2011 Chevrolet Impala

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Chevrolet Impala
Pictured: 2018 Chevrolet Impala Premier front 4.7.19. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt, 4dr Sedan FWD Ltz
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
23 combined · 19 city / 29 hwy
Length
200.4 in
Curb weight
3,556–3,649 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2011 large car (18.8 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 3.9L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 200 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,556 lb (4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (19 city / 29 highway), 22% better than the 2011 large car average of 18.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 252 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electronic stability control (esc).

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Impala — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Impala →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.5L 6-cyl
Engine–3.9L 6-cyl

Trims

LT (2FL)LT (1LT)LS (1FL)LTZLS (1LS)

Built in: Oshawa #2, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2011 Impala configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD Ls/Lt200.4 in72.8 in58.7 in110.6 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,556 lb61/39
4dr Sedan FWD Ltz200.4 in72.8 in58.7 in110.6 in61.8 / 62.2 in3,649 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Impala FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 29 / 23+22%$2,900386
Impala FFV3.9L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 21+12%$3,200423
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.8 MPG2011 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala.

Similar 2011 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Chevrolet Impala (this car)23 MPGNot rated2
2011 Honda Accord26 MPGNot rated9
2011 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated2
2011 Dodge Charger21 MPGNot rated12
2011 Dodge Challenger21 MPGNot rated6
2011 Chevrolet Malibu26 MPGNot rated3
2011 Buick Regal24 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (2)

Electrical System › Ignition · Jun 23, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V355000 · 3,141,731 vehicles

Problem
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 · Aug 3, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V377000 · 36,413 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Chevrolet Impala is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

252Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
12Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
85,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)85
Engine73
Electrical System53
Power Train43
Vehicle Speed Control38
Unknown Or Other30
Service Brakes27
Air Bags26
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/06: 520/07: 120/08: 220/11: 520/12: 221/01: 121/02: 121/04: 321/05: 321/07: 121/10: 121/11: 222/01: 122/02: 122/06: 122/07: 122/09: 123/02: 123/04: 123/08: 123/11: 223/12: 124/01: 124/08: 120/0620/1121/0221/0722/0122/0723/0423/12max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Chevrolet Impala buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 85 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  3. Engine — 73 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 53 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Impala years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Impala22201.2 in★★★★★015
2019 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★128
2018 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★159
2017 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★0117
2016 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★0111
2015 Impala25201.2 in★★★★★3300
2014 Impala28201.2 in★★★★★12571
2013 Impala22200.4 inNot rated1232
2012 Impala22200.4 inNot rated3175
2010 Impala22200.4 inNot rated4242
2009 Impala23200.4 inNot rated4432
2008 Impala22200.4 inNot rated2278

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →