Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 informed of failure. The failure mileage was 176,000.
I was hit by another car at intersection near rear door. My car was considered a total (not worth fixing), and I was taken to er hospital by ambulance due to sever neck and shoulder injuries. Released with fracture of neck and fractured right ribs. Not one air bag in front or back released in collision. I knew something was wrong!
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 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. …
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 your seat belt #3 airbag deployment. 2/3 lines of defense had failed me. GM had no conclusion after the accident and I received the reports from the engineers. I was traveling fast enough into the car ahead of me for the airbags to have deployed, and the seat belt should have restrained me. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. After the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle intermittently. In addition, the contact stated that when the front passenger side seat was occupied, the air bag off warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, when refueling the vehicle, the fuel sensor failed and fuel spilled out as the mpg malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,100.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. While the vehicle was stationary, the passenger side air bag cover detached from the vehicle. In addition, the rear frame of the vehicle was rusted, the engine leaked transmission oil and fuel, and the brakes malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor light turned off and on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the sdm module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 85,500. Updated 06/21/16
When entering car there is tapping noise behind the passenger glove box,this noise will continue for approx; 5 min ,when key is turned to the off position noise will continue for a few minutes before stopping.. Car is garage kept. Main driver is a senior driver.(83 y.o )
When driving sudden jerks of extra power then sometimes lower power/ alot of clicking when im not in the car and everytime I open the door or turn off the car. Lighta flicker when rolling the windows up or down and just when they want ro
Airbag complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, 8% of the model year's 258 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Impala airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Impala airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.