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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
67,030 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2012 Chevrolet Impala Owner Comments

problem #19

May 092021

Impala

  • miles

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

The car has been in the shop twice within 6 months having it. It was towed twice, once for transmission issues and having no power to it at all then it back in the shop for warning lights. I also had it in the shop for about an hour to have a new tire put on it after loosing air. It had to be towed back home for all the brakes being shot and I'm now having an issue with the rear left caliper having a slow leak, the rear left sway bar is also broken in half. The whole entire car has issues and the leasing company and dealership refuse to do anything to help along with not helping me get the payment down. After one thing gets fixed, another thing happens. The suspension is getting bad and has been like that since my fiance and i got the car. The dealership said everything was new and fixed. We had 2 kids in the car and their safety was put at risk as well as others that got in the car. The car is getting to be a death trap for me. the warning lights that were coming on were Service Stabilitrak, Service Brake Assist, Service Trac Control and Service Brake System. These were coming on after I had the car in the shop for the transmission issue. Those lights are now not coming on. My fiance and I were told by the dealership that the brakes were new, nothing mechanically wrong with the car and drives smoothly, this was said before we took the car for a test drive. We were there to buy a car but after we signed the papers, we were told it was a lease.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #18

Oct 012020

Impala

  • miles
Just bought car haven't had any recall maintenance checked by VIN

- Beltsville, MD, USA

problem #17

Jun 232020

Impala 6-cyl

  • 127,600 miles
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 #16

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 #15

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

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problem #14

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 #13

Jun 142019

Impala

  • 141,200 miles

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

Since 2017, upon starting my car I get all of the following alert msgs "service stabilitrak", *service brake assist" and "service traction control" on my dashboard. I've had the car into les schwab and error code diagnostics done both before and after both front hub assemblies were replaced. The same service messages still continue to appear on the dash. Les schwab has checked the hub sensor wires repeatedly and all error codes and find them to be ok. They find the car to still have a crunching noise coming from the front end of the car, most markedly when turning the wheel to the left, but can also be heard when there is a drop in elevation, as when existing a parking lot into a slightly lower roadway. On June 14,2019, while the car was in motion and turning right at a stoplight, the same situation occurred as has when I make a left turn. The car suddenly acted as though the brakes were being applied very hard and then the car halted briefly with traffic behind me as though it would stall out. I applied the accelerator till I forced the car to move around the corner and after about a minute of fighting braking resistance, I was able to regain normal 40 mph speed with the flow of traffic. This occurred on dry pavement with no precipitation. Outside temperature was around 100 degrees. Best driving conditions with no rough roadway. Les schwab said the problem with the hub sensor and left turning is a known problem to them and said they wish it would be made a recall item as it is a common problem now. I don't feel safe driving this Chevy Impala. Love my car but won't take a chance on purchasing same make and model. I wasn't so surprised when researching these issues on the internet to find huge number of owner's having the same problems.

- Carmichael, CA, USA

problem #12

Mar 012017

Impala

  • 0 miles
Notification on dash has been on stating that the airbag deployment system will not deploy. On star has also sent me diagnostic reports stating this is a urgent matter that needs to be fixed

- Baldwin Park, CA, USA

problem #11

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 #10

Sep 272017

Impala

  • 73,000 miles
Used car purchased with approx. 72,000 miles. Major problems became apparent at 73,000 miles approx. Grinding clunking squealing noises were 1st warning signs. All of these noises occur anytime the vehicle is being driven, intermittently, but everytime I turn left or right. The ac/heater went out because the blower motor failed. Handling was horrible so replaced most of suspension parts but alignment repeatedly goes out and mechanics are idiots so they just say they are stumped and send me away. That prompted me to research on my own. I looked up the symptoms and have concluded that the hub bearings need to be replaced. Which I cannot afford seeing as how I just spent a few grand on other repairs.then I found out that the transmission is failing which makes it jerk when accelerating, drive very sluggish, and makes loud noises at idle and in motion. There is more problems that would take too long to list. I continue to research all of this vehicles complaints and problems and it seems like it is time for a real recall! GM should be held accountable for making such a nightmare of a car. I just purchased the car from a dealership for $10,000 one year ago and still owe $8,600. Just had the car appraised at $3,000, so I am upside down $5,500. I cannot trade it in, cannot afford perpectually repairing and would not because it seems like there is no end. It is parked now because I cannot drive it anymore, so I cannot get to work and may have to have it repossesed. This is not right!

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #9

Mar 012018

Impala

  • 140,720 miles

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

Hub assembly

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

problem #8

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 #7

Jul 112016

Impala

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that there was an unstable motion in the front of the vehicle associated with the suspension of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and the manufacturer who stated that there was no manufacturer recall and no recommended repair solution to prevent the failure until the vehicle was further tested and diagnosed. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V377000 (suspension). The contact was uncertain if the vehicle would be repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #6

Aug 012016

Impala

  • 50,000 miles
The car keeps shorting out the battery. The starter is sluggish. The traction control light keeps coming on.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #5

May 042016

Impala

  • 66,453 miles
Every time I turn warning lights for my stablizing system and ABS then the brakes starts to lock up sometimes with it also traction control also turn on and off this is every time I drive the car have taken it to 3 dealers no one can find the problem this is every time I start the car and drive on the streets or on the highway.

- Villa Park, IL, USA

problem #4

Nov 012013

Impala

  • 51,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated the carriage bolt failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician recommended the replacement of the carriage bolts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.

- Kimberly, WI, USA

problem #3

Sep 192013

Impala

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, when accelerating and decelerating there would be an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the failure was interment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the spider gear failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Rockhill, SC, USA

problem #2

Jul 032013

Impala 6-cyl

  • 33,500 miles
Car was serviced (oil change and tire rotation). Afterwards when driving the car 50-60 mph there is a vibration felt in wheel and in seat. Took back to dealer, had all 4 wheels balanced. Problem still existed. Additionally there is a clunking noise in front end, noticeable at low speeds (10-15mph) when going over small bumps in road; noticeable when A/C and radio turned off. Dealer cannot identify any problem, says its operating as designed, no noise. Frustrating considering these problems were not present at purchase or at 30,000 miles. Additionally the airbag / seatbelt indicator illuminates for passenger seat at random times for no reason. Something as simple as a bottle on the seat will make it illuminate.

- Hudson, FL, USA

problem #1

Aug 212012

Impala

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact received a recall noticed for NHTSA campaign id number: 12V377000 (suspension: Front: Control arm: Lower arm). The contact stated that the vehicle was a police patrol car and repairs had not been made due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was unknown.

- Huguenot, NY, USA

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