2012 Chevrolet Impala: loss of power steering

Filed Dec 22, 2019 · Steering · 41,000 miles · CA

This vehicle, in early november 2019, at approximately 41,000 miles began making a "popping" noise from the passenger-side front suspension/steering area, primarily while turning left (and sometimes when turning right). The noise became progressively worse over a one month period. Suspecting it may be a defective tie rod end (passenger side), I inspected the vehicle (on 12/21/2019) and found that the steering knuckle (at the steering knuckle arm - where it attaches to the passenger tire rod) was fractured/broken, creating a major safety problem (the steering knuckle is fractured at the tie rod knuckle arm, and therefore it appears possible the steering knuckle could sheer off at the tie rod, resulting in total loss of steering control). This vehicle has never been in an accident, or hit any curbs, pot holes, or similar items. I first noticed the problem while making a 90 degree left-hand turn at approximately 15 MPH, about 500 feet from my residence (while driving home). The issue/noise has gotten progressively worse since then, and based on my inspection last night it is very obvious that this vehicle is not safe to drive. It appears that the steering knuckle was manufactured incorrectly (it's an original gm part, which appears to have been made of cast aluminum). From my online research, it also appears that a lot of other 2000-2013 chevy impala owners are having the same problem as me. This vehicle, in my opinion, needs to be recalled for this safety issue (bad steering knuckles). Also, this is a california vehicle with zero corrosion issues. Also, I work as an accident/claims investigator for a major auto insurance company (and therefore have significant knowledge of vehicles, collisions, etc). This vehicle is (by all objective standards) is unsafe to drive, and gm should be required to issue a recall (in my personal and professional opinion).

Filed Jan 15, 2017 · Steering · 17,000 miles · NE

When I back out of a parking stall or driveway and still have my foot on the brake and then I put it in drive, when I try to turn the wheel to start to drive down the street, it is like I lost power steering and it takes everything in my power with my hands to turn the steering wheel. It feels like the steering wheel locked up. Also when I am starting to pull into a parking stall when the car is barely moving the steering wheel seems to lock up with no power steering and I have difficulty turning the wheel. There are times when I can't get the wheel turned and I'm unable to park in the stall. While driving at normal speeds and when I go to turn, it doesn't matter whether it is turning left or right, the power steering is very stiff and sometimes will stiffen up to the point that I have a hard time turning the wheel. I took into the dealer in 12/2016 and asked them to check it out while they did an oil change to my car and they said all fluids were fine and nothing is wrong. I have come very close to having a wreck when I try to turn and the steering wheel all of a sudden stiffens up so tight that it takes all my strength and power to turn the wheel. It acts like the wheel isn't going to turn. This has been going on for a few months now. There is something definitely wrong with the steering. My 2012 impala only has 17,000 miles on it. I bought the car brand new and I'm afraid to drive it because of this steering issue and not being able to turn the steering wheel. There should be a recall with the 2012 impalas because of this issue. There is definitely a power steering or other issue that is causing the wheel to stiffin up so tight that you can barely turn it.

Filed Aug 1, 2014 · Steering · 40,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become very difficulty to turn. The vehicle was taken the dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering line was loose and was rubbing against the frame of the vehicle causing the power steering fluid to leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000. Updated 09/05/14*lj updated 12/3/2014

Filed Jul 3, 2014 · Steering · 49,341 miles · MO

Tl * the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. While driving 30 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. An independent mechanic stated that the power steering line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 49,341.

Filed Nov 13, 2012 · Steering · 33,500 miles · FL · crash · 2 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.