Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that two days after purchasing the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the dashboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the sounds were coming from the heater actuator and it could lead to an air conditioner failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that assistance would not be provided since the vehicle was out of warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving in the rain, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not provided.
I have a 2012 impala that I have had since 2015 and a little while after I got it the engine light came on and it said it was the fuel pump control module requested Mil illumination and evaporated emissions systems leak detected (large leak) and at times the gas tank sparys back at up if you don't let it sit open for a little bit. I have had these issues fixed multiple times and by multiple mechanics who still can't figure out what's going on.
I have about 08/1825 had the throttle body replaced on my vehicle which assisted with the problem temporarily. Then the problem started again 09/20/25 the car act like it's stalling while driving and can't see what hear the vehicle is in. The car is not getting any signal to the engine as I have been advised the TCM is faulty. There was a code of U0101.
I put my car in reverse and the car turned off and have turn back on. When I try to start it, I don't hear any fix or crank. Before this happened, my car was slow to change gear or it would will change so fast that my car will lose control and I did not feel safe at all.
The actuators in the air vents are faulty and I've had to have them repla ed multiple times now. They still continue to make clicking noise sounds and blow cold air in winter/hot air in summer. The trunk deck lid paint is bad. The clear coat has been coming off. Paint all over the car's clear coat has been coming off. There is also some spots where it's down to the metal showing rust/corrosion. Finally, and most seriously, is the car's Traction Control System. It goes off constantly and without warning! It's been doing this randomly, in all types of weather conditions, for some time now. It goes off under normal driving conditions. I barely pull out of a parking space, or make a slow turn, or pull out of a parking lot at a very slow speed and it just goes off. …
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 failure mileage was 61,000.
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. …
2/16/2019 (sat 3:30 pm) : 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 not to get engine to continue. Felt like running out of gas. 2/17/2019 sun: the car was finally towed to a nearby dealer. 2/18/2019 mon dealer service diagnosis reported broken "fuel flow control module". …
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 [redacted] about the safety of their vehicles or customers,so if this problem isn't addressed,I know you don't care but I'll never buy a Chevrolet again,and I've bought quite a few Chevrolet's,but never been treated this way for their mistakes,the reason I know it's dangerous is because you can't control any functions of the heat air or defrost,my wife is disabled and for …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, 22% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery › cables (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-355 (ignition, Jun 23, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system 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.