2012 Chevrolet Impala recalls and problems

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala has 3 safety recalls and 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
258
Crashes / fires
20 / 5
Injuries / deaths
16 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Chevrolet Impala recalls

Recall 14V-355: Electrical System

Reported Jun 23, 2014 · 3,141,731 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 12V-377: Suspension

Reported Aug 3, 2012 · 36,413 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 11V-398: Steering

Reported Aug 5, 2011 · 10,344 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Problem: 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.

2012 Chevrolet Impala problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System58
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)54
Steering50
Engine40
Service Brakes32
Power Train27
Suspension23
Unknown or Other23
Air Bags20
Wheels19
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Vehicle Speed Control15

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 49,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Chevrolet Impala complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Mar 9, 2026
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 same company or model not trying to have it be
Steering · at 201,000 miles · reported Feb 10, 2026
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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000.
Engine · reported Sep 23, 2025
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 U0101.
Unknown or Other · reported Dec 1, 2024
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
Engine · reported May 10, 2024
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 without the fix, the miss firing can cause an accident. The engine light is illuminated when this happens.

Other Chevrolet Impala years

Compare all Chevrolet Impala years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala: 14V-355 (electrical system), 12V-377 (suspension), 11V-398 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (58 reports), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (54). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 49,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.