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2011 Chevrolet Impala Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2011 Chevrolet Impala Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala has 844 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve electronic stability control (esc) and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.4/ 10

Based on 844 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

132 15.6%

ENGINE

125 14.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

91 10.8%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

67 7.9%

POWER TRAIN

63 7.5%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), accounting for 15.6% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 49 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2011 Chevrolet Impala

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala has 844 owner complaints in this dataset. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala are ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (132), ENGINE (125), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (91).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 376 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2011 Chevrolet Impala?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Impala complaints2013 Impala complaints2014 Impala complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 37 of 37 systems

SEATS

57 Reports23% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I OWN A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA WHICH HAS A SERIOUS TRAFFIC HAZARD INVOLVING THE THREE REAR HEAD RESTS AFFIXED/SEWN - WHICH MAKES THEM NON-ADJUSTABLE. THE PROBLEM IS AGGRAVATED BY THE FACT THAT THE HEAD RESTS ARE HIGHER THAN MOST VEHICLES. THE FIXED POSITION OF THESE HEAD RESTS BLOCK THE DRIVER'S VISION OUT OF ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE REAR WINDOW. THE MIDDLE HEAD REST IS ESPECIALLY TROUBLESOME. I WROTE GENERAL MOTORS ABOUT THIS APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AGO AND THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. THE SALES AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE WELL AWARE OF MY CONCERNS. NHTSA COMPLAINT 10358310 WAS ALSO FILED CONCERNING THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM, I HAVE 61 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE - ALL SIZES/TYPES OF AUTOS. IN MY CONSIDERED OPINION THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE RAISED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE HIGHEST SETTING AND HAVE TRIED ALL POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INSIDE AND SIDE MIRRORS IN AN ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THIS TO NO AVAIL. *TR

10/25/2010

REGARDING REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS ON 2011 CHEVY. IMPALA LT. THE 3 REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS ARE POSITIONED (STATIONARY) IN SUCH A MANNER THAT WHEN LOOKING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IT OBSTRUCTS THE VIEW BY AT LEAST 90%. THIS MAKES FOR A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN BACKING THE VEHICLE. EVEN IF SIMPLY THE CENTER REAR HEAD REST WAS REMOVED IT WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM DRASTICALLY. CHEVROLET SITE FOR 2011 IMPALA HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF OWNERS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. CHEVROLET SHOULD STAND THE COST TO REPAIR/ADJUST THE ABOVE PROBLEM. IT'S A LAW SUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN. WHAT EVER THE DESIGNERS FOR THIS AUTOMOBILE WERE THINKING IS BEYOND ME. *TR

1/3/2011

55 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

31 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ON 5/11/12, THE "SERVICE STABILITRAK" LIGHT CAME ON; THEN A NOTICE THAT THE ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED CAME ON. I CALLED THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND HE SAID I COULD BRING IT IN ON 5/14. I ASKED IF IT WAS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THE MEANTIME AND HE SAID NO. I WAS DRIVING ON 5/12 AND WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WAITING TO TURN LEFT. I WENT TO TURN LEFT AND EXPERIENCED A GREATLY REDUCED RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL WHICH WAS FRIGHTENING. THE DEALER JUST CALLED ME ON 5/14 AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND HE IS REPLACING IT. I FOUND A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THIS SAME ISSUE GOING BACK TO THE 2007 MODEL. I THINK THIS SHOULD PROMPT A SAFETY RECALL, SINCE A NON-RESPONSIVE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JS

5/14/2012

WHILE DRIVING ON CITY BELTWAY, I WAS CHANGING LANES AT 50 -55MPH WHEN MY CAR EXPERIENCE SHUDDER AND THE MESSAGES THAT CAME ON SCREEN WAS ENGINE REDUCING POWER, CHECK STABILITY CONTROL, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS FLASH AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE ROUGH IDLING. THE NEXT INCIDENT HAPPEN OFF AND ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE LAST KNOWN WAS 1/3/2013 630AM AND 115PM I WOULD HAVE TO SSHUT DOWN AND RESTART UNTIL THE MESSAGE DISAPPEARS. THE THING THAT REALLY SHOOK ME UP WAS WHEN I WAS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN THE MORNING AROUND 6:45AM THERE WAS A SEMI AND OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME SO I ATTEMPTED TO MERGE AT ABOUT 30-50 WHEN THE MESSAGES APPEARED AND THE SEMI WAS PRACTICALLY ON MY TAIL. MY HEART JUMPED OUT MY CHEST BUT I REMAINED CALMED AND LUCKILY THERE WAS A MEDIAN STRIP AHEAD. I ASK MYSELF SITUATION COULD HAVE GONE WRONG AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR GOTTEN KILLED FROM BEING RAMMED FROM BEHIND ALL BECAUSE I COULD'NT ACCELERATE.I HAVE A SMALL VIDEO TO BACK THIS UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL NOTICE AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO GET THE CODE AND CHARGE ME 129.00 FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY WAS KILLED BEHIND THIS. *TR

1/3/2013

29 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

30 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE A CHEVY IMPALA, 2011, AND A MONTH OR SO AFTER BUYING IT THE "SERVICE STABILITRAK" LIGHT CAME ON. BEFORE I COULD GET IT INTO A SHOP, IT WENT OFF. IT CAME ON AGAIN YESTERDAY AND MY ENGINE POWER ALL BUT SHUT DOWN, I WAS TRYING TO GET THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND THOUGHT I WOULDN'T MAKE IT. AFTER RESEARCHING, I SEE THAT CHEVY HAS HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS. WHY ARE THEY NOT REPAIRING THE PROBLEM? THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR DRIVERS. *TR

8/17/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE STABILITY TRACK CONTROL LIGHT, THE ENGINE LIGHT, AND THE REDUCE POWER LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED WHILE ACCELERATING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,562. UPDATED11/14/12*LJ UPDATED 11/16/2012 *JS

10/9/2012

28 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

20 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY FIRST ISSUE WAS WITH THE CENTER HEAD RESTRAINT IN THE BACK WHICH TOTALLY BLOCKS VISION USING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I ASKED THE DEALER TO REMOVE IT AND I WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT. BACKING UP IS IMPOSSIBLE EXCEPT WITH THE SIDE MIRRORS AND TRAFFIC IMMEDIATELY BEHIND IS BLOCKED WHEN DRIVING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS BUT GM REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL TO ADJUST THESE HEADRESTS. ALSO, I LIVE IN THE TN MOUNTAINS AND THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPLETELY DISENGAGES WHEN GOING DOWNHILL. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME "THIS WAS NORMAL AND ALL NEW CARS DID THIS TO SAVE GAS"! I'M NOT THAT MUCH OF AN IDIOT! CRUISE CONTROL IS SET TO MAINTAIN SPEED.... PERIOD! PLEASE.... CAN YOU HELP? *TR

4/25/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT UP TO 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP UPON ENGAGING THE BRAKES AND RESUMED AS NORMAL. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 09-26-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILS WHEN GOING DOWN HILLS. UPDATED 10/01/2012 *JS

8/21/2012

18 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY

16 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I OWN A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA WHICH HAS A SERIOUS TRAFFIC HAZARD INVOLVING THE THREE REAR HEAD RESTS AFFIXED/SEWN - WHICH MAKES THEM NON-ADJUSTABLE. THE PROBLEM IS AGGRAVATED BY THE FACT THAT THE HEAD RESTS ARE HIGHER THAN MOST VEHICLES. THE FIXED POSITION OF THESE HEAD RESTS BLOCK THE DRIVER'S VISION OUT OF ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE REAR WINDOW. THE MIDDLE HEAD REST IS ESPECIALLY TROUBLESOME. I WROTE GENERAL MOTORS ABOUT THIS APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS AGO AND THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED. THE SALES AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE WELL AWARE OF MY CONCERNS. NHTSA COMPLAINT 10358310 WAS ALSO FILED CONCERNING THIS IDENTICAL PROBLEM, I HAVE 61 YEARS OF DRIVING EXPERIENCE - ALL SIZES/TYPES OF AUTOS. IN MY CONSIDERED OPINION THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE RAISED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE HIGHEST SETTING AND HAVE TRIED ALL POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE INSIDE AND SIDE MIRRORS IN AN ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THIS TO NO AVAIL. *TR

10/25/2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE THREE OF THE HEADREST LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BLOCKED 75% OF HER VIEW. THE FAILURE MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE VEHICLE BEHIND HER AND TO CHANGE LANES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ADJUST THE REAR HEADREST, BECAUSE IT WOULD MAKE THEM LIABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 200. UPDATED 03/11/11*LJ UPDATED 12/30/11 *CN

2/1/2011

14 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW DUE TO THE REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS BLOCKING HER VIEW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING TO STANDARDS AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 11. UPDATED 12/30/10*LJ UPDATED 01/04/11

9/29/2010

2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT. CONSUMER STATES THAT REAR HEAD RESTRAINTS ARE EXCESSIVELY HIGH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS REAR VIEW VISION OF TRAFFIC WAS OBSTRUCTED. *JB

12/21/2010

12 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE AFTER IT SHIFTED INTO GEAR . THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,185.

10/31/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LOOSING POWER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE APP SENSOR AND MODULATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR BOTH COMPONENTS. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN WHILE HE WAS PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AFTER PULLING OVER THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE BUT THE RPM'S WERE RISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 52,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

10/17/2012

8 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON THRUWAY MY 2011 CHEVY IMPALA LOST POWER STEERING WENT DUE TO A BELT BROKE WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF CAR. AFTER GETTING OFF THE THRUWAY,WE NOTICED THAT A PULLEY HAD COME APART. WHICH CAUSED THE BELT TO DISINTEGRATE. *TR

8/23/2011

WHILE GOING TO WORK APPROX. 6 MONTHS AGO A DEER CROSSED THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME. I ATTEMPTED TO STEER AWAY FROM THE DEER ONLY TO NOTICE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FELT AS IF IT HAD NO POWER STEERING. I WAS LUCKY THAT THE DEER CHANGED ITS COURSE OR I WOULD OF RAN INTO IT HEAD ON DUE TO THE STEERING BEING SO HARD. THE 2012 IMPALA HAS THE SAME ISSUE? GM IS NOT ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE A PI DOCUMENT FROM GM WHICH IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. IT CONFIRMS THIS STEERING ISSUE WITH THE 2011 CHEVY IMPALA (ALL MODELS). THIS PI STATES TO THE MECHANICS TO TAKE CONSUMERS FOR A RIDE IN A PARKING LOT AND PERFORM PARKING LOT MANEUVERS AT SLOW SPEEDS.THEN TELL THE CONSUMER IT IS A NORMAL CONDITION IF THE STEERING ISSUE IS DUPLICATED. MY ATTORNEY STILL HAS POSSESSION OF MY INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL EXPERT REPORT WHICH STATES THAT THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY HARD AT LOW SPEEDS. MY CASE WAS LOST IN ARBITRATION AND THE DECISION WAS MADE IN A FEW HOURS. I DO HAVE THE DOCUMENT NO. [XXX]. DOCUMENT ID [XXX]. I WANT ALL CONSUMERS TO KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT IF THEY PURCHASE A 2011 IMPALA AND HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I DID NOTE THAT THE NHTSA HAS THIS STEERING ISSUE DOCUMENTED. HOWEVER GM STATES THAT THIS IS NOT THEIR BULLETIN AND NONE EXIST FOR THIS ISSUE. I WAS GIVEN THIS PI BY MISTAKE. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

5/2/2012

5 more complaints are available in this category.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE 42,000 ON MY 2011 CHEVY IMPALA AND THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND THEN REDUCE ENGINE POWER AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE. I HAVE READ IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY AND NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT NUMEROUS PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME EXACT THING AND NO RECALL OR ANY KIND OF CARE IS COMING FROM GM.... AND THOSE OF US THAT ARE STILL PAYING FOR OUR CARS ARE GETTING THE SHORT END OF THE STICK... *TR

9/20/2012

WHILE TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY, IN THE RAIN, THE POWER TO THE ENGINE SUDDENLY AND DRASTICALLY SLOWED DOWN. THE WARNINGS SHOWED UP ON THE SCREEN" STABILITRAK, TRACTION CONTROL, ENGINE POWER LOSS. *TR

8/4/2013

5 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON CITY BELTWAY, I WAS CHANGING LANES AT 50 -55MPH WHEN MY CAR EXPERIENCE SHUDDER AND THE MESSAGES THAT CAME ON SCREEN WAS ENGINE REDUCING POWER, CHECK STABILITY CONTROL, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS FLASH AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE ROUGH IDLING. THE NEXT INCIDENT HAPPEN OFF AND ON FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE LAST KNOWN WAS 1/3/2013 630AM AND 115PM I WOULD HAVE TO SSHUT DOWN AND RESTART UNTIL THE MESSAGE DISAPPEARS. THE THING THAT REALLY SHOOK ME UP WAS WHEN I WAS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN THE MORNING AROUND 6:45AM THERE WAS A SEMI AND OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME SO I ATTEMPTED TO MERGE AT ABOUT 30-50 WHEN THE MESSAGES APPEARED AND THE SEMI WAS PRACTICALLY ON MY TAIL. MY HEART JUMPED OUT MY CHEST BUT I REMAINED CALMED AND LUCKILY THERE WAS A MEDIAN STRIP AHEAD. I ASK MYSELF SITUATION COULD HAVE GONE WRONG AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR GOTTEN KILLED FROM BEING RAMMED FROM BEHIND ALL BECAUSE I COULD'NT ACCELERATE.I HAVE A SMALL VIDEO TO BACK THIS UP. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL NOTICE AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO GET THE CODE AND CHARGE ME 129.00 FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY WAS KILLED BEHIND THIS. *TR

1/3/2013

THE CHECK STABILILINK / REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON AT START. AFTER SHUTTING THE VEHICLE DOWN AND RESTARTING THE LIGHT WENT OFF. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT WAS FINE. AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING SEVERAL MORE TIMES, THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON AND THE CHECK. THE STABILIZING WARNING CONTINUES. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE AT THIS TIME. SINCE THIS OCCURRED OVER EASTER, THERE ARE NO MECHANICS AVAILABLE,LEAVING ME WITH NO CAR AND CANCELLED APPOINTMENTS AND LOST WAGES TO START THE WEEK. *TR

3/30/2013

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I OWN A 2011 CHEVY IMPALA AND FOR THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS ON 6 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY MY ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED AND "SERVICE STABILITRAK" LIGHT APPEARS. AS I HAVE RESEARCHED AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM AMONG GM VEHICLES. I HAVE ALSO FOUND THAT THERE IS NO CLEAR SOLUTION TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MANY MECHANICS STUMPED AND REPLACING PARTS IN WHICH THE PROBLEM RECURS ONLY A SHORT TIME LATER. I HAVE ALSO FOUND REPLACING WHAT THE DIAGNOSIS OF CODE P2135 SAYS THE PROBLEM STILL MAY NOT BE SOLVED. AS ONE CAN IMAGINE THAT DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH A SEMI,HEAVY TRAFFIC,ETC. AND LOSING ENGINE POWER MAY LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE RESULTS. I HAVE NOT INSTALLED ANY PARTS OTHER THAN TIRES AFTER PURCHASING OF VEHICLE. *TR

3/13/2013

DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH WOULD NOT OPERATE ( INTERMITTENT) AT TIMES. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP (YOUNG CHEVROLET). DURING THE PAST MONTH (6/13) THE SAME TYPE OF CONDITION HAS OCCURRED. THIS PROBLEM SOUNDS MUCH LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH NHTSA ID - 13V248. *TR

6/19/2013

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA LST. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR SEATS HEAD REST WERE TOO TALL AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO SEE THE REAR VIEW WINDOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILLED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE DEALER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,100. UPDTATED 2/17/11 *CN UPDATED 03/03/11

12/22/2010

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. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD NOT CRASH INTO OBJECTS SINCE HE DID NOT HAVE A CLEAR VIEW. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5.

5/2/2011

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY IMPALA WILL NOT HEAT IN IDLE POSITION,NO EARLY MORN DEFROSTS FOR ME! TOOK TO DEALER ( 10/18/11) HE FOUND A LEAK, REPLACED A HOSE. IT WAS GOOD FOR A WHILE, NOW DOING AGAIN, (10/28/11), GOING BACK IN SHOP ON 11/3/11. ALSO CAR WILL NOT HEAT WHEN REMOTE STARTER IS USED,COMES UP TO TEMP EVERYTIME JUST DOESN'T BLOW HOT AIR, THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THEM, THEY TELL ME THAT'S "NORMAL", WHAT??, IM SORRY, BUT ISN'T THE PURPOSE OF REMOTE STARTERS, FOR REGULATING CABIN TEMPERATURE? I WILL SEE HOW THESE TWO ISSUES ARE HANDLED ON THURS, I HAVE THIS FUNNY FEELING I WILL BE BACK HERE ON THIS SITE FOR THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

11/2/2011

I HAVE 42,000 ON MY 2011 CHEVY IMPALA AND THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND THEN REDUCE ENGINE POWER AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE. I HAVE READ IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY AND NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT NUMEROUS PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME EXACT THING AND NO RECALL OR ANY KIND OF CARE IS COMING FROM GM.... AND THOSE OF US THAT ARE STILL PAYING FOR OUR CARS ARE GETTING THE SHORT END OF THE STICK... *TR

9/20/2012

3 more complaints are available in this category.

TIRES

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, SIZE: P225/55R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD BLOWN FROM THE INSIDE WALL BUT THE OUTER WALL WAS STILL HOLING AIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND OFFERED TO PAY FOR A PORTION OF THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES AND THE VEHICLE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

9/13/2012

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR STARTED ACTING LIKE IT WAS UNEVEN. I GOT TO WHERE I COULD PULL OVER AND FOUND A BALLOON GROWING OUT OF THE SIDE OF MY TIRE. THE CAR IS NOT THAT OLD AND THE TIRES IN MY PAST IMPALA'S HAVE LASTED MUCH LONGER. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS. I HAD TO CALL SOMEONE TO HELP ME SO THAT IT DIDN'T EXPLODE AND CAUSE MORE DAMAGE. *TR

7/19/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR SEAT MIDDLE HEAD REST OBSTRUCTED HER VIEW OF THE ROADWAY WHEN LOOKING THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE HEAD REST COULD NOT BE REMOVED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS NOT PUSHED FLAT DOWN INTO THE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,855.

2/6/2012

SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN START. WILL RESET TILL RESTART. DEALER QUOTE WAS 550 FOR PART 200 LABOR. JUST NOW 3 YEARS OLD WITH ALL OTHER COMPLAINTS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECTIVE SAFETY RELATED PART. CHEVY AND GM APPEAR TO BE IGNORING THIS ISSUE AND MAKING A GOOD PROFIT ON DEFECTIVE PARTS. COME ON GM HOW ABOUT BACKING UP YOUR PRODUCT. WE BAILED YOU OUT HOW ABOUT MAKING THINGS RIGHT WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE STILL BUYING YOUR CARS. THIS MAY BE MY 3RD AND LAST GM PRODUCT. *TR

1/29/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EQUIPMENT

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PURCHASED 2011 IMPALA LT/4 DOOR SEDAN 3 WEEKS AGO. REAR CENTER HEADREST COMPLETELY BLOCKS THE VIEW OF VEHICLE TRAVELING BEHIND, WHICH PREVENTS YOU FROM SEEING THE CAR IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS ALSO POSES A HAZARD WHEN BACKING UP, DUE TO 90% SIGHT BLOCKAGE. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED BY GM TO REMOVE THE CENTER REAR HEADREST FROM THIS VEHICLE. THE 2012 MODEL OF THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A CENTER HEADREST. IT ONLY HAS HEADRESTS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT, WHICH PROVES THIS IS AN ISSUE THEY HAVE CORRECTED FOR THE NEWER MODEL. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IN THE 2011. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF VISIBILITY. *TR

8/24/2011

I OWN A 2011 CHEVY IMPALA AND FOR THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS ON 6 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AS I AM DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY MY ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED AND "SERVICE STABILITRAK" LIGHT APPEARS. AS I HAVE RESEARCHED AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON AND VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM AMONG GM VEHICLES. I HAVE ALSO FOUND THAT THERE IS NO CLEAR SOLUTION TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING WITH MANY MECHANICS STUMPED AND REPLACING PARTS IN WHICH THE PROBLEM RECURS ONLY A SHORT TIME LATER. I HAVE ALSO FOUND REPLACING WHAT THE DIAGNOSIS OF CODE P2135 SAYS THE PROBLEM STILL MAY NOT BE SOLVED. AS ONE CAN IMAGINE THAT DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH A SEMI,HEAVY TRAFFIC,ETC. AND LOSING ENGINE POWER MAY LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE RESULTS. I HAVE NOT INSTALLED ANY PARTS OTHER THAN TIRES AFTER PURCHASING OF VEHICLE. *TR

3/13/2013

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DRIVING DOWNHILL A TRUCK PULLING A TRAILER BRAKE SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO BRAKE HARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL SHUDDERED AND FELT LIKE I NEEDED TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE BUT I COULDN'T! ADDITIONALLY THE STEERING WHEEL SHUDDERED HORRIBLY SIDE TO SIDE. BRAKING ON THE REMAINDER OF THE HILL AND FOR A WHILE AFTER HAD THE SAME CHATTERING, SHAKING, SHUDDERING, AND SORT OF BRAKE GRINDING FEELING MAKING ME FEEL LIKE I COULD NOT RELY ON THE BRAKES AND MAYBE THE STEERING WAS HAVING PROBLEMS TOO. SCARED ME AND FELT TERRIBLY UNSAFE!!!! THIS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE ABOUT A YEAR AGO WITH THIS CAR IN A SIMILAR DOWNHILL SUDDEN BRAKING SITUATION. I DRIVE TO AVOID HAVING TO BRAKE SUDDENLY BUT SOMETIMES IT IS UNAVOIDABLE AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE BECAUSE IT FEELS TOO UNSAFE. *TR

11/13/2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS TOO NARROW AND WHEN DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT'S FOOT WOULD SLIP OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6, 8000.

3/6/2012

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT SEIZED AND THE PASSENGER COULD NOT MOVE AROUND FREELY IN THE SEAT WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS BUCKLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ALMOST EVERY TIME THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

6/20/2012

I WAS ON MY TO WORK AND A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I OF COURSE LIKE OTHERS SWERVED TO MISS THE ANIMAL CAUSING ME TO ROLL 3 AND A HALF TIMES SIDE TO SIDE WILL WEARING SEATBELT. I RECEIVED SCRATCHES ON LEFT SIDE OF FACE AND STRUCK STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST AT THE BOTTOM OF MY STERNUM. CAUSING SEVERE CHEST PAIN AND SLIGHT PNEUMOTHORAX TO LEFT LUNG AND SOMETHING HAD GOTTEN BEHIND ME CAUSING LEFT BUTTOCK BLACK BRUISING AND BRUISING ON MY SPINE CAUSING SLIGHT PARALYSIS FOR QUITE SOME TIME. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT HAPPENED AND I HAVE PICTURES OF ALL THIS INCLUDING PICTURES OF AIRBAG COMPARTMENTS BUSTED OPEN AND SENSORS SHOWING THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO DEPLOY THEM. I HAD TO BE EXTRICATED FROM CAR AND FLOWN BY HELICOPTER TO TRAUMA CENTER. SEATBELT HELD AT WAIST BUT DID NOT LOCK AT TOP HOLDING ME STILL AT ALL. I STILL HAVE PAIN IN MID STERNUM AREA. THIS CAR WAS VERY UNSAFE IN MY OPINION AND I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER. I BELIEVE IF AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED AND SEATBELT HELD I WOULD NEVER HAD RECEIVED THESE INJURIES. CAR WAS INSURED AND IN SOME JUNK YARD NOW SOMEWHERE. PLEASE DO GIVE ME A CALL IF YOU WOULD LIKE PICTURES OF ALL THIS AND GIVE ME SOME ADVICE. WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU *TR

4/2/2014

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD REST IN THE VEHICLE WAS TOO LARGE AND THE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS WERE TOO SMALL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

10/3/2012

AFTER THE NOVELTY OF MY NEW CARE WORE OFF, I BECAME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM OF LIMITED VISIBILITY WHEN LOOKING OUT THE REAR WINDOW. THE MIDDLE HEADREST IN THE BACK SEAT OBSCURES MUCH OF THE WINDOW! I AM EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN BACKING UP BECAUSE OF THIS LIMITED VISIBILITY. I AM CONCERNED WHEN MY KIDS DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE, AS YOU KNOW, YOUNGER DRIVERS DON'T ALWAYS LISTEN TO THEIR PARENTS. IN ADDITION, MY DAUGHTER ISN'T NEARLY AS TALL AS I AM AND THE BACKSEAT MIDDLE HEADREST IS EVEN MORE OF AN ISSUE WITH SHORTER PEOPLE. THIS ISN'T A DEFECT, PER SE, BUT JUST AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS DESIGN FLAW. LOOKING ON YOUR WEBSITE, I AM NOW AWARE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS CONCERN. I AM GLAD GM REDESIGNED THE 2012 MODEL TO TAKE THIS HAZARD AWAY BUT WHAT ABOUT FOR THIS 2011 MODEL YEAR? *TR

8/25/2013

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE PURCHASED THE IMPALA IN APRIL OF 2013 WITH 35,408 MILES ON THE CLOCK, WE DROVE IT AROUND TOWN THEN WE TOOK IT ON A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA FROM LAS VEGAS A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN WE WHERE ON THE WAY TO CALIFORNIA ON A NOT SO STEEP DOWNGRADE WE HIT THE BRAKES AT ABOUT 70MPH TO SLOW DOWN THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY SIDE TO SIDE LIKE THE FAMOUS 'DEATH WOBBLE' BUT WE ONLY SLOWED TO ABOUT 60MPH. ON THE WAY BACK IT DID IT AGAIN THIS TIME WENT FROM 70 TO 67 MPH, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED AND GAVE ME THE DEALER COLD SHOULDER.. I REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND ALL 4 NEW TIRES AS OF TODAY AND IT STILL DOING IT, WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND SAME THING, THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE OVER 50MPH BUT THE DEALER DOES NOT CARE AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY... I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT EVER AS LONG AS I LIVE. I TOOK VIDEO OF THE SHAKING FROM 70 TO 67MPH I WILL POST IT ON YOUTUBE. THIS CAR IS CERTIFIED TOO NOT THAT IT MEAN ANYTHING TO ANYONE. *TR

10/9/2013

THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR (PAGE 5-17 IN MY MANUAL) CAME ON AND THE MESSAGE WAS TO PREVENT SERIOUS DAMAGES, GO TO YOUR SERVICE STATION IMMEDIATELY. I WAS IN THE PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE, AND MADE MY WAY TO THE INTERSTATE HEADING TO OUR SERVICE STATION WHEN MY CAR STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE 485 ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY MAYBE ( ABOUT 7 MILES FROM HOME AND OUR SERVICE STATION). I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF A MAJOR HWY THAT WAS/IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHEN I FELT SOMETHING UNUSUAL. I GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS I COULD BETWEEN THE CARS AND JUST MADE IT TO THE FAR RIGHT SIDE OF THIS MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE STEERING, A/C AND BRAKES WERE GONE AND THEN I REALIZED IF I DID NOTHING I WOULD HAVE BEEN RUN OVER BY THE TRUCKS ON THIS INTERSTATE. I GOT CLOSE TO THE GUARDRAIL AND COLLECTED MY WITS AND CALLED BOTH AAA AND THE CHARLOTTE NC POLICE. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE IF THE AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE GONE OFF! THE NC POLICE WERE TO COME IMMEDIATELY BUT NEVER SHOWED UP, BUT AN HOUR LATER THE AAA DRIVER CAME AND ASSISTED TO HELP ME OUT OF MY CAR INTO HIS TOW TRUCK. HE SAID TO SIT IN THE AC AND DRINK SOME WATER. IT WAS A HOT DAY IN THE CAROLINAS. NO AC, NOTHING TO DRINK AND COULD NOT OPEN MY WINDOWS. I COULD NOT OPEN MY DOOR AS CARS WHIZZED BY ME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAR JUST DIED. FINALLY GOT IT TOWED TO THE CHEVY SERVICE STATION AND THE REPAIRS COST (ENCLOSED) $696.84. AFTER SEEING THE EVENT ON TV I REALIZED I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!!! PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT HIS ISSUE, AS I HEAR ALL THE HORROR STORIES OF THE INNOCENT KILLED UPSETS ME. I WAS FORTUNATELY TO BE ABLE TO GET ME AND MY CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY WHILE CARS WHIZZED BY ON A BUSY HIGHWAY BUT HOW MANY HAVEN'T. *TR

4/1/2014

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD HESITATE WHEN INDICATING WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS IN. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5.

5/2/2011

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. CONSUMER DEFECTIVE LEFT REAR DOOR *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT REAR DOOR MOLDING WHERE THE CHROME MET THE DOOR WAS NOT ALIGNED PROPERLY. THE DEALER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BACK FROM THE CONSUMER.

5/10/2011

VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

OVERSIZED, IMMOVABLE THIRD HEADREST IN MIDDLE OF BACK SEAT OF 2011 CHEVY IMPALA. BLOCKS VISION OUT OF REAR WINDOW - DRIVER CANNOT USE REAR VIEW MIRROR. DRIVER CANNOT SEE VEHICLE FOLLOWING. *TR

5/18/2011

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

5 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE IMPALA I SLICED MY LEG QUITE SEVERELY (2"X3" AND 1/2" DEEP) SIMPLY BY CLOSING THE DOOR. THE BOTTOM CORNER OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR COME TO A VERY SHARP POINT. BECAUSE OF MY AGE AND SIZE I NEED STAND FAIRLY CLOSE TO THE DOOR TO CLOSE IT. THIS VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN AND ELDERLY, ACTUALLY ANYONE WHO MAY BE A LITTLE WEAKER THAN AVERAGE. I TRIED TO RETURN OR EXCHANGE VEHICLE BUT DEALERSHIP WANTED ME TO TAKE A $4315 LOSS. I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM THIS VEHICLE AND DEALERSHIP

7/18/2011

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

BOUGHT 2011 IMPALA, REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS OBSTRUCTING VIEW ON REAR VIEW MIRROR. VERY HAZARDOUS, WILL PROBABLY CAUSE MANY ACCIDENTS AND POSSIBLY DEATHS. LOT OF PERSONS COMPLAINING TO DEALER AND GM AND THEY SAY NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THEY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEIR REFUSAL TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT. *KB

7/18/2011

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURY TO THE CHEST AND BACK. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE OPPOSING VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HANDS AND CHEST. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO ASSIST AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000. UPDATED 9/19/11 *CN

8/26/2011

BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THIS CAR IS A ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN, WHOEVER THOUGHT OF PUTTING A STATIONARY MIDDLE HEADREST ON THIS CARS BACKSEAT WAS EITHER 7 FEET TALL, OR HAS NEVER BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE IN IT! MY 5'2" WIFE HAD A FIT AFTER DRIVING IT TODAY. I BOUGHT IT 9/14/11 WITHOUT HER. ANYHOW, FOR GM TO LET THIS CAR ON THE ROAD WITHOUT A BACKUP CAMERA OR BEING NOT ABLE TO REMOVE THAT HEADREST IS JUST IRRESPONSIBLE. DRIVE ONE AND YOU WILL SEE EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN. *TR

9/22/2011

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY IMPALA WILL NOT HEAT IN IDLE POSITION,NO EARLY MORN DEFROSTS FOR ME! TOOK TO DEALER ( 10/18/11) HE FOUND A LEAK, REPLACED A HOSE. IT WAS GOOD FOR A WHILE, NOW DOING AGAIN, (10/28/11), GOING BACK IN SHOP ON 11/3/11. ALSO CAR WILL NOT HEAT WHEN REMOTE STARTER IS USED,COMES UP TO TEMP EVERYTIME JUST DOESN'T BLOW HOT AIR, THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THEM, THEY TELL ME THAT'S "NORMAL", WHAT??, IM SORRY, BUT ISN'T THE PURPOSE OF REMOTE STARTERS, FOR REGULATING CABIN TEMPERATURE? I WILL SEE HOW THESE TWO ISSUES ARE HANDLED ON THURS, I HAVE THIS FUNNY FEELING I WILL BE BACK HERE ON THIS SITE FOR THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

11/2/2011

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN I LEFT MY HOUSE TO RUN TO THE STORE THE GAS GAUGE WAS READING HALF A TANK. THE STORE I RAN TO WAS 6 MILES UP THE ROAD, WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND WAS COMING HOME I NOTICED THE GAS GAUGE WAS BELOW A QUARTER OF A TANK. BY THE TIME I GOT BACK HOME (6 MILES AWAY) THE GAUGE WAS READING BETWEEN HALF AND A QUARTER TANK. I ALSO HAD A 2007 SILVERADO THAT DID THE SAME THING, NOT SURE BUT MAYBE CHEVROLET NEEDS TO SEED A RECALL OUT FOR THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNITS. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER CHEVY OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

11/7/2011

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A USED 2011 IMPALA AND DID NOTICE THE REAR SEAT HEAD RESTS WERE QUITE HIGH, BUT THOUGHT I WOULD GET USED TO IT. I HOWEVER AFTER THREE WEEKS HAVE NOT. IT IS A HINDRANCE HAVING TO SPEND EYE TIME ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SEAT HEAD RESTS BEING TOO HIGH. WHEN DRIVING IN 5 LANE TRAFFIC YOU NEED TO DEVOTE ALL OF YOUR ATTENTION TO ALL AROUND YOU, AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THIS IN A 2011 IMPALA. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER BECAUSE IT APPEARS FROM OTHER POSTINGS THAT THE ONLY RESOLUTION AT THIS TIME IS TO BUY 2012 REAR SEATS FOR OVER $400. THESE SEATS ARE DEFINITELY A DANGEROUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR

5/9/2012

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH WOULD NOT OPERATE ( INTERMITTENT) AT TIMES. THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP (YOUNG CHEVROLET). DURING THE PAST MONTH (6/13) THE SAME TYPE OF CONDITION HAS OCCURRED. THIS PROBLEM SOUNDS MUCH LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH NHTSA ID - 13V248. *TR

6/19/2013

WHEELS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR STARTED ACTING LIKE IT WAS UNEVEN. I GOT TO WHERE I COULD PULL OVER AND FOUND A BALLOON GROWING OUT OF THE SIDE OF MY TIRE. THE CAR IS NOT THAT OLD AND THE TIRES IN MY PAST IMPALA'S HAVE LASTED MUCH LONGER. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS. I HAD TO CALL SOMEONE TO HELP ME SO THAT IT DIDN'T EXPLODE AND CAUSE MORE DAMAGE. *TR

7/19/2013

TIRES:SIDEWALL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I'M A 68 YEAR OLD MALE DRIVER,WHO WHEN BUYING A PRODUCT EXPECT A QUALITY MADE AMERICAN PRODUCT. I HAVE HAD TWO SIDEWALL FAILURES ON THE OEM EQUIPMENT TIRES THAT CAME ON MY CAR. THE PROBLEMS WERE POTENTIALLY OF A FATAL NATURE IF NOT DISCOVERED DURING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK. I OWN TWO VEHICLES WITH THE EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, I HAVE BEEN TOLD GOODYEAR DOES NOT WARRANT SIDEWALL FAILURES. *JS

9/25/2013

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WE PURCHASED THE IMPALA IN APRIL OF 2013 WITH 35,408 MILES ON THE CLOCK, WE DROVE IT AROUND TOWN THEN WE TOOK IT ON A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA FROM LAS VEGAS A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN WE WHERE ON THE WAY TO CALIFORNIA ON A NOT SO STEEP DOWNGRADE WE HIT THE BRAKES AT ABOUT 70MPH TO SLOW DOWN THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY SIDE TO SIDE LIKE THE FAMOUS 'DEATH WOBBLE' BUT WE ONLY SLOWED TO ABOUT 60MPH. ON THE WAY BACK IT DID IT AGAIN THIS TIME WENT FROM 70 TO 67 MPH, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY ROTORS NEEDED TO BE TURNED AND GAVE ME THE DEALER COLD SHOULDER.. I REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AND ALL 4 NEW TIRES AS OF TODAY AND IT STILL DOING IT, WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND SAME THING, THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE OVER 50MPH BUT THE DEALER DOES NOT CARE AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY... I WILL NEVER BUY A GM PRODUCT EVER AS LONG AS I LIVE. I TOOK VIDEO OF THE SHAKING FROM 70 TO 67MPH I WILL POST IT ON YOUTUBE. THIS CAR IS CERTIFIED TOO NOT THAT IT MEAN ANYTHING TO ANYONE. *TR

10/9/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING AND THE CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. *TR

11/10/2013

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN MY IMPALA WAS 4 YEARS OLD AND 42000 MILES(APRIL OR MAY OF 2013), BOTH REAR DOOR LOCKS REFUSED TO LOCK OR UNLOCK. I CONTACTED MY DEALER AND HE STATED THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I THEN CONTACTED GMS CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH REITERATED THE SAME THING. AFTER INVESTIGATING ONLINE, THERE ARE QUITE A FEW BLOGS WITH CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. TO REPLACE THESE LOCKS COSTS APPROXIMATELY $800. I CONTACTED YOUR ORGANIZATION THIS MORNING AND THEY TOLD ME TO CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020. WHEN I CONTACTED THEM, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERIAL NUMBER DID NOT FALL UNDER ANY RECALLS. HOWEVER, CHEVROLET DOES HAVE A DOOR LOCK RECALL. *TR

3/19/2014

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON THE HOMESTRETCH OF A ROADTRIP FROM PA TO FL WHEN THE "SERVICE STABILITRAK" , FOLLOWED BY "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" MESSAGE STARTED FLASHING. THE TWO LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ALSO WENT OFF. SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, I WAS UNABLE TO FIND A GOOD PLACE TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, AND I FIGURED LIKE MOST TIMES THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT GOES ON, THAT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I COULD WAIT TO DEAL WITH WHEN I GOT HOME. I CONTINUED DRIVING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND THEN THE MESSAGE CHANGED AND SAID "DISABLING THROTTLE" OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT, AND I FELT THE ENGINE LOSING POWER. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE, DOING AROUND 55 MILES PER HOUR WITH CARS ALL AROUND ME. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY FOUR-WAY FLASHERS AND FORTUNATELY PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT LANE SLOWED DOWN AND LET ME COAST TO THE SHOULDER BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS. I SAT THERE FOR A FEW MINUTES TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. FINALLY AFTER A FEW MINUTES I DECIDED TO TRY STARTING THE CAR AGAIN AND IT STARTED, WITH JUST THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE ON MY WAY. SINCE THEN IT HAS CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A SENSOR IN THE GAS PEDAL BUT THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

4/9/2014

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?

The most reported complaint category for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala is ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), with 132 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 376 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala severe?

376 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Impala: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
844
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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