The Lemon Index2011 Chevrolet Impala.
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala is worse than average by owner complaints: 253 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 123, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about seats, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Impala year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 505 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Impala year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 36K to 88K miles on the car (409 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- stability control complaints mostly came at 48K–107K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 49K–107K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 50K–113K miles
Recalls 2
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may caus.
- suspension 2012
This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1238 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Engineering information-increased steering effort, power steering system noise or leaks
- Buick/chevrolet/pontiac/saturn: after installing reman hvv6 engine, would be concern with…
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Impala 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The back seats on this vehicle are a safety hazard. I have almost had numerous accidents due to not being able to see over the seats.
2011 Chevrolet Impala owner · NHTSA complaint 10532829
More owner reports
Rear window visibility in the 2011 chevy Impala is severely limited by the placement of read seat head restraints. A vehicle directly behind you is completely hidden from view using the rearview mirror.
NHTSA complaint 10379965
2011 Chevrolet Impala. Consumer states problem with vehicle head rests
NHTSA complaint 10419071
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 123; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Impala year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are seats (31%), engine (21%) and stability control (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?
2 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 36,800 and 88,900 miles. The middle report was at 60,400 miles, from 409 complaints.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl.
What Chevrolet Impala year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2010 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works