YearToAvoid

2012 Chevrolet Impala Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 49 steering complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, 19% of its 258 total complaints that year. These complaints are linked to 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 57,500. A related recall (11V398000) covers a misrouted power steering hose.

Steering complaints
49
19% of 258
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
57,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Steering suddenly becomes hard to turn or maneuver at speeds around 50 mph, sometimes leading to a crash.
  • Steering wheel locks up or becomes disabled while driving at low speeds, in some cases tied to an ignition-related recall.
  • Front lower control arm fractures, causing loss of steering control and crashes into curbs or barriers.
  • Steering feels heavy or resistant during lane changes or highway maneuvers, with no fault found once towed to a dealer.
  • Sudden steering difficulty accompanied by dashboard or electrical shutdown and engine stalling.

When 2012 Chevrolet Impala steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 15, 2012, latest Feb 10, 2026.

2012 Chevrolet Impala steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Jun 2012Oct 2013Sep 2014Aug 2015Jan 2017Jan 2019Jun 2020Oct 2023
49 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2012 to Feb 2026; peak Aug 2014 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala

  1. NHTSA 11V398000Aug 5, 2011Steering10,344 vehicles

    Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

Steering complaints by Impala model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201042 (10%)
  2. 201135 (7%)
  3. 201249 (19%)
  4. 201334 (13%)
  5. 2014140 (22%)
  6. 201544 (15%)
  7. 201616 (14%)
  8. 201710 (9%)
  9. 20187 (12%)
  10. 20193 (11%)
  11. 20203 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems in the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA lists 49 steering complaints for the 2012 Impala, which is 19% of all 258 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
Yes. Recall 11V398000 addresses a misrouted upper power steering hose that could come into close proximity to other components.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on this model year is 57,500 miles.
Have steering complaints led to crashes or injuries?
Yes. NHTSA records 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries connected to steering complaints on the 2012 Impala.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.