This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Impala brakes problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
2crashes
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel pressure situation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two broad categories of failure: warning light cascades and actual brake dysfunction.
On the warning light side, ABS and traction control lights frequently illuminate together during turns or braking—sometimes accompanied by loud noises and brake lockup. Some complaints describe the illumination triggering engine power reduction, making the vehicle barely driveable in traffic. One owner cited NHTSA Campaign 14V355000 (Electrical System), suggesting a known defect. The lights reset sometimes but not always; one case persisted a week.
On the functional side, owners report brake pedal shuddering and chattering during hard braking, especially downhill, with the steering wheel shuddering simultaneously—leaving drivers feeling unsafe. Front brake calipers bind repeatedly, warping new rotors and pads within 2,000 miles. One owner had $275 invested in parts with no lasting fix. Most alarming: one owner's brakes simply failed to stop the vehicle at 25 mph, resulting in a total-loss collision. Another found the brake pedal too narrow and slipped off it. A third reported brakes sticking when accelerating from a stop.
Multiple owners state they did not take the vehicle to dealers or that manufacturers were not notified, complicating tracking of the true scope. No owner reported successful permanent repair.
Same Chevrolet Impala brakes reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
ABS and traction control warning lights with loss of braking signal
Warning lights illuminate during turns or braking; ABS sensor and traction control sensor trigger together. One case diagnosed as loss of signal from ignition to ABS system causing brake lockup. Progressive worsening reported.
When: 42,000 miles; also reported at 46,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates; Traction control warning light illuminates; Loud noise when pressing brake pedal or turning; Brakes lock up; Loss of ABS signal
Codes mentioned: ABS sensor code, Traction control sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Owner referenced mechanic diagnosis of signal loss from ignition to ABS; dealer repair recommended but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V355000 (Electrical System) mentioned in one complaint; manufacturer notified in some cases
Brake pedal shuddering and pulsation during hard braking
Brake pedal shudders and chatters during hard braking, especially on downgrades. Steering wheel shudders simultaneously. Condition repeats on subsequent heavy braking. Owner felt unable to rely on brakes and unsafe.
When: Recurring issue, occurred multiple times including one year prior to complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal shudders and chatters; Steering wheel shudders side to side; Brake grinding sensation; Foot locks to brake pedal; Unsafe braking feel
Front brake caliper binding with rapid rotor/pad wear
Front calipers bind, causing rotors and pads to warp repeatedly. New rotors and ceramic pads installed; warped again within 2,000 miles. Worsening after hard stops. Coincides with stability control warning.
When: 56,000 miles; new rotors/pads installed 2,000 miles prior
Symptoms owners cite: Front brake calipers bind; Rotors warp prematurely; Pads wear rapidly; Stability control warning light illuminates; Vehicle enters reduced power mode
Repairs/costs cited: $275 invested in new rotors and ceramic pads; mechanic mentioned possible factory recall on calipers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Possible factory recall mentioned by mechanic but not confirmed
Traction control and stability system warning lights with engine power reduction
Traction control light illuminates followed by stabilitrak light and engine power reduction. Engine loses power severely, barely able to move vehicle forward. Dangerous condition that reduced ability to control vehicle in traffic.
When: 52,000 miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates; Stabilitrak warning light illuminates; Engine service power reduce warning; Severe engine power loss; Vehicle barely moves forward; ESC warning illuminates
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; Campaign 14V355000 (Electrical System) referenced
Brake pedal design defect—foot slips off pedal
Brake pedal too narrow; foot slips off when depressed. Issue present at very low mileage, suggesting design or manufacturing defect rather than wear.
When: 190 miles (failure occurred); current mileage 68,000
Symptoms owners cite: Foot slips off brake pedal when depressed; Narrow brake pedal design
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not taken to dealer or repaired
Brake failure—inability to stop vehicle
Vehicle failed to stop when brakes applied during emergency stop at 25 mph, resulting in rear-end collision with another vehicle. Impala totally destroyed; other vehicle unharmed. No diagnosis or repair documented.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure; Vehicle unable to stop; No braking response during emergency braking event
Brake sticking after stopping and ABS/traction control warning lights
Brakes appear to stick when taking off after stopping; does not occur every time. ABS and traction control lights intermittently illuminate. Owner indicates this is a common problem among these vehicles.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes stick or drag after stopping; Intermittent sticking—does not always occur; ABS light illuminates intermittently; Traction control light illuminates intermittently
Service traction control light—intermittent and persistent illumination
Service traction control light illuminates on dashboard and resets itself in most instances. One occurrence lasted about a week without resetting. Owner questions nature of the problem.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Service traction control light illuminates; Light resets itself in most cases; Persistent illumination lasting up to a week in at least one instance
Brake assist, stabilitrak, and ABS lights with vehicle wobble
Multiple brake and stability system warning lights illuminate. Vehicle exhibits wobbling motion. Lights do not reset. Condition persists without repair.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Brake assist light illuminates; Stabilitrak light illuminates; ABS light illuminates; Vehicle wobbles
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 46,000 and 77,595 miles, with the median around 55,600. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 77,595. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Impala.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.