2012 Chevrolet Impala: engine failure

6 of the 258 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Impala describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 57,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 261 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2016
1
2015
5
2014
12
2013
4
2012
6
2011
7
2010
4
2009
14
2008
9
2007
12
2006
10
2005
8
2004
7
2003
11
2002
7
2001
9
2000
14

What owners say

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Steering · 201,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,000.

Filed May 18, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving in the rain, the steering wheel seized. Additionally, upon starting the vehicle, the key failed to release from the ignition. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not provided.

Filed Nov 29, 2016 · Steering · 57,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. While making a left turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Steering · 40,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. While reversing and turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be restarted in order for the steering wheel to function properly. The contact, who was a certified mechanic, was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Aug 20, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 3,360 miles · FL

The engine died in a hard rain,wipers quit, flashers came on, windows went up and down, cd player quit and radio came on, then flashers went off. Windows would not go back up soaking the inside of the doors.this is my wife's car and now she is afraid to drive it. I called the dealer twice and got a recording asking me to leave a brief message. If they don't have time to answer the phone, how long will it take to fix it?

Filed Feb 21, 2012 · Engine · 120 miles · NY

Engine makes a ticking noise or knocking noise while accelerating , I'm very concerned with this being that this noise started the next day after I had the car home from the dealership . I'm hoping this isn't a safety concern but it sure is a customer dissatisfaction. The dealer has tried to isolate the noise and could not and said I would have to wait for the manufacturer gm to figure out what is wrong. I'm very depressed about this having spent good money on a new car just to have it make more noise that a 40 year old car , and then being told I have to wait till someone complains enough to see if it can be fixed. I been told that this is a new engine in the impala and now am wondering if this engine is going to become a problem for thousands of people like myself. I have read some major concerns from people about the 06 impala and hope this isn't where my car is headed. Any help that I could get would be very appreciated, thank you.