Model year guide

2012 Chevrolet Impala

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Chevrolet Impala is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 787 on record.

2012 Chevrolet Impala — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Chevrolet Impala at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints258
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$8,713

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Chevrolet Impala recalls 3

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V355000 · 23/06/2014

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, 200…

Fix: 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 (Cadi…

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm NHTSA Campaign #12V377000 · 03/08/2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections NHTSA Campaign #11V398000 · 05/08/2011

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET IMPALA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 19, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE UPPER POWER STEERING HOSE MAY HAVE BEEN MISROUTED SO THAT IT CAN COME IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AND/OR CONTACT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WITH THE ENGINE ON, HEAT FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MAY MELT THE POWER STEERING HOSE.

Fix: GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THAT THE UPPER POWER STEERING HOSE IS ROUTED CORRECTLY AND MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Chevrolet Impala common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

2012 Chevrolet Impala safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Chevrolet Impala MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,800

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Chevrolet Impala worth?

Low
$6,600
Typical price
$8,713
High
$10,800

From 785 comparable 2012 Chevrolet Impala listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Chevrolet Impala costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,550
Total$18,550
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($8,713) with the same model 5 model-years older ($4,184), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Chevrolet Impala trims & engines on record

Trims
LT Fleet · LS Fleet · LTZ · LT · LS · Police Cruiser
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl

2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Impala model years

2012 Chevrolet Impala — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?

Based on 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, steering, engine.

What is the 2012 Chevrolet Impala safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Chevrolet Impala an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 4★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Impala at about 22 mpg combined (18 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2012 Chevrolet Impala worth?

Comparable 2012 Chevrolet Impala listings run roughly $6,600–$10,800, typically around $8,713 (from 785 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.