The Lemon Index2012 Chevrolet Impala.
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is better than average by owner complaints: 108 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 22 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Impala year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 258 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Impala year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 28K to 85K miles on the car (204 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 36K–85K miles
- stability control complaints mostly came at 48K–95K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 33K–95K miles
Recalls 3
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may caus.
- suspension 2012
This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
- steering 2011
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1472 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Various electrical issues regarding ses light on and vehicle failing to start
- Reservoir for power steering fluid is heat damaged and leaking
- See document search button for owner letter
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I am extremely unsatisfied with my auto. I do not want a auto that I can not trust. This vehicle is not worth what I paid for it. I am in an upside down loan and can not get rid of it. What can you do to help me?
2012 Chevrolet Impala owner · NHTSA complaint 10627246
More owner reports
Replaced front wheel drive intermediate shaft and right side transaxle seal.
NHTSA complaint 10621022
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Impala year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Impala problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (25%), steering (21%) and engine (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have?
3 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala get?
22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Impala safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Impala problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 28,400 and 85,900 miles. The middle report was at 48,500 miles, from 204 complaints.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Chevrolet Impala year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2010 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works