2011 Chevrolet Impala: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 505 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electronic stability control (esc) (16% of complaints); the 2012 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 505 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2023
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2023
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2022
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2021
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2021
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · May 2021
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2021
“The welds to the bracket that holds the control arm broke, if it broke while on highway that would have been deadly.....”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2021
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 22 of these complaints and injuries in 25 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Impala by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
NHTSA has 505 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The most complained-about area is electronic stability control (esc) (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 67,000 miles or less.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.