51% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 48,500 miles. Of all complaints, 20 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 16 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,472 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 11 Chevrolet Impala model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 59 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system58 22%
- Steering49 19%
- Engine40 16%
- Brakes33 13%
- Other or unknown27 10%
- Suspension22 8.5%
- Air bags20 7.8%
- Wheels19 7.4%
Also reported: Fuel system (18), Vehicle speed control (15), Seat belts (9), Exterior lighting (8), Body and structure (8), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Engine cooling (3), Tires (3), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Takata recall problems with blower motor in AC..was replaced twice. One side of vent is hot while other is cold. Also loud tapping noise after car is shut off..continuously even when engine is turned off. Believe a bad relay now that I need to replace. My sister car also does same thing she has a 2006 Impala.”
NHTSA complaint #11089050, filed 2018-04, 68,000 milesElectronic stability 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 being stopped.”
NHTSA complaint #11277612, filed 2019-11, 88,000 milesSteering: “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 complaint #11338104, filed 2020-07, 120,000 milesEngine: “I was standing in traffic and smoke start coming inside the car from engine and the engine start on fire the car burn from the engine out ??? And I found this information about safety problems and recalls on this car model on the internet about this car model and year have fire hazard problems please review and help me to found any answer thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10865454, filed 2016-05, 93,700 milesMileage when problems were reported
51% of the 204 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,000 and 85,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 11.3% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Chevrolet Impala version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 29 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Impala FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 29 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V355000Jun 23, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Impala 2006–2014, Cadillac Deville 2000–2005, Buick Lucerne 2006–2011 +3 more
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…
- 12V377000Aug 3, 2012Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower armCovers: Chevrolet Impala 2008–2012
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.
- 11V398000Aug 5, 2011Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Chevrolet Impala 2012
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,472 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032577May 4, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Impala
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 54,000 | 0 | 5 | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2019 | 28 | 36,338 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2018 | 59 | 40,400 | 1 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 117 | 45,500 | 0 | 5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 111 | 55,461 | 0 | 4–5 | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 300 | 59,523 | 3 | 4–5 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 637 | 60,000 | 12 | 4–5 | 22 | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 272 | 54,000 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 258 | 48,500 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 505 | 60,400 | 2 | — | 23 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 442 | 72,558 | 4 | — | 22 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 824 | 75,468 | 5 | — | 22 | 98 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 810 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 22 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 627 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 524 | 74,900 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 609 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,073 | 70,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 82,000 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 795 | 78,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 742 | 80,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 818 | 86,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 88 | 40,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 44 | 135,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 15 | 45,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Chevrolet Impala model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
Owners of the 2012 Impala most often describe dashboard warnings for traction control, StabiliTrak and ABS, often with a grinding or popping noise and a loss of power when pulling away or turning. The issues reported most often: Traction control, StabiliTrak and ABS warnings with grinding; Engine stalls, rough running and abnormal engine noise; Steering assist loss or wheel that is hard to turn.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have?
NHTSA recorded 258 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 58 complaints (22% of the total), followed by electronic stability control with 54.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Impala been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Chevrolet Impala do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Chevrolet Impala 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Impala (Impala, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Impala reported?
Among the 204 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 48,500 miles and the middle half falls between 29,000 and 85,500 miles; 51% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.