2011 Chevrolet Impala: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Comfortable, spacious and cheap to run, but carries the 9th-gen power-steering, electrical and airbag-sensor complaints, plus a Takata recall and vision-blocking fixed rear headrests. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2011 Chevrolet Impala ranged from $24,010 to $30,035 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

Comfortable, spacious and cheap to run, but carries the 9th-gen power-steering, electrical and airbag-sensor complaints, plus a Takata recall and vision-blocking fixed rear headrests.

Sources (5)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala
fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-chevrolet-impala-grap…
slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1694132/chevrolet-impala-best-worst-years/
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/chevy-impala-years-to-avoid/
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…

Known issues

Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist.

commonly reported · 30 NHTSA complaints · steering
Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts.

commonly reported · 23 NHTSA complaints · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=imp…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Smooth, comfortable highway ride
Roomy, comfortable interior with a large trunk
Strong, simple V6 power (3.5/3.9, plus the 5.3L V8 SS in 2006-2009)
Noticeably more dependable in the later 2012-2013 years
Cheap to buy used and inexpensive, above-average to maintain

Cons

Bland, rental-fleet image and uninvolving handling
Hydraulic power-steering leaks and failures, especially 2006-2009
Service StabiliTrak / reduced-engine-power and ABS faults, especially 2012-2013
Electrical gremlins: gauge-cluster dropouts, battery drain and Passlock no-starts
Passenger-airbag occupant-sensor faults plus a Takata recall
Fixed rear headrests obstruct rear visibility on later cars

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
LS	$24,010	discontinued	—	—
LT	$25,710	discontinued	—	—
LTZ	$30,035	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2011-chevrolet-impala-price

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $550–600/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/impala

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2011 Chevrolet Impala have?

Documented issue patterns include: Hydraulic power-steering lines and pump can leak and fail, causing heavy steering and loss of assist; Electrical gremlins persist: instrument-cluster gauge dropouts, battery drain and Passlock anti-theft no-starts. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Impala reliable?

Comfortable, spacious and cheap to run, but carries the 9th-gen power-steering, electrical and airbag-sensor complaints, plus a Takata recall and vision-blocking fixed rear headrests.

How much did the 2011 Chevrolet Impala cost new?

Between $24,010 and $30,035 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Chevrolet Impala expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.