2012 Chevrolet Impala: common problems and reliability

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). Owners most often flag transmission failure — complete failure or severe slipping, particularly in high-mileage examples (e.g., over 200,000 miles). frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

258
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
20
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
58
electronic stability control (esc)
54
steering
49
engine
40
service brakes
34

Recalls affecting the 2012 Impala

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 14V355000

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 a…

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 12V377000

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.

steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections

Campaign 11V398000

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 A…

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).

  • Transmission failure — Complete failure or severe slipping, particularly in high-mileage examples (e.g., over 200,000 miles). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine mechanical problems — Head gasket failures on 3.5L and 3.9L V6 engines; oil leaks; timing component failures; oil pressure issues related to switches and filter housing gaskets. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical and starting issues — Intermittent no-start conditions with clicking noises; battery and alternator failures; systems resetting (time/date) during starting problems. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Erratic idle and stalling — Caused by faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) valves, mass airflow sensors (P0102 code), or EGR-related issues (P1404 code). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption and leaks — Very common, cited as a typical issue requiring regular attention. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impala.

Typical used price

Used Impala listings typically run $10,010–$14,887 across 2002 to 2020 model years.

Other Impala model years

2015 Impala2013 Impala2009 Impala2008 Impala2006 Impala2004 Impala
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