Total Complaints
844 filings
CHEVROLET IMPALA · model year
844 NHTSA complaints, 39 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2011CHEVROLETIMPALA carries 844 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 39 crashes, 8 fires, 46 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 IMPALA is electronic stability control (esc) with 132 filings, followed by engine (125) and electrical system (91). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2011 IMPALA, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
844 filings
Crashes Reported
39 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 132 |
| ENGINE | 125 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 91 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 67 |
| POWER TRAIN | 63 |
| SEATS | 61 |
| STEERING | 35 |
| AIR BAGS | 34 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 34 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 31 |
| TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 18 |
| VISIBILITY | 16 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 16 |
| SUSPENSION | 16 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT | 14 |
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. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certai
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.
After getting into my parked car and starting it, the Stabilitrak warning message came on my display. This is the 2nd tike that this occurred. The first time it occured, my mechanic diagnosed it as a failed throttle body, which I replaced myself, (easy removal/installation). Now, a couple of months later, it occurred again. After doing some online research, it seems as though the position sensor on the accelerator pedal may be at fault. A lot, if not most cars today have a "fly-by-wire" system which replaces cables and such with sensors and motors. So, the accelerator, (gas), pedal controls the movement of the butterfly valve on the throttle body by sending a signal to the motor. I'm going to replace that... about $140 or so. I saw a YouTube video and the removal/installation is fairly easy. A lot of people are having this issue; maybe a recall is needed?
Service stabilitrak warning, followed by reduced engine power, then car starts jerking.
Service stabilitrak warning, followed by reduced engine power, then car starts jerking.
Service stabilitrak warning, followed by reduced engine power, then car starts jerking.
i own a 2011 chevy impala 4 door that has a very serious engine issue. I was on my way home and suddenly the service stability trac, and check engine light came on, then the message center displayed reduced engine power and low oil pressure then the engine shut off. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not restart. I got it towed to a parking lot where it sat over night then it would restart but only for a few minutes. Once I got a scanner hooked up it had a p0642 code lost 5 volt reference circuit 1 and a cam sensor code I worked on this vehicle for two days and still have not found the issue. this vehicle needs a recall since this is a recurring issue with a few different model years of this vehicle and its always the same issue word for word, check engine light comes on, service stability trac, reduced engine power and low oil pressure lights come on the same p0642 lost 5 volt reference circuit 1. This is a very dangerous situation when going down the road and you lose engin
i own a 2011 chevy impala 4 door that has a very serious engine issue. I was on my way home and suddenly the service stability trac, and check engine light came on, then the message center displayed reduced engine power and low oil pressure then the engine shut off. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not restart. I got it towed to a parking lot where it sat over night then it would restart but only for a few minutes. Once I got a scanner hooked up it had a p0642 code lost 5 volt reference circuit 1 and a cam sensor code I worked on this vehicle for two days and still have not found the issue. this vehicle needs a recall since this is a recurring issue with a few different model years of this vehicle and its always the same issue word for word, check engine light comes on, service stability trac, reduced engine power and low oil pressure lights come on the same p0642 lost 5 volt reference circuit 1. This is a very dangerous situation when going down the road and you lose engin
The Mechanic Wedige Automotive in Elkhorn Wi, use AC Delco Parts, Just in This year He installed The Rear Swaybar links part#45G0403 The same part Broke Twice and put the same for the third time. We don't know if is going to brake for the third time, but we are afraid that if we drive in a highway we can be on a bad car accident. The second time it broke, our car got left wheelbearing damage and rear brake pads according the same mechanic that warranty the same defective part and keep putting the same defective part brand. We don't know what to do because our life was in danger twice, we don't want die if that cause a bad accident due to defective parts third time. Please help us.
The Mechanic Wedige Automotive in Elkhorn Wi, use AC Delco Parts, Just in This year He installed The Rear Swaybar links part#45G0403 The same part Broke Twice and put the same for the third time. We don't know if is going to brake for the third time, but we are afraid that if we drive in a highway we can be on a bad car accident. The second time it broke, our car got left wheelbearing damage and rear brake pads according the same mechanic that warranty the same defective part and keep putting the same defective part brand. We don't know what to do because our life was in danger twice, we don't want die if that cause a bad accident due to defective parts third time. Please help us.
This problem has happened for many many years. Made appointments @ Fuccillo Chevy dealer, by then itâs gone off & they donât know! Well, just occurred again when getting new tires @Dunn pulling in. 2011 impala Stabilitrak, engine power loss, then check engine light! Thank goodness the mechanic printed me the codes & what they mean!! SO- P2138 Throttle/pedal pod sensor voltage correlation DTC P0523 Engine oil pressure sensor/switch high input Same complaint of loss of power as Iâve now seen others write about!! Voltage referring to throttle âs ability to open/close properly. An electrical malfunction in manufacturing! RECALL!!! Obviously I actually have another impala- 2007 that the rear defrost wireâs actually burnt @ control junction, been replaced now. Couldâve caused a fire !! High beam lights come on intermittently when using the turn signals!! Stand by your product !!!! I have 2 Impalaâs, 2007, 2011. My mother has Impala, 2015. My sister has an Impala, 2017. Impa
This problem has happened for many many years. Made appointments @ Fuccillo Chevy dealer, by then itâs gone off & they donât know! Well, just occurred again when getting new tires @Dunn pulling in. 2011 impala Stabilitrak, engine power loss, then check engine light! Thank goodness the mechanic printed me the codes & what they mean!! SO- P2138 Throttle/pedal pod sensor voltage correlation DTC P0523 Engine oil pressure sensor/switch high input Same complaint of loss of power as Iâve now seen others write about!! Voltage referring to throttle âs ability to open/close properly. An electrical malfunction in manufacturing! RECALL!!! Obviously I actually have another impala- 2007 that the rear defrost wireâs actually burnt @ control junction, been replaced now. Couldâve caused a fire !! High beam lights come on intermittently when using the turn signals!! Stand by your product !!!! I have 2 Impalaâs, 2007, 2011. My mother has Impala, 2015. My sister has an Impala, 2017. Impa
This problem has happened for many many years. Made appointments @ Fuccillo Chevy dealer, by then itâs gone off & they donât know! Well, just occurred again when getting new tires @Dunn pulling in. 2011 impala Stabilitrak, engine power loss, then check engine light! Thank goodness the mechanic printed me the codes & what they mean!! SO- P2138 Throttle/pedal pod sensor voltage correlation DTC P0523 Engine oil pressure sensor/switch high input Same complaint of loss of power as Iâve now seen others write about!! Voltage referring to throttle âs ability to open/close properly. An electrical malfunction in manufacturing! RECALL!!! Obviously I actually have another impala- 2007 that the rear defrost wireâs actually burnt @ control junction, been replaced now. Couldâve caused a fire !! High beam lights come on intermittently when using the turn signals!! Stand by your product !!!! I have 2 Impalaâs, 2007, 2011. My mother has Impala, 2015. My sister has an Impala, 2017. Impa
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.
Mileage: 68,000
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.
Mileage: 68,000
Grinding from turning. Numerous Radiators, Transmission problems over and over. Jerking not pulling. Stalling in the road.Control Arm needed again. Brakes and Rotors grinding.
Grinding from turning. Numerous Radiators, Transmission problems over and over. Jerking not pulling. Stalling in the road.Control Arm needed again. Brakes and Rotors grinding.
Grinding from turning. Numerous Radiators, Transmission problems over and over. Jerking not pulling. Stalling in the road.Control Arm needed again. Brakes and Rotors grinding.
Stabilizer control an brake system wheel barrier or Tyrod when driving its like the wheels start trying to twist another way almost crashed on the highway with my grandkids in the vehicle i having driving the vehicle since an irecentl looked up recall an it says stabilizing an brake system when press on gas .it's like tires shifting make the vehicle slow moving an feel a grinding when feet on gas...recently look an it says its 2 recalls chevy 2011 impala
Stabilizer control an brake system wheel barrier or Tyrod when driving its like the wheels start trying to twist another way almost crashed on the highway with my grandkids in the vehicle i having driving the vehicle since an irecentl looked up recall an it says stabilizing an brake system when press on gas .it's like tires shifting make the vehicle slow moving an feel a grinding when feet on gas...recently look an it says its 2 recalls chevy 2011 impala
Stabilizer control an brake system wheel barrier or Tyrod when driving its like the wheels start trying to twist another way almost crashed on the highway with my grandkids in the vehicle i having driving the vehicle since an irecentl looked up recall an it says stabilizing an brake system when press on gas .it's like tires shifting make the vehicle slow moving an feel a grinding when feet on gas...recently look an it says its 2 recalls chevy 2011 impala
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag inadvertently deactivated while a passenger was seated in the passenger's side front seat. The air bag warning light was illuminated and the Air Bag System message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Mileage: 165,000
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.