Are 2011 Chevy Impala Easy to Flip

2011 Chevrolet Impala Problems: Still a Classic, Despite Some Stabilitrak Issues, Big Recalls, and Poor Seat Design

Chevy's Impala is a dream car for many drivers, and the 2011 model doesn't disappoint. But be on the lookout for Stabilitrak failure, make sure you've got your ignition switch recall taken care of, and consider replacing the obtrusive headrests in the back seats.

Key Points

• The 2011 Chevrolet Impala's leading problem has to do with the electronic stability control going out due to bad wiring, an issue that can cut power to the engine.
• Chevy's 2011 Impala and other GM vehicles were subject to a 3,000,000-unit recall for the ignition turning off on bumpy roads due to a key that could switch to the off position accidentally.
• The rear seat headrests have a tendency to block the driver's view out the back window, an issue further emphasized by the 2011 Impala's narrow rear window.
• Overall a reliable full-size sedan, the 2011 Impala is a good used car to consider, especially with its standard, potent V6 engine and lack of widespread issues.

Bad Wiring in Wheel Sensor System of Some 2011 Impalas May Cause Stabilitrak to Fail, Resulting in Reduced Engine Power

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala's biggest problem is in its electronic stability control, with ESC complaints comprising 132 out of 491 total listed on the NHTSA website. A majority of the car's 120 engine complaints and 61 powertrain complaints point to the same issue.

[The] check engine light came on, [a] message came across saying 'reducing engine power,' then said to service stabilizer. It then turned off traction control." Shortly thereafter, the car automatically disabled the starter.

Another driver filed a complaint stating "I was driving on the highway and received the following message: 'Service Stabilitrak – Reduced engine power.' My engine power was greatly reduced… The car rolled to a halt."

There is a clear pattern among the 100+ stability control complaints of the car issuing this warning before losing power. In some cases, it becomes difficult to steer, leaving drivers trying to pull off to the shoulder with engine power reduced and the traction control disabled.

There has not been a recall for this issue, and there have been no investigations. However, it turns out to have been a wiring problem, and a technical service bulletin was issued in May 2016. The incident rate has slowed since then. The last complaint on the matter was in late 2020, with only four reports in total that year.

Does that mean that the matter is entirely settled? Well, don't take it as a guarantee, but you're probably safer on this issue now than you would have been buying a 2011 Impala in 2015.

2011 Impala Ignition May Switch off on Bumpy Roads and Stall the Engine while in Motion

In 2014, General Motors issued a recall on over 3,000,000 units across several brands and nameplates in order to correct an issue with the ignition switch. In affected vehicles, the ignition switch had a tendency to flip on bumpy roads, turning the engine off while in motion. This was especially common if you had a heavy keychain or a keyfob hanging from the ring. In the meantime, GM advised drivers to take the key off the ring when in use while waiting for a fix.

On the surface, this sounds like it overlaps with the stability control issue, but this it's a totally unrelated problem with the engine shutting off out of nowhere.

In the previous example, the problem was bad wiring in the wheel sensor system. Here, it was simply a matter of keys being jostled out of position, turning the car off the same as if you were to use your hand to do so.

The real concern here wasn't just the engine shutting off, but the fact that the airbags won't engage if the car isn't actually running during the accident. The fix was simple, with dealers installing inserts in the key slots or covers over the key heads to lock the key into position while in use. But this wound up being a massive recall because of the potential danger posed by the car's airbags being disabled while in motion.

'Seats' Account for Big Chunk of 2011 Impala's NHTSA Complaints at 77 Out of 491, with Owners Lamenting Rear Seats that May Obstruct the View

Not a major mechanical issue, but a serious safety concern: Once we rule out engine, electrical, and powertrain complaints pertaining to the car's electronic stability control issues, we see "seats" taking up a big chunk of NHTSA complaints at 77 out of 491.

The issue is that the three back seats use tall headrests, and the rear window is a bit narrow. So put that all together and you've got three extra blind spots in your car.

While this might not sound like a big problem, with so many drivers registering complaints with the NHTSA, it's worth considering before you buy a 2011 Impala.

You can always swap the rear seats out with an aftermarket bench seat, but if you're just looking for a decent get-around-town car, that might be a little more hassle than you're willing to deal with just to look out your back window, especially since 2011 was before backup cameras became a standard feature on most cars.

A Few Moderate to Serious Problems Don't Stop the 2011 Chevy Impala from Being Considered a Modern-day Classic

With a V6 engine cranking out 230 horsepower at the low end, the 2011 Chevy Impala is everything you want it to be. A solid daily driver with a little more muscle than you might expect.

For Impala fans, none of the issues we've listed here are definite dealbreakers. The model's rate of incidents is low, and dealers have already been briefed on how to fix the big problems. If an Impala is your dream car, the 2011 is a fine example of an American classic.

Photos: Chevrolet

Frequently Asked Questions

By Josh Barrett | Nov 19, 2021

Is a 2011 Chevy Impala a Good Car?

No, the 2011 Chevy Impala is not particularly a good car, with cheap interior materials, faulty transmissions, poor handling, and mediocre engines being the most common issues. Safety also came up short, as the 2011 Impala received a four-star rating out of five.

Are there any Recalls on a 2011 Impala?

There are currently two recalls on the 2011 Impala, as shown by the NHTSA. One is for an ignition switch that may turn off if too much weight is on the key ring. The other recall was issued for a suspension component that can fracture and result in loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

What Year Chevy Impala Should I Avoid?

Chevy Impalas from 2002, 2007, and 2014 should be avoided. Models from 2002 struggle with engines that might not start due to a faulty PassLock system. Impalas from 2007 received low safety ratings from the IIHS. Most recently, the 2014 model had a surplus of complaints related to its infotainment system, which can freeze, go black, or lose sound.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Brian on October 18, 2021

Garbage

My car has had multiple problems since buying it used with 34,000 back in 2012. I've had the wheel bearings replaced twice, the inner and outer tie rods replaced, gaskets replaced for engine leak, heater core replaced, rack and pinion replaced, throttle body replaced, now needs accelerator replaced, have had to replace battery 3 times since buying, rear defroster does not work, brakes replaced twice, brackets on sway bar replaced, left front wheel speed sensor wiring harness replaced, right speed sensor wiring harness needs replacement, passenger side vent actuator replaced, thermostat replaced, AC compressor replaced.

Moses on October 15, 2021

Big hutch Issue Power Loose...

But the big o hutch issue is been the transmision this will be my third time that to take it to the shop I'm tired. In another topic one time I was driving on the freeway around 70 m/hr and then in a second the car loose completely power I got scared because any car behind me, could crash.

sally L on November 3, 2021

2011 Chevy impala trouble.

I had 40 thousand miles on my car and the transmission went out spent. 1,500 to have it rebuilt. It is been a year and three months the transmission went out again. Also my gear shifter would stick in park the shifter cable goes out in these cars. I wouldn't own another impala.

Charles Perkins on November 18, 2021

Problems with my 2011 Impala include transmission

Only major problem, is the constant clicking of the actuator doors. Any movement around the car will cause the unit to start to click. Only other problem was the transmission. It slipped and upon dropping the pan, found chunks of a gear. So I replaced the transmission.

Jessica B on October 21, 2021

This car has a lot of problems.

I have power steering problems, ac problems and transmission problems. Not my favorite of cars and has cost a lot to fix all the problems it has with it. Power steering leaks, ac clicks on either side and the heat goes out. Transmission lags and my car with slip.

Tom Smith on October 21, 2021

Had to replace the transmission twice

I had to replace the transmission twice. Once after 5 years and 7 months with only 128,050 kms and again 4 years later with only 78,250 kms. On the rebuilt GM transmission. Also have had to replace the front wheel bearings at least twice and each side.

Kelsey F on November 21, 2021

Chevy impala 2011: my personal review.

The paint is chipping. The interior is trashed. There are parts falling off of the outside. The plastic grill piece has had to be replaced three times and recently fell off again. The car seems to be falling apart all of the time.

Chad T on October 30, 2021

Chevy impala- the things you should know.

Annoying ac tick, a lot of issues with the power steering system. A lot one of the most lower valued Chevy impala are lts. So pick any other model than an lts. You'll find having to change the brakes a lot.

Zak B on November 8, 2021

2011 Impala: small issue with the sensors

The only problem I have had with the vehicle is that there was an issue with Impalas and a sensor for the ac. The Impala has a sensor on both sides. Drivers side went bad and continuously kept clicking.

Heather B on November 22, 2021

The Nightmare of a 2011 Impala

Within the first 6 years I had to replace the transmission. I have had a lot of mechanical issues that I have had to take it in to be fixed for, and some I have not been able to find anyone who can fix.

Nicole L on October 23, 2021

It has a lot of recalls from ignition problem that wasn't fixed.

I dislike that there have been so many recalls. I dislike that there is an issue that has happened in most of this years model but there is no code to fix it so mechanics cannot quite figure it out.

Peggy S on November 16, 2021

Mistake!! Never again! Costly repairs!

HVAC actuators!! VERY costly to repair, very common problem. I paid for repairs,nearly $1000, 6 months later the other actuators went out. It is loud ticking sounds that goes on for minutes, a lot.

ADELE V on October 30, 2021

Good Car but it has issues with the ac

It has a MFR defect in the air conditioner that, after time, will go out. It will cause the car to tick. It is about $400.00 to have it replaced, each time. Since 2011 this makes the 2nd time.

Leann A on November 4, 2021

It does not accept gas well when pumping

A continuing problem is the ability to pump gas in it. There must be some kind of filter that does not allow the pump to keep running. It takes an eternity to pump the gas.

Sheila P on November 21, 2021

Some problems with my 2011 Impala

The abs and traction control lights are always on. Stabilizer problems. Have a bad strut. The headrest are to tall in the back seat and can't be removed.

Karla W on November 7, 2021

2011 red Chevrolet impala lt air vent problem

There is a ticking noise that I have been dealing with for a couple years. I am told it is an air vent valve door that is trying to shut but cannot.

bob moriarity on November 19, 2021

Transmissions in 2007 to 2012 are complete junk

Front wheel bearings go out before 100000 miles, lifters going bad, head gasgets, actuators in dash, transmission problems after 90,000 miles.

Dan on March 5, 2022

A good reliable car

The 2011 impala is a solid performer. I've had few problems with it. It is great on the highway and surprisingly agile for its size.

Brian R on November 22, 2021

Chevrolet impala LTZ sedan issue

Had issues with the coolant fans and alternator. My windows do not go down, my door handle broke. My rack and pinion is not working.

Ryan F on November 8, 2021

Quality Vehicle with a Few Hiccups

I bought it used however and have had some large problems, such as needing a new transmission and other tune up issues.

Selina L on November 8, 2021

Chevy impala: some bumps on the road with repairs

Problems: transmission blew, engine chassis cracked, suspension links failed. Expensive to fix.

Karen K on November 7, 2021

Rear headrests block view

Biggest dislike is the view from the rear view mirror is small- blocked by the back headrests.

Donald W on October 23, 2021

My Chevy Impala needed the airbag sensor replaced

One problem when purchased. The airbag sensor had to be replaced, but. It was under warranty.

Gary W on October 18, 2021

Main problem has been the brakes

It has issues with brakes. The brakes wear in a way they shouldn't.

Amber G on October 21, 2021

Headrests are not comfortable

We had to remove the neck rests because they were so weird.

Tres P on October 27, 2021

Spacious sedan with some repair work.

It has had problems with the transmission and other parts.

Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.

garlandsnothe.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/2011-chevrolet-impala-problems-still-a-classic-despite-some-stabilitrak-issues-big-recalls-and-poor-seat-design

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