This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Impala electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 55,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Impala | 189 |
| 2009 Impala | 194 |
| 2010 Impala | 115 |
| 2011 Impala | 80 |
| 2012 Impala (this page) | 51 |
| 2013 Impala | 44 |
| 2014 Impala | 184 |
| 2015 Impala | 88 |
| 2016 Impala | 25 |
2crashes
2fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 51 electrical 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
Owners have filed 51 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the traction control system activating unexpectedly during routine driving—slow turns, parking lot exits, and normal acceleration—causing the engine to stall or power to drop dangerously on highways and at stop signs. Multiple service lights illuminate (stabilitrak, brake assist, ABS) with no legitimate reason. The vehicle stalls or moves barely, sometimes during merging onto roadways where speed is critical. This happens repeatedly even after dealers replace gas pedals (up to four times in one case), hub assemblies, harnesses, and body control modules. The core electrical system also fails—complete power loss mid-drive, affecting steering, braking, windows, and locks. Owners describe exposed wires improperly secured to the transmission and loose hot wire terminals in the fuse box. The fuel gauge reads backwards (full when empty, empty when full), and the fuel flow control module cuts fuel supply at highway speed with no fail-safe. HVAC actuators click loudly and prevent temperature control; one owner replaced the actuator multiple times with recurrence. Two owners report airbags that didn't deploy in serious crashes. Ignition recall 14V355000 addressed some issues but parts remained unavailable for months. Widespread owner research on forums reveals this is not isolated—thousands of complaints exist online that Chevrolet has not addressed with recalls or service bulletins.
Same Chevrolet Impala electrical reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Traction Control, ABS, and Stability Control System Activation
The traction control system, ABS, service brake assist, and stability control warning lights illuminate unexpectedly during normal driving—slow turns, pulling out of parking spots, accelerating from a stop, or making left turns. The vehicle stalls or power is severely reduced, creating dangerous situations on highways and at intersections. Owners report this occurs repeatedly under sunny conditions with no weather-related justification. The issue persists even after multiple repair attempts.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership, repeatedly under normal driving conditions; some owners report it happens daily or during acceleration while turning.
Symptoms owners cite: Unwanted traction control activation during normal driving; Service stabilitrak warning light illuminates; Service brake assist light illuminates; ABS warning light illuminates; Engine power severely reduced or stalls; Vehicle stalls to near-complete stop during turns; Intermittent brake engagement without driver input; Inability to accelerate when needed; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously
Codes mentioned: U0101
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced gas pedals (4 replacements in one case), hub assemblies and speed sensor circuit harnesses, body control modules, and suggested body control module replacement without guaranteeing resolution. Loose ground cables and disconnected fuses have been found in some cases. Issues recur after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner mentioned a TSB was available; dealer did nothing. No widespread recall issued despite owner research indicating widespread complaints on Chevy forums. One 2011 model recall exists (14V355000 for ignition system affecting airbag deployment), but 2012 owners report the issue persists.
Ignition Switch and Electrical Power Loss
The ignition switch fails to turn or turns only after numerous attempts. Engine and electrical system lose all power while driving—engine dies, flashers don't work, power steering and power braking fail, and power window and door lock functions are disabled. One case involved exposed and improperly secured wires in the electrical system causing shorts. Loose hot wire terminals have vibrated loose or were inadequately secured at manufacture.
When: At various mileages, from 20,000 to 144,000 miles; stalls occur during normal driving, acceleration onto highways, or while putting car in reverse.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving; Complete loss of electrical power; Flashers inoperative; Power steering loss; Power braking loss; Power windows inoperative; Door locks inoperative (manual unlock with key fob required); Radio, A/C, and other systems shut off unexpectedly; Key difficult or impossible to turn in ignition; Engine will not crank or start; Grinding noise before power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers found bad sensors, burned wires, exposed and improperly secured wires rubbing on transmission and other metal parts, loose fuse box terminal connections, and faulty ignition lock switches. One vehicle required repeated visits before exposed wires were finally discovered; one was bought back by Chevrolet. Another required throttle body replacement that gave temporary relief.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V355000 (ignition switch/airbag system) issued 2014-06-23 for certain 2005-2014 Impalas; remedy involved installing key rings and inserts to prevent key displacement. However, multiple owners report parts were unavailable for months or never became available, delaying or preventing repair completion.
Airbag Non-Deployment
During serious crashes, airbags fail to deploy despite impact severity that should trigger deployment. Two owners reported accidents where airbags did not deploy, resulting in serious injuries. One owner was hit at 53 mph and bounced off the steering wheel; another pulled onto a highway and was hit by oncoming traffic. The airbag warning light was on in at least one case but bags did not deploy.
When: During vehicle crashes; at least one incident documented around 2013.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags fail to deploy during crash; Airbag warning light illuminated; Driver struck steering wheel during collision
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was involved in a crash investigation by GM; no recall or corrective action documented. Severity of impact was sufficient that airbags should have deployed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V355000 addresses airbag system safety related to ignition key displacement. GM offered no resolution to the non-deployment issue beyond investigation. One owner traded in the vehicle.
HVAC Actuator and Blend Door Failure
The heating and air conditioning blend door actuators fail repeatedly, producing loud clicking, thumping, or grinding noises from the dashboard. The actuator clicks excessively and prevents control over temperature, defrost, and air flow. One owner replaced the part multiple times with recurrence. The noise is loud enough to impede the driver's ability to hear emergency vehicles, creating a safety concern. One case involved rear defroster failure from a burned component.
When: As early as 2 days after purchase; throughout ownership up to 100,000+ miles; recurring after replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking noise from dashboard; Loud grinding noise from dashboard; Loud thumping noise from glove compartment area; No control over temperature settings; No control over air flow (heat, A/C, defrost); Cold air blows in winter, hot air in summer despite settings; Rear defroster inoperative; Noise continues after car is turned off
Repairs/costs cited: Actuator motor replacements, air control regulator arm motor replacements, and burned component replacements. One owner reported replacing the actuator multiple times with continued failure. Rear defroster component replacement was needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied assistance on out-of-warranty vehicle (100,000 miles). No recall issued despite owner research indicating 5,000+ complaints online. Chevrolet refuses to address the issue, stating no recall exists.
Fuel Gauge Sensor Failure
The fuel gauge alternates erratically between completely full and completely empty, making it impossible to trust fuel level. One owner took 3/4 of a tank after gauge showed full, creating risk of running out of fuel at highway speed. The check engine light delayed illumination by 25 days.
When: At 50,800 miles; issue lasted at least one month before addressed.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge reads full when tank is not full; Fuel gauge reads empty when tank has fuel; Gauge alternates between full and empty; Check engine light delayed illumination; Risk of fuel starvation on highway
Codes mentioned: 460-series code indicating fuel sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of fuel gauge sensor in tank quoted at $160 part + $250 labor. Alternatively, instrument cluster failure may require $400–2,000 in repairs depending on which component failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet support willing to waive $50 diagnostic fee but will not cover repairs. Owner noted previous GM products had class action lawsuits for similar issues.
Fuel Flow Control Module Failure
The fuel flow control module fails suddenly and completely, cutting off all fuel supply to the engine while driving at highway speed with no warning or fail-safe design. Engine dies but cannot be restarted. The vehicle becomes immobilized mid-highway, creating severe accident risk.
When: At 42,000 miles, while driving at 70 mph on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Engine appears to run out of fuel; Gas pedal unresponsive to depression; Speed drops rapidly on highway; Engine idles at low RPM after stalling; Engine will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel flow control module replacement; dealer estimate near $500 (parts and labor). Owner requested failed module be saved for investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner submitted complaint requesting NHTSA investigation into design deficiency and quality escape issue.
Electrical System Shorts and Component Melting
An electrical short in the vehicle causes the dashboard, center console by the shifter, and front bucket seats to melt at relatively low mileage (61,000 miles). Visible smoke observed in the vehicle while driving. Electronic stability control and stability control warning lights illuminated before the incident.
When: At 61,000 miles while driving at 20 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical short in vehicle wiring; Dashboard melts; Center console melts; Front bucket seats melt; Visible smoke in vehicle; Electronic stability control warning light illuminates; Stability control warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; owner did not pursue repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and stated a representative would be sent to investigate and diagnose the vehicle.
Rear Defroster Failure
Rear defroster stops working. When repaired, the same component burns out or fails again, suggesting a systemic design or wiring issue rather than a one-time component failure.
When: At unspecified mileage; recurrence within weeks of repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear defroster does not function; Component burns or fails repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Burned component replaced by mechanic; failure recurred within one week. Owner concerned about ongoing replacement cycle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet stated there is no recall on this issue.
Door Lock and Power Window Electrical Malfunction
Doors lock and unlock independently during normal driving. In one case, vehicle lost power at 15 mph with doors locking/unlocking and stability control message displayed. In another case, while driving at 30 mph on city streets, doors unlocked and service stabilitrak flashed on and off while A/C and radio powered on and off multiple times.
When: At 43,910 miles and other unspecified mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock independently without driver input; Doors unlock independently without driver input; Vehicle loses power; Service stabilitrak message appears; A/C turns off without command; Radio turns off without command; A/C turns on without command; Radio turns on without command
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced ignition fuses; dealer was unable to diagnose or repair. Vehicle repaired after fuse replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in one case; no recall or service bulletin documented.
Chime and Audio System Intermittent Failure
Door chimes, ignition chimes, seat belt chimes, and turn signal chimes stop working. Radio shows blank screen and becomes inoperative, sometimes working intermittently. These failures may indicate broader electrical system issues affecting multiple circuits.
When: Over approximately 2 months of ownership; traction control chime turns on and off intermittently.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio does not work or shows blank screen; Door chime inoperative; Ignition chime inoperative; Seat belt chime inoperative; Turn signal chime inoperative; Traction control chime sounds intermittently; Lights flicker when rolling windows up or down
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator tested as normal; no repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet impala. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v355000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the doors locked and unlocked independently. In addition, "service stabilizer trac" was displayed across the message board as the vehicle lost power. The contact also stated that while in park, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the fuses to the…
2012 Chevrolet impala ignition switch problem. *mw the consumer stated what gm suggested to have no more than one key on the ring. She stated that was not a fix. *jb
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 35,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.