What 505 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Impala

Service stabilitrak warning, followed by reduced engine power, then car starts jerking.

NHTSA ODI 11563735

i own a 2011 chevy impala 4 door that has a very serious engine issue. I was on my way home and suddenly the service stability trac, and check engine light came on, then the message center displayed reduced engine power and low oil pressure then the engine shut off. I tried to restart the vehicle and it would not restart. I got it towed to a parking lot where it sat over night then it would restart but only for a few minutes. Once I got a scanner hooked up it had a p0642 code lost 5 volt reference circuit 1 and a cam sensor code I worked on this vehicle for two days and still have not found the issue. this vehicle needs a recall since this is a recurring issue with a few different model years of this vehicle and its always the same issue word for word, check engine light comes on, service stability trac, reduced engine power and low oil pressure lights come on the same p0642 lost 5 volt reference circuit 1. This is a very dangerous situation when going down the road and you lose engine power, steering and braking power. GM needs to correct this issue too many people have had this same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11561755

This problem has happened for many many years. Made appointments @ Fuccillo Chevy dealer, by then it’s gone off & they don’t know! Well, just occurred again when getting new tires @Dunn pulling in. 2011 impala Stabilitrak, engine power loss, then check engine light! Thank goodness the mechanic printed me the codes & what they mean!! SO- P2138 Throttle/pedal pod sensor voltage correlation DTC P0523 Engine oil pressure sensor/switch high input Same complaint of loss of power as I’ve now seen others write about!! Voltage referring to throttle ‘s ability to open/close properly. An electrical malfunction in manufacturing! RECALL!!! Obviously I actually have another impala- 2007 that the rear defrost wire’s actually burnt @ control junction, been replaced now. Could’ve caused a fire !! High beam lights come on intermittently when using the turn signals!! Stand by your product !!!! I have 2 Impala’s, 2007, 2011. My mother has Impala, 2015. My sister has an Impala, 2017. Impala family I guess- kinda funny, all are black Impalas!!! I’ve seen numerous complaints of this same issue! Defect! R u waiting 4 an accident or a death? GO !!!! Has happened numerous times b4 This report, Chevy dealer has previously stated can’t anything because the code disappears on its own. What’s with that? Resets itself?? It does!! Sure have had it happen, 20 x’s?? I make an appointment & by that time- gone! Seriously!!! Finally caught it 2 code it !!

NHTSA ODI 11554752

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. 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. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced inaccurate fuel gauge reading. Several unknown messages were displayed in different languages. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing electrical failures. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the battery had failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11541720

Stabilizer control an brake system wheel barrier or Tyrod when driving its like the wheels start trying to twist another way almost crashed on the highway with my grandkids in the vehicle i having driving the vehicle since an irecentl looked up recall an it says stabilizing an brake system when press on gas .it's like tires shifting make the vehicle slow moving an feel a grinding when feet on gas...recently look an it says its 2 recalls chevy 2011 impala

NHTSA ODI 11507306

Service stabilitrak warning light goes off and on intermittently when this happens the traction control light comes on when hooked up it shows no codes everything I’ve read on line is that it’s a electrical issue to replace wheel bearings or gas pedal or other list of sensors shouldn’t this be something that you should investigate to let owners know what to fix it seems to be a issue on several different models of Chevy autos if forums are correct next step is it will go into limp mode or shut off completely that one would think would be a serious safety issue as you loose power steering as you have to fight to get to shoulder of the highway

NHTSA ODI 11472265

Today, 6-12-2022, driving on US Highway 80 at 65 mph headed toward Phenix City, AL from Columbus, GA, the the engine shuddered, then the "Stabilitrack Service Light" came on, along with the check engine light, and a message for "reduced engine power." Then, the engine suddenly cut out as I was going uphill between the Riverchase Exit and the Summerville Exit. Luckily, I was driving and not my wife. I was able to glide the car back to the right shoulder of the road under ZERO power, and shut the ignition down. Cars were passing me at 65-75 mph, and I was very fortunate not to have caused an accident. After sitting there for about 5 minutes in 96 degree heat and my wife freaking out in the passenger seat, I restarted the car and eased it to the Summerville Exit, and slowly drove home, about another 6 miles. We were damn lucky not to have been hit by another car, as this happened on a what is essentially a freeway. After researching this , it seems this is a common problem being reported on this Model, the Chevy Impala. I'm sure Chevrolet knows about this...the company should be forced to recall this car model and fix it before folks start getting killed due to total engine failure...especially at a high speed like I was driving.

NHTSA ODI 11468890

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the key was unable to be removed from the ignition. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to an empty parking lot. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA ODI 11418004

WHEN DRIVING THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATES, W/ACCOMPANYING MESSAGE: "SERVICE STABILTRAK" FOLLOWED BY 'SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL". CAR GRINDS WHEN TURNING LEFT. TODAY THE GAS PEDAL FELT LIKE IT WAS PUSHING BACK WHEN PRESSED THEN IT FELT LIKE IT LOCKED UP FOR A SECOND.

NHTSA ODI 11406979

I NOTICED MY REAR DEFROST HAS QUITE WORKING. I FIGURED IT WAS A FUSE SO I WASN'T TO WORRIED ABOUT IT. WE'VE HAD A LOT OF SNOW RECENTLY AND FIGURED I BETTER CHECK MY FUSES. THE RELAY IS WORKING THAT IS LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD. WE TRACED TO WIRING THROUGH THE FIRE WALL AND DOWN TO WHERE IT COMES INTO THE VEHICLE (DOWN BY YOUR FEET). THERE IS A WIRING THERE AND ONCE WE DISCONNECTED IT WE NOTICED IT IS BURNT VERY BAD. WHERE THE TWO PIECES CONNECT TOGETHER IS MELTED AND IS BLACK. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY BAD IF IT WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.

NHTSA ODI 11390711

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 MANY CARS AROUND ME. THIS HAPPENS AT 10MPH 30, 40, 50. NO MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW YOU ARE GOING THE CAR SHUTS OFF AND LEAVES YOU WITH NO BRAKES OR POWER STEERING. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. IT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND THEY ALL SAY THAT IS WHAT IT IS. NOW I HAVE TO PAY TO GET A NEW IGNITION PUT IN. I HAVE HAD THE CAR 18 MONTHS AND NEW PROBLEMS OCCUR CONSTANTLY WITH IT. CHEVY SHOULD BE PAYING FOR A NEW IGNITION SWITCH TO BE INSTALLED.

NHTSA ODI 11384481

BACK DRIVER PASSENGER DOOR IS STUCK. WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL, LOCKS DON'T UNLOCK MOST OF THE TIME AND DON'T LOCK AT ALL. ALWAYS HAVE TO LOCK MANUALLY. NEW STARTER REPLACED BUT STILL SEEMS TO NOT WANT TO START. KNOCKING NOISE IN DASH. FRONT PASSENGER HEATED SEAT DOESN'T WORK, WHEN THE HEAT BUTTON IS PUSHED THE LIGHT BLINKS AND TURNS BACK OFF. VENTS DON'T WORK WELL. AND VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION... ALSO WHEN VEHICLE SPEEDS UP THE MUSIC GETS LOUDER ..

NHTSA ODI 11376076

THERE DASHBOARD CRACKS REALLY BAD AND APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING SITUATION WITH CHEVY AND GM VEHICLES. THERE'S LOTS OF STATIC AND I GET SHOCKED ALL THE TIME WHICH SHUTTING MY VEHICLE OFF OR STARTING. I HAVE HAD NO OFF MARKET WORK DONE TO MY VEHILE SO ITS ALL AS IT WAS WHEN ORIGINAL PURCHASED.

NHTSA ODI 11338105

I WAS DRIVING AND A COP WAS BEHIND ME AND HE TURNED ON HIS LIGHTS WHEN I NOTICED HIS I TRIED TO MOVE INTO THE RIGHT LANE, AND WHEN I STARTED TO CHANGE LANES MY DRIVER WHEEL LOCKED AND IT SOUNDED AS IF I HIT MY BRAKES AND THE COP HIT ME MY CAR SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND I HIT A TREE.

NHTSA ODI 11321964

THE REAR DEFOGGER ON MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. INVESTIGATION LEAD TO A VIDEO ON THE INTERNET SHOWING A MELTED CONNECTOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FUSE BOX. FOLLOWING THE STEPS IN THE VIDEO I FOUND THE EXACT SAME BURNED UP CONNECTOR UNDER THE CARPET OF MY VEHICLE. PHOTOS INCLUDED. THE CONNECTOR WAS CLEARLY NOT DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE CURRENT THE FUSE WAS ALLOWING TO FLOW THROUGH. THIS IS A FIRE RISK AS WELL AS AN INCONVENIENCE AS NOW MY REAR DEFOGGER IS INOPERATIVE. I NEVER SMELLED THE BURNING PART BUT LOST CLEARING ABILITY ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER.

NHTSA ODI 11291727

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. WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND DRY.

NHTSA ODI 11271419

ON 1/29/16 MY CAR DIED AND TOWED TO DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD I NEED A TRANSMISSION. THE CAR ONLY HAD 69000 6MONTHS AGO DASH BOARD LIGHTS LIT TRACTION CONTROL, REDUCED ENGINE POWER SERVICE STABILITRACK ABS.WHEN I WOULD STEP ON THE ACCELARETOR PEDAL IT WOULD MAKE A WINDING NOISE GO TO THE FLOOR AND POP BACK UP AGAIN. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAD NO ACCELERATION CAR HAD DIED. L PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD A FEW MINUTES LATER STARTED UP AGAIN THIS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES I TOLD MY SON HE COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I FELT IT WAS UNSAFE. I CALLED THE GM THEY GAVE ME A COUPON TO HAVE THE A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON IT. IN SEPT I WENT TO THE DEALER AND HE SCANNED MY CAR FOR CODES I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A RIGHT FRONT HUB PART NUMBER 13582664, A RIGHT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR HARNESS, 10340314, ACCELERATOR PEDAL, 84018392, AND A VENT VALVE 2085252. I CAN'T BELIEVE A CAR DEALERS WOULD LET A PERSON LEAVE NOT INFORMING THE CUSTOMER WHAT A SAFETY ISSUE THIS IS. I DROVE THE CAR FOR A DAY BECAUSE I COULDN'T AFFORD TO FIX IT AND WAS TRYING TO COME UP WITH THE MONEY AGAIN THE CAR DIED ON ME AS I WENT TO ACCELERATE NOW THE CAR IS SITTING IN MY YARD DEAD AS A DOORNAIL. I CALLED THE DEALER AND EXPLAIN THE SITUATION TO THE DEALER AT LANNAN CHEVROLET IN WOBURN AND I SPOKE WITH THE OWNER AND THE ONLY RESPONSE I GOT WAS WHAT DO YOU WANT THERE'S A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON THE CAR I HAVE BEEN DOING LOTS OF RESEARCH ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND I'M APPALLED BETWEEN A 2008 AND A 2011 THERE HAS BEEN HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.THESE ARE SAFETY ISSUES WHERE PEOPLE CAN GET KILLED. OUT OF ALL THESE SAFETY ISSUES THERE'S NOT ONE INVESTIGATION THAT HAS BEEN OPENED IN REGARDS TO THE ISSUES. NHTSA OR GM NEEDS TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION IMMEDIATELY ON THESE CARS. THERE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND A RECALL IS NECESSARY.VIN NUMBER..(XXXXX) REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11271223

CONSTANT CLICKING FROM BEHIND DASHBOARD THE BLENDER SOMETHING HAVING TO DO WITH AIR/HEAT RUNS ALL THE TIME EVEN WHEN CAR IS NOT BEING USED. IT KILLS MY BATTERY LIFE AND SINCE THIS IS A MALFUNCTION FROM CHEVY I SHOULDN'T BE BURDENED WITH CONSTANTLY REPLACING BATTERIES. ITS LOUD AND LASTS FROM 30 SECONDS TO 3 MINUTES.

NHTSA ODI 11218696

RECALL N140299, I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH NO STARTS, STUCK IGNITION KEYS, I RECEIVED NOTICE OF RECALL, TOOK VEHICLE TO HESSERT CHEVY AT 6301 E ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILA. PA 19149, THEY PLAYED WITH THE KEYS, SAID MY CAR WAS DONE. PUT KEY IN IGNITION NO START TRIED AGAIN IT STARTED. DEALER WANTED 149.00 TO LOOK FURTHER. HELP

NHTSA ODI 11195975

DRIVING AT ABOUT 70MPH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME WITH WITH THE READING SERVICE STABILITY TRACK, ENGINE REDUCED POWER AN DISABLED STARTED, SERVICE THROTTLE INSTANTLY I LOSS ALL RMPS AN MY STEERING WHEEL ALMOST FULLY LOCKED WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL ON MOTION. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO JUS BARLEY VEER OFF THE ROAD INTO SAFETY. WHY WOULD A CAR COMPANY HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN THIER VEHICLES. THAT WOULD LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE GOING AT ACCELERATED SPEEDS

NHTSA ODI 11194468

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA. WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY LOST POWER. ALSO, THE STABILIZER TRACK AND ENGINE SERVICE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COASTED AS IT REGAINED SOME POWER, BUT THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY BE DRIVEN TO ITS DESTINATION. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

NHTSA ODI 11141765

THIS VEHICLE IS UNDER ACTIVE RECALL. I HAVE SOLD (TRADED-IN,) THE VEHICLE TO A LICENSED CAR DEALER. I INFORMED THE BUYER VERBALLY OF THE SAFETY ISSUE, BUT I WISH TO BE CERTAIN GM IS AWARE OF THE SALE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE GM WEBSITE RECALL SECTION HAS NO WAY FOR ME TO REGISTER THE SALE, AND THEREFORE THERE MAY BE A RISK TO THE EVENTUAL BUYER OF THE CAR, SHOULD THE SELLER FAIL TO MENTION TO THE BUYER/END-USER THAT THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL. GM IS DERELICT IN NOT HAVING A WAY FOR RECALLED VEHICLE SELLERS TO SIMPLY REGISTER THE SALE WITH THE NEW OWNER'S INFORMATION. THE GM RECALL SITE ALSO DOES NOT ACCEPT ANY EMAILS OR ANY OTHER ONLINE CONTACT. CALLING GM VIA TELEPHONE RESULTS IN TRANSFERS, DELAYS, AND RECORDINGS.

NHTSA ODI 11140654

UPON STARTING STABILITRAK NEEDS SERVICE. REDUSED ENGINE POWER AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL CAME ON AND CAR RAN ROUGH. REATART AND CAR RUNS BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SATYS ON.

NHTSA ODI 11140240

ANYTIME I GO TO ACCELERATE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A STOP SIGN, RED LIGHT, OR ETC THE CAR HESITATES AND THEN JERKS FORWARD. THE CAR HESITATES AND LOSES POWER. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY CITY ROAD THE CAR TURNED OFF. I HAD TO TRY AND STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BARELY TURN.

NHTSA ODI 11120834

WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING IN CAR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.NO BRAKES, BRAKES OR STEERING,THANKS GOD THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT

NHTSA ODI 11099372