repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
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.
2012 Chevrolet ImpalaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 258 owner complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-355 the manufacturer reports only 62% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Chevrolet Impala has problems
258 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
58Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
54Electronic stability control (ESC)4 crash/fire/injury
49Steering8 crash/fire/injury
40Engine3 crash/fire/injury
32Service brakes5 crash/fire/injury
27Power train1 crash/fire/injury
22Suspension
20Air bags
19Wheels
7613 other systems8 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 58 | 5 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 54 | 4 |
| Steering | 49 | 8 |
| Engine | 40 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 32 | 5 |
| Power train | 27 | 1 |
| Suspension | 22 | 2 |
| Air bags | 20 | 8 |
| Wheels | 19 | 3 |
| 13 other systems | 76 | 8 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2012 Chevrolet Impala recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
Risk. POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
55kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 39 electrical system complaints. 90% were reported before 100,000 miles.
6under 30k miles35under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Impala year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Impala median. How we score
'65'66'67'68'69'71'72'73'74'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'85'87'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Chevrolet Impala safety ratings
2012 Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Impala owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
I put my car in reverse and the car turned off and have turn back on. When I try to start it, I don’t hear any fix or crank. Before this happened, my car was slow to change gear or it would will change so fast that my car will lose control and I did not feel safe at all.
Own a 2012 Impala?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.