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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,325 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Chevrolet Impala steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #45

Feb 032022

Impala

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Cape Charles, VA, USA

problem #44

Jan 312021

Impala

  • 18,000 miles
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; (410) 931-8600) 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.

- Essex, MD, USA

problem #43

Jul 072020

Impala 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
I have a 2012 Chevy Impala, the traction service control and ABS/stabilitrack keeps giving me issues. I have a grinding noise, decreased power and car will nearly stop on you from time to time, particularly when turning. Taken to dealership, more than one, they keep telling me the harness attach to my traction control system snaps. Ive heard my model has this issue. I see no recall for my VIN, but I have the same issues.

- Canal Winchester, OH, USA

problem #42

Jun 232020

Impala 6-cyl

  • 127,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had major failure of all of the main function components of the steering and suspension. Multiple times I have replaced, the inner and outer tie rods, ll 4 wheelbearing assembly, sway bar links, control arms, cv axles. I have to replace brand new tires every 6,000 10,000 miles because the mechanical failures are wearing on the rubber so rapidly and al was and unevenly. I have never not had a N issue with this vehicle and have put more money in repairs then the payment, which are more than what I owe still on the remainder (financed). Also, the transmission is faliling rapidly. I have reported prior issues prior to this date. I cannot justify repairing, maintenance or emergency, a vehicle that is less than the value of the repair cost. GM should be ashamed and punished for such crimes against consumers.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #41

Jun 272020

Impala 6-cyl

  • 95,312 miles
Clunking, grinding noise service stabilitrak, service ABS lights come on lose power when reversing or making a left turn. After much research there seems to be a problem with the wiring harness going to the sensors in the wheels. Many people are having this very same problem across many years of this vehicle. People are spending money unnecessarily on parts such as wheel hubs and bearings without fixing said problem. Many people are also reporting cars turning off as a result of this.

- Browns Mills, NJ, USA

problem #40

Nov 012019

Impala

  • 41,000 miles
This vehicle, in early November 2019, at approximately 41,000 miles began making a "popping" noise from the passenger-side front suspension/steering area, primarily while turning left (and sometimes when turning right). The noise became progressively worse over a one month period. Suspecting it may be a defective tie rod end (passenger side), I inspected the vehicle (on 12/21/2019) and found that the steering knuckle (at the steering knuckle arm - where it attaches to the passenger tire rod) was fractured/broken, creating a major safety problem (the steering knuckle is fractured at the tie rod knuckle arm, and therefore it appears possible the steering knuckle could sheer off at the tie rod, resulting in total loss of steering control). This vehicle has never been in an accident, or hit any curbs, pot holes, or similar items. I first noticed the problem while making a 90 degree left-hand turn at approximately 15 mph, about 500 feet from my residence (while driving home). The issue/noise has gotten progressively worse since then, and based on my inspection last night it is very obvious that this vehicle is not safe to drive. It appears that the steering knuckle was manufactured incorrectly (it's an original GM part, which appears to have been made of cast aluminum). From my online research, it also appears that a lot of other 2000-2013 Chevy Impala owners are having the same problem as me. This vehicle, in my opinion, needs to be recalled for this safety issue (bad steering knuckles). Also, this is a California vehicle with zero corrosion issues. Also, I work as an accident/claims investigator for a major auto insurance company (and therefore have significant knowledge of vehicles, collisions, etc). This vehicle is (by all objective standards) is unsafe to drive, and GM should be required to issue a recall (in my personal and professional opinion).

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #39

May 292019

Impala

  • 120,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Recently my car makes a pop or low clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel to the left. I've looked into and see there was a recall on the model in 2012 but I haven't found any records of my car being repaired. I want to know if my car can possible be repaired since the recall falls in line with a previous recall. It happens when I turn almost full to the left while in motion, whether I go forward or back it makes the noise. I want to know if I can get this repaired for free. The car has been doing this since June 2019 and I've owned it since May 2016. I haven't tried to get it fixed myself due to funds and I'm worried something dangerous may happen and I have a kid, so I want to be safe. I also want to know if it was ever repaired for the first recall

- Andrews, SC, USA

problem #38

Sep 172019

Impala

  • 90,000 miles
The front hub assembly is continuously defecting. Inhave replaced both sides a minimum of 6 times since 2013. The steering goes out, the brakes grind the traction control initiates and in severe times I loose all power to vehicle. This is in motion. From complete stop to motion, while in reverse and while turning in iether direction.

- Buffalo, MN, USA

problem #37

Sep 012019

Impala

  • 111,051 miles
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). This list is just off the top of my head because there are more repairs; too many. Yet, the car keeps loosing steering and falling apart quicker every day. Plus, the inspection expires next month and it did not pass due to emmissions system issues. It is a 2012 & should not be problematic yet. I only keep repairing it because I am still financing since being ripped off by dealership at 23% Apr on top of overcharged 2xs blue book. Which has me far too upside down to trade in or even sell privately. I wouldn't sell it to my worse enemy anyway. Chevrolet should have to answer for their failure. Hard working people put trust in manufacturers and depend on their cars. I may lose everything because of mine but not without a fight and legal counsel. My next step is to contact a class action law firm to procure counsel for these matters. GMC, the NHTSA, and auto repair businesses (ie. Firestone complete auto care) will be contacted regarding the issue as well. Thank you

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #36

Sep 122019

Impala

  • 111,051 miles
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). This list is just off the top of my head because there are more repairs; too many. Yet, the car keeps loosing steering and falling apart quicker every day. Plus, the inspection expires next month and it did not pass due to emmissions system issues. It is a 2012 & should not be problematic yet. I only keep repairing it because I am still financing since being ripped off by dealership at 23% Apr on top of overcharged 2xs blue book. Which has me far too upside down to trade in or even sell privately. I wouldn't sell it to my worse enemy anyway. Chevrolet should have to answer for their failure. Hard working people put trust in manufacturers and depend on their cars. I may lose everything because of mine but not without a fight and legal counsel. My next step is to contact a class action law firm to procure counsel for these matters. GMC, the NHTSA, and auto repair businesses (ie. Firestone complete auto care) will be contacted regarding the issue as well. Thank you

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #35

Jan 152019

Impala

  • 107,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car's stabilitrack, barake assist, and traction control lights come on everytime I turn the steering wheel to the left. The car hesitates when giving gas making it for a dangerous situation when getting into traffic

- West Henrietta, NY, USA

problem #34

Jan 122019

Impala

  • 94,000 miles
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.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #33

Jul 202017

Impala

  • miles
Takata recall my car feel like its loosing power when I start it up and the ignition housing need to be replace

- Bellflower, CA, USA

problem #32

Mar 012018

Impala

  • 140,720 miles
Hub assembly

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

problem #31

Nov 012017

Impala

  • 99,500 miles
While driving on a city street I noticed the power steering was much harder to turn.

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

problem #30

Jul 182017

Impala

  • 86,800 miles
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, 919-439-5132) 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. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 8-3209374202. The failure mileage was approximately 86,800.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #29

Jul 182017

Impala

  • 64,000 miles
My ty rod broke and another part inside the ty rod broke I am wondering if it had a recall on my car Chevrolet Impala XL 2012

- Woburn, MA, USA

problem #28

Jan 142017

Impala 6-cyl

  • 17,000 miles
When I back out of a parking stall or driveway and still have my foot on the brake and then I put it in drive, when I try to turn the wheel to start to drive down the street, it is like I lost power steering and it takes everything in my power with my hands to turn the steering wheel. It feels like the steering wheel locked up. Also when I am starting to pull into a parking stall when the car is barely moving the steering wheel seems to lock up with no power steering and I have difficulty turning the wheel. There are times when I can't get the wheel turned and I'm unable to park in the stall. While driving at normal speeds and when I go to turn, it doesn't matter whether it is turning left or right, the power steering is very stiff and sometimes will stiffen up to the point that I have a hard time turning the wheel. I took into the dealer in 12/2016 and asked them to check it out while they did an oil change to my car and they said all fluids were fine and nothing is wrong. I have come very close to having a wreck when I try to turn and the steering wheel all of a sudden stiffens up so tight that it takes all my strength and power to turn the wheel. It acts like the wheel isn't going to turn. This has been going on for a few months now. There is something definitely wrong with the steering. My 2012 Impala only has 17,000 miles on it. I bought the car brand new and I'm afraid to drive it because of this steering issue and not being able to turn the steering wheel. There should be a recall with the 2012 Impala because of this issue. There is definitely a power steering or other issue that is causing the wheel to stiffin up so tight that you can barely turn it.

- Grand Island, NE, USA

problem #27

Jan 102017

Impala

  • miles
Vehicle steering wheel locks and car completely shuts off while driving (in motion) on a busy highway. This vehicle has done this two other times, but not on the exact same date. Steering wheel also locks while turning left or right on a busy street.

- Wetumpka, AL, USA

problem #26

Nov 152016

Impala

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. While making a left turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

- 712 Kentucky St, AR, USA

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