2012 Chevrolet Impala: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Feb 1, 2021 · Steering · 18,000 miles · MD · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while his son was driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel was uncontrollable causing the vehicle to crash into the curb. The driver noticed that the lower control arm had fractured. The vehicle was driven to the driver's residence. There were no reported injuries. The contact called koons white marsh chevrolet (10207 philadelphia rd, white marsh, md 21162; (410) 931-8600) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated the failure was like the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v398000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 127,600 miles · TX

I have had major failure of all of the main function components of the steering and suspension. Multiple times I have replaced, the inner and outer tie rods, ll 4 wheelbearing assembly, sway bar links, control arms, cv axles. I have to replace brand new tires every 6,000 10,000 miles because the mechanical failures are wearing on the rubber so rapidly and al was and unevenly. I have never not had a n issue with this vehicle and have put more money in repairs then the payment, which are more than what I owe still on the remainder (financed). Also, the transmission is faliling rapidly. I have reported prior issues prior to this date. I cannot justify repairing, maintenance or emergency, a vehicle that is less than the value of the repair cost. Gm should be ashamed and punished for such crimes against consumers.

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 Sep 16, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 111,051 miles · TX · crash

This vehicle is dangerous! Ive reported some other mechanical failures that put me in danger but not all and they still have yet to stop happening. Ive spent over 10k repairing and replacing steering, suspension drive train/ drive axle and chassis components. But nothing has helped. As of late I keep getting alignments and replaced 2 tie rods struts control arms and wheel hub and bearings only to have my tires wear down unevenly and quickly in 2 weeks. I purchased the tires brand new 6 months ago. With a new wheels and front outter tie rods as well (which I again replaced 2 weeks ago). Also replaced in 2019; front and back brake assembly (shoes, pads, rotors) front and back (both sides) control arms, left and right front strut and spring assembly. New cv axle and front hub bearings full assembly left and right (2 weeks ago)additional left front strut and spring assembly (2 weeks ago). This list is just off the top of my head because there are more repairs; too many. Yet, the car keeps loosing steering and falling apart quicker every day. Plus, the inspection expires next month and it did not pass due to emmissions system issues. It is a 2012 & should not be problematic yet. I only keep repairing it because I am still financing since being ripped off by dealership at 23% apr on top of overcharged 2xs blue book. Which has me far too upside down to trade in or even sell privately. I wouldn't sell it to my worse enemy anyway. Chevrolet should have to answer for their failure. Hard working people put trust in manufacturers and depend on their cars. I may lose everything because of mine but not without a fight and legal counsel. My next step is to contact a class action law firm to procure counsel for these matters. Gmc, the federal safety agency, and auto repair businesses (ie. Firestone complete auto care) will be contacted regarding the issue as well. Thank you

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 111,051 miles · TX

This vehicle is dangerous! Ive reported some other mechanical failures that put me in danger but not all and they still have yet to stop happening. Ive spent over 10k repairing and replacing steering, suspension drive train/ drive axle and chassis components. But nothing has helped. As of late I keep getting alignments and replaced 2 tie rods struts control arms and wheel hub and bearings only to have my tires wear down unevenly and quickly in 2 weeks. I purchased the tires brand new 6 months ago. With a new wheels and front outter tie rods as well (which I again replaced 2 weeks ago). Also replaced in 2019; front and back brake assembly (shoes, pads, rotors) front and back (both sides) control arms, left and right front strut and spring assembly. New cv axle and front hub bearings full assembly left and right (2 weeks ago)additional left front strut and spring assembly (2 weeks ago). This list is just off the top of my head because there are more repairs; too many. Yet, the car keeps loosing steering and falling apart quicker every day. Plus, the inspection expires next month and it did not pass due to emmissions system issues. It is a 2012 & should not be problematic yet. I only keep repairing it because I am still financing since being ripped off by dealership at 23% apr on top of overcharged 2xs blue book. Which has me far too upside down to trade in or even sell privately. I wouldn't sell it to my worse enemy anyway. Chevrolet should have to answer for their failure. Hard working people put trust in manufacturers and depend on their cars. I may lose everything because of mine but not without a fight and legal counsel. My next step is to contact a class action law firm to procure counsel for these matters. Gmc, the federal safety agency, and auto repair businesses (ie. Firestone complete auto care) will be contacted regarding the issue as well. Thank you

Filed Jan 14, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 94,000 miles · TX · crash

While driving at no more than 65 MPH on the freeway the control arm gave out and it caused loss of control. Then it hit the barrier wall and the 2 tire on the driver side blew on contact. Towed to mechanic and they said that the tie rods also went out. The brakes and shocks and struts were new and it is regularly in the shop for diagnostics and repairs. This is inexcusable and this vehicle needs to be completely recalled and taken out of circulation.

Filed Sep 18, 2017 · Brakes, Engine · 86,800 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. While driving various speeds, when the contact would make a turn or hit a bump in the road, he heard an abnormal pop sound without warning. In addition, the contact observed fluid leaking in the front middle of the vehicle. The dealer (hendrick chevrolet, 100 auto mall drive, cary, nc, 27511, 919‑439‑5132) advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local chevrolet dealer since they were out of state. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (dan vaden chevrolet savannah, 9393 abercorn st, savannah, ga, 31406) where it was diagnosed that the steering rack, brakes/ rotors, and tie rod needed to be replaced. Also, an alignment was needed. The steering rack, brakes/rotors, tie rod, and alignment were repaired. The contact stated that the engine now shakes independently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 8-3209374202. The failure mileage was approximately 86,800.

Filed Aug 7, 2016 · Steering · 37,000 miles · TX

Vehicle was stationary. Turned wheel to the right to begin to move. Heard a snapping sound and vehicle only moved about 5 feet and had no control of steering. Found the right tie-rod was broken. Car has 37000 miles on it.car was towed to chev dealer for repair and they said the steering gear also needed to be replaced?? My cost was $1546.19.found a recall #12v377000 on this very problem, but the recall was for police cars only. This doesn't make sense to me and I feel my car should be included in this recall. This tie rod should never have broken and I feel gm should assume the responsibility for this repair. 2012 chev impala.

Filed May 28, 2013 · Steering · NY

I recently read that general motors issued a recall august 3, 2012 for 2008 - 2012 chevrolet impalas concerning the suspension. Recall # 12v377000 concerns the front lower control arms which, according to the recall may fracture. A fractured lower control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall, according to gm, only applies to police vehicles. I am writing this message to you to ask what is different about the police vehicles from the non police vehicles which would exclude the non police vehicles from the recall. Is this the same type of situation as the gm recall regarding 2007 - 2008 chevrolet impala concerning defective spindles in wheels which gm is trying to limit to police vehicles only but has been shown to apply to all chevrolet impalas? Thanks,

Filed Sep 6, 2012 · Suspension · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet impala. The contact received a recall noticed for the federal safety agency campaign id number: 12v377000 (suspension: front: control arm: lower arm). The contact stated that the vehicle was a police patrol car and repairs had not been made due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was unknown.