MYRModel Year Report

2012 Chevrolet Impala

▲ Better than typical
2012 Chevrolet Impala
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
258
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

22% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 1 complaint 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1994: 15 complaints 1995: 44 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 2000: 818 complaints 2000 2001: 742 complaints 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2004: 1,073 complaints 2005: 609 complaints 2005 2006: 524 complaints 2007: 627 complaints 2008: 810 complaints 2009: 824 complaints 2010: 441 complaints 2011: 505 complaints 2012: 258 complaints 2012 258 2013: 272 complaints 2014: 635 complaints 2015: 300 complaints 2016: 111 complaints 2017: 116 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 15 complaints 2020
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1987: 1 complaint 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1994: 15 complaints 1994 1995: 44 complaints 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 2000: 818 complaints 2000 2001: 742 complaints 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 1,073 complaints 2005: 609 complaints 2006: 524 complaints 2006 2007: 627 complaints 2008: 810 complaints 2009: 824 complaints 2009 2010: 441 complaints 2011: 505 complaints 2012: 258 complaints 2012 258 2013: 272 complaints 2014: 635 complaints 2015: 300 complaints 2015 2016: 111 complaints 2017: 116 complaints 2018: 59 complaints 2018 2019: 28 complaints 2020: 15 complaints
1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1987: 1 complaint 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 15 complaints 1995: 44 complaints 1995 1996: 88 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 4 complaints 1999 2000: 818 complaints 2001: 742 complaints 2001 2002: 795 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 1,073 complaints 2005: 609 complaints 2005 2006: 524 complaints 2007: 627 complaints 2007 2008: 810 complaints 2009: 824 complaints 2009 2010: 441 complaints 2011: 505 complaints 2012: 258 complaints 2012 258 2013: 272 complaints 2014: 635 complaints 2015: 300 complaints 2015 2016: 111 complaints 2017: 116 complaints 2017 2018: 59 complaints 2019: 28 complaints 2019 2020: 15 complaints

2012: 258 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19822
19833
19840
19851
19871
19910
19920
19932
199415
199544
199688
19971
19982
19994
2000818
2001742
2002795
2003695
20041,073
2005609
2006524
2007627
2008810
2009824
2010441
2011505
2012258
2013272
2014635
2015300
2016111
2017116
201859
201928
202015

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

22% · 58 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and cables.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2018-01-04

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, 2024-01-27

Also filed under Structure

Electronic stability control (esc)

21% · 54 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

19% · 50 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show 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, 2012-11-13

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, 2023-10-30

Engine

16% · 40 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

13% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2018-11-08

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2011-09-05Steering11V398000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2012-08-21Suspension12V377000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2014-09-23Electrical system14V355000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 58 reports on file for this year.
  • Electronic stability control (esc): 54 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 50 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 11V398000 · Steering
  • Recall 12V377000 · Suspension
  • Recall 14V355000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.