2012 Chevrolet Impala: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Roomy, comfortable 9th-gen sedan, first year of the smoother 3.6L V6; watch for StabiliTrak/traction-control faults and electrical issues, but upkeep is inexpensive. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2012 Chevrolet Impala ranged from $25,065 to $30,185 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Roomy, comfortable 9th-gen sedan, first year of the smoother 3.6L V6; watch for StabiliTrak/traction-control faults and electrical issues, but upkeep is inexpensive.
Sources (5)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala
- fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-chevrolet-impala-grap…
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1694132/chevrolet-impala-best-worst-years/
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/chevy-impala-years-to-avoid/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
Known issues
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Service StabiliTrak / traction-control faults with reduced engine power and a shudder are widely reported, especially on 2012-2013 cars, often traced to wheel-speed sensors or ground/wiring.
commonly reported · 41 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.
commonly reported · 30 NHTSA complaints · steering
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Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.
commonly reported · 23 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Smooth, comfortable highway ride
- Roomy, comfortable interior with a large trunk
- Strong, simple V6 power (3.5/3.9, plus the 5.3L V8 SS in 2006-2009)
- Noticeably more dependable in the later 2012-2013 years
- Cheap to buy used and inexpensive, above-average to maintain
Cons
- Bland, rental-fleet image and uninvolving handling
- Hydraulic power-steering leaks and failures, especially 2006-2009
- Service StabiliTrak / reduced-engine-power and ABS faults, especially 2012-2013
- Electrical gremlins: gauge-cluster dropouts, battery drain and Passlock no-starts
- Passenger-airbag occupant-sensor faults plus a Takata recall
- Fixed rear headrests obstruct rear visibility on later cars
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $25,065 | discontinued | — | — |
| LT | $27,170 | discontinued | — | — |
| LTZ | $30,185 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2012-chevrolet-impala-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have?
Documented issue patterns include: Service StabiliTrak / traction-control faults with reduced engine power and a shudder are widely reported, especially on 2012-2013 cars, often traced to wheel-speed sensors or ground/wiring; Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist; Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Roomy, comfortable 9th-gen sedan, first year of the smoother 3.6L V6; watch for StabiliTrak/traction-control faults and electrical issues, but upkeep is inexpensive.
How much did the 2012 Chevrolet Impala cost new?
Between $25,065 and $30,185 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Impala expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.