10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,035 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #17

Jan 082024

Impala

  • miles
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 it's down to the metal showing rust/corrosion. Finally, and most seriously, is the car's Traction Control System. It goes off constantly and without warning! It's been doing this randomly, in all types of weather conditions, for some time now. It goes off under normal driving conditions. I barely pull out of a parking space, or make a slow turn, or pull out of a parking lot at a very slow speed and it just goes off. The really dangerous part is that it stalls the car almost to a complete stop, when I've been making a turn well before oncoming traffic, and it stalls almost causing an accident on several occasions now. Most of the incidents are on sunny days where there's no inclement weather! This system is not safe and is unreliable. I've checked many public forums, like Reddit, and there are many other Chevy Impala owners who complain of the same exact problem. Yet Chevy has issued No recalls!? The only recall I've seen close to this is for 2011 year models. Although my car is a 2012, 2011 parts likely were used. If the recall affects 2011 Impalas, then any model that used 2011 parts should be included in this recall. I cannot trust the safety of my car's Traction Control System anymore as it comes on without warning, under no circumstances where it would need to come on. People are in danger with this defect! The car cosmetically, specifically the paint job and the flimsy actuators, are also defective. I've always taken excellent care of my vehicle, regularly having maintenance done at my local Chevy Dealership. Another defect that Chevy had to fix was my fuel pump that went out for no reason! I have receipt for this.

- Dacula , GA, USA

problem #16

Jun 032020

Impala

  • miles
The front wheel hub assembly fails after numerous replacements. The after-market parts do not resolve the problem. Thw assembly girnds and hesitates on right turns during acceleration. This causes hesitation and an unsafe manner when making turns, suddenly, or moving away from emergency vehicles. This is a flaw in the manufacturer with the wheel hub that must be addressed. Thousands of dollars in repairs. Safety is at risk when the vehicle hesitates on turns with oncoming traffic. The Dealer has inspected the part and several auto mechanics. The constant warning light in every case is the 'traction control' orange icon blinks when wheel grinds and hesitates. This will cause wear and tear to the sensor causing the ABS LIGHT, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK. Service documents attached from 3 mechanics and 5 warranty replacements in 2 years.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

problem #15

Mar 122021

Impala

  • 162,500 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

- Maplewood, MN, USA

problem #14

Sep 172019

Impala

  • 90,000 miles
The front hub assembly is continuously defecting. Inhave replaced both sides a minimum of 6 times since 2013. The steering goes out, the brakes grind the traction control initiates and in severe times I loose all power to vehicle. This is in motion. From complete stop to motion, while in reverse and while turning in iether direction.

- Buffalo, MN, USA

problem #13

Sep 012019

Impala

  • 111,051 miles
This vehicle is dangerous! ive reported some other mechanical failures that put me in danger but not all and they still have yet to stop happening. Ive spent over 10K repairing and replacing steering, suspension drive train/ drive axle and chassis components. But nothing has helped. As of late I keep getting alignments and replaced 2 tie rods struts control arms and wheel hub and bearings only to have my tires wear down unevenly and quickly in 2 weeks. I purchased the tires brand new 6 months ago. With a new wheels and front outter tie rods as well (which I again replaced 2 weeks ago). Also replaced in 2019; front and back brake assembly (shoes, pads, rotors) front and back (both sides) control arms, left and right front strut and spring assembly. New cv axle and front hub bearings full assembly left and right (2 weeks ago)additional left front strut and spring assembly (2 weeks ago). This list is just off the top of my head because there are more repairs; too many. Yet, the car keeps loosing steering and falling apart quicker every day. Plus, the inspection expires next month and it did not pass due to emmissions system issues. It is a 2012 & should not be problematic yet. I only keep repairing it because I am still financing since being ripped off by dealership at 23% Apr on top of overcharged 2xs blue book. Which has me far too upside down to trade in or even sell privately. I wouldn't sell it to my worse enemy anyway. Chevrolet should have to answer for their failure. Hard working people put trust in manufacturers and depend on their cars. I may lose everything because of mine but not without a fight and legal counsel. My next step is to contact a class action law firm to procure counsel for these matters. GMC, the NHTSA, and auto repair businesses (ie. Firestone complete auto care) will be contacted regarding the issue as well. Thank you

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #12

Sep 122019

Impala

  • 111,051 miles
This vehicle is dangerous! ive reported some other mechanical failures that put me in danger but not all and they still have yet to stop happening. Ive spent over 10K repairing and replacing steering, suspension drive train/ drive axle and chassis components. But nothing has helped. As of late I keep getting alignments and replaced 2 tie rods struts control arms and wheel hub and bearings only to have my tires wear down unevenly and quickly in 2 weeks. I purchased the tires brand new 6 months ago. With a new wheels and front outter tie rods as well (which I again replaced 2 weeks ago). Also replaced in 2019; front and back brake assembly (shoes, pads, rotors) front and back (both sides) control arms, left and right front strut and spring assembly. New cv axle and front hub bearings full assembly left and right (2 weeks ago)additional left front strut and spring assembly (2 weeks ago). This list is just off the top of my head because there are more repairs; too many. Yet, the car keeps loosing steering and falling apart quicker every day. Plus, the inspection expires next month and it did not pass due to emmissions system issues. It is a 2012 & should not be problematic yet. I only keep repairing it because I am still financing since being ripped off by dealership at 23% Apr on top of overcharged 2xs blue book. Which has me far too upside down to trade in or even sell privately. I wouldn't sell it to my worse enemy anyway. Chevrolet should have to answer for their failure. Hard working people put trust in manufacturers and depend on their cars. I may lose everything because of mine but not without a fight and legal counsel. My next step is to contact a class action law firm to procure counsel for these matters. GMC, the NHTSA, and auto repair businesses (ie. Firestone complete auto care) will be contacted regarding the issue as well. Thank you

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #11

Jan 122019

Impala

  • 94,000 miles
While driving at no more than 65 mph on the freeway the control arm gave out and it caused loss of control. Then it hit the barrier wall and the 2 tire on the driver side blew on contact. Towed to mechanic and they said that the tie rods also went out. The brakes and shocks and struts were new and it is regularly in the shop for diagnostics and repairs. This is inexcusable and this vehicle needs to be completely recalled and taken out of circulation.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #10

Sep 272017

Impala

  • 73,000 miles
Used car purchased with approx. 72,000 miles. Major problems became apparent at 73,000 miles approx. Grinding clunking squealing noises were 1st warning signs. All of these noises occur anytime the vehicle is being driven, intermittently, but everytime I turn left or right. The ac/heater went out because the blower motor failed. Handling was horrible so replaced most of suspension parts but alignment repeatedly goes out and mechanics are idiots so they just say they are stumped and send me away. That prompted me to research on my own. I looked up the symptoms and have concluded that the hub bearings need to be replaced. Which I cannot afford seeing as how I just spent a few grand on other repairs.then I found out that the transmission is failing which makes it jerk when accelerating, drive very sluggish, and makes loud noises at idle and in motion. There is more problems that would take too long to list. I continue to research all of this vehicles complaints and problems and it seems like it is time for a real recall! GM should be held accountable for making such a nightmare of a car. I just purchased the car from a dealership for $10,000 one year ago and still owe $8,600. Just had the car appraised at $3,000, so I am upside down $5,500. I cannot trade it in, cannot afford perpectually repairing and would not because it seems like there is no end. It is parked now because I cannot drive it anymore, so I cannot get to work and may have to have it repossesed. This is not right!

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #9

Feb 152012

Impala

  • 10,000 miles
All 4 and 1 replacement tire or the original factory installed Goodyear Eagle tires failed due to belt seperation from the tread. One was a major failure at highway speed and L had to make an emergency exit off of the highway and get it replaced while on a trip away from home. All tires failed before rhe 30,000 mile rating. Rhe first one failed before 10,000 miles. Purxhased car from redriver Chevrolet shreveport/bossier city, la.

- Navarre, FL, USA

problem #8

Nov 132017

Impala

  • 180,000 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

- Grandfield, OK, USA

problem #7

Jan 202018

Impala

  • 70,000 miles
70,000 miles, stabiltrak warning on startup and engine power loss. Error message was about a sensor, replaced the hub and the wiring harness to fix. So far no more problems but I've seen this issue countless times and I'm surprised there wasn't a recall yet.

- Ft Huachuca, AZ, USA

problem #6

Aug 012016

Impala

  • 63,000 miles
ABS light comes on stabiltrac light comes on brakes pulse and grind on occasion don't want to stop at times like your on ice

- Germantown, OH, USA

problem #5

Apr 282016

Impala

  • miles
The vehicle would not stop after applying brakes made awful noise and I rear ended a car. It was clear, dry and sunny at the time and should have been able to stop. I believe the stabilitrak system is faulty. The tire pressure sensor has now started coming on since the car accident. The dealer that the body shop took the car to after it fixed the front bumper said it's not the tire sensor that's bad.

- Irwin, PA, USA

problem #4

May 152012

Impala

  • 1,000 miles
The tires continually loose air. The dealer way back when said tires were my expense. Took it to discount tire and they said the rims are not smooth enough for a tight seal. I need to add air every 2 weeks without fail. Now I'm past the 36 month warranty.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

problem #3

Dec 122012

Impala

  • 12,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. While driving approximately 30 mph, the rear driver side wheel made a thud sound. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the spare tire screws inside the trunk were tightened; however, the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer again. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V355000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

- Buffalo , NY, USA

problem #2

Sep 192013

Impala

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, when accelerating and decelerating there would be an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the failure was interment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the spider gear failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Rockhill, SC, USA

problem #1

Dec 112013

Impala

  • 40,000 miles
The first time was in Dec. 2013. Everytime I backed up I heard a clunk. I took it to the dealership and was told it was a bad right rear wheel hub. I was in luck because it was covered by my extended warranty minus the $100 deductible. The car only had 40,000 miles on it. The second time was today,3/14/2014. I went in for a state inspection and was told that the right front hub was bad. The warranty covered it again. The car only has 42,190 on it. Only 2000 miles between occurrences. Something is seriously wrong here. Also I was just told of a recall on the power steering hose. Does this include my 2012 Impala?

- Bloomsburg, PA, USA