2012 Chevrolet Impala — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Chevrolet Impala is a saloon/sedan powered by a 3.6L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine. It returns around 26 mpg (UK) / 22 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Impala workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2011 Chevrolet Impala: Fuel economy slips from 28 to 26 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2012: 3.6L 6-cyl. No longer listed: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.6L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 105 cu ft (2,973 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 19 cu ft (538 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 26 combined / 22 urban / 35 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 22 combined / 18 city / 29 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 251 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala, all with the 3.6L 6-cyl engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (18/29) | 251 | $3,050 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 22 (18/29) | 251 | $3,050 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 19 cubic feet (about 538 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala
Running Costs: 2012 Chevrolet Impala
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Chevrolet Impala at 26 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,399 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Chevrolet Impala Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Chevrolet Impala (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1), Suspension (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 14V355000, reported 23 June 2014. 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…
- Suspension — campaign 12V377000, reported 3 August 2012. Risk: A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Steering — campaign 11V398000, reported 5 August 2011. Risk: POWER STEERING FLUID COULD FLOW ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Owners have filed 258 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Chevrolet Impala. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (58), Electronic stability control (esc) (54), Steering (49). Complaints include 20 reported crashes, 5 reported fires, 16 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 272 complaints across the 11 Chevrolet Impala model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 58 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (1 recall campaign · 49 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Stability control (54 owner complaints) — Make sure no stability or traction warning light stays on.
- Engine (40 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Chevrolet models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Chevrolet Impala's 26 mpg is 3 mpg below that make average.
Of the 11 Chevrolet Impala model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 8th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (26 mpg UK combined, against a high of 30 mpg). See every Chevrolet Impala year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have?
It's fitted with a 3.6L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic 6-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
The most efficient configuration returns around 26 mpg (UK) combined, or 22 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,050 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Chevrolet Impala (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1), Suspension (1), Steering (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Impala?
Among the 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (58 complaints), Electronic stability control (esc) (54 complaints), Steering (49 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Chevrolet Impala have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 19 cubic feet (about 538 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.