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2011 Chevrolet Impala Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and lower arm. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, and failure.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #14V355000 · Jun 23, 2014

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #12V377000 · Mar 8, 2012

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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 data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission slipping, harsh shifting, and failure

POWER TRAIN

18 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2022-01

“The car was stopped at a stop sign, turned right onto the highway and the front wheels locked. The car would not move in any gear, even in neutral. A tow truck had to place front wheels on skids and drag onto the bed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446686
“AFTER ABOUT 30000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID(S) ARE GOING BAD INTERMITTENTLY. IT'S GOING TO BE A COSTLY REPAIR FOR A PART THAT COSTS AROUND 25 DOLLARS OR SO. THIS SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A CONTINUING PROBLEM ON THE 4T65E TRANSMISSIONS. WHEN YOU ARE AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406306
“HOT AND COLD THE TRANSAXLE IS SLIPPING AND THEN GRABBING ON ACCERATION WITH HARD SHIFTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220304

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire wear and wheel alignment problems

WHEELS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2018-02

“MY CAR HAS WARN OUT TWO SETS OF TIRES ON THE REAR . THE STILL IS SHOWING . I HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN THE FRONT TIRES TO WARE OUT TWICE AS FAST AS THE REAR. HOWEVER, IT IS NOT HAPPENING WITH THIS IMPALA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10918113
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEELS HAD SEIZED IN THE FRONT AND THE REAR WHEN, THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT HAD REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10915537
“WITH STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION OCCURRING, IT WAS DETERMINED TIRE SEPARATION OCCURRED ON THE RIGHT FRONT AT 49,179 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10905079

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

StabiliTrak warning with reduced engine power and stall

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

38 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2020-01

“WHILE DRIVING THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON. POWER IS LOST. HAVE TO STOP, TURN CAR OFF AND TURN BACK ON. THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL STAYS ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097150
“I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND A MESSAGE CAME UP SAYING "ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED". IT WAS DURING RUSH HOUR AND I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BECAUSE MY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 15 MILES PER HOUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121315
“WHILE IN MOTION MY 2011 CHEVY IMPALA UP A HIGHWAY MY VEHICLE DASH WILL COME UP AND SAY STABILITRAK DISABLED TRACTION CONTROL DISABLED THEN ENGINE POWER REDUCED THEN THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO NOT STEER CORRECTLY THEN I WILL HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192774

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat air bag sensor not detecting occupant

AIR BAGS

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2022-09

“The contact stated that the occupant sensor in the passenger’s seat occasionally failed to recognize an occupant seated in the passenger’s side front seat. The air bag off warning light would remain illuminated on the instrument panel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440787
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED TO RECOGNIZE AN OCCUPANT SEATED IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330349
“WHEN YOU SEAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SERVICE AIR BAG WILL COME ON. MY IMPALA ISN'T THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT IS DOING. I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11328706

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition switch and electrical power loss while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2023-08

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE CAR SHUTS OFF. IT COMPLETELY LOSES POWER. NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. I WAS GOING 60 ON A HIGHWAY AND IT STALLED THANK GOD IT WASN'T RUSH HOUR AND THERE WEREN'T”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384481
“WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE DOOR LOCKS CYCLED SEVERAL TIMES, THE RADIO WENT OFF AND ON, THE ENGINE SEEMED TO STALL AS IF A BAD RELAY OR FAULTY GROUND STRAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11271419
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11541720

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

242 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

22

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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