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    Chevrolet Impala

    EPA MPG: 22 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Impala is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

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

    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.

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "I had this a/c problem in the past maybe 3 years ago and ever since its been working well. Never have any problem with a/c currently."

    Anonymous, NV (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "acuators in vents have consistent click. mrf. defect"

    Anonymous A., GA (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
    Other climate system problem

    ""When the car is started, relays activate diverters for fresh or recycled air. Two relays are located behind the glove compartment, difficult to get to but can be replaced. A third relay is located elsewhere. The gears wear out quickly and when the motor tries to move the diverters, the gears just strip out and makes an unbearable noise for a couple of minutes before the motor shuts off.""

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

    ""Air actuator turns off and on even with car off. Drains the battery, very lound.""

    Anonymous, WA (2012 Chevrolet Impala Unsure 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.

    What Owners Say

    Doors or sliding doors

    "We think there might be a problem with the frame of the vehicle because the doors don't open right. Hinting at previous owner damage."

    Anonymous, MN (2012 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.6-L V6)
    Other body problem

    "Damage wasn't reported so it wasn't known when we bought the vehicle. Paint is peeling on the bumper and it is rusting out by the fuel filler on the driver side."

    Anonymous, MN (2012 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.6-L V6)
    Sunroof

    "Gets stuck in the open position and has not been resolved."

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

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Antilock braking system (ABS)

    "Wiring harness to the left front sensor disconnects and gives false reading. This causes ABS to engage on the right front. This happens most when accelerating while making a left turn from a stop, such as a left on a two way street. The car sputters as the brakes are fighting the attempt at accelerating. This is a known and common problem, which CHEVROLET has never addressed. There should have been a recall. Turning ABS off before turning prevents the problem, proving that it is related to the ABS."

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.6-L V6)
    Other brakes problem

    "Traction control failure was indicated. It required the cable to be replaced...."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "Evap. leak. Poor fitting gas cap. new one now is very difficult to remove but we still have the problem. Note: we inherited this car 8 months ago."

    Anonymous, MN (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.

    What Owners Say

    Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

    "Problem with electrical system from left front wheel to dashboard."

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    ""With windows rolled down and at freeway speeds, the wind causes a pulsing pressure on the ears that is difficult to stand. changing air coming in thru the vents or blocking it, had no effect on the pounding.""

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

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    ""consistently find oil drops on garage floor. always a quart low. have been told it could be a ring, seal, gasket or a hairline crack in block.""

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    What Owners Say

    Thermostat

    "Se dano de la computadora y se arreglo lo demas."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "Roads are terrible and wore out the shocks and struts"

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "The converter is very noisy until it gets warmed up."

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

    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.

    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.

    Paint/Trim

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

    Transmission Major

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    In-car Electronics

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

    Engine Major

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

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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 about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 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.
    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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