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What 258 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Impala

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (258)Crash / fire / injury (27)Electrical system (58)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (54)Steering (49)Engine (40)Brakes (33)Transmission & drivetrain (27)Suspension (22)Airbags (20)Wheels (19)Fuel system (18)

27 of 258 complaints match · crash/fire/injury only · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Apr 16, 2021AirbagsBrakesEngineCrash

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.

NHTSA ODI 11408401

Feb 1, 2021SteeringCrash

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; (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.

NHTSA ODI 11390971

May 6, 2020Crash

CAR LUNGED INTO CAR IN FRONT EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT ON BRAKE. PLACED CAR IN REVERSE AND IT KEPT GOING IN REVERSE VERY FAST UNTIL CAR BACKED UP ONTO A CURB!!! IT WAS AS IF THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK EVEN THOUGH FOOT WAS ON BRAKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11323506

Sep 16, 2019SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrash

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

NHTSA ODI 11255661

Jan 14, 2019SteeringSuspensionWheelsCrash

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.

NHTSA ODI 11166797

Nov 8, 2018Speed controlBrakesCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPED WHEN IT CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE PASSENGER WAS TAKEN TO SHERMAN ELGIN HOSPITAL TO RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR BACK, NECK, AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED BY THE POLICE TO AN UNKNOWN LOT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,564.

NHTSA ODI 11150090

Jan 4, 2018Electrical systemFire

I TOOK IN MY WIFE'S 2012 IMPALA INTO THE AUTO MECHANIC ABOUT A MONTH AGO BECAUSE HER DEFROSTER WAS NOT WORKING. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THAT SOMETHING BURNED (I THINK IT WAS A BOX WITH SOME WIRES). HE REPLACED IT WITH A NEW PART AND IT WAS WORKING. LAST WEEK I NOTICED THAT HER REAR DEFROSTER IS NOT WORKING AGAIN. I PLAN ON TAKING IT IN AGAIN BUT IF THEY FIX THE SAME THING I WOULD ASSUME IT WOULD BE AN ONGOING CYCLE OF THIS PROBLEM. I DID DO SOME INTERNET RESEARCH AND NOTICED THAT OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET COOPERATION AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS.

NHTSA ODI 11058537

Oct 16, 2017Electrical systemAirbagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Crash2 injuries

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. SPECS / REVIEWSFOR SALE SAFETY 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA 2012 SAFETY 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA RECALLS FEATURES RATING RECALLS NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V355000 RECALL DATE: 2014-06-23 SUMMARY THIS DEFECT CAN AFFECT THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. CONSEQUENCES IF THE KEY IS NOT IN THE RUN POSITION, THE AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. ADDITIONALLY, A KEY KNOCKED OUT OF THE RUN POSITION WILL CAUSE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GENERAL MOTORS CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-521-7300 (BUICK), 1-800-458-8006 (CADILLAC), AND 1-800-222-1020 (CHEVROLET). GM'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS 14299. COMPONENT AFFECTED ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION NOTES GENERAL MOTORS LLC

NHTSA ODI 11033957

Jun 7, 2017BrakesCrash

I WAS GOING SLOW (20 MPH OR LESS), EXPECTING TO STOP WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAK. A CAR SLAMMED IN BACK OF ME. ON IMPACT, I PUSHED THE BREAK ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, WITHOUT ANY RESISTANCE. JUST PRIOR TO THAT, THE BREAKS WERE SLOWING-DOWN THE CAR AS EXPECTED. MY CAR SLAMMED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WERE NO BREAK MARKS ON THE HIGHWAY AS ONE WOULD EXPECT IF THE BREAKS WERE WORKING. THE BREAKS SIMPLY FAILED. AFTER RELEASING THE BREAKS, SHOUTING OFF THE ENGINE AND LATER STARTING IT UP, THE BREAKS ARE CURRENTLY WORKING AS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI 10993814

Mar 7, 2017Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fire

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.

NHTSA ODI 10959143

Oct 20, 2016Visibility & wipersFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHEN THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, IT BURNED AND MELTED ONE OF THE PLUGS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10917582

Jun 10, 2016WheelsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Crash

THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AFTER APPLYING BRAKES MADE AWFUL NOISE AND I REAR ENDED A CAR. IT WAS CLEAR, DRY AND SUNNY AT THE TIME AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP. I BELIEVE THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM IS FAULTY. THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR HAS NOW STARTED COMING ON SINCE THE CAR ACCIDENT. THE DEALER THAT THE BODY SHOP TOOK THE CAR TO AFTER IT FIXED THE FRONT BUMPER SAID IT'S NOT THE TIRE SENSOR THAT'S BAD.

NHTSA ODI 10873680

May 17, 2016EngineFire

I WAS STANDING IN TRAFFIC AND SMOKE START COMING INSIDE THE CAR FROM ENGINE AND THE ENGINE START ON FIRE THE CAR BURN FROM THE ENGINE OUT ??? AND I FOUND THIS INFORMATION ABOUT SAFETY PROBLEMS AND RECALLS ON THIS CAR MODEL ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS CAR MODEL AND YEAR HAVE FIRE HAZARD PROBLEMS PLEASE REVIEW AND HELP ME TO FOUND ANY ANSWER THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI 10865454

May 15, 2016AirbagsCrash1 injury

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!

NHTSA ODI 10864986

Aug 19, 2015SteeringElectronic Stability Control (esc)BrakesCrash

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. TOOK CAR AGAIN TO SAME DEALER &WASTOLD "I MUST HAVE DROVE THROUGH WATER OR OILY SURFACE AND LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF AFTER I DROVE 20 OR SO MILES".LIGHTS & ERRORS DID NOT GO AWAY.RETURNED TO THE SAME DEALER AGAIN,THIS TIME AGAIN FOUND NO ERRORS BUT THEY PROCEED TO REPLACE THE TIRE SENSORS AND RESET THE SENSOR ID. LIGHTS&CODES WENT OFF FOR ABOUT A WEEK THEN RETURNED WITH A GRINDING NOISE WHEN LEFT TURN, LOOSE ENGINE POWER &STEERING POWER, LIGHT &CODES CONTINUE TO STAY ON,& STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS WHEN LEFT TURN. I HAVE BEEN AT A LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF MAKING A TURN WHEN THE CAR WILL STALL & NOT LET ME TAKE OFF.BRAKES APPEAR TO LOCK UP.JUST MISSED A FEW CAR ACCIDENTS DUE TO STALL. HAS LEFT ME IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AS I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT HEAD ON & WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BECAUSE I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND GOT STUCK ON THE TURN. CANNOT ACCELERATE IN A TIMELY FASHION IS A HUGE PROBLEM. BECAUSE THE DEALER OBVIOUSLY COULD NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE HAD TIRE AND BRAKE EXPERT SHOPS LOOK AT THE PROBLEM A FEW TIMES. ALSO NOT FINDING THE PROBLEM. FINALLY DECIDED TO JUST TRY &IGNORE IT BUT AFTER SO MANY CLOSE CALLS OF ACCIDENTS& ENDAGERING MY FAMILIES LIFE IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR ME TO JUST DEAL WITH IT ANYMORE OR TO CONTINUE TO SPEND MONEY TO TRY & FIND PROBLEM.FORUMS PROVE OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 10749861

Sep 19, 2014SteeringCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WAS THE ONLY KEY IN THE IGNITION AREA AND NO ADDITIONAL KEYS OR WEIGHT WERE ADDED. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BECAME DISABLED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE GUARD RAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING AND EXTENSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 10637560

Sep 4, 2014AirbagsCrash2 injuries

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 10630600

Aug 19, 2014SteeringElectrical systemSpeed controlEngineCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER, AND THE ENGINE STALLED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V355000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ODI 10626467

Jul 30, 2014Electrical systemAirbagsSeat beltsCrash1 injury

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. NEARLY A YEAR LATER, I AM GREATFUL THAT ONE LINE OF DEFENSE HAD PREVENTED FURTHER INJURIES, BUT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT I WILL FOREVER FEEL THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF. WITH RECENT NEWS INVESTIGATIONS INTO GM'S FAULTY AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, CLEARLY THEY CAN LOOK BEYOND JUST THE OLDER MODELS OF IMPALAS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10617649

Jun 29, 2014AirbagsBrakesCrash1 injury

ON JUNE 28,2014 WHILE DRIVING DOWN HOUSTON TX BELTWAY. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE MY CAR HIT A CEMENT GUARD RAIL AND BRAKES FAIL AS WELL AS NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10606876

May 2, 2014AirbagsBody & structureCrash2 injuries

TRACTOR TRAILER HIT A 1/2 SCHOOL BUS WHICH HIT US ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, NO AIR BAGS WENT OFF. PASSENGERS HAD SEVERE INJURIES INCLUDING NECK, ARMS, NERVE, HANDS, SHOULDER DAMAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10586271

Sep 26, 2013SteeringFire

MY VEHICLE'S STEERING WENT OUT OF NO WHERE AS I WAS PULLING INTO A STORE. THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, AND VERY THICK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO STOP TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. I OPENED THE HOOD AND WAS OVERCOME BY SMOKE. I ENDED UP RESORTING TO CALLING A TOW TRUCK. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT 3 MONTHS PRIOR. THE CURRENT ISSUE THE DEALER SAID I HAD, WAS THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS EMITTING HEAT AND THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD BURNED AND LEAKED FLUID ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. I TOW THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP THAT ORIGINALLY REPAIRED IT. THEY CONTACTED MY INSURANCE AND WERE INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE IN THE 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. ON 8/11 A RECALL WAS ISSUED. THIS WAS DUE TO THE POWER STEERING HOSE BEING ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THE HEAT WAS BURNING THE HOSES. THIS WAS CAUSING ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 2 MONTHS AFTER THE RECALL. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN APRIL 2013 WITH 29K MILES. IT NOW HAS 33K MILES AND THE DIAGNOSIS GIVEN BY THE DEALER IS IDENTICAL TO THE DIAGNOSIS FOR THE RECALL. BUT I AM TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE WILL NOT BE FIXED AS IT DID NOT FALL UNDER RECALL AND ARE BLAMING THE REPAIR DONE BY THE COLLISION CENTER. I BELIEVE THEY CONTINUED TO MANUFACTURE 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA'S WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND ARE PUTTING PEOPLE AT A CONTINUED RISK OF HAVING A FIRE START IN THEIR VEHICLE. *JS

NHTSA ODI 10545475

Jun 27, 2013AirbagsBody & structureCrash

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. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10522054

Dec 16, 2012Visibility & wipers1 injury

THE WINDSHIELD HAS A CURVE TO IT THAT SKEWS YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS A RENTAL, AND AFTER JUST AN HOUR OF DRIVING, MY EYES HURT, AND I GOT A HEADACHE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A POOR DESIGN ISSUE, AND OUT CONCERNED ME FOR THOSE WHO MAY ACTUALLY OWN THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10488926

Nov 13, 2012SteeringCrash2 injuries

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN THUMB AND A HEAD CONCUSSION. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 33,500.

NHTSA ODI 10484464

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Working with the data? Download all 258 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Chevrolet Impala verdict →