2011 Chevrolet Impala problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 46
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Median mileage
- 113,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 16 of 46 complaints (35%).
- Electrical System (14) and airbags (9) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 113,000 mi.
- Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries.
- The 2011 Chevrolet Impala has 2 recalls on file.
- It ranks 8th of 16 Chevrolet Impala model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 5% more complaints than the 2010 model year (44).
2011 Chevrolet Impala problems by category
- Engine16 complaints
- Electrical System · 1 crash14 complaints
- Airbags · 1 crash9 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain9 complaints
- Brakes7 complaints
- Suspension · 2 crashes5 complaints
- Other / Unknown5 complaints
- Steering · 1 crash5 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech4 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control2 complaints
- Wheels & Tires2 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash2 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts1 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers1 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 16 |
| Electrical system | 12 |
| Power train | 9 |
| Air bags | 7 |
| Service brakes | 6 |
| Suspension | 5 |
| Steering | 5 |
| Unknown or other | 5 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2011 Chevrolet Impala recalls (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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 ARM
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.
Recent 2011 Chevrolet Impala complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Aug 31, 2024NJAcceleration & Cruise Control
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…
NHTSA complaint #11611932 · source - Filed Dec 25, 2023MIElectrical SystemEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11561755 · source - Filed Nov 12, 2023NYElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
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…
NHTSA complaint #11554752 · source - Filed Nov 12, 2023WIOther / UnknownSuspension
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…
NHTSA complaint #11554713 · source - Filed Aug 30, 202368,000 miCOElectrical System
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…
NHTSA complaint #11541720 · source - Filed Apr 19, 2023GASteeringSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
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.
NHTSA complaint #11517964 · source - Filed Feb 14, 2023NYBrakesElectrical SystemWheels & Tires
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
NHTSA complaint #11507306 · source - Filed Sep 19, 2022165,000 miSCAirbags
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…
NHTSA complaint #11485204 · source
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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology