2011 Chevrolet Impala Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 6%of 505 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the visibility of the 2011 Chevrolet Impala, 6% of the 505 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #11390711, filed 2021-01, 115,000 miles“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 complaint #11291727, filed 2019-12, 136,000 miles“My complaint with this vehicle is visibility caused by the rear headrests when using the rear view mirror. Gm built the back seat with 3 large headrests which cannot be removed that blocks almost the entire rear window. When driving the car, the most I can see in the rear view mirror is the tops of the car(s) behind me, sometimes not that much. When backing up, you have to look around all three back headrests in order not to hit someone or something. …”
NHTSA complaint #10441920, filed 2011-12, 434 miles“My Impala will not heat in idle position,no early morn defrosts for me! Took to dealer ( 10/18/11) he found a leak, replaced a hose. It was good for a while, now doing again, (10/28/11), going back in shop on 11/3/11. Also car will not heat when remote starter is used,comes up to temp everytime just doesn't blow hot air, this has been reported to them, they tell me that's normal , what??, im sorry, but isn't the purpose of remote starters, for regulating cabin temperature? …”
NHTSA complaint #10433935, filed 2011-11, 5,800 miles“The rear visibility both using the mirror and turning your head is compromised by the middle headrest located on the back seat. It should have been designed to be removed but is made into the rear seat. I believe it is an accident waiting to happen. The other two headrests also make it hard to see. I really believe it was an all around bad idea by gmc. I also get a film on my windshield like I've been smoking but nobody in my family smokes. I suggested to the dealership that it may be the heater core but they assured me it couldn't be the heater core. …”
NHTSA complaint #10443636, filed 2012-01, 7 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10232283Feb 17, 2023This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10230697Dec 15, 2022This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10216372Jun 22, 2022This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician the steps on diagnosing the concern. Customer's sunroof operation intermittent, bind, noise, auto-reverse…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 7 | 2% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 28 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 2% |
| 2009 | 14 | 2% |
| 2008 | 16 | 2% |
| 2007 | 24 | 4% |
| 2006 | 29 | 6% |
| 2005 | 21 | 3% |
| 2004 | 14 | 1% |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% |
| 2002 | 34 | 4% |
| 2001 | 18 | 2% |
| 2000 | 22 | 3% |
| 1996 | 13 | 15% |
| 1995 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Impala
132 complaintsEngine
125 complaintsElectrical system
95 complaintsSeats
77 complaintsVehicle speed control
69 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsOther or unknown
49 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Impala
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology