2012 Chevrolet Impala
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt/Ltz
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 18 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 200.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,655 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2012 large car (18.9 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is a large car offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,655 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (18 city / 29 highway), 16% better than the 2012 large car average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 175 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electronic stability control (esc).
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
- Engines dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.9L 6-cyl
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Impala →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Oshawa #2 (Ost), Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Impala configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt/Ltz | 200.4 in | 72.8 in | 58.7 in | 110.6 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,655 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impala | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 29 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Impala FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 29 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala.
Similar 2012 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Dodge Challenger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Passat | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jun 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V355000 · 3,141,731 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- 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 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Aug 3, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V377000 · 36,413 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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 · Aug 5, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V398000 · 10,344 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- 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.
Not every 2012 Chevrolet Impala is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Chevrolet Impala buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 50 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 32 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Impala years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Impala | 22 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 15 |
| 2019 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2018 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 59 |
| 2017 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 117 |
| 2016 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 111 |
| 2015 Impala | 25 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 300 |
| 2014 Impala | 28 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 12 | 570 |
| 2013 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 232 |
| 2011 Impala | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 252 |
| 2010 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 242 |
| 2009 Impala | 23 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 432 |
| 2008 Impala | 22 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 278 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →