This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Impala airbags problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
6crashes
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 14 airbags complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PASSENGER PRESENCE SYSTEM (PPS) MAY COMMAND PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR AND SEAT BELT REMINDER ON WHEN ELECTRONIC DEVICES (COMPUTERS, MP3 PLAYERS, CELL PHONES, DIAGNOSTIC SCAN TOOL, ETC.) ARE PLACED ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, DTCS 5045 OR B0074 0F SET IN PPS MODULE. UPDATED 2/21/13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two categories of airbag issues. First, the passenger-side airbag off indicator light comes on when the seat is occupied or even with a light object in it—a sensor problem that appears early (15,000 miles) and persists through 85,000 miles. Shops and owners point to a faulty seat occupancy sensor; GM issued a recall for this on 2008–2010 models, but coverage for the 2012 is unclear. Repair estimates run $1,000 for sensor replacement, though dealers have refused to perform work without charging $200 diagnostic fees upfront.
Second, several owners report complete airbag non-deployment in actual crashes—side impacts, head-on collisions, and t-bone incidents that totaled vehicles or caused serious injuries (neck fractures, rib fractures, nerve damage). One owner noted that an independent mechanic found no airbags present in the vehicle at all. Additionally, one owner reported the passenger-side airbag cover detaching from the dashboard while stationary, and another heard persistent ticking or tapping noise from the passenger dashboard area. Most crash victims did not notify GM; of those who did contact the manufacturer about sensor issues, responses were inconsistent—some dealers acknowledged prior recalls, others denied coverage and demanded payment.
Same Chevrolet Impala airbags reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger-side airbag disabled/off indicator light
Airbag off warning light illuminates when passenger seat is occupied, even with a bottle or light object in the seat. Owners and shops attribute this to a faulty passenger seat occupancy sensor.
When: Between 15,100 and 85,500 miles; some cases early at 15,100 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag off warning light illuminated when passenger seat occupied or even with light objects; Seat belt warning light flashing intermittently; Dealer unable to diagnose or repair the condition
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite estimates of $1,000 for airbag sensor replacement. Dealers charged $200 diagnostic fees without performing repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior recalls for 2008–2010 models for the same issue; unclear if 2012 covered. GM representatives gave conflicting information—one mentioned a recall, another denied it and stated owner responsibility for all fees.
Airbag sensor malfunction with SDM module failure
Airbag sensor warning light turns on and off intermittently. Dealer diagnosis identified SDM (sensing and diagnostic module) as needing replacement, but vehicle was not repaired.
When: At 85,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag sensor light illuminates intermittently, turns off and on
Repairs/costs cited: SDM module identified as the source; repair cost not specified. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Complete airbag non-deployment in crashes
In multiple crash scenarios (side-impact, head-on, t-bone), front and rear airbags failed to deploy despite impact severity that caused injuries and vehicle total loss.
When: Various mileages: unknown on two incidents, 176,000 miles on one
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy during side-impact collision at traffic light; Airbags did not deploy during 180-degree spin and curb impact (approximately $10,000 damage); Airbags did not deploy when hit by tractor trailer on driver side; Airbags did not deploy during head-on collision with cement guard rail; Airbags failed to deploy in crash at intersection near rear door
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles either not diagnosed, impounded, or repaired as total loss without airbag inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified in most cases; one case noted but no response documented.
Passenger-side airbag cover detachment while stationary
Airbag cover panel detached from the dashboard while vehicle was parked, with no accident or impact.
When: At 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag cover detached while vehicle stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of the issue.
Intermittent ticking/tapping noise from airbag area
Abnormal ticking or tapping noise audible from passenger side dashboard or behind glove box, intermittent or continuous for several minutes after vehicle start, then stopping. One mechanic inspection found no airbags present in the vehicle.
When: At 15,100 miles; another case at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise from passenger side dashboard; Tapping noise behind glove box that persists 5 minutes after starting, continues briefly after turning key off; Noise present whether vehicle running or key in off position
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic reported finding no airbags in the vehicle during inspection. Not repaired.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet impala. Upon starting the vehicle, a ticking noise was heard coming from the passenger side dashboard. Also, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for other repairs at that time and the contact had the mechanic inspect the vehicle for the ticking noise. The contact was informed that there were no air bags…
When entering car there is tapping noise behind the passenger glove box,this noise will continue for approx; 5 min ,when key is turned to the off position noise will continue for a few minutes before stopping.. Car is garage kept. Main driver is a senior driver.(83 y.o )
Had airbags trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 16,500 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 22,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,500; a quarter make it past 50,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Impala.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.