2011 Chevrolet Impala

Above average

Owners filed 505 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the stability control. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Impala years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Impala years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,400 milesMedian miles at failure

409 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems

100 of the 505 complaints (20%) are about the stability control.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control100
012
Engine60
113
Electrical System59
000
Seats52
000
Power Train · transmission35
010
Air Bags · airbags31
11010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration26
000
Service Brakes · brakes26
303
Unknown or Other14
100
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint10
000

2011 Chevrolet Impala stability control problems

20% of all complaints

100 of the 505 complaints are about the stability control. This is what owners describe:

  • turns on the check engine light39% · 39
  • loses power38% · 38
  • sets off warning lights on the dash38% · 38
  • jerks, lurches or bucks14% · 14
  • hesitates before moving or accelerating6% · 6
  • vibrates or shakes6% · 6

Share of the 100 stability control complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
80,582 mi
median of 95 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
20 stability control complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 1 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the stability control
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet impala. The contact state while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started hesitating. The contact was in the process of making a left turn when he heard an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that change throttle body, service stability trac and service traction control warning lights were illuminated. The engine power reduced warning light was also illuminated.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 2, 2020 at 127,068 miles
“Check engine light came on. Message came across saying reducing engine power. Then said to service stabilizer. It then turned off traction control. We were driving home from vacation when this happened. After a bit driving the whole car shift off while driving 60mph on a busy highway. The message on dash said it disabled our starter.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 14, 2020 at 127,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2010: 4 complaints, 0 about the stability control'102011: 48 complaints, 0 about the stability control2012: 39 complaints, 1 about the stability control'122013: 44 complaints, 8 about the stability control2014: 118 complaints, 20 about the stability control'142015: 58 complaints, 11 about the stability control2016: 45 complaints, 17 about the stability control'162017: 32 complaints, 13 about the stability control2018: 44 complaints, 19 about the stability control'182019: 27 complaints, 7 about the stability control2020: 21 complaints, 4 about the stability control'202021: 12 complaints, 0 about the stability control2022: 5 complaints, 0 about the stability control'222023: 6 complaints, 0 about the stability control2024: 2 complaints, 0 about the stability control'24Recall 12V377000 (suspension)Recall 14V355000 (electrical system)
All complaintsAbout the stability controlRecall (red: the stability control)

Complaints about the 2011 Impala peaked in 2014, with 118 filed that year. No recall on file covers the stability control, the subject of 20% of the complaints. In 2024 owners filed 2 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Ignition14V355000
Filed Jun 23, 20143,141,731 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

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 engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), and 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm12V377000
Filed Aug 3, 201236,413 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

Risk. A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 21, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

1,237 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2011 Impala. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 468electrical system 181engine 153transmission 62equipment adaptive/mobility 50fuel system 43visibility 35tires 34
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

PIT5236FService campaignAug 3, 2015electrical system

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …

080730026DService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 12, 2016stability control

This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles 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.

PI0938AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 14, 2014stability control

This preliminary bulletin provides information on what labor operation number to use for various electrical/electronic control issues.

110308002AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2013stability control

Police Package ? Suspension Bottoming, Frame (Front Cradle) to Ground Impact

PI-0371Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2011stability control

GM: A SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED. HIGH TEMPERATURES AND VIBRATION ARE CAUSING THE YAW SENSORS TO LOSE COMMUNICATION. 2010-2011 IMPALA. *RM

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2011 Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD———★★★★★11.3%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 31, 2024NJ

After getting into my parked car and starting it, the Stabilitrak warning message came on my display. This is the 2nd tike that this occurred. The first time it occured, my mechanic diagnosed it as a failed throttle body, which I replaced myself, (easy removal/installation). Now, a couple of months later, it occurred again. After doing some online research, it seems as though the position sensor on the accelerator pedal may be at fault. A lot, if not most cars today have a "fly-by-wire" system which replaces cables and such with sensors and motors. So, the accelerator, (gas), pedal controls the movement of the butterfly valve on the throttle body by sending a signal to the motor. I'm going to replace that... about $140 or so. I saw a YouTube video and the removal/installation is fairly easy. A lot of people are having this issue; maybe a recall is needed?

Engine
Filed Jan 5, 2024AZ

Service stabilitrak warning, followed by reduced engine power, then car starts jerking.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 25, 2023MI

I own a 2011 chevy impala 4 door that has a very serious engine issue. I was on my way home and suddenly the service stability trac, and check engine light came on, then the message center displayed reduced engine power and low oil pressure then the engine shut off. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not restart. I got it towed to a parking lot where it sat over night then it would restart but only for a few minutes. Once I got a scanner hooked up it had a p0642 code lost 5 volt reference circuit 1 and a cam sensor code I worked on this vehicle for two days and still have not found the issue. this vehicle needs a recall since this is a recurring issue with a few different model years of this vehicle and its always the same issue word for word, check engine light comes on, service stability trac, reduced engine power and low oil pressure lights come on the same p0642 lost 5 volt reference circuit 1. This is a very dangerous situation when going down the road and you lose engine power, steering and braking power. GM needs to correct this issue too many people have had this same issue.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 12, 2023WI

The Mechanic Wedige Automotive in Elkhorn Wi, use AC Delco Parts, Just in This year He installed The Rear Swaybar links part#45G0403 The same part Broke Twice and put the same for the third time. We don't know if is going to brake for the third time, but we are afraid that if we drive in a highway we can be on a bad car accident. The second time it broke, our car got left wheelbearing damage and rear brake pads according the same mechanic that warranty the same defective part and keep putting the same defective part brand. We don't know what to do because our life was in danger twice, we don't want die if that cause a bad accident due to defective parts third time. Please help us.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 12, 2023NY

This problem has happened for many many years. Made appointments @ Fuccillo Chevy dealer, by then it’s gone off & they don’t know! Well, just occurred again when getting new tires @Dunn pulling in. 2011 impala Stabilitrak, engine power loss, then check engine light! Thank goodness the mechanic printed me the codes & what they mean!! SO- P2138 Throttle/pedal pod sensor voltage correlation DTC P0523 Engine oil pressure sensor/switch high input Same complaint of loss of power as I’ve now seen others write about!! Voltage referring to throttle ‘s ability to open/close properly. An electrical malfunction in manufacturing! RECALL!!! Obviously I actually have another impala- 2007 that the rear defrost wire’s actually burnt @ control junction, been replaced now. Could’ve caused a fire !! High beam lights come on intermittently when using the turn signals!! Stand by your product !!!! I have 2 Impala’s, 2007, 2011. My mother has Impala, 2015. My sister has an Impala, 2017. Impala family I guess- kinda funny, all are black Impalas!!! I’ve seen numerous complaints of this same issue! Defect! R u waiting 4 an accident or a death? GO !!!! Has happened numerous times b4 This report, Chevy dealer has previously stated can’t anything because the code disappears on its own. What’s with that? Resets itself?? It does!! Sure have had it happen, 20 x’s?? I make an appointment & by that time- gone! Seriously!!! Finally caught it 2 code it !!

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Aug 30, 202368,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the vehicle lost electrical power. The ignition switch was stuck in accessory mode and the contact was unable to release the key from the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced inaccurate fuel gauge reading. Several unknown messages were displayed in different languages. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the battery had failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 19, 2023GA

Grinding from turning. Numerous Radiators, Transmission problems over and over. Jerking not pulling. Stalling in the road.Control Arm needed again. Brakes and Rotors grinding.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 14, 2023NY

Stabilizer control an brake system wheel barrier or Tyrod when driving its like the wheels start trying to twist another way almost crashed on the highway with my grandkids in the vehicle i having driving the vehicle since an irecentl looked up recall an it says stabilizing an brake system when press on gas .it's like tires shifting make the vehicle slow moving an feel a grinding when feet on gas...recently look an it says its 2 recalls chevy 2011 impala

Air Bags
Filed Sep 19, 2022165,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag inadvertently deactivated while a passenger was seated in the passenger's side front seat. The air bag warning light was illuminated and the Air Bag System message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 4, 2022MO

Service stabilitrak warning light goes off and on intermittently when this happens the traction control light comes on when hooked up it shows no codes everything I’ve read on line is that it’s a electrical issue to replace wheel bearings or gas pedal or other list of sensors shouldn’t this be something that you should investigate to let owners know what to fix it seems to be a issue on several different models of Chevy autos if forums are correct next step is it will go into limp mode or shut off completely that one would think would be a serious safety issue as you loose power steering as you have to fight to get to shoulder of the highway

Electrical System
Filed Jun 12, 2022AL

Today, 6-12-2022, driving on US Highway 80 at 65 mph headed toward Phenix City, AL from Columbus, GA, the the engine shuddered, then the "Stabilitrack Service Light" came on, along with the check engine light, and a message for "reduced engine power." Then, the engine suddenly cut out as I was going uphill between the Riverchase Exit and the Summerville Exit. Luckily, I was driving and not my wife. I was able to glide the car back to the right shoulder of the road under ZERO power, and shut the ignition down. Cars were passing me at 65-75 mph, and I was very fortunate not to have caused an accident. After sitting there for about 5 minutes in 96 degree heat and my wife freaking out in the passenger seat, I restarted the car and eased it to the Summerville Exit, and slowly drove home, about another 6 miles. We were damn lucky not to have been hit by another car, as this happened on a what is essentially a freeway. After researching this , it seems this is a common problem being reported on this Model, the Chevy Impala. I'm sure Chevrolet knows about this...the company should be forced to recall this car model and fix it before folks start getting killed due to total engine failure...especially at a high speed like I was driving.

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 8, 2022TX

The seat belt will not click in place. I have to push the release button several times to get the seat belt to click in place. It will release with no problem. It seem like something either came loose or broke off

Power Train
Filed Jan 7, 2022FL

The car was stopped at a stop sign, turned right onto the highway and the front wheels locked. The car would not move in any gear, even in neutral. A tow truck had to place front wheels on skids and drag onto the bed. The transmission repair shop never saw anything like it, all the gears on the trans axel were stripped smooth and metal fragments all over the inside of the transmission. Very dangerous situation if there would have been oncoming traffic.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Nov 17, 202150,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the occupant sensor in the passenger’s seat occasionally failed to recognize an occupant seated in the passenger’s side front seat. The air bag off warning light would remain illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The contact was referred to a junkyard for assistance with finding a replacement part. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000

Air Bags
Filed Nov 8, 2021MI

Airbag light won't go off

Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2021NY

The car was purchased 06/23/2021. Approx 2 weeks or less later the car had to be taken to the shop where it was purchased at due to the engine going in the car. There have been 3 loaner cars given while car is being fixed however after now 4 months the car is still just sitting at the shop where it was purchased at without the engine being replaced or repaired. There is a loan on this vehicle and it is very unfair that the loan has to continue to be paid for when the car is not in possession of the owner. I do not want the car back at this point because it is now out of warranty and has been sitting for a long time without being fixed. I have called many times and have been getting the run around. Now the owner of the shop or workers will not answer my phone calls. My name is [XXX] my contact information is [XXX]. I am helping my son out because he is and have been getting the runaround since he purchased this vehicle from Ecars. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 5, 2021OK

Brake assist, traction control, stablitrack, and ABS lights continually coming on. When breaking while making a turn the breaks slip or give and then suddenly grab hold causing a grinding sound. Car wobbles while these lights are on causing a noticeable change in stability and control.

Engine
Filed May 21, 2021145,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the key was unable to be removed from the ignition. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to an empty parking lot. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 20, 2021KY

When someone sits in the passenger seat the air bag light comes on. This has been going on in the both of the Impala's that we have had. This is the second one different year.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light
Filed May 18, 2021NC

2011 Chevrolet Impala. Consumer writes in regard to illuminated ABS light. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE ASSIST, STABILITRAK, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOBBLES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 19, 202172,400 milesFL

THE WELDS TO THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE CONTROL ARM BROKE, IF IT BROKE WHILE ON HIGHWAY THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.....

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 8, 2021TN

WHEN DRIVING THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES, W/ACCOMPANYING MESSAGE: "SERVICE STABILTRAK" FOLLOWED BY 'SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL". CAR GRINDS WHEN TURNING LEFT. TODAY THE GAS PEDAL FELT LIKE IT WAS PUSHING BACK WHEN PRESSED THEN IT FELT LIKE IT LOCKED UP FOR A SECOND.

Power Train
Filed Apr 4, 202130,000 milesNV

AFTER ABOUT 30000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID(S) ARE GOING BAD INTERMITTENTLY. IT'S GOING TO BE A COSTLY REPAIR FOR A PART THAT COSTS AROUND 25 DOLLARS OR SO. THIS SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A CONTINUING PROBLEM ON THE 4T65E TRANSMISSIONS. WHEN YOU ARE AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND GO TO ACCELERATE YOU GET NO RESPONSE EXCEPT FOR HIGHER RPM'S AND THEN THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY ENGAGES AND YOU GET A VIOLENT SURGE FORWARD WITH A LOUD BANG. GM KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND SHOULD INITIATE A RECALL TO INSTALL NEW AND IMPROVED SOLENOIDS.

Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2021114,000 milesCO

- SERVICE STABILITRAK. A REDUCED POWER LIGHT USUALLY INDICATES A FAIRLY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE SYSTEM. WHEN THIS LIGHT ILLUMINATES THE VEHICLE WILL OFTEN GO INTO A 'SAFE MODE', WHICH WILL SEVERELY LIMIT THE SPEED OF THE CAR AND IN SOME CASES WILL RENDER THE VEHICLE UN-DRIVABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 29, 2021115,000 milesUT

I NOTICED MY REAR DEFROST HAS QUITE WORKING. I FIGURED IT WAS A FUSE SO I WASN'T TO WORRIED ABOUT IT. WE'VE HAD A LOT OF SNOW RECENTLY AND FIGURED I BETTER CHECK MY FUSES. THE RELAY IS WORKING THAT IS LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD. WE TRACED TO WIRING THROUGH THE FIRE WALL AND DOWN TO WHERE IT COMES INTO THE VEHICLE (DOWN BY YOUR FEET). THERE IS A WIRING THERE AND ONCE WE DISCONNECTED IT WE NOTICED IT IS BURNT VERY BAD. WHERE THE TWO PIECES CONNECT TOGETHER IS MELTED AND IS BLACK. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY BAD IF IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 21, 2020170,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE CAR SHUTS OFF. IT COMPLETELY LOSES POWER. NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. I WAS GOING 60 ON A HIGHWAY AND IT STALLED THANK GOD IT WASN'T RUSH HOUR AND THERE WEREN'T MANY CARS AROUND ME. THIS HAPPENS AT 10MPH 30, 40, 50. NO MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW YOU ARE GOING THE CAR SHUTS OFF AND LEAVES YOU WITH NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND THEY ALL SAY THAT IS WHAT IT IS. NOW I HAVE TO PAY TO GET A NEW IGNITION PUT IN. I HAVE HAD THE CAR 18 MONTHS AND NEW PROBLEMS OCCUR CONSTANTLY WITH IT. CHEVY SHOULD BE PAYING FOR A NEW IGNITION SWITCH TO BE INSTALLED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 16, 2020170,000 milesNY

CLICKING NOISE IN MY DASH BOARD; ACTUATOR. I HAD IT REPLACED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND IT HAS STARTED AGAIN. MECHANIC SAID IT IS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MODELS

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 23, 2020MI

BACK DRIVER PASSENGER DOOR IS STUCK. WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL, LOCKS DON'T UNLOCK MOST OF THE TIME AND DON'T LOCK AT ALL. ALWAYS HAVE TO LOCK MANUALLY. NEW STARTER REPLACED BUT STILL SEEMS TO NOT WANT TO START. KNOCKING NOISE IN DASH. FRONT PASSENGER HEATED SEAT DOESN'T WORK, WHEN THE HEAT BUTTON IS PUSHED THE LIGHT BLINKS AND TURNS BACK OFF. VENTS DON'T WORK WELL. AND VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION... ALSO WHEN VEHICLE SPEEDS UP THE MUSIC GETS LOUDER ..

EngineFire2 injured
Filed Nov 12, 202086,000 milesIN

I WAS DRIVING AND A PART IN MY A/C BEGAN CLICKING LOUDLY, THEN THE AIR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND STARTED SMOKING. A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM WHERE THE A/C BLOWER MOTOR IS AND WITHIN MOMENTS THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Nov 6, 2020NC

ON MY FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES TO THE FRAME AND THE CONTROL ARM ITSELF HAS SNAPPED COMPLETELY OFF ON MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND YOU CAN TELL THAT THE WELD THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY HOLDING IT ONTO THE FRAME ITSELF WAS A WEAK POINT IN THE WHOLE CROSS MEMBER FRONT K FRAME AND I FOUND IT VERY DANGEROUS I HAVE NO CLUE ON HOW TO FIX THIS AND WAS WONDERING IF YOU GUYS HAD A RECALL ON IT AND ARE WILLING TO FIX IT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND VERY DANGEROUS I KNOW THAT I CANNOT HAVE IT REWELDED ON I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AND ALMOST KILLED ME AS I WAS DRIVING.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 2020127,000 milesAL

THE BRAKES ARE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPING WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. THE TRANSMISSION HAS A PRESSURE VALVE CODE THAT WILL NOT GIVE A DEFINITE READING.THE AIRBAGS LIGHT STAYS ON ALONG WITH THE ABS AND STABILITY TRAK LIGHT STAYING ON.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 2, 2020127,068 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATE WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CHANGE THROTTLE BODY, SERVICE STABILITY TRAC AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOSMART - LONGVIEW LOCATED AT 1151 MCCANN RD, LONGVIEW, TX 75601, (833) 586-2886 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC RESET THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,068.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 19, 202013,789 milesID

WHEN I GOT THE CAR I NEW IT NEEDED NEW TIRES SO I WENT TO THE TIRE SHOP FRO.M THE DEALERSHIP BUT I ASK THE DEALER IF THE CAR HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I COULD FEEL IT SHIMMY HE WAS TRYING TO SALE ME AND 2009 BUT I COULD HERE ITS POWER STEERING PUMP WAS OUT THEY WERE BOTH THE SAME PRICE IT ONLY MADE SINCE TO GET THE NEWER CAR. AFTER PUTTING NEW TIRES ON I SEEN IT NEEDED OIL CHANGE THEN AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED SERVICED. WHILE I WAS DOING THAT I CALLED TO ASK THE GUY IF HE WAS GOING TO HELP ME OUT. LOL YEA BRING IT IN ALL CHARGE YOU TWICE AS MUCH AS THE PLACE YOU ARE AT RIGHT NOW SO I LET HIM KNOW I WOULD LET ALL MY FRIENDS KNOW. IT WAS ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. ITS BEEN ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER THEN THE FLAPPER FOR THE VENT STARTED FLAPPING AND MAKES AN AWFUL NOISE ALL THE TIME THERE NO WORKING AIR CONDITIONING SO I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT NEEDS BRAKES AND ROTTERS AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON SO I WANTED TO GET OUT OF THE 29.9 INTERESTED THE LOAN OFFICE CONTRACT ME BECAUSE IM PAYING IT OFF TO FAST AND SAYS I SIGNED TO WRONG LOAN AGREEMENT AND WANTS MORE MONEY THERE IN CAHOOTS TOGETHER IT WOULDNT LET ME MARK EVERYTHING THATS WRONG

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 10, 202099,000 milesOK

WORST CAR GM IS HORRIBLE

Electrical System
Filed Jul 8, 2020113,000 milesNV

THERE DASHBOARD CRACKS REALLY BAD AND APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING SITUATION WITH CHEVY AND GM VEHICLES. THERE'S LOTS OF STATIC AND I GET SHOCKED ALL THE TIME WHICH SHUTTING MY VEHICLE OFF OR STARTING. I HAVE HAD NO OFF MARKET WORK DONE TO MY VEHILE SO ITS ALL AS IT WAS WHEN ORIGINAL PURCHASED.

Power Train
Filed Jun 29, 2020132,000 milesMI

VEHICLE RANDOMLY GIVES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER, SERVICE STABILITRACK. AT THIS POINT ENGINE POWER REDUCED TO POINT THAT IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHILE PASSING (SAFELY) IT CAME ON AND I WAS STUCK IN ONCOMING LANE BECAUSE I DIDN?T HAVE THE POWER TO COMPLETE PASS. HAPPENS EVERY WEEK SEVERAL TIMES. THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND SITTING. EVEN IN PARK IT WILL OCCUR. COMPLETELY RANDOM WHETHER DRIVING, SITTING, OR IN PARK RUNNING. *TR

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Jun 23, 202045,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED TO RECOGNIZE AN OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON FRANKLIN CHEVROLET BUICK GMC INC (345 S. HWY 27, SOMERSET, KY 42503) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. AN EMAIL WAS SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 14, 2020127,000 milesAR

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MESSAGE CAME ACROSS SAYING REDUCING ENGINE POWER. THEN SAID TO SERVICE STABILIZER. IT THEN TURNED OFF TRACTION CONTROL. WE WERE DRIVING HOME FROM VACATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AFTER A BIT DRIVING THE WHOLE CAR SHIFT OFF WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE MESSAGE ON DASH SAID IT DISABLED OUR STARTER. WE ALMOST DID NOT GET OFF THE ROAD SAFELY WE WERE IN THE LEFT LANE AND COULD NOT GET TO THE SHOULDER. MY HUSBAND HAD TO MAKE THE DECISION TO PASS ACROSS INTO ONCOMING BECAUSE THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ONE COMING. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 13, 2020KY

WHEN YOU SEAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SERVICE AIR BAG WILL COME ON. MY IMPALA ISN'T THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT IS DOING. I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ITS THE SAME YEAR AND THE SAME VEHICLE. AND WHAT I WAS TOLD THAT IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT MY AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE PASSENGER. AND COULD LEAD TO A LAWSUIT TO CHEVROLET. MY CAR ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES ON IT. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAGS. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 12, 2020134,500 milesMN

WHEN TAKING OFF AFTER STOPPING VEHICLE BREAKS SEEM TO STICK. DOES NOT ALL WAS DO IT. ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON SOME TIME. HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THESE VEHICLES. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Apr 22, 202098,000 milesMA

I WAS DRIVING AND A COP WAS BEHIND ME AND HE TURNED ON HIS LIGHTS WHEN I NOTICED HIS I TRIED TO MOVE INTO THE RIGHT LANE, AND WHEN I STARTED TO CHANGE LANES MY DRIVER WHEEL LOCKED AND IT SOUNDED AS IF I HIT MY BRAKES AND THE COP HIT ME MY CAR SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND I HIT A TREE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 20, 2020105,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT, THE SENSOR FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 21, 202085,000 milesVA

THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN MOTION 2/12/20

Engine
Filed Feb 4, 202068,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE STABILIZER TRACTION CONTROL AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2020183,500 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEARS LOCKED WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT INTO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A HIGH PITCH SOUND, JERK VIOLENTLY AND FINALLY SHIFT INTO THE GEAR. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE REAL SLOW IN ORDER TO GET GOING AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER GOING UP HILLS. THE DEALER H & H AUTO SALES (1007 E STUART DR, GALAX, VA 24333 (276) 236-7300) STATED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN BUT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER HAD ALREADY FIXED THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD LEAKY VALVE COVERS AND HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO THE CONTACT WITH A RECALL THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THE REPAIR WAS DONE AT THE DEALER JEFF JOHNSON CHEVROLET (2533 CARROLLTON PIKE, WOODLAWN, VA 24381 (276) 779-4620). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CALLED YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,500.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 21, 2020113,000 milesMN

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE, SERVICE STABILITRAK - REDUCED ENGINE POWER. THIS HAS COME UP A FEW TIMES. THIS TIME THOUGH WHILE STILL DRIVING MY ENGINE POWER WAS GREATLY REDUCED WITH THE ERROR, "STARTER DISABLED, SERVICE THROTTLE". THIS LED TO A DRASTIC DECREASE IN SPEED WITH ZERO CONTROL OVER THROTTLE AND MOVED TO THE SHOULDER AND THE CAR ROLLED TO A HALT.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 28, 2019105,000 milesWI

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND SUDDENLY IT FLASHED ACROSS THE SCREEN SERVICE STABILITRAK, THEN SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, THEN REDUCED ENGINE SPEED. THIS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO SLOW WAY DOWN OUT OF NO WHERE FROM 70 TO LESS THAN 30, AND MADE STEERING NEAR IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE MY TWO CHILDREN I DROVE AROUND AND I'M AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE BECAUSE IF THERE'S AN ACCIDENT WITH THEM IN THE CAR BECAUSE MY CARS SLOWING UNEXPECTEDLY SOMEONE WILL BE PAYING FOR THIS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND I SEE ALL OVER IT IS AND IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED!

Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 2019136,000 milesIN

THE REAR DEFOGGER ON MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. INVESTIGATION LEAD TO A VIDEO ON THE INTERNET SHOWING A MELTED CONNECTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FUSE BOX. FOLLOWING THE STEPS IN THE VIDEO I FOUND THE EXACT SAME BURNED UP CONNECTOR UNDER THE CARPET OF MY VEHICLE. PHOTOS INCLUDED. THE CONNECTOR WAS CLEARLY NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE CURRENT THE FUSE WAS ALLOWING TO FLOW THROUGH. THIS IS A FIRE RISK AS WELL AS AN INCONVENIENCE AS NOW MY REAR DEFOGGER IS INOPERATIVE. I NEVER SMELLED THE BURNING PART BUT LOST CLEARING ABILITY ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 26, 2019160 milesCA

WE WHERE COMING HOME AND HEARD A LOUD SNAP ON MY RIGHT SIDE BY THE WHEEL AND AS WE REDUCE SPEED THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE TRACTION SENSORS WENT OFF THE CAR REDUCED SPEED DANGEROUSLY ON THE FRW WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND US AND HARD TO STEER... AND MOMENTS AFTER THE CAR SHUT OFF.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 5, 2019CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND COLLIDED DIRECTLY INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, BACK, NECK, CHEST, AND SHOULDER. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: MP19030877 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Complaints 1-50 of 505, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202015000Routine
201928110Routine
201859100Routine
2017117000Routine
2016111040Routine
20153003110Above average
20146381280Above average
2013272100Above average
2012258350Above average
2011 — this page505250Above average
2010442430Above average
2009824591Fatalities reported
20088102101Fatalities reported
20076273101Fatalities reported
20065242221Fatalities reported
20056094130Above average
20041,0747210High concern
20036958320High concern
20027957320High concern
200174210672Fatalities reported
200081810732Fatalities reported
19994000Routine
19982010Routine
19971000Routine
199688120Routine
199544110Routine
199415100Routine
19932110Routine
19920100Routine
19910100Routine

Compare every Impala year →

2011 Chevrolet Impala: questions buyers ask

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala a good car?

It is not among the Impala years to avoid. Owners filed 505 complaints, against about 515 for a typical Impala year. The most common complaint is about the stability control (20%).

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?

The stability control: 100 of the 505 complaints (20%) are about it. Owners most often say it turns on the check engine light (39%), loses power (38%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (38%). The typical report comes at 80,582 miles.

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jun 23, 2014. The largest, 14V355000, covered 3,141,731 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 60,400 miles. For the stability control the midpoint is 80,582 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?

The manufacturer filed 1,237 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the electrical system (181), the engine (153) and the transmission (62). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.