Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 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.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware of condensation under the vehicle. The oil pressure light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake hose needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V398000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000.
When making left turns the car will make a loud grinding noise and will stop momentarily; it says it is due to the traction control on the dash. It is extremely unsafe when making a turn while a car is coming and there's nothing you can do. Also while making left hand turns the wheel will sometimes lock and you can't manually move the steering wheel. You have to turn off the car and wait sometimes 10+ minutes then the wheel will unlock. Now when I go to start my car it starts shaking and making a loud noise and rev low. After about 1 minute it will completely turn off and it will say service Stabilitrak and service traction control.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while his son was driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel was uncontrollable causing the vehicle to crash into the curb. The driver noticed that the lower control arm had fractured. The vehicle was driven to the driver's residence. There were no reported injuries. The contact called koons white marsh Chevrolet (10207 philadelphia rd, white marsh, md 21162; [phone]) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated the failure was like NHTSA campaign number: 11V398000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.
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.
When driving after every attempt to make a left turn,my service traction control,service brake assist, & ABS light all pop on. Since then it has went on and off for many days until it just finally stayed on permanently. Also message: "stabilitrak service and traction control , brake assist " finally took it to a Chevy dealership in culver city,ca in May 2013 & was told they tested the front ABS connector and traction and found nothing wrong and no code errors. Reset the sensors anyways and adjusted the timing. As soon as I drove out the dealer,same error messages and lights returned. …
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 replaced in 2019; front and back brake assembly (shoes, pads, rotors) front and back (both sides) control arms, left and right front strut and spring assembly. New cv axle and front hub bearings full assembly left and right (2 weeks ago)additional left front strut and spring assembly (2 weeks ago). …
Accelerator response time takes too long to re-accelerate . After letting off gas then re-applying pedal while driving, response time should be 800 mili seconds for an electronic accelerator but , it is way longer and makes car backfire at times if I hold pedal after the lag in response . This causes car to lunge and could cause me to get rear ended or damage engine. Second, rubbing grinding noise (not loud) from right front and more noticeable while traveling at 35-40 MPH around a left bend in road or by moving steering wheel to left about an inch while driving straight down road. Dealer claimed no problem found on either issue , although they claimed to have replaced a strut bearing on right front. There must have been a previous issue judging by the worn tire before I purchased car. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. While driving various speeds, when the contact would make a turn or hit a bump in the road, he heard an abnormal pop sound without warning. In addition, the contact observed fluid leaking in the front middle of the vehicle. The dealer (hendrick Chevrolet, 100 auto mall drive, cary, nc, 27511, [phone]) advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local Chevrolet dealer since they were out of state. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (dan vaden Chevrolet savannah, 9393 abercorn st, savannah, ga, 31406) where it was diagnosed that the steering rack, brakes/ rotors, and tie rod needed to be replaced. Also, an alignment was needed. The steering rack, brakes/rotors, tie rod, and alignment were repaired. The contact stated that the engine now shakes independently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. …
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
Remedy: 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.
Steering complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, 19% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Impala steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-398 (hose, piping, and connections, Aug 5, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Impala steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to steering 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.