2011 Chevrolet Impala engine problems
severe 32 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 32 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A significant portion of 2011 Impala owners report sudden engine power loss, stalling at highway speeds, and warning light cascades (Stabilitrak, Traction Control, Reduced Engine Power) with little manufacturer support or recalls. These failures pose genuine safety risks, particularly on interstates, and throttle-related repairs fail repeatedly.
The most common complaint across 32 narratives is sudden illumination of Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control, and Reduced Engine Power warnings, often followed by severe power loss or complete stalling at highway speeds (25–72 mph). Owners report the engine sometimes shakes, hesitates, or jerks before shutting down without warning. In several cases, power steering and power braking were lost, making the vehicle difficult to control. Restarts are often delayed 10–45 minutes. Owners cite dealer diagnostics pointing to throttle position sensors, accelerator pedal sensors, and throttle body issues, with repairs costing $300–600. However, even after replacement, failures recurred. One owner replaced the gas pedal twice. Winter and wet conditions appear to worsen symptoms in some cases. A throttle body cleaning temporarily helped until snow returned. Engine hesitation and sputtering at low speeds—sometimes without any warning lights—affects other owners, with one mechanic unable to identify the cause after $300 in diagnostic work. One used-car purchase failed completely within two weeks of purchase. Owners note the issue is widely documented on Chevy forums, yet GM has not issued a recall despite multiple owner complaints referencing the danger to families on interstates.
Same Chevrolet Impala engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Service Stabilitrak, Traction Control, Reduced Engine Power Warning Cascade with Stalling
Engine warning lights illuminate (Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control, Reduced Engine Power) followed by significant power loss and vehicle stalling at highway speeds or during normal driving. Vehicle may restart after 10-45 minutes or immediately.
When: Various speeds, 25-72 mph reported; occurs intermittently at any time; some owners report increased frequency in winter/wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on; Service Stabilitrak warning illuminates; Service Traction Control warning message appears; Reduced Engine Power warning message displays; Engine power severely reduced or eliminated; Vehicle slows down and may shake; Complete engine stall at speed; Loss of power steering and power braking when stalled; Vehicle may not restart immediately (10-45 min delay reported); Power steering locks when stalled
Codes mentioned: P2122, P2113, C0242
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealer diagnostics identified: throttle position sensor (replaced, issue recurred), faulty engine wiring harness (identified but not repaired in some cases), throttle body sensor (replaced, issue recurred). Some owners paid $300-600 for repairs. One owner reported throttle body replacement quoted at $600. Throttle body cleaning temporarily resolved issue until winter weather returned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM advised dealers that some issues were not covered under extended warranty. One owner reported being told by dealer the heating issue with remote starter was 'normal.' GM contact with Safety Division noted in at least one complaint but no recall issued despite owner petition. No TSBs or recall programs mentioned in narratives.
Throttle Body and Accelerator Pedal Sensor Failure
Accelerator pedal sensor and throttle body components fail, causing loss of engine power control and limp-mode operation. Some sensors fail well before 50,000 miles.
When: Failures reported as early as 42,000 miles and up to 83,679 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Service Traction Control and Reduced Engine Power warnings appear; Engine shakes on starting or during acceleration; Vehicle operates in limp mode (speeds limited to 5 mph or less); Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive or stuck in partial throttle position; Vehicle may not slow down when accelerator pedal is released; Car idles at 20 mph without driver input
Codes mentioned: P2122
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced accelerator pedal/gas pedal twice in some cases; throttle body sensor replacement attempted but issue recurred; throttle body cleaning with cleaner temporarily effective until winter conditions returned. One owner paid $300 for sensor repair at 42,426 miles.
Engine Wiring Harness Fault
Engine wiring harness defect causes stalling and multiple warning lights at various speeds. Dealer diagnosed the fault but repair status unclear in narrative.
When: At 34,500 miles; occurred on two separate occasions at different speeds (60 mph and 45 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak warning illuminates; Traction Control warning appears; Engine Power Down warning message displays; Vehicle stalls without warning; Vehicle may restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified faulty engine wiring harness requiring replacement; repair status not confirmed in narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of the failure
Intermittent Engine Warning Light with No Replicable Fault
Check engine light illuminates intermittently with no consistent diagnostic code or identifiable cause. Dealer unable to diagnose fault.
When: Intermittently; one case at 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine warning light illuminates intermittently; Beeping sound may be heard; Engine power reduce warning may display; Issue resolves after vehicle is powered off and restarted; Occurs at any time and any speed
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair completed; one dealer unable to identify cause
Engine Hesitation and Loss of Power During Acceleration
Engine hesitates, sputters, and bogs down during acceleration or at slow speeds with or without warning lights. Some cases involve no dashboard indicators.
When: Primarily at slow speeds; one case reported at 30,000 miles initial purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shakes and loses power; Vehicle will not accelerate properly; Engine sputters and bogs down; Car jerks violently while driving; Dashboard may flash 'Reduced Engine Power'; Warning lights may or may not appear
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported over $300 spent attempting to diagnose without success; no root cause found by mechanics
Engine Failure Requiring Replacement (One Case)
Complete engine failure requiring replacement. Vehicle purchased used in June 2021 and failed within two weeks.
When: Approximately 2 weeks after purchase of used 2011 model
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement needed; vehicle sat at dealer for 4+ months without repair being completed. Vehicle had loaner cars provided but remained unrepaired past warranty expiration.
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 42,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 67,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.