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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-CHEVROLET-IMPALANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2011 Chevrolet Impala problems
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala has 505 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns.
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala has 505 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 80 complaints, typically surfacing around 90,347 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 Impala?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Electrical system: 80 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 56,000–120,000 mi
Steering: 35 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 47,000–95,620 mi
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Impala? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 80 owner reports
· tends to show around 90,347 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 60 owner reports
· tends to show around 74,325 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
cruise control — 49 owner reports
· tends to show around 79,207 mi · ~$600 to fix
steering — 35 owner reports
· tends to show around 68,574 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 90,347 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 Impala· powertrain
I started my car after a cold night and immediately got a "service stabilitrak", "engine power reduced", and "service trance ion control" messages. The car had an extremely rough idle and then would not accelerate to more than 25 MPH. I returned home and made an appointment at…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet impala. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH the vehicle hesitated. The contact applied more pressure to the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The traction stabilizer warning light began to illuminate one week later. The…
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…
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…
Had a problem with your 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system
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.
Fix: 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
A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 505 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Chevrolet Impala has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 80 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 56,000–120,000 mi; Steering: 35 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 47,000–95,620 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 80 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,347 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 505 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 90,347 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 80 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,347 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 90,347 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Impala has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 505 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Impala.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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