2012 Chevrolet Impala: steering wheel locks up

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 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 Jan 11, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AL

Vehicle steering wheel locks and car completely shuts off while driving (in motion) on a busy highway. This vehicle has done this two other times, but not on the exact same date. Steering wheel also locks while turning left or right on a busy street.

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 Sep 19, 2014 · Steering · 58,000 miles · FL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the ignition key was the only key in the ignition area and no additional keys or weight were added. While driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel locked and became disabled. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into the guard rail. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering and extension needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.