2010 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,363 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 41 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 47 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJan 16, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N182206630.
Campaign 19V019000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJul 21, 2014
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Campaign 14E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Campaign 14V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)Sep 18, 2012
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Campaign 12V460000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
145 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, May 31, 2012
"SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT CAME ON. APPARENTLY NOT COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN APRIL THAT AFFLICTED THE DRIVER SIDE BUT THE AIR BAG SENSOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS THE ONE THROWING THE CODE. I'VE HAD THEM BOTH REPLACED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT WERE RECALLS ON THIS PART IN OTHER CARS. *TR
Air bags, Apr 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Mar 6, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. ..UPDATED 03/21/12 *BF UPDATED 06/06/12*JS
Air bags, Dec 5, 2011
THIS CAR HAS HAD THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS,AND THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY FOR A WHILE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE PREVIOUS TIME, THE LIGHT CAME ON AT 35000 MILES. THE DEALER COULD NOT GET IT TO REPEAT. CAR NOW HAS 50000 MILES AND THE LIGHT IS COMING ON AGAIN. NO ONE CAN TELL US ,IF WE ARE PROTECTED,BY THE AIR BAG IF THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE PLENTY OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM IF YOU DO A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 28, 2011
DRIVER SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED WITH MANUALLY FROM INSIDE, OR WITH THE KEY OR AUTO OPENER. DRIVER HAD TO EXIT OVER THE COUNSEL AND OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN I TURNED IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTION AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE IT. THEY DIDN'T SEEM TOO CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS A NEW ISSUE AND WHAT I BELIEVE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, IN ADDITION I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THIS VEHICLE SIX TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" INDICATOR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAD A RECALL BUT WAS NOT FIXED YET.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE DEALER WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/19/11 *BF
Air bags, Aug 19, 2011
SERVICE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU KEEPS COMING ON AND GOING OUT. *TR
Air bags, Nov 29, 2010
ALL MODELS, BELT BAG IN THE HISTORY OF THE AIRBAGS GAS DESIGN, THE FIRST SET OF GASES USED ON THE PUBLIC WERE ALL THE WORST IN 50 DESIGN COULD FIND, AND THAT'S HOW UTAH SUPPORTED HAZ WHOOPER. THESE WERE MOSTLY OXYGEN DEPROVANT GASES, THIS SET OF GASES HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE FLAMMABLE. PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS "MUST STAY CONTAINED DURING USE" AND "MUST STAY CONTAINED UNTIL DISPOSED OF PROPERLY". THEY LOST THIS CASE UNDER FEDERAL RULING THAT SUPPORTED ONCE DELIVERED THE GAS BECOMES THAT BUSINESS' PROPRIETARY. THESE HAVE A UNIQUE GAS MIXTURE TO MORTON INTERNATIONAL AND AUTOLIV. WHEN THE EMPLOYEES LOST THEIR HAZARDOUS EXPOSURE CASE TO REMOVE THE AVAILABILITY OF HAZ WHOOPING GAS FROM 49 OTHER PRODUCTION STATES, THEY WENT TO A NEW SET OF GASES. THOSE THAT WERE ALLOWED TO RELEASE DURING USE SUCH AS: WELD GAS (ARGON) "DESIGNATED RELEASE ON PUBLIC WHILE IN USE" HELIUM (SAFE ENOUGH FOR USE IN A CHILD'S TOY) THESE WERE ALSO EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. WHAT HAZ NEVER BEEN PROVIDED BY THIS COUNTRY IS THE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WHAT THESE "MIX" GASES WILL DO THAT MAKE THEM PROPRIETARY TO AUTOLIV & MORTON INTERNATIONAL. CHEMICAL REACTION NEEDS TO BE DETERMINED ON THE "MIX" GAS CONCERNING SPONTANEITY OF THE GAS IN UNPRECIDTABLE DEPLOYMENT. TV JUST ADVERTISED THIS BELT BAG. IT TAKES MUCH LESS GAS ON AN INFANT NO MATTER WHERE YOU PUT THEM IN THE VEHICLE. THE MORE "MIX" CYLINDERS YOU ALLOW IN THE VEHICLE THE WORSE THIS SITUATION IS GETTING. FLAMMABILITY IS THE LEAST OF OUR WORRIES AS THE PLANT DECLARED IT A "KNOCK OUT" GAS, FEELS LIKE A NERVE GAS, ETC. SOME WERE FIRED IN 1995 DESCRIBING IT AS SARIN GAS, QUALIFYING IT AS A BIO-EXPLOSIVE BUILT EXTERNAL TO DEFENSE (WHERE THE FIRST ARTICLE TESTING IS THAT PREVENTS PURCHASE OF THIS COMPONENT IN THE MILITARY). THESE CYLINDERS ALSO HAVE A KNOWN LEAK RATE OF 100%. (THE ORIGINAL FAILING OF THE GAS BESIDES THE BIO CHEMICAL REACTION) TOO MUCH PRESSURE LEAKS IN EXTREME HOT WHETHER CLIMATES, TOO LITTLE LEAKS IN COLD. *TR
Air bags, Nov 24, 2010, crash
I WANT TO FILE A COMPLIANT AND MAKE YOU AWARE THAT THE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU'S HAVE AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ISSUE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN A HIT A DEER HEAD-ON AT 50 MPH'S BECAUSE THE AIRBAG WIRE WAS SEVERED BY THE CRACKED PLASTIC AIR INTAKE COVER ON THE ENGINE DURING THE ACCIDENT. I FORTUNATELY WAS FINE DUE TO HAVING MY SEATBELT ON, BUT I WAS CURIOUS WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT WORK DEPLOY AT THE SPEED I WAS GOING WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. UPON INSPECTION, MY REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THE WIRE WAS SEVERED BY THE PLASTIC AIR INTAKE COVER AND ALSO FOUND OUT THIS A COMMON ISSUE IN THE 4 CYLINDER 2010 CHEVY MALIBU'S. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHEVY ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IN THE 2010 MALIBU'S. *TR
Air bags, Oct 14, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED OVER YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE REPORTED INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE FOR SERIOUS INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT LOANED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,600.
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Interior lighting, Oct 5, 2010
BRAND NEW 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU LEAKS WHEN RAINS AND IT RUNS INTO MY FLOORBOARD, AIRBAGS AND WIRE HARNESS CAUSING CAR TO SHORT OUT. MOST OF THE TIME THE LIGHTS IN DASH WON'T WORK. *TR
Air bags, Sep 30, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE LEVEL OF FORCE INVOLVED. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Equipment, Aug 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES WHERE THE BRAKES PADS WERE CONTINUOUSLY REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL CLICKING COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AXLE YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE, THERE WAS A LOUD ROAR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND WHEN ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, THE CONTACT OBSERVED ANTI-FREEZE EXPELLING FROM THE INTERIOR VENTS. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,600.
Air bags, Aug 6, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN EYE INJURY DUE TO THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE LEFT WITH THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE DEALER TO MAINTAIN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 30, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE OTHER DRIVER CROSSED OVER THE LANE AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE DRIVER FRONTAL AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANTS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER HEAD, ARM AND FINGERS. THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER FACE, A BROKEN FINGER, AND THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, ARM, AND HEAD. THE MICHIGAN POLICE REPORT NUMBER 9217521 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,000.
Air bags, Jul 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE RENTAL COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE RENTAL FACILITY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR ROAD HAZARD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 14,745. UPDATED 10/28/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/28/10*JB
Air bags, Jul 19, 2010, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 806. UPDATED 10/05/10 *BF UPDATED 10/07/10*JB
Air bags, Jul 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER, THE FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE AIR BAG ON LIGHT SHOULD HAVE ILLUMINATED ONCE THE SEATS WERE OCCUPIED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PASSENGER WOULD HAVE TO BE AT LEAST 105-115 POUNDS BEFORE THE AIR BAG WOULD ACTIVATE, ACCORDING TO SAFETY STANDARDS, AND THE PASSENGER WAS ONLY 100 POUNDS. THE DEALER ADVISED HE WOULD HAVE AN ENGINEER INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE FURTHER. THE ENGINEER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,400. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/25/10
Air bags, Jun 20, 2010
2010 MALIBU; I'VE HAD IT JUST OVER 3 MONTHS; AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUALLY LIT UP; TOOK TO DEALERSHIP; I'VE WAITED OVER A WEEK; THEY ORDERED 5 MODULES TO REPLACE SAFETY AIR BAG SYSTEM; TO REPLACE THEY HAD TO REMOVE BOTH FRONT SEATS; CUT THE TRACKS OF THE SEATS OUT; ORDER NEW TRACKS AND HAS TO WELD THEM BACK IN THE CAR; HOW SAFE IS THIS CAR GOING TO BE AT THIS POINT? I ONLY WISH FOR A DIFFERENT CAR AT THIS POINT AS I HAVE 2 YEAR OLD THAT I TRANSPORT IN THIS CAR AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE EVEN WITH THEM REPLACING ALL THE MODULES. *TR
Air bags, May 4, 2010
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU I BOUGHT 2 MONTHS AGO. A BRAND NEW CAR WITH 6 MILES WHEN I BOUGHT IT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE LAST WEEK TUESDAY AND THE CAR IS STILL THERE. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG CONNECTOR AND THAT THEY ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE PART. *TR