Before you buy
This 2012 Chevrolet Impala has 258 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2012 Chevrolet Impala Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2012 Chevrolet Impala trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2012 Chevrolet Impala Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Chevrolet Impala has 258 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Impala
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 258
- Crash-related complaints
- 20
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Chevrolet Impala problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
This CHEVROLET IMPALA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Impala
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Impala, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The CHEVROLET IMPALA has 258 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. 20 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 258 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 3 federal recall campaigns
- 20 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2012 Chevrolet Impala complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 58 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 54 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 49 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 43 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 34 | 5 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 22 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 20 | 8 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 19 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 requiremen…
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 no…
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 …
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
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 Ti…
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 th…
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 n…
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
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
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving in the rain, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The v…
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 stability track light is on and abs. The sensor in the hubs go out even in New hubs. When I'm pulling out onto the road the traction light comes on an makes a grinding noise and the power goes down .I was told it was the stability track chain and the sensor in my right hub.
I purchased the vehicle used. Four months after I purchased it the traction control, stabilitrak and reduced engine power light came on. I took it to a certified mechanic, he said the code came back as a faulty battery. He replaced the battery and said everything should be fin…
I have a 2012 impala that I have had since 2015 and a little while after I got it the engine light came on and it said it was the fuel pump control module requested Mil illumination and evaporated emissions systems leak detected (large leak) and at times the gas tank sparys back …
When making left turns the car will make a loud grinding noise and will stop momentarily; it says it is due to the traction control on the dash. It is extremely unsafe when making a turn while a car is coming and there's nothing you can do. Also while making left hand turns the w…
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 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…
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 recal…
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.…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Safety recalls
2012 Chevrolet Impala recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
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Questions
2012 Chevrolet Impala buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Impala reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 258 owner complaints, 20 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. This CHEVROLET IMPALA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (58 complaints). #2: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (54 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (49 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, NHTSA complaints include 20 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 258 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 3 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Impala?▾
This CHEVROLET IMPALA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Impala reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.