Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Chevrolet Impala problems
Owners filed 505 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala with NHTSA between Sep 2010 and Aug 2024. The most-cited component is electronic stability control (esc) (132).
Complaints
505
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
22
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
25
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electronic stability control (esc)132
- Engine125
- Electrical system95
- Seats77
- Vehicle speed control69
- Power train64
- Air bags37
- Steering35
- Service brakes34
- Visibility23
- Traction control system18
- Suspension17
- Fuel/propulsion system16
- Wheels13
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
48
39
44
118
58
45
32
44
27
21
12
5
6
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 48 |
| 2012 | 39 |
| 2013 | 44 |
| 2014 | 118 |
| 2015 | 58 |
| 2016 | 45 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2018 | 44 |
| 2019 | 27 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electronic stability control (esc)
132 reports1 fire
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATE WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED HESITATING. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CHANGE THROTTLE BODY, SERVICE STABILITY TRAC AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOSMART - LONGVIEW LOCATED AT 1151 MCCANN RD, LONGVIEW, TX 75601, (833) 586-2886 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC RESET THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,068.”
Engine
125 reports3 crashes2 fires
“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 engine power, steering and braking power. GM needs to correct this issue too many people have had this same issue.”
Electrical system
95 reports4 crashes1 related recall
“This problem has happened for many many years. Made appointments @ Fuccillo Chevy dealer, by then it’s gone off & they don’t 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 I’ve now seen others write about!! Voltage referring to throttle ‘s ability to open/close properly. An electrical malfunction in manufacturing! RECALL!!! Obviously I actually have another impala- 2007 that the rear defrost wire’s actually burnt @ control junction, been replaced now. Could’ve caused a fire !! High beam lights come on intermittently when using the turn signals!! Stand by your product !!!! I have 2 Impala’s, 2007, 2011. My mother has Impala, 2015. My sister has an Impala, 2017. Impala family I guess- kinda funny, all are black Impalas!!! I’ve seen numerous complaints of this same issue! Defect! R u waiting 4 an accident or a death? GO !!!! Has happened numerous times b4 This…”
Seats
77 reports3 crashes
“"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”
Vehicle speed control
69 reports1 fire
“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?”
Power train
64 reports1 fire
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.