2012 Chevrolet Impala
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 44 |
| 1996 | 88 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 818 |
| 2001 | 742 |
| 2002 | 795 |
| 2003 | 694 |
| 2004 | 1072 |
| 2005 | 609 |
| 2006 | 524 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 441 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 270 |
| 2014 | 630 |
| 2015 | 298 |
| 2016 | 110 |
| 2017 | 116 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: electrical system — 56 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I TOOK IN MY WIFE'S 2012 IMPALA INTO THE AUTO MECHANIC ABOUT A MONTH AGO BECAUSE HER DEFROSTER WAS NOT WORKING. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THAT SOMETHING BURNED (I THINK IT WAS A BOX WITH SOME WIRES). HE REPLACED IT WITH A NEW PART AND IT WAS WORKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180104
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240127
21% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY19% of complaints: steering — 48 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121113
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231030
16% of complaints: engine — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: service brakes — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181108
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 CONTA
Campaign 11V398000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Chevro
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-
Campaign 12V377000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (56 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (54 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V398000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V377000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Impala is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.