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2012
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Chevrolet Impala

EPA MPG: 22 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 Impala is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2012 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Chevrolet Impala owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"I had this a/c problem in the past maybe 3 years ago and ever since its been working well. Never have any problem with a/c currently."

Anonymous, NV (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
Blower (fan) motor

"acuators in vents have consistent click. mrf. defect"

Anonymous A., GA (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
Other climate system problem

""When the car is started, relays activate diverters for fresh or recycled air. Two relays are located behind the glove compartment, difficult to get to but can be replaced. A third relay is located elsewhere. The gears wear out quickly and when the motor tries to move the diverters, the gears just strip out and makes an unbearable noise for a couple of minutes before the motor shuts off.""

Anonymous, (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

""Air actuator turns off and on even with car off. Drains the battery, very lound.""

Anonymous, WA (2012 Chevrolet Impala Unsure 3.6-L V6)
Load more

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"We think there might be a problem with the frame of the vehicle because the doors don't open right. Hinting at previous owner damage."

Anonymous, MN (2012 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.6-L V6)
Other body problem

"Damage wasn't reported so it wasn't known when we bought the vehicle. Paint is peeling on the bumper and it is rusting out by the fuel filler on the driver side."

Anonymous, MN (2012 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.6-L V6)
Sunroof

"Gets stuck in the open position and has not been resolved."

Anonymous, MI (2012 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Wiring harness to the left front sensor disconnects and gives false reading. This causes ABS to engage on the right front. This happens most when accelerating while making a left turn from a stop, such as a left on a two way street. The car sputters as the brakes are fighting the attempt at accelerating. This is a known and common problem, which CHEVROLET has never addressed. There should have been a recall. Turning ABS off before turning prevents the problem, proving that it is related to the ABS."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
Other brakes problem

"Traction control failure was indicated. It required the cable to be replaced...."

Anonymous A., IL (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Evap. leak. Poor fitting gas cap. new one now is very difficult to remove but we still have the problem. Note: we inherited this car 8 months ago."

Anonymous, MN (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"Problem with electrical system from left front wheel to dashboard."

Anonymous A., VA (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Other noises & leaks problem

""With windows rolled down and at freeway speeds, the wind causes a pulsing pressure on the ears that is difficult to stand. changing air coming in thru the vents or blocking it, had no effect on the pounding.""

Anonymous, (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

""consistently find oil drops on garage floor. always a quart low. have been told it could be a ring, seal, gasket or a hairline crack in block.""

Anonymous A., GA (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Thermostat

"Se dano de la computadora y se arreglo lo demas."

Anonymous, (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Roads are terrible and wore out the shocks and struts"

Anonymous, CO (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"The converter is very noisy until it gets warmed up."

Anonymous, MI (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 23, 2014
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V355000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3141731
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Aug 03, 2012
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
GM's campaign number is 12104.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V377000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 36413
Hide Recall Details
STEERING
Aug 05, 2011
POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
GM'S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11224. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V398000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 10344
Hide Recall Details
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