2011 Chevrolet Impala
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 44 |
| 1996 | 88 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 818 |
| 2001 | 742 |
| 2002 | 795 |
| 2003 | 694 |
| 2004 | 1072 |
| 2005 | 609 |
| 2006 | 524 |
| 2007 | 627 |
| 2008 | 810 |
| 2009 | 824 |
| 2010 | 441 |
| 2011 | 505 |
| 2012 | 258 |
| 2013 | 271 |
| 2014 | 632 |
| 2015 | 300 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 116 |
| 2018 | 59 |
| 2019 | 28 |
| 2020 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 132 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY25% of complaints: engine — 125 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY19% of complaints: electrical system — 97 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231112
16% of complaints: seats — 80 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing head restraint and mid/rear assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
"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
NHTSA ODI report, 20180212
Also filed under AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADREST IN THE MIDDLE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS OBSTRUCTING HIS VIEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110502
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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 Chevro
Remedy: 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-
Campaign 12V377000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 14V355000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Chevrolet Impala — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (132 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (125 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (97 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V377000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V355000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Impala is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
The most-reported component is electronic stability control (esc), accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.