CarModelProblems.com

2011 Chevrolet Impala Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — runs 5.6× the fleet median for that category across the 346 model-years tracked on this site.
505Complaints
2Recalls
22Crashes
5Fires
25Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (26.1% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) complaints here are 5.6× the median for that category across the 346 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)132 · 26.1%not available
Engine125 · 24.8%not available
Electrical System91 · 18%RecalledRecall 14V355000
Vehicle Speed Control67 · 13.3%not available
Power Train63 · 12.5%not available
Seats61 · 12.1%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE125 · 24.8%
POWER TRAIN63 · 12.5%
SEATS61 · 12.1%
STEERING35 · 6.9%
AIR BAGS34 · 6.7%
SERVICE BRAKES34 · 6.7%
Unspecified / other31 · 6.1%

Percentages are the share of the 505 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Electrical System:ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V355000 · 2014 · reported 06/23/2014

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position will cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

NHTSA campaign 12V377000 · 2012 · reported 08/03/2012

A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE SERVICE STABILITRAK LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED. IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING WHILE TAKING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL...VERY SCARY THING WHEN KIDS…”NHTSA complaint 10505186 — filed 04/01/2013 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
“DRIVING 30 MPH IN A SMALL TOWN. A "BINGING" NOISE SOUNDS 3 TIMES AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE…”NHTSA complaint 10505019 — filed 03/30/2013 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND OUT OF THE BLUE THE STABILITY CONTROL AND REDUCE ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON THE MESSAGE DISPLAY…”NHTSA complaint 10502201 — filed 03/09/2013 · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

5201062502012801852014109862016557420185340202018820221542024

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?

Electronic stability control (esc) issues are the most-reported category, cited in 132 of 505 NHTSA complaints (26.1%), followed by engine (125), electrical system (91), vehicle speed control (67). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?

505 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 22 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 25 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V355000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2011 Chevrolet Impala's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.