Recall 11V398 affects 10,344 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles for a misrouted power steering hose. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 10,344 2012 Impala sedans because the upper power steering hose is routed too close to the catalytic converter, where heat can melt the hose. If power steering fluid reaches the converter, an engine compartment fire is the safety concern; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The upper power steering hose on the 2012 Chevrolet Impala is a hydraulic line that carries pressurized steering fluid through the power steering system. That pressure helps the steering gear move when you turn the wheel, so the driver does not have to supply all of the force by hand. The hose needs clearance from hot exhaust parts.
In vehicles covered by NHTSA campaign 11V398, the upper hose was routed too close to the catalytic converter, the exhaust part that gets very hot while the engine runs. Heat from the converter can melt the hose. Once the hose material softens or burns through, the power steering system can lose the fluid pressure it needs to assist steering.
There is no warning sign before failure. If steering effort suddenly feels heavier, or if you see fluid near the front of the vehicle after driving, treat that as a repair issue and contact a Chevrolet dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 10,344 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
A misrouted upper power steering hose can let fluid reach the catalytic converter and create an engine compartment fire risk. Drive cautiously until the vehicle is inspected, and stop in a safe place if you notice smoke or a burning smell. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Chevrolet Impala is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask whether recall number 11V398 is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free upper power steering hose inspection and routing repair that keeps the hose away from the catalytic converter.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, use recall number 11V398 when you call.
- Call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
The recall file says the dealer repair is an inspection of the upper power steering hose routing. Once the repair is available, a Chevrolet technician will confirm the hose is routed away from the catalytic converter. If the hose is out of position or heat has damaged nearby power steering parts, the technician will make the needed repairs. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| August 5, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 5, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V398?
Recall 11V398 covers 10,344 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles with an upper power steering hose that was routed too close to the catalytic converter. Heat from the converter can melt the hose, letting power steering fluid leak onto the converter and create an engine compartment fire risk.
What should I do if my 2012 Chevrolet Impala is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Impala is included in recall 11V398. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask for the power steering hose inspection and repair. Reference recall number 11V398 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Chevrolet dealers will inspect the upper power steering hose routing and complete the needed repairs free of charge at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. If the upper power steering hose melts near the catalytic converter, power steering fluid can leak onto the hot converter. This recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the free dealer inspection and repair should be scheduled after your VIN is confirmed.
What if I bought this Chevrolet Impala used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012 Impala is included, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall number 11V398.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V398000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-630-2438 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V398 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V398000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →