Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2012 Chevrolet Impala: common problems and reliability
One of the better Impala years.
258 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Impala?The 2012 Chevrolet Impala has 258 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and electronic stability control (esc).
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Impala years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Impala?
Across the 23 Impala model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (1999) to 1,683 (2016). With 258 complaints, the 2012 Impala sits below the model's median of 609.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Impala
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 14V355000This 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.
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 12V377000General 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.
steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Campaign 11V398000GM 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 owners say across generations
Owner sentiment is highly fragmented across generations, with no single dominant consensus. For classic models (1959, 1963, 1994-1996 SS), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, centered on iconic styling, collectibility, and performance (e.g., 409 V8, LT1 V8).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Impala. See the full Impala owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Impala listings typically run $10,875–$16,744 across 1996 to 2020 model years.
Other Impala model years
Compare every Impala year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Impala against its rivals
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