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Chevrolet Impala

EPA MPG: 22 mpg
Average Retail Price
$5,675 - $6,225

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

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, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

The 2012 Chevrolet Impala has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

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.

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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other steering/suspension problem

"Broken front sway bar (stabilizer bar) required replacement."

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
Shocks or struts

"Ever since we owned the car it had needed new struts. It progressively got worse. Replacing with news struts and it rides like a new car almost."

Anonymous, MN (2012 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.6-L V6)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Complete repair of rack and pinion steering system. Very expensive, but the car is old and has many miles."

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

Climate System

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"It started making a loud noise.It only happened once and then two more times when I got home. I took it to the garage and had it fixed. Other than that it has been a wonderful car and I would buy another one just like it if I could."

Anonymous, MD (2012 Chevrolet Impala 3.6-L V6)
Evaporator

"Two of them went out on me. One I replaced the other I couldnt reach and cost me $300"

Anonymous, WI (2012 Chevrolet Impala 3.6-L V6)
Heater system

"HVAC system makes a loud, annoying tapping sound. I understand this is typical of older Impalas. Im must have it repaired soon, as the AC and the heater dont work well. Also, no use may drive me crazy! Eva use of where repair is made, its expensive."

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

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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"Was in car accident and restored driver side headlight, fender , door etc."

Anonymous, WI (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
Seat controls - power

"Lost function had new installed"

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

In-car Electronics

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Display screen goes blank

"The display screen went blank I had no speedometer so I could not tell how fast I was going. Or how much gas I had. So I went to Autonation Chevrolet an they out in a new screen. They didn't have one for that old of car, so they put in a newer screen so I don/t pay any attention to the prompts for the newer safety features that I don't have."

Anonymous, CO (2012 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6-L V6)
Hardware replacement

"When the problem first started it was constant, it went blank and stayed blank. So I went to Autonation and they gave me the soonest time I could bring my car in to get fixed."

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

Exhaust

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The 3 solenoids that control fresh air or recycled air were extremely noisy and had to be replaced."

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

"a/c intermittent"

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

Noises/Leaks

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Drain holes in the sunroof on the front passenger side allows water to drain on the floor"

Anonymous, (2012 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.6-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"It started at about 20000 miles and has gotten worse. We have had three diff. Mechanics look at it and none can find the cause. So it continues to rattle ."

Anonymous A., MI (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.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"The remote will unlock doors but won't lock them."

Anonymous, KS (2012 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6-L V6)
Other electrical system problem

"Alternator stopped charging requiring replacement."

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

Brakes

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

/ 5

What Owners Say

Squeaking

"Result of worn breaks"

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

Engine Major

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

/ 5

Transmission Major

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

/ 5

Engine Minor

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

/ 5

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.

/ 5

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.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

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

/ 5

Paint/Trim

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

/ 5

Transmission Minor

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

/ 5

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.

/ 5

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
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09
10
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14*
15
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17
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA

NA
NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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.
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
SUSPENSION
Aug 03, 2012
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
STEERING
Aug 05, 2011
POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
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
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