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2012 Chevrolet Impala

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

204 reports with mileage · 54 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports5 fire reports12 injury reports

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

54 reports
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159,000 miles · Aug 9, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11344128

120,000 miles · Jul 8, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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 SNA…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11338104

95,312 miles · Jun 27, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering

CLUNKING , GRINDING NOISE SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE ABS LIGHTS COME ON LOSE POWER WHEN REVERSING OR MAKING A LEFT TURN. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS GOING TO THE SENSORS IN THE WHEELS. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM ACROSS MANY YEARS OF THIS VEHICLE. PEOPLE ARE SPENDIN…

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CLUNKING , GRINDING NOISE SERVICE STABILITRAK, SERVICE ABS LIGHTS COME ON LOSE POWER WHEN REVERSING OR MAKING A LEFT TURN. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH THERE SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRING HARNESS GOING TO THE SENSORS IN THE WHEELS. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM ACROSS MANY YEARS OF THIS VEHICLE. PEOPLE ARE SPENDING MONEY UNNECESSARILY ON PARTS SUCH AS WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS WITHOUT FIXING SAID PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE ARE ALSO REPORTING CARS TURNING OFF AS A RESULT OF THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11331223

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

1ST - 8/11/2018 - 79,653 MILES - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CODE P0411 SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM INCORRECT FLOW DETECTED. DEALERSHIP STATED THE SOLENOID MALFUNCTION CHECK ENGINE CAME BACK ON, CODE P0411, CHEVROLET STATED THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED AND RESET THE CODE. CHEVY'S STATED TH…

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1ST - 8/11/2018 - 79,653 MILES - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CODE P0411 SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM INCORRECT FLOW DETECTED. DEALERSHIP STATED THE SOLENOID MALFUNCTION CHECK ENGINE CAME BACK ON, CODE P0411, CHEVROLET STATED THE SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED AND RESET THE CODE. CHEVY'S STATED THE FAULTY SIR INJECTION SOLENOIDS BANK 1 AND 2 WAS THE CAUSE OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE P0411. ADVISED ME THAT THE BATTERY TERMINAL MAY BE THE ISSUE AND RECOMMENDED CHANGING IT. RECOMMEND A NEW ALTERNATOR. CHEVY WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY THE CODE P0411 BUT MADE A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE ISSUE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AGAIN, NO OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE AT THAT TIME. GM OPENED A TAC CASE. ADVISED BY TAC THAT CARBON BUILDUP IN THE CYLINDER VALVES FROM THE CYLINDER HEADS WAS THE CAUSE. TOLD TO DRIVE VEHICLE FOR A FEW DAYS. WITHIN 3 DAYS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. CHEVY INSTALLED A VEHICLE DATA RECORDER PER THE GM FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER. TEST RESULTS SHOWED BOTH AIR INJECTION CUT OF VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. FUTURE ALSO UPDATED ECM CALIBRATION AND PROGRAMMED IT - COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. 6TH VISIT ON 9/3/2019 AT 85970 MILES CHEVROLET ADVISED THE CAUSE IS DUE TO THE LEFT TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND AIR INLET ACTUATORS. 7TH - 9TH TIME, ADVISED BY INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP, THAT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING AS NORMAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE WAS RESET. ADVISED CAR NEEDS TO BE CALIBRATED AT GM-APPROVED DEALERSHIP. AS OF TODAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. THE FINAL SHOP ADVISED THE ISSUE MAY BE THAT THE SYSTEM WAS NOT CALIBRATED OR JUST NEEDED TO BE CALIBRATED EVERY TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I BELIEVE THAT THOUSANDS OF GM CUSTOMERS ARE PAYING OUT OF POCKET FOR UNNECESSARY P0411 REPAIR WORK.*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI #11280453

88,000 miles · Nov 1, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DURING RUSH HOURS MY 2012 CHEVY IMPALA'S DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP SAYING " SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILINK, ENGINE POWER REDUCED" TERRIFIED AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE TRYING TO GET OVER AS MY CAR BEGAN TO GO INTO LIMP MODE.I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM B…

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WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DURING RUSH HOURS MY 2012 CHEVY IMPALA'S DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP SAYING " SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILINK, ENGINE POWER REDUCED" TERRIFIED AS I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE TRYING TO GET OVER AS MY CAR BEGAN TO GO INTO LIMP MODE.I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ACCELERATING FROM BEING STOPPED.

NHTSA ODI #11277612

90,000 miles · Sep 24, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringWheels

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 DIRE…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11257859

40,000 miles · Aug 27, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON CITY STREETS GOING STRAIGHT WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE THE A/C AND RADIO POWERED ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND "SERVICE STABILITRAK" FLASHED ON AND OFF THE DASH, THE RADIO POWERED DOWN, AND THE A/C TURNED OFF. AFTER A FEW SECOND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. …

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WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON CITY STREETS GOING STRAIGHT WITH A SLIGHT INCLINE THE A/C AND RADIO POWERED ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND "SERVICE STABILITRAK" FLASHED ON AND OFF THE DASH, THE RADIO POWERED DOWN, AND THE A/C TURNED OFF. AFTER A FEW SECOND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AT ALL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ODI #11246694

91,000 miles · Aug 10, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AND CHIME ON AND OFF..............CAR RUNS OK BUT CHIME WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY.............NEED TO TURN IT OFF................

NHTSA ODI #11243021

34,000 miles · Jul 15, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM IS CONSTANTLY ON EVEN WHEN MY CAR IS STATIONARY MY ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT IS ALSO ALWAYS ON. SOME TIMES I LOSE POWER WHEN I START TO DRIVE. I HAD IT CHECKED AND HAD THE SENSOR REPLACED ,BUT THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT SOLVED.

NHTSA ODI #11231918

141,200 miles · Jun 15, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSuspension

SINCE 2017, UPON STARTING MY CAR I GET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ALERT MSGS "SERVICE STABILITRAK", *SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" AND "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" ON MY DASHBOARD. I'VE HAD THE CAR INTO LES SCHWAB AND ERROR CODE DIAGNOSTICS DONE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER BOTH FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. THE SAME SERVICE MESSAGES STILL CO…

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SINCE 2017, UPON STARTING MY CAR I GET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ALERT MSGS "SERVICE STABILITRAK", *SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST" AND "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" ON MY DASHBOARD. I'VE HAD THE CAR INTO LES SCHWAB AND ERROR CODE DIAGNOSTICS DONE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER BOTH FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED. THE SAME SERVICE MESSAGES STILL CONTINUE TO APPEAR ON THE DASH. LES SCHWAB HAS CHECKED THE HUB SENSOR WIRES REPEATEDLY AND ALL ERROR CODES AND FIND THEM TO BE OK. THEY FIND THE CAR TO STILL HAVE A CRUNCHING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE CAR, MOST MARKEDLY WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, BUT CAN ALSO BE HEARD WHEN THERE IS A DROP IN ELEVATION, AS WHEN EXISTING A PARKING LOT INTO A SLIGHTLY LOWER ROADWAY. ON JUNE 14,2019, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND TURNING RIGHT AT A STOPLIGHT, THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED AS HAS WHEN I MAKE A LEFT TURN. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACTED AS THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED VERY HARD AND THEN THE CAR HALTED BRIEFLY WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AS THOUGH IT WOULD STALL OUT. I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR TILL I FORCED THE CAR TO MOVE AROUND THE CORNER AND AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE OF FIGHTING BRAKING RESISTANCE, I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN NORMAL 40 MPH SPEED WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURRED ON DRY PAVEMENT WITH NO PRECIPITATION. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 100 DEGREES. BEST DRIVING CONDITIONS WITH NO ROUGH ROADWAY. LES SCHWAB SAID THE PROBLEM WITH THE HUB SENSOR AND LEFT TURNING IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO THEM AND SAID THEY WISH IT WOULD BE MADE A RECALL ITEM AS IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM NOW. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CHEVY IMPALA. LOVE MY CAR BUT WON'T TAKE A CHANCE ON PURCHASING SAME MAKE AND MODEL. I WASN'T SO SURPRISED WHEN RESEARCHING THESE ISSUES ON THE INTERNET TO FIND HUGE NUMBER OF OWNER'S HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI #11220345

Official recalls

3

14V355000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jun 23, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

12V377000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Aug 3, 2012

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

11V398000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Aug 5, 2011

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.