Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Chevrolet Impala owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
"Takata recall" vehicle involved in a rear end collision, was pushed into oncoming traffic and hit head on. Air bag never deployed additionally the back of drivers seat collapsed into the rear seat
Tl contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the headrest in the middle rear of the vehicle was obstructing his view. While attempting to drive in reverse, the contact stated that he would not crash into objects since he did not have a clear view. The dealer stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was waiting for a response. The current mileages were 1,500 and the failure mileage was approximately 5.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while reversing from a residential driveway, he crashed into a parked car. The contact stated that his view of the vehicle was obstructed by the rear middle seat headrest. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the head rest could not be replaced, removed or adjusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 3,000 and the current mileage was 3,100.
Well I have not to many complaints as I do my own maintenance but since I purchased the car used at 32000 miles at 83000 driver seat heater union and now at 114764 miles service air bags light is on display and light is illuminated at all times. It started when car was turned on sept 30 2017 in the morning.
Huge rear headrests (3 of them) block nearly 70% of rear visibility and make it impossible to see vehicles directly behind or approaching from behind. Even stopped at a traffic light, the middle headrest blocks the view of any vehicle behind. Changing lanes is incredibly difficult and dangerous, at best, because driver can't see what's directly behind. Tried seat adjustments, outside mirror adjustments, rear view mirror adjustments, and nothing works to improve the rear view. This is an incredibly dangerous situation, which has apparently been addressed in the Impala for 2012; why has Chevrolet not contacted drivers for a safety fix or recalled? I have contacted my dealer and am still waiting for a response. In the meantime, we are hoping no accidents occur as a result of this poor visibility issue. It seems to me that Chevy would be concerned about liability, if nothing else. …
After I purchased this vehicle this summer I noticed that the engine wouldn't accelerate when pulling out in front of traffic plus I had to really press hard on the gas pedal to get power on small inclines. Took it to a dealership and of course they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It seems that if the engine light isn't on they don't have a clue. So I took the mechanic for a little drive and he still couldn't feel anything wrong or hear the slight squeak in the gas pedal but finally told me about the sensors in the pedal and that he would lube it. After he lubed the accelerator the vehicle ran great for awhile and now it is starting again and the gas pedals squeak is more noticeable when depressing it. The thing is my full warranty has now expired and I doubt that Chevy would cover any costs. Another thing is the headrests in the back seat are way too big. …
I own a 2011 Chevrolet Impala which has a serious traffic hazard involving the three rear head rests affixed/sewn - which makes them non-adjustable. The problem is aggravated by the fact that the head rests are higher than most vehicles. The fixed position of these head rests block the driver's vision out of about one third of the rear window. The middle head rest is especially troublesome. I wrote general motors about this approximately 2 weeks ago and they have not responded. The sales and the service departments at the dealership are well aware of my concerns. NHTSA complaint 10358310 was also filed concerning this identical problem, I have 61 years of driving experience - all sizes/types of autos. In my considered opinion this is a design flaw. …
We, like others, didn't realize how tall the three rear headrests were when we purchased our 2011 Chevy Impala. The center headrest is especially a problem; it creates a blindspot and to me is an accident waiting to happen. GM really needs to address we owners who are stuck with this; they obviously know there's a problem because they removed that center headrest on the 2012 model. In the meantime, so far, they've ignored their big mess up and do nothing to correct the problem with the 2011 model. If we'd known what an issue this was going to be we would have never bought this car; it's beautiful, but it's also got a serious safety issue. GM either needs to provide a solution, such as having an upholstery shop remove the center headrest or replace the seat with the new model. Does someone have to die before they'll actually care?????????????
I purchased a 2011 Chevrolet 2011 Impala lt car recently. I find that the heights of the three back-seat head rests are extremely hazardous for a driver of this car. Each head rest is five inches too high to see out the back window. I had not heard before hand that the 2011 Impala was well known for this problem until after I had purchased the car. Recently, because of my limited visibility past the left back-seat window head rests, in backing my car, I bumped a parked car. My left rear fender struck the license plate holder of that car. The cost of this fender repair was $983.00. I fear that my driving this car without changes made in the construction of these head rests is leading to another more serious accident waiting. To happen. I will appreciate your attention into this matter. Thank you.
My complaint with this vehicle is visibility caused by the rear headrests when using the rear view mirror. GM built the back seat with 3 large headrests "which cannot be removed" that blocks almost the entire rear window. When driving the car, the most I can see in the rear view mirror is the tops of the car(s) behind me, sometimes not that much. When backing up, you have to look around all three back headrests in order not to hit someone or something. These back seat headrests can be replaced by buying the 2012 Impala headrest components from GM which cost at least $400.00 just for the 3 parts needed. I feel like GM should be required to replace the back seat headrests due to the hazard posed by the headrests.
Seat complaints in other Impala years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the seats of the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 15% of the model year's 505 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › head restraint (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Impala seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Impala seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 2,000 miles, and 81% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to seats problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.