This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Impala powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Impala | 80 |
| 2009 Impala | 64 |
| 2010 Impala | 56 |
| 2011 Impala | 60 |
| 2012 Impala (this page) | 20 |
| 2013 Impala | 30 |
| 2014 Impala | 36 |
| 2015 Impala | 14 |
| 2016 Impala | 15 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 20 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 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 powertrain 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 informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2012 Impalas describe a range of powertrain defects. The most common: traction control engaging on dry pavement during acceleration and turns, causing wheels to lock up, hesitation, and jerking—with no warning codes present and dealers unable to reproduce the issue. Several owners report rough, jerky transmission shifting at low speeds, particularly during downshifts; one dealer's suggestion of a "factory reset" to adjust for driving style didn't help.
E85 fuel causes repeated problems in cold weather: simultaneous check engine, traction, and stability control lights, along with power loss and near-stalling. One dealership told an owner this happens "all the time" and is not warranty-covered; another suggested switching fuel types as a workaround. Transmission issues are widespread and severe—some vehicles refuse to shift into drive, one rolled away from a parked position and hit another car, and others produce clunking, grinding, and banging noises during acceleration with loss of power. A few owners report the engine stalling in drive or while driving, with fuel sensor failures and exhaust smell.
One vehicle required a complete transmission rebuild due to internal wave plate fracture at 153,973 miles. Dealers consistently report inability to diagnose problems or find solutions, and the manufacturer has acknowledged some issues (technical bulletins exist) but has not issued recalls or warranty coverage.
Same Chevrolet Impala powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
E85 fuel in cold weather causing multiple warning lights and power loss
When running E85 fuel in cold temperatures, owners report engine light, traction light, stability control light, and reduce power warning activating simultaneously, causing the vehicle to jerk and nearly stall. Multiple dealerships confirmed this as a known issue. One owner was told by a second dealership this happens 'all the time' and is not warranty-covered.
When: Cold ambient temperatures (13°F reported); 68,000 miles in narrative #1
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illuminated; Traction control light on; Stability control light on; Reduce power warning illuminated; Vehicle jerks and loses power; Nearly stalls out; Repeats when temperature drops again
Codes mentioned: Error codes that 'don't really mean anything' per owner
Repairs/costs cited: High pressure fuel pump replacement and new fuel lines quoted at $900; dealership suggested switching to MAO44 and premium unleaded
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite dealer reporting this as common problem; not covered by powertrain warranty; GM Technical Bulletin PIP5385C exists addressing this issue
Worn traction control cable causing intermittent power loss on left turns
A cable near the front left tire that controls antilock brakes and traction control/StabiliTrak wears and creates intermittent connectivity loss. When turning sharply left, this triggers traction control to sever power to front tires momentarily. Owner disabled traction control to prevent the issue and found similar reports from other 2012 Impala owners online.
When: Consistent issue reproducible; particularly dangerous when making left turns across oncoming traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during sharp left turns; Power loss when moving from parked position into roadway; Power loss when leaving parking lot after reversing; Traction control engages inappropriately; Nearly caused rear-end collision in oncoming traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Owner manually disabled traction control as workaround
Traction control activating on dry pavement during acceleration and turns
Traction control engages by itself when accelerating from complete stop on dry pavement or during turns, causing wheel lock-up, hesitation, jerking, and jolting. Multiple owners report this with no warning lights or check engine codes. Dealerships unable to diagnose or replicate the problem.
When: Occurs during acceleration from stop and turns; multiple occurrences reported
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates; Wheels lock up; Hesitation on acceleration; Car jerks and jolts; No check engine light or fault codes displayed; Occurs on dry pavement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to locate problem; no resolution offered
Transmission shifting problems and power loss during acceleration
Transmission remains stuck in 4th gear and will not shift into 5th or 6th. Additionally, 'transmission hot idle engine' warning messages illuminate on multiple occasions at various speeds. After dealer replaced body control module and SL-N module, the problem persisted. Owner then experienced warning illumination followed by power steering and brake malfunction at 70 mph.
When: At 6,206 miles in narrative #3; transmission hot warning occurs at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission remains in 4th gear, will not upshift; Transmission hot idle engine warning illuminates; Power steering malfunctions; Brakes malfunction; Vehicle loses power response
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed high side of transmission as defective; body control module and SL-N module replaced without resolving issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no solution offered
Transmission refusing to engage or shift out of park
Vehicle unable to shift gear into drive or remain in drive. One incident at gas station with ignition off and shifter showing park: vehicle rolled away and crashed into parked vehicle, causing injury to driver.
When: At 3,220 miles in narrative #18; 7,500 miles on rental in narrative #14
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift into drive; Vehicle rolls away while in park; Gear shift indicator shows park but vehicle moves
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #18 states vehicle not repaired
Rough and jerky transmission shifting at low speeds
Transmission jerks heavily during shifts, particularly during low-speed downshifts. Highway and strong acceleration shifts smoothly. Dealership suggested factory reset to adjust for driving style, which did not resolve the issue. No check engine lights present.
When: Purchased used at 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy jolting during shifts; Rough shifting at low speeds; Jerking during downshifts; Smooth shifting on highway and during strong acceleration; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted factory reset; issue not resolved; dealership claims transmission needs getting used to
Torque converter slipping and slamming into drive
Torque converter slips when shifting from reverse to drive, causing a hard slam into gear that grinds and causes tire squeak/spin. Dealer replaced original torque converter with remanufactured unit under warranty.
When: Repaired April 28 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Torque converter slip during reverse-to-drive shift; Hard slam into drive; Gear grinding; Tire squeak and spin
Repairs/costs cited: Remanufactured torque converter (part 17804457) installed with seal kit and gaskets; warranty covered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covered repair
Engine stalling when placed in drive and while driving
Vehicle cuts off when put into drive and stalls while driving. RPM and odometer stop working; fuel pressure sensor failed twice. Owner reports excessive fuel smell and rotten eggs from exhaust. Stability track and ABS prevent turning. Dealership replaced battery terminals and battery with no resolution.
When: Multiple stalling incidents reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when shifting to drive; Engine stalls while driving; RPM stops working; Odometer stops working; Check engine light illuminates; Reduce engine power warning; Stability track disables turning; ABS prevents turning; Excessive fuel smell; Rotten eggs smell from exhaust
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Reduce engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pressure sensor replaced twice; battery terminals and battery replaced
Vehicle shifts into reverse when shifted to drive from park
After starting engine and shifting to drive, vehicle suddenly shifted into reverse when accelerator was pressed. Vehicle operated normally after turning off and restarting. Dealer could not duplicate the failure.
When: At 19,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters reverse instead of drive when shifter placed in drive; Occurs after accelerator pressed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership could not replicate or repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Engine vibrations at low speeds
Excessive engine vibrations occur while driving at low speeds. Dealership technician unable to diagnose the source or remedy the failure. Manufacturer was contacted and aware of the issue but provided no resolution.
When: First appeared at 50 miles; reported at 12,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine vibrations at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; technician unsure of component failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and aware of failure; no solution provided
Transmission clunking and grinding noise with loss of acceleration
Grinding noise from front of transmission with momentary loss of acceleration upon takeoff from stop. Most prevalent on left turns from stop, progressively worsening. Traction control light illuminates briefly. Symptoms disappear above 5 mph. Original dealer inspection found no issue; OnStar diagnostics revealed nothing.
When: Progressive worsening from baseline
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from front; Momentary loss of acceleration from stop; Most prevalent on left turn from stop; Progressively increasing frequency; Traction control light illuminates momentarily; No symptoms above 5 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Original dealer found no issue; dealer to reinspect
Transmission banging and clunking during acceleration
At speeds 15 mph and above, after deceleration then acceleration, transmission makes clink, clank, clunk, or banging jolt sounds as if vehicle was rear-ended. Louder and more pronounced with greater acceleration pressure and lower gears. Dealership states transmission is operating properly.
When: Speeds 15 mph and above during acceleration phases
Symptoms owners cite: Clink noise from transmission; Clank noise from transmission; Clunk noise from transmission; Banging jolt sound; Feels like rear-end collision; Increases with acceleration force; More severe in lower gears
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claims transmission operating normally
Transmission differential clunking with pull-out difficulty
Clunking sound from transmission differential when pulling out from stop; car struggles to move forward with something engaging or grabbing. Occurs when pulling onto city street or going in reverse from driveway. Mechanic unable to locate problem after five attempts.
When: Occurring repeatedly during takeoff and reverse maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise from transmission differential; Difficulty moving forward from stop; Something grabbing or engaging; Occurs when pulling onto city street; Occurs when reversing from driveway
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic unable to find problem after 5 attempts
Grinding and jerking when turning in park with tight steering
Grinding metal noise and jerking when backing out of parking space and turning right then left. Very loud grinding noise. Issue resolves when wheels turned straight. Dealership unable to replicate the problem.
When: During parking lot maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding metal noise when turning; Vehicle jerks when turning; Stops jerking when wheels straightened; Very loud grinding
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate
Transmission internal component failure requiring rebuild
REB wave plate fractured inside transmission, requiring complete transmission rebuild. Transmission specialist noted that transmission parts are jointly engineered by Ford and Chevrolet; the Ford part performed normally but the Chevrolet part failed. Manufacturer was aware but provided no case number or warranty remedy.
When: At 153,973 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission noise indicating internal failure; Loss of transmission function requiring rebuild
Repairs/costs cited: Entire transmission rebuilt; REB wave plate replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no case number provided
Brake and stability control malfunction with engine power restriction
Stability control light activates, triggering engine power restriction (limp mode). ABS and brake warning lights illuminate. Front driver-side brake continuously holds on even when attempting to accelerate, preventing normal vehicle operation.
When: Unspecified timing
Symptoms owners cite: Stability control light on; Engine in restricted power mode; ABS light on; Brake light on; Front driver-side brake holds continuously; Unable to accelerate normally
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
At times, the vehicle jerks while shifting. I have experienced heavy jolting, rough shifting, especially during low speeds. While on highway or during strong acceleration, car shifts great. Mostly the issues are during downshifts or low speed shifts. Took to Chevrolet dealership, was told a factory reset may help adjust to driving styles. We bought car used with 35000 miles. This did not help.…
At speeds 15 MPH and above after decelerating then accelerating transmission will make a noise ranging from a clink, clank, clunk to a banging jolt as if the car has been rear ended. The more pressure on acceleration and the lower the gear the louder the noise and the greater the jolt. Dealership states transmission is operating properly. *tr
Car was in park at a gas station, ignition off, car not running. Gear shift indicator showed "park". Driver was out of the car and the car rolled away, crashing into parked vehicle and resulting in injury to driver. This was an avis rental car with 7,500 miles on the odometer. *tr
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,150 and 68,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,150; a quarter make it past 68,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.