2012 Chevrolet Impala Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 58 3 crash 2 fire 4 injury

“I OWN A CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND AN AIRBAG RECALL. THE 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA THAT I OWN CAUSED ME TO HAVE A SEVERE ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED ME TO SUFFER MAJOR INJURIES BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V355000 RECALL DATE: 2014-06-23 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11033957, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10626467, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MAY 2013 I PURCHASED A 2012 IMPALA FULLY CERTIFIED BY THE CHEVY DEALER. ON 9/25/2013 I WAS STOPPED ON I-80 DUE TO TRAFFIC. A WOMAN TRAVELING 53 MPH SLAMMED INTO ME CAUSING ME TO TAKE OUT THE NEXT 3 CARS. I FILED AN INVESTIGATION WITH GM TO REVIEW THE VEHICLE INFORMATION (WHICH IS HOW I KNOW HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING). THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON, BUT NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE SEAT BELT HAD RESTRAINED ME ONLY AFTER I VIOLENTLY BOUNCED OFF OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THIS WAS REPORTED TO GM IT WAS STATED THAT THERE ARE THREE LINES OF DEFENSE IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT #1 THE BODY OF YOUR VEHICLE #2…”
NHTSA complaint #10617649, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 54 3 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“I OWN A CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND AN AIRBAG RECALL. THE 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA THAT I OWN CAUSED ME TO HAVE A SEVERE ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED ME TO SUFFER MAJOR INJURIES BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V355000 RECALL DATE: 2014-06-23 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11033957, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED THE DASHBOARD, CENTER CONSOLE BY THE SHIFTER LEVER, AND FRONT BUCKET SEATS TO MELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED VISIBLE SMOKE IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD BE SENT TO INVESTIGATE AND DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #10959143, 2017 · fire

“THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AFTER APPLYING BRAKES MADE AWFUL NOISE AND I REAR ENDED A CAR. IT WAS CLEAR, DRY AND SUNNY AT THE TIME AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP. I BELIEVE THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM IS FAULTY. THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR HAS NOW STARTED COMING ON SINCE THE CAR ACCIDENT. THE DEALER THAT THE BODY SHOP TOOK THE CAR TO AFTER IT FIXED THE FRONT BUMPER SAID IT'S NOT THE TIRE SENSOR THAT'S BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #10873680, 2016 · crash

Steering 49 7 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN THUMB AND A HEAD CONCUSSION. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 33,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10484464, 2012 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10626467, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY VEHICLE'S STEERING WENT OUT OF NO WHERE AS I WAS PULLING INTO A STORE. THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, AND VERY THICK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO STOP TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. I OPENED THE HOOD AND WAS OVERCOME BY SMOKE. I ENDED UP RESORTING TO CALLING A TOW TRUCK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT 3 MONTHS PRIOR. THE CURRENT ISSUE THE DEALER SAID I HAD, WAS THAT T…”
NHTSA complaint #10545475, 2013 · fire

Engine 40 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10626467, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS STANDING IN TRAFFIC AND SMOKE START COMING INSIDE THE CAR FROM ENGINE AND THE ENGINE START ON FIRE THE CAR BURN FROM THE ENGINE OUT ??? AND I FOUND THIS INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY PROBLEMS AND RECALLS ON THIS CAR MODEL ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS CAR MODEL AND YEAR HAVE FIRE HAZARD PROBLEMS PLEASE REVIEW AND HELP ME TO FOUND ANY ANSWER THANK YOU *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10865454, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK AND THE BRAKES TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO STREET SIGN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11408401, 2021 · crash

Service Brakes 33 5 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO SHERMAN ELGIN HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR BACK, NECK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED BY THE POLICE TO AN UNKNOWN LOT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,564.”
NHTSA complaint #11150090, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON JUNE 28,2014 WHILE DRIVING DOWN HOUSTON TX BELTWAY. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY CAR HIT A CEMENT GUARD RAIL AND BRAKES FAIL AS WELL AS NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10606876, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED CAUSING THE STEERING TO LOCK AND THE BRAKES TO FAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO STREET SIGN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFOR…”
NHTSA complaint #11408401, 2021 · crash

Power Train 27 1 crash 1 injury

“CAR WAS IN PARK AT A GAS STATION, IGNITION OFF, CAR NOT RUNNING. GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWED "PARK". DRIVER WAS OUT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR ROLLED AWAY, CRASHING INTO PARKED VEHICLE AND RESULTING IN INJURY TO DRIVER. THIS WAS AN AVIS RENTAL CAR WITH 7,500 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10439689, 2011 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Stability control light comes on which puts the engine in restricted power ABS and brake light comes on front driver side brake continuously holds on when trying to accelerate”
NHTSA complaint #11529882, 2023

“The car has been in the shop twice within 6 months having it. It was towed twice, once for transmission issues and having no power to it at all then it back in the shop for warning lights. I also had it in the shop for about an hour to have a new tire put on it after loosing air. It had to be towed back home for all the brakes being shot and I'm now having an issue with the rear left caliper having a slow leak, the rear left sway bar is also broken in half. The whole entire car has issues and the leasing company and dealership refuse to do anything to help along with not helping me get the pay…”
NHTSA complaint #11442031, 2021

Unknown Or Other 23 1 crash

“CAR LUNGED INTO CAR IN FRONT EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT ON BRAKE. PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND IT KEPT GOING IN REVERSE VERY FAST UNTIL CAR BACKED UP ONTO A CURB!!! IT WAS AS IF THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS ON BRAKE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11323506, 2020 · crash

“To be able to afford repairs and return it to release date price close to around 27,000 to 28,000 tire got needed air awhile and radiator and the reservoir or holder got replaced still not knowing how to repair the rest with getting the money to for safety standards or requirements wondering if program help getting it repaired and or a new vehicle same company or model not trying to have it be”
NHTSA complaint #11722869, 2025

“Stability traction control I have had to fix it 3 times once was ball bearing and the other was a wire harness and it has to go in shop again for stability traction issues again also the door blending parts keep failing in my car I have had 3 replaced”
NHTSA complaint #11628167, 2023

Suspension 22 2 crash

“THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS! IVE REPORTED SOME OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES THAT PUT ME IN DANGER BUT NOT ALL AND THEY STILL HAVE YET TO STOP HAPPENING. IVE SPENT OVER 10K REPAIRING AND REPLACING STEERING, SUSPENSION DRIVE TRAIN/ DRIVE AXLE AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS. BUT NOTHING HAS HELPED. AS OF LATE I KEEP GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACED 2 TIE RODS STRUTS CONTROL ARMS AND WHEEL HUB AND BEARINGS ONLY TO HAVE MY TIRES WEAR DOWN UNEVENLY AND QUICKLY IN 2 WEEKS. I PURCHASED THE TIRES BRAND NEW 6 MONTHS AGO. WITH A NEW WHEELS AND FRONT OUTTER TIE RODS AS WELL (WHICH I AGAIN REPLACED 2 WEEKS AGO). ALSO RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11255661, 2019 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT NO MORE THAN 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE CONTROL ARM GAVE OUT AND IT CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. THEN IT HIT THE BARRIER WALL AND THE 2 TIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE BLEW ON CONTACT. TOWED TO MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT THE TIE RODS ALSO WENT OUT. THE BRAKES AND SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE NEW AND IT IS REGULARLY IN THE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE AND THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY RECALLED AND TAKEN OUT OF CIRCULATION.”
NHTSA complaint #11166797, 2019 · crash

“Stabilizer makes loud noise I had it repaired before at southpointe chev.tulsa ok that bill was 700.00 dollars I'm having the same problem again can you pls help me”
NHTSA complaint #11517311, 2021

Air Bags 20 8 crash 9 injury

“I OWN A CHEVY IMPALA THAT HAD AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL AND AN AIRBAG RECALL. THE 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA THAT I OWN CAUSED ME TO HAVE A SEVERE ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED ME TO SUFFER MAJOR INJURIES BECAUSE THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V355000 RECALL DATE: 2014-06-23 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11033957, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #10630600, 2014 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TRACTOR TRAILER HIT A 1/2 SCHOOL BUS WHICH HIT US ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. PASSENGERS HAD SEVERE INJURIES INCLUDING NECK, ARMS, NERVE, HANDS, SHOULDER DAMAGE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10586271, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Wheels 19 3 crash

“THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS! IVE REPORTED SOME OTHER MECHANICAL FAILURES THAT PUT ME IN DANGER BUT NOT ALL AND THEY STILL HAVE YET TO STOP HAPPENING. IVE SPENT OVER 10K REPAIRING AND REPLACING STEERING, SUSPENSION DRIVE TRAIN/ DRIVE AXLE AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS. BUT NOTHING HAS HELPED. AS OF LATE I KEEP GETTING ALIGNMENTS AND REPLACED 2 TIE RODS STRUTS CONTROL ARMS AND WHEEL HUB AND BEARINGS ONLY TO HAVE MY TIRES WEAR DOWN UNEVENLY AND QUICKLY IN 2 WEEKS. I PURCHASED THE TIRES BRAND NEW 6 MONTHS AGO. WITH A NEW WHEELS AND FRONT OUTTER TIE RODS AS WELL (WHICH I AGAIN REPLACED 2 WEEKS AGO). ALSO RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11255661, 2019 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT NO MORE THAN 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE CONTROL ARM GAVE OUT AND IT CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. THEN IT HIT THE BARRIER WALL AND THE 2 TIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE BLEW ON CONTACT. TOWED TO MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THAT THE TIE RODS ALSO WENT OUT. THE BRAKES AND SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE NEW AND IT IS REGULARLY IN THE SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS. THIS IS INEXCUSABLE AND THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY RECALLED AND TAKEN OUT OF CIRCULATION.”
NHTSA complaint #11166797, 2019 · crash

“THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AFTER APPLYING BRAKES MADE AWFUL NOISE AND I REAR ENDED A CAR. IT WAS CLEAR, DRY AND SUNNY AT THE TIME AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP. I BELIEVE THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM IS FAULTY. THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR HAS NOW STARTED COMING ON SINCE THE CAR ACCIDENT. THE DEALER THAT THE BODY SHOP TOOK THE CAR TO AFTER IT FIXED THE FRONT BUMPER SAID IT'S NOT THE TIRE SENSOR THAT'S BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #10873680, 2016 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 17

“I have trouble codes that occasionally come up even after vehicle has been serviced. The vehicle used to drive fine. Now it started miss firing. I was told the problem was coming from the engine compartment/sensors. An OBDII diagnosis detects a problem with B Camshaft Position Timing Over Advanced or System Performance Bank 2 (p0024). I fear that without the fix, the miss firing can cause an accident. The engine light is illuminated when this happens.”
NHTSA complaint #11588160, 2024

“Fuel pump replacement with Gm dealership parts provider now car engine doesn't shut off right after key is turned off and car doesn't want to talk gas when fueling then doesn't want to start after fueling”
NHTSA complaint #11529881, 2023

“2/16/2019 (SAT 3:30PM) : SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHEN DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY 99 NEAR FRESNO, CALIFORNIA. FELT LIKE NO GAS COMING IN. ENGINE WAS STILL ON, BUT GAS PEDAL SEEMED TO PUMP NO GAS TO THE ENGINE. PUMPING THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO ACCELERATION RESPONSE. SPEED CONTINUED TO DROP ON THE HIGHWAY, VERY DANGEROUS! FINALLY, LUCKILY PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT MISHAP. ENGINE WAS STILL ON WHEN STOPPING BY THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, KIND OF IDLING AT LOW RPM. SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND TRIED TO RESTART IT TO HOPE FOR THE PROBLEM TO GO AWAY. CRANKED A DOZEN TIMES AND COULD N…”
NHTSA complaint #11180992, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 15 2 crash 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO SHERMAN ELGIN HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR BACK, NECK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED BY THE POLICE TO AN UNKNOWN LOT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,564.”
NHTSA complaint #11150090, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10626467, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11277612, 2019

Seat Belts 9 1 crash 1 injury

“MAY 2013 I PURCHASED A 2012 IMPALA FULLY CERTIFIED BY THE CHEVY DEALER. ON 9/25/2013 I WAS STOPPED ON I-80 DUE TO TRAFFIC. A WOMAN TRAVELING 53 MPH SLAMMED INTO ME CAUSING ME TO TAKE OUT THE NEXT 3 CARS. I FILED AN INVESTIGATION WITH GM TO REVIEW THE VEHICLE INFORMATION (WHICH IS HOW I KNOW HOW FAST SHE WAS TRAVELING). THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON, BUT NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE SEAT BELT HAD RESTRAINED ME ONLY AFTER I VIOLENTLY BOUNCED OFF OF THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN THIS WAS REPORTED TO GM IT WAS STATED THAT THERE ARE THREE LINES OF DEFENSE IN A VEHICULAR ACCIDENT #1 THE BODY OF YOUR VEHICLE #2…”
NHTSA complaint #10617649, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Both front seat belts sometimes do not click when buckling up. Sometimes you have to reinsert the metal end into the buckle several times to get it to "click". If it doesn't click you can pull on the strap and it will come out causing a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11445839, 2022

“THE RADIO WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO SHOWS A BLANK SCREEN AND DOES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. MY DOOR CHIMES, IGNITION CHIME, SEAT BELT CHIMES, TURN SIGNAL CHIMES NONE OF THAT WORKS EITHER. NOT SURE IF IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. HOWEVER I HAD MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR TESTED. HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE FOR MAYBE 2 MONTHS NOW.”
NHTSA complaint #11138835, 2018

Exterior Lighting 8

“Passenger dim headlight keeps going out causing a unsafe issue. The plug gets hot and is damaged.A service bulletin was put out on this issue in 2014 so gm has known that this was a problem for a long time. I read several complaints on this issue and can't understand why a recall has not been issued unless gm thinks that it is safe to drive with one headlight. I know from experience that our state police department doesn't think that it is since I just got a warning because my headlight was out again.”
NHTSA complaint #11443397, 2021

“ALL MY LIGHTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE FLICKER. ALSO PANEL LIGHTS DOOR LIGHTS OVERHEAD LIGHTS MAP LIGHTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11362186, 2019

“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 complaint #11246694, 2019

Structure 8 2 crash 3 injury

“TRACTOR TRAILER HIT A 1/2 SCHOOL BUS WHICH HIT US ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. PASSENGERS HAD SEVERE INJURIES INCLUDING NECK, ARMS, NERVE, HANDS, SHOULDER DAMAGE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10586271, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“UPON ARRIVING AT A RESTAURANT LOCATION WHERE WE PLANNED TO DINE, MY SPOUSE OPENED THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR USING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE. WHILE PUSHING THE DOOR OPEN SHE RELAXED HER HANDHOLD ON THE HANDLE ALLOWING HER RIGHT HAND PINKIE FINGER TO BECOME CAPTURED BETWEEN THE RETRACTING HANDLE AND THE FLAT AREA WHERE THE HANDLE IS ATTACHED. IT PINCHED HER FINGER AND IT IMMEDIATELY FORMED A BLOOD BLISTER AND WAS VERY PAINFUL. AFTER SHE EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED, I INSPECTED ALL OF THE OTHER DOORS AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO REPLICATE HER TYPE OF INJURY AT ANY OF THE INSIDE…”
NHTSA complaint #10472704, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STREET PAST AN INTERSECTION, A CAR RAN THE STOP SIGN AND HIT THE RIGHT SIDE CORNER OF THE PASSENGER DOOR AND DAMAGED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAUSING A 180 SPIN AND SLIDING INTO THE CURB DAMAGING THE LEFT WHEELS AND STEERING DOING $10,000 DAMAGE. THE PROBLEM I AM WRITING ABOUT IS THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT ACTIVATE. I HAVE TO WONDER WHY AND ARE THEY GOING TO ACTIVATE IF I HAVE ANOTHER CRASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10522054, 2013 · crash

Traction Control System 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE FROM A LOW SPEED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE INDEPENDENTLY APPLIED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITY CONTROL, AND MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE SENSORS WERE FAULTY. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WOULD BE NEEDED TO DETERMINE WHAT SPECIFIC PART NEEDED TO BE…”
NHTSA complaint #10861547, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10850781, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN, ESPECIALLY A RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE SEEMED LIKE IT WAS SLIDING. THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,823.”
NHTSA complaint #10875292, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 4 1 injury

“THE WINDSHIELD HAS A CURVE TO IT THAT SKEWS YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS A RENTAL, AND AFTER JUST AN HOUR OF DRIVING, MY EYES HURT, AND I GOT A HEADACHE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A POOR DESIGN ISSUE, AND OUT CONCERNED ME FOR THOSE WHO MAY ACTUALLY OWN THE VEHICLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10488926, 2012 · 1 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE AND I OWN A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA,I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS VEHICLE A LOT.ON COMPLAINT WEBSITES,THERE ARE PAGES AND PAGES OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BLEND DOORS FOR HEAT AND AIR,YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE DEFROST OR AIR OOR HEAT,THAT IS DANGEROUS FOR ANYBODY TO DRIVE AND YOU CAN GO UP TO CAR AND BADLY TOUCH CAR AND IT STARTS CLICKING AND CLICKING AND DON'T STOP,CHEVROLET REFUSES TO FIX PROBLEM THAT'S THEIR FAULT FOR USING INFERIOR PARTS ,THAT TO ME AND A LOT,A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY CHEVROLET AND GM,DON'T GIVE A [XXX] ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR VEHICLES OR CUSTOMERS,SO IF THIS PROBLEM IS…”
NHTSA complaint #11209652, 2014

“THE ENGINE DIED IN A HARD RAIN,WIPERS QUIT, FLASHERS CAME ON, WINDOWS WENT UP AND DOWN, CD PLAYER QUIT AND RADIO CAME ON, THEN FLASHERS WENT OFF. WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO BACK UP SOAKING THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS.THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND NOW SHE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I CALLED THE DEALER TWICE AND GOT A RECORDING ASKING ME TO LEAVE A BRIEF MESSAGE. IF THEY DON'T HAVE TIME TO ANSWER THE PHONE, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FIX IT? *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10536430, 2013

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL INJECTORS 1, 3, AND 5 MALFUNCTIONED AND FUEL TRAVELED STRAIGHT THROUGH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE REAR EXHAUST. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT INJECTOR PORTS 1, 3, AND 5 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,168.”
NHTSA complaint #10837671, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,300.”
NHTSA complaint #10637579, 2013

“ENGINE MAKES A TICKING NOISE OR KNOCKING NOISE WHILE ACCELERATING , I'M VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS BEING THAT THIS NOISE STARTED THE NEXT DAY AFTER I HAD THE CAR HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP . I'M HOPING THIS ISN'T A SAFETY CONCERN BUT IT SURE IS A CUSTOMER DISSATISFACTION. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO ISOLATE THE NOISE AND COULD NOT AND SAID I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE MANUFACTURER GM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG. I'M VERY DEPRESSED ABOUT THIS HAVING SPENT GOOD MONEY ON A NEW CAR JUST TO HAVE IT MAKE MORE NOISE THAT A 40 YEAR OLD CAR , AND THEN BEING TOLD I HAVE TO WAIT TILL SOMEONE COMPLAINS ENOUGH…”
NHTSA complaint #10449788, 2012

Tires 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES, SIZE: P225/55R17. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE WAS SEPARATING. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS 10,756.”
NHTSA complaint #10733194, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES, SIZE: P225/55R17. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A BULGE IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF HITTING A POTHOLE. THE TIRE HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10658717, 2014

“I BOUGHT A 2012 IMPALA .2 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT FROM DEALER HAD TIRE GO DOWN FROM BUBBLE ON SIDEWALL. A MONTH LATER SAME THING. HAD BLOW OUT WITH 3 COUPLE DAYS AGO. WENT AND BOUGHT NEW SET AND FOUND OUT 4TH TIRE HAD BUBBLE.NOW I HATE I BOUGHT ANOTHER SET OF GOODYEAR EAGLE LS2. HOW CAN I GET MY MONEY BACK K FROM GOODYEAR OR NEW TIRES”
NHTSA complaint #10625740, 2012

Fuel System 1

“2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT. CONSUMER STATES HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS VERY NOISY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STAND STILL AND ALSO STATES ISSUES WITH VIBRATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR MOTOR MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL LINES, WHICH APPARENTLY RUN DIRECTLY UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR, VIBRATE DUE TO THE HARMONICS SET UP BY THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THE VIBRATION IS CONTINUOUS AND CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE FLOOR AND UP INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10459443, 2012

Seats 1

“THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT PRESSURE(?) SWITCH IN SEAT FOR AIR BAG, CONSTANTLY GOES OFF INDICATING THERE IS SOMEONE SITTING THERE, WHEN IN FACT THERE IS NO ONE OR A PIECE OF PAPER ON THE SEAT. IT STARTED OUT AS A RARE OCCURRENCE BUT IS NOW PRETTY MUCH SWITCHING ON ALL THE TIME, EITHER AT CAR START UP OR IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. IF IT DIDN'T DINGLE, WARNING THE PASSENGER ISN'T BUCKLED IT WOULDN'T BE A HUGE DEAL, BUT STILL WOULDN'T NEED IT TO DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN THERE ISN'T A PASSENGER.”
NHTSA complaint #11154159, 2018

Visibility 1 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, IT BURNED AND MELTED ONE OF THE PLUGS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10917582, 2016 · fire