2012 Chevrolet Impala Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance6516.6%
- Electrical5814.8%
- Steering4912.5%
- Engine4311.0%
- Brakes338.4%
- Powertrain (other)266.6%
- Suspension225.6%
- Other / unspecified225.6%
- Airbags205.1%
- Fuel system184.6%
- Seat belts92.3%
- Exterior lighting82.0%
- Body & structure82.0%
- Visibility51.3%
- Tires & wheels41.0%
- Interior & seats10.3%
- Transmission10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRACTION CONTROL AND STABLITRAK LIGHTS COME ON. GRINDING SOUND AND HESITATION BEFORE MOVING IN REVERSE, GOING STRAIGHT AND TURNING. THE HESTIATION KEEPS THE CAR FROM MOVING. CAN TURN OFF AND FIX THIS ISSUE FOR A SHORT BIT OF TIME WITH THE BOTTOM ON THE DASH. AFTER A WHILE TURNING IT OFF DOESN'T HELP BECAUSE IT TURNS ITSELF BACK ON.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake hose needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V398000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stability control light comes on which puts the engine in restricted power ABS and brake light comes on front driver side brake continuously holds on when trying to accelerate
The car has been in the shop twice within 6 months having it. It was towed twice, once for transmission issues and having no power to it at all then it back in the shop for warning lights. I also had it in the shop for about an hour to have a new tire put on it after loosing air. It had to be towed back home for all the brakes being shot and I'm now having an issue with the rear left caliper having a slow leak, the rear left sway bar is also broken in half. The whole entire car has issues and the leasing company and dealership refuse to do anything to help along with not helping me get the payment down. After one thing gets fixed, another thing happens. The suspension is getting bad and has been like that since my fiance and i got the car. The dealership said everything was new and fixed. We had 2 kids in the car and their safety was put at risk as well as others that got in the car. The car is getting to be a death trap for me. the warning lights that were coming on were Service Stabilitrak, Service Brake Assist, Service Trac Control and Service Brake System. These were coming on after I had the car in the shop for the transmission issue. Those lights are now not coming on. My fiance and I were told by the dealership that the brakes were new, nothing mechanically wrong with the car and drives smoothly, this was said before we took the car for a test drive. We were there to buy a car but after we signed the papers, we were told it was a lease.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stability control light comes on which puts the engine in restricted power ABS and brake light comes on front driver side brake continuously holds on when trying to accelerate
The car has been in the shop twice within 6 months having it. It was towed twice, once for transmission issues and having no power to it at all then it back in the shop for warning lights. I also had it in the shop for about an hour to have a new tire put on it after loosing air. It had to be towed back home for all the brakes being shot and I'm now having an issue with the rear left caliper having a slow leak, the rear left sway bar is also broken in half. The whole entire car has issues and the leasing company and dealership refuse to do anything to help along with not helping me get the payment down. After one thing gets fixed, another thing happens. The suspension is getting bad and has been like that since my fiance and i got the car. The dealership said everything was new and fixed. We had 2 kids in the car and their safety was put at risk as well as others that got in the car. The car is getting to be a death trap for me. the warning lights that were coming on were Service Stabilitrak, Service Brake Assist, Service Trac Control and Service Brake System. These were coming on after I had the car in the shop for the transmission issue. Those lights are now not coming on. My fiance and I were told by the dealership that the brakes were new, nothing mechanically wrong with the car and drives smoothly, this was said before we took the car for a test drive. We were there to buy a car but after we signed the papers, we were told it was a lease.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Stabilizer makes loud noise I had it repaired before at southpointe chev.tulsa ok that bill was 700.00 dollars I'm having the same problem again can you pls help me
The car has been in the shop twice within 6 months having it. It was towed twice, once for transmission issues and having no power to it at all then it back in the shop for warning lights. I also had it in the shop for about an hour to have a new tire put on it after loosing air. It had to be towed back home for all the brakes being shot and I'm now having an issue with the rear left caliper having a slow leak, the rear left sway bar is also broken in half. The whole entire car has issues and the leasing company and dealership refuse to do anything to help along with not helping me get the payment down. After one thing gets fixed, another thing happens. The suspension is getting bad and has been like that since my fiance and i got the car. The dealership said everything was new and fixed. We had 2 kids in the car and their safety was put at risk as well as others that got in the car. The car is getting to be a death trap for me. the warning lights that were coming on were Service Stabilitrak, Service Brake Assist, Service Trac Control and Service Brake System. These were coming on after I had the car in the shop for the transmission issue. Those lights are now not coming on. My fiance and I were told by the dealership that the brakes were new, nothing mechanically wrong with the car and drives smoothly, this was said before we took the car for a test drive. We were there to buy a car but after we signed the papers, we were told it was a lease.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK AND THE BRAKES TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO STREET SIGN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
WHEN ENTERING CAR THERE IS TAPPING NOISE BEHIND THE PASSENGER GLOVE BOX,THIS NOISE WILL CONTINUE FOR APPROX; 5 MIN ,WHEN KEY IS TURNED TO THE OFF POSITION NOISE WILL CONTINUE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE STOPPING.. CAR IS GARAGE KEPT. MAIN DRIVER IS A SENIOR DRIVER.(83 Y.O )
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Fuel pump replacement with Gm dealership parts provider now car engine doesn't shut off right after key is turned off and car doesn't want to talk gas when fueling then doesn't want to start after fueling
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Both front seat belts sometimes do not click when buckling up. Sometimes you have to reinsert the metal end into the buckle several times to get it to "click". If it doesn't click you can pull on the strap and it will come out causing a safety issue.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger dim headlight keeps going out causing a unsafe issue. The plug gets hot and is damaged.A service bulletin was put out on this issue in 2014 so gm has known that this was a problem for a long time. I read several complaints on this issue and can't understand why a recall has not been issued unless gm thinks that it is safe to drive with one headlight. I know from experience that our state police department doesn't think that it is since I just got a warning because my headlight was out again.
ALL MY LIGHTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE FLICKER. ALSO PANEL LIGHTS DOOR LIGHTS OVERHEAD LIGHTS MAP LIGHTS.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE PINS ON WIPER ARMS TWICE IN ABOUT 6 MONTHS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. IS THERE A RECALL ON THESE WIPER ARMS?
MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA,I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS VEHICLE A LOT.ON COMPLAINT WEBSITES,THERE ARE PAGES AND PAGES OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BLEND DOORS FOR HEAT AND AIR,YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE DEFROST OR AIR OOR HEAT,THAT IS DANGEROUS FOR ANYBODY TO DRIVE AND YOU CAN GO UP TO CAR AND BADLY TOUCH CAR AND IT STARTS CLICKING AND CLICKING AND DON'T STOP,CHEVROLET REFUSES TO FIX PROBLEM THAT'S THEIR FAULT FOR USING INFERIOR PARTS ,THAT TO ME AND A LOT,A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY CHEVROLET AND GM,DON'T GIVE A [XXX] ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR VEHICLES OR CUSTOMERS,SO IF THIS PROBLEM ISN'T ADDRESSED,I KNOW YOU DON'T CARE BUT I'LL NEVER BUY A CHEVROLET AGAIN,AND I'VE BOUGHT QUITE A FEW CHEVROLET'S,BUT NEVER BEEN TREATED THIS WAY FOR THEIR MISTAKES,THE REASON I KNOW IT'S DANGEROUS IS BECAUSE YOU CAN'T CONTROL ANY FUNCTIONS OF THE HEAT AIR OR DEFROST,MY WIFE IS DISABLED AND FOR HER TO HAVE TO GET OUT AND WIPE WINDSHIELD OFF JUST TO DRIVE,AND GOD HELP US IF IT RAINS,WE HAVE TO PULL OVER TO CLEAN WINDSHIELD,IF THAT'S NOT DANGEROUS THEN ANYBODY THAT OWNS ONE OF THESE CARS PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY SWITCH TO TRACTION CONTROL MODE. IN ADDITION, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKES OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS WIRING HARNESS AND THE WHEEL HUB WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES, SIZE: P225/55R17. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE WAS SEPARATING. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS 10,756.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT PRESSURE(?) SWITCH IN SEAT FOR AIR BAG, CONSTANTLY GOES OFF INDICATING THERE IS SOMEONE SITTING THERE, WHEN IN FACT THERE IS NO ONE OR A PIECE OF PAPER ON THE SEAT. IT STARTED OUT AS A RARE OCCURRENCE BUT IS NOW PRETTY MUCH SWITCHING ON ALL THE TIME, EITHER AT CAR START UP OR IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. IF IT DIDN'T DINGLE, WARNING THE PASSENGER ISN'T BUCKLED IT WOULDN'T BE A HUGE DEAL, BUT STILL WOULDN'T NEED IT TO DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THERE ISN'T A PASSENGER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, ENGINE VIBRATIONS WERE EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNSURE OF WHAT COMPONENT FAILED OR HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,000. UPDATED 3/14/13 *CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .