2011 Chevrolet Impala Life Expectancy

With proper care and light usage, a 2011 Chevrolet Impala can last 12 to 13 years or more. But beware if you drive frequently or regularly miss oil changes.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Pat Roache
background
A 2011 Chevrolet Impala can last anywhere between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, or roughly 12 to 13 years on the road, if not more. Of course, such a long life will depend on how you take care of your Impala and whether you keep up with a regular
car maintenance schedule
.
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala is a solid, respectable vehicle. It follows in the long line of Impalas that have been making America’s roads their own since 1958. You won’t find the creature comforts and technology that come standard from a new vehicle, but the 2011 Impala does offer a smooth, quiet ride and a spacious trunk—not to mention affordable
car insurance
rates.

How many miles can a 2011 Chevrolet Impala last?

On paper, a 2011 Chevrolet Impala should last between at least 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Most U.S. drivers put an average of 14,000 miles on their cars every year, so a 2011 Impala should be good for at least 12 to 13 years on average.
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How long does a Chevrolet Impala engine last?

Your engine is what keeps your car running, so its life expectancy matches the Chevrolet Impala for between 150,000 to 200,000 miles
The 2011
Impala LS
and
LT
trims carry a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 211 horsepower and 216 pound-feet of torque. The top-trim
LTZ
carries the same size engine with slightly more power, to the tune of 230 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The top-trim LTZ gets 21 mpg combined, while the lower trim Impalas do slightly better, posting a 23 mpg combined fuel efficiency rating.

Can a Chevrolet Impala last 500,000 miles?

Anything is possible, but it seems highly unlikely that a 2011 Chevrolet Impala will last more than double its forecasted life expectancy. That said, your Impala may surprise you with regular maintenance and responsible driving (i.e. not pushing the Impala past its limits on the road), but 500,000 miles feels like a stretch.

Average life expectancy for a Chevrolet Impala

With proper maintenance, any Chevrolet Impala should last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. That said, a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com notes that only about 1.6% of all Chevrolet models make it to 200,000 miles
According to the Bureau of Transportation, the average passenger car in the United States lasts roughly 11 years—just a tick lower than a 2011 Impala’s expected life expectancy of between 12 and 13 years in terms of hitting that elusive 200,000-mile mark.
While Chevrolets are reliable vehicles in general, this will depend on how they’re maintained.
Ultimately, the life expectancy of a 2011 Chevrolet Impala will depend on the following factors:
  • Regular maintenance: Forgoing even one oil change can lower your Impala’s lifespan. Any Impala that makes it past the 200,000-mile mark has almost certainly been kept on a regimented maintenance schedule.
  • Mileage: Driving your Impala less than the average of 14,000 miles per year gives it a good chance of lasting more than 12 to 13 years.
  • Accident history: The Impala is a solid vehicle, but a single accident will affect its longevity, thus making its components more likely to wear down.
If you’re thinking about buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Impala, take a look at the mileage it has racked up. If it's significantly under the 200,000-mile mark, you can expect a few good years out of it so long as you take care of it. But if it's close to or over, that mark, you should get a look at its vehicle maintenance history and have a reputable mechanic inspect it.
MORE: Chevrolet Impala Premier V6
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How to extend a 2011 Chevrolet Impala’s life expectancy

We don’t want to beat a dead horse, but you can probably guess that proper and regular maintenance is the best way to extend a 2011 Chevrolet Impala’s life expectancy.
Even a well-used 2011 Impala can perform well so long as you take care of it. Be sure to follow Chevrolet’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, power steering and transmission fluid flushes, and brake services (including brake pads and rotors). 

Common 2011 Chevrolet Impala problems to watch out for

The 9th generation of Chevrolet Impalas, from 2006 to 2013, is known as a reliable one—but it’s not perfect. The 2011 Chevrolet and other 9th-generation models are prone to a few problems that can affect their longevity. If you own a 2011 Impala or another from this generation, be on the lookout for the following problems:
  • Transmission failure: The 9th generation Impala is known to suffer transmission failures. Notably, you might hear loud noises, or feel a stuttering or jerking feeling while driving, which can indicate transmission issues. Replacing the transmission for a 2011 Impala will cost roughly $2,970.
  • Power lock malfunction: After some time, the Impala’s power locks are known to work intermittently or fail. Usually, replacing the lock assembly or the sensor can fix this issue. Either repair will run between $280 and $370.
  • Heater problems: Ninth-generation Impalas are known to have
    heater
    issues. Specifically, a few issues can cause Impala heater problems, including clogged lines, which can cost between $430 and $460 to clear. A faulty thermostat can impact the Impala’s heating system and will cost about $270 to replace. A head gasket leak can also affect the car’s heater and costs between $1,330 to $2,000 to replace.
  • Excessive oil consumption: The 2011 Impala’s engine has been reported to burn oil without any visible leakage. To fix this you’ll likely have to replace the
    oil pan
    , which can cost as much as $780 to swap out.
  • Passlock problems: Problems with the Impala’s passlock system can cause you to get locked out of the car. It can also cause the
    check engine light
    to go on and off, and even potentially make starting the car difficult. Passlock problems could mean the body control module needs replacing, which will cost about $500.
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: A failing
    intake manifold gasket
    can cause coolant leaks, which in turn can cause overheating—this can inflict serious damage to your engine. It will cost roughly $800 to fix a faulty intake manifold gasket.
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FAQs

Just 0.03% of cars make it to the 300,000 miles mark. Will your Impala make it? Highly unlikely, but don’t feel bad—most cars won’t make it either!
According to AAA, the highest mileage ever recorded on a Chevrolet was a 1991 Chevrolet C1500 pickup truck. Purchased as a used vehicle in 1996 by Frank Oresnik, he logged an astonishing 1.29 million miles on his rig by delivering steak and seafood every day from Chicago to Wisconsin.
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