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?
The worst 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance143
- Engine134
- Electrical95
- Seats77
- Acceleration69
- Transmission64
- Brakes39
- Airbags37
- Steering35
- Visibility28
- Fuel system17
- Suspension17
- Wheels13
- Body7
- Tires7
- Seat belts6
- Lights5
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Chevrolet Impala
Check engine light 93Loss of power 83Stalling 33Jerking 31ABS 19Hesitation 17Airbag light 13No deployment 13Transmission failure 13Grinding brakes 11Adaptive cruise 8Power steering loss 8Won't start 8Engine failure 7Ball joint 6Knocking 6Headlights 6Slipping 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Impala mention
P2138 3P2122 2P2135 2
Recalls 2
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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 certain model year 2005-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2011 Buick Lucerne, 2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille, 2006-2011 Cadillac DTS, 2006-2014 Chevrolet Impala, and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 (Buick), 1‑800‑458‑8006 (Cadillac), and 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14299.
Recall number 14V355000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A broken control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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 1‑866‑694‑6546.
Recall number 12V377000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala 1,238
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police...
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size...
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
2011 Chevrolet Impala fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 29 | 23 |
| 3.9L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 26 | 21 |
What 2011 Chevrolet Impala owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 engine power, steering and braking power. GM needs to correct this issue too many people have had this same issue.
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 report, Chevy dealer has previously stated can’t anything because the code disappears on its own. What’s with that? Resets itself?? It does!! Sure have had it happen, 20 x’s?? I make an appointment & by that time- gone! Seriously!!! Finally caught it 2 code it !!
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 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.
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
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.
Service stabilitrak warning light goes off and on intermittently when this happens the traction control light comes on when hooked up it shows no codes everything I’ve read on line is that it’s a electrical issue to replace wheel bearings or gas pedal or other list of sensors shouldn’t this be something that you should investigate to let owners know what to fix it seems to be a issue on several different models of Chevy autos if forums are correct next step is it will go into limp mode or shut off completely that one would think would be a serious safety issue as you loose power steering as you have to fight to get to shoulder of the highway
Compare the 2011 Chevrolet Impala
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
Owners have filed 505 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, close to a typical Impala model year.
What is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala year score?
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Impala: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?
Driver assistance and stability, with 143 complaints, typically around 70,934 miles. Next is engine (134).
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?
2 recalls, covering electrical system and suspension.
What year does the Chevrolet Impala have the most driver assistance problems?
The Chevrolet Impala model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2014 (150 complaints), 2009 (147 complaints) and 2011 (143 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 29 highway.
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