Most common 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems
Share of the 505 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Impala complaints by model year
Best Impala years: 2020, 2019, 2018. Years to avoid: 2008, 2009, 2004. Compare all years →
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.
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.
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.
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.
What 2011 Chevrolet Impala owners say
Stability & traction control all 142 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. While driving 70 MPH, the traction control light illuminated as the vehicle stalled. As a result, the vehicle crashed and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The driver and passenger sustained minor injuries to their hands and legs, but did receive medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that the impact was not hard enough for the air bags to deploy. The failure mileage was 56,000. Updated 6/8/15 updated 11/6/15
Dec 2013 vehicle hit pot hole while braking at approaching intersection, after that warning lights started flashing ABS brakes/tract control/stab control, I was unable to brake, then shut down. Since then temp gauge went bad n was replaced. The 3 above dash warning lights continued intermittently, worse when it rained. At take offs n turns car would jar n ABS brake system would pulsate(grabs). Hub/speed sensor was replaced, this did not help. Accessory outlets, when contained w a charger, doesn't maintain contact w power source (such as disconnection/loose connection), causing power surge resulting in 2 iphones to have bad aux ports. …
Engine & cooling all 134 →
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.
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. …
Electrical system all 95 →
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.
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.
2011 Chevrolet Impala engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 29 / 23 |
| 3.9L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala a good car?
Based on 505 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Impala rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Impala at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
The stability & traction control — 142 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (134) and electrical system (95).
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, the most recent from June 23, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Impala?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2019 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2009 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet Impala years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 39% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.