The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·11V398000·Announced 2011-08-05

GM Recalls 2012 Chevrolet Impala for Power Steering Hose Fire Risk

General Motors is recalling 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles because a misrouted power steering hose may melt near the catalytic converter, potentially causing an engine compartment fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (misrouted hose) that poses a risk of engine compartment fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for 'Severe' severity involving significant injury or property damage risks.

Plain-English summary

General Motors LLC is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured between April 19, 2011, and July 29, 2011. The recall involves the upper power steering hose, which may have been misrouted during manufacturing.

The defect allows the hose to come into close proximity to or contact the catalytic converter. With the engine running, heat from the catalytic converter may melt the power steering hose. This can cause power steering fluid to flow onto the catalytic converter, creating a risk of an engine compartment fire.

GM dealers will inspect the vehicles to ensure the upper power steering hose is routed correctly and make necessary repairs free of charge. The safety recall began on September 5, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
CHEVROLET IMPALA
Brand
CHEVROLET
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Category
Vehicle — Steering System
Hazard
Affected units
10,344

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • IMPALA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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