2012 Chevrolet Impala

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

Chevrolet Impala
Pictured: 2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier front 4.7.19. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine–3.6L 6-cyl

Trims

LTLTZLS

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt/Ltz200.4 in72.8 in58.7 in110.6 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,655 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Impala3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 29 / 22+16%$3,050404
Impala FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 29 / 22+16%$3,050404
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2012 Large Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Chevrolet Impala (this car)22 MPGNot rated3
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated4
2012 Dodge Charger23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Dodge Challenger21 MPGNot rated6
2012 Chevrolet Malibu26 MPGNot rated2
2012 Volkswagen Passat34 MPGNot rated11

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Chevrolet Impala is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

175Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
11Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)50
Electrical System34
Steering32
Engine25
Unknown Or Other23
Service Brakes23
Power Train17
Suspension16
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/09: 120/10: 221/01: 121/02: 121/03: 121/04: 121/08: 121/11: 121/12: 222/01: 122/02: 122/04: 122/11: 123/01: 123/04: 123/05: 223/07: 223/10: 124/01: 124/05: 124/12: 125/09: 126/02: 126/03: 120/0921/0221/0822/0122/1123/0524/0125/09max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Chevrolet Impala buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 50 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  3. Electrical System — 34 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 32 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Impala22201.2 in★★★★★015
2019 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★128
2018 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★159
2017 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★0117
2016 Impala25201.2 inNot rated0111
2015 Impala25201.2 inNot rated3300
2014 Impala28201.2 inNot rated12570
2013 Impala22200.4 inNot rated1232
2011 Impala23200.4 inNot rated2252
2010 Impala22200.4 inNot rated4242
2009 Impala23200.4 inNot rated4432
2008 Impala22200.4 inNot rated2278

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →