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: electrical system
294 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 17, 2014
MULTIPLE ERROR MESSAGES APPEARING IN DASHBOARD ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL WITH DASH COMPUTER GIVING OUT RANDOM ERROR MESSAGES STATING SERVICE AIRBAG AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON BURNED OUT MY BATTERY. GEAR SHIFT MAKES LOUD BOOMING NOISE WHEN PUTTING IN GEAR WHILE DRIVING CAR JOLTS AND HESITATES TO SHIFT GEARS. CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO CHECK THE CAR DIAGNOSTIC WITHOUT CHARGING PER MODULE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 16, 2014
CAR WILL ALARM WITH "SERVICE ESCAPE" AND "SERVICE TRACTION" --- BRAKE LIGHTS WILL THEN WORK OPPOSITE OF WHAT THEY SHOULD. WHEN BRAKES ARE NOT BEING PRESSED THEY ARE LIT BUT WHEN BRAKES ARE PRESSED BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY BUT FOR SEVERAL DAYS AT A TIME. HAVE ALSO HAD CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGE ITSELF WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE AT APPROX 70 MPH-- CRUISE CONTROL CAME ON AND SPED THE CAR UP WITHOUT IT BEING SET -- DISENGAGED WHEN BRAKES PRESSED. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2014
WHEN WE DRIVE THIS AUTO IN THE RAIN, OR AFTER GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE CAR GOES INTO THE "LIMP" MODE AND THE SERVICE LIGHTS COME ON AND REMAIN ON UNTIL THE CAR DRIES AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE FIRST TIME AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 4 YEARS AND IT STILL DOES THAT. WE NEVER DRIVE IT IF WE KNOW IT WILL BE RAINING BUT AM AFRAID THAT IF WE DO DRIVE IT AND IT STARTS RAINING, THAT THE CAR WILL JUST STOP RUNNING. NEITHER I NOR THE DEALER KNOWS WHAT IS GETTING WET AND CAUSING THE PROBLEM BUT IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. I SPOKE WITH [XXX] AT GM CUSTOMER SERVICE THIS MORNING AND SHE SAID SHE HAS HAD OTHER CALLS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SHE DOES NOT KNOW IF ANYONE IS INVESTIGATING IT OR NOT. SHE ASKED IF I HAD NOTIFIED NHTSA AND I SAID I HAD NOT. SHE CONFIRMED THAT IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO DO THAT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 10, 2014
FOLLOWING THE RECALL FIX FOR ID#93696 I EXPERIENCED THE "SERVICE ENC" WARNING. A SHORT TIME LATER I BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE "TRACTION" WARNING COMING ON. I NOW HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN TRYING TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE. AND JUST RECENTLY I GET A INTERMITTENT DINGING SOUND, THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE SEATBELT WARNING, THAT COMES ON IN SPITE OF THE SEAT BELT BEING HOOKED SECURELY. I HAVE REPEATEDLY BROUGHT THESE ISSUES TO THE ATTENTION OF THE RUDA CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP ONLY TO HAVE THEM BLOW ME OFF. I BECAME PERSISTENT AND CONTACTED GM DIRECTLY AND THEY INSTRUCTED RUDA TO REPLACE THE BREAK PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. HOWEVER THIS FIX HAS NOT MADE ANY DIFFERENCE. I CONTINUE TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES. I AM BECOMING INCREASINGLY CONCERNED REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THIS $27,000 VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT I MAY, AT SOME POINT, ALSO EXPERIENCE BRAKE LIGHT ISSUES AS WELL. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I AM A PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENT WHO HAS TO DRIVE 2 HOURS ONE WAY TO SEE MY SPECIALIST. I HAVE ENOUGH STRESS IN MY LIFE!!! *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 4, 2014
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN MY CAR STALLED. THE CABIN STARTED FILLING UP WITH SMOKE. THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. THE TRUNK WOULD NOT OPEN. THE LOCKS WOULD NOT WORK. THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE TRUNK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUSE BOX IN THE TRUNK WAS MELTING THE JUNCTION BOX AND MAIN BODY HARNESS. MY INSURANCE COMPANY PICKED UP THE CLAIM AND MADE REPAIRS. THERE IS NOW A RECALL ON THESE CARS FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 3, 2014
I CALLED GM AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS INCLUDED ON THE RECENT RECALL ISSUED MAY 14, HOWEVER THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE YET TO FIX. I WAS ALSO MADE AWARE THAT THIS RECALL FIX WOULD ONLY FIX THE BRAKE LAMPS AND THAT THE OTHER ISSUES I.E CRUISE CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, AND TRACTION CONTROL ARE NOT A PART THIS RECALL. I AM ISSUING ANOTHER COMPLAINT DUE TO READING MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE AND THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM. THIS IS A POTENTIAL DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, NOT TO MENTION WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS STAYING ILLUMINATED AND TURN OFF WHEN THE PEDAL IS PRESSED CURRENTLY. THERE SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL SINCE THE ISSUES INCLUDED IN THE RECENT RECALL WILL NOT BE ADDRESSED AND HAS MADE ME A DISSATISFIED GM OWNER. I HOPE THE NHTSA WILL FURTHER INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS AND PRESSURE GM TO COMPLETELY FIX THESE DEFECTS IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 31, 2014
THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT BEING PUSHED. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE CAR IS SITTING IN PARK OR BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY, THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN THE PEDAL IS NOT PUSHED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED, THE BRAKE LIGHT GOES OFF. NOT ONLY DOES THAT HAPPEN BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ON THE PANEL GOES OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND STAYS ON. THIS IS A HAZARD AS I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE ENCOUNTERS. THE FIRST TIME OF THE INCIDENT MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND THE DEALER APPLIED SOME KIND OF LUBRICANT. IT WORKED FOR ABOUT A YEAR THEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. I HAVE HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND HE REPLACED THE BRAKE SENSOR WHICH DID NOT SEEM TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WHEN CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THEY HAVE TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE DIAGNOSTIC FEE. I EXPLAINED ABOUT THE VEHICLE RECALL AND WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. [XXX] ARE THEY WAITING FOR AN ACCIDENT TO OCCUR OR DEATH BEFORE THEY RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT THINK THEY KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS THEIRSELVES. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY THEM AGAIN IF THIS ISN'T GOING TO BE RESOLVED. I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED WITH THEM. REALLY NEED THIS TO BE RESOLVED. *TR PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 27, 2014
CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO ENGAGE OR EVEN INDICATE THAT IT IS ON WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON AND SET - BUTTONS ARE APPLIED. THE UPPER REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED SOMETIMES. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, May 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE BATTERY WAS RESET MULTIPLE TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V047000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,500.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2014
POWER STEERING WARNING PLUS THE CHECK ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAME ON WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR, AND THE STEERING WOULD NOT WORK. WE WERE AT THE TIME IN THE NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS. WE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, TRIED AGAIN, AND THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. NONETHELESS THIS MADE FOR A SCARY TRIP DOWN MOUNTAIN ROADS. THIS FAILURE DID NOT OCCUR AGAIN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THEN IN THE WINTER OF 2013-2014 IT BEGAN TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY. IN APRIL 2014 WE TOLD THE CHEVROLET SERVICE ADVISOR WHO SAID TO BRING IN THE CAR WHILE THE STEERING WAS NOT ON POWER. SO WE DID WITH DIFFICULT STEERING IN CITY TRAFFIC. THE ADVISOR DIAGNOSED STEERING COLUMN FAILURE. GM HAS OFFERED TO PAY PART OF THE PRICE OF REPAIR. THIS OFFER CAME AFTER EXTENSIVE CONVERSATIONS WITH GM AND THE LOCAL DEALER WITH WHOM WE HAVE DONE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF BUSINESS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Air bags, Electrical system, Apr 19, 2014
I HAVE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR THAT I BELIEVE TO BE MANUFACTURER DEFECTS. THE MOST SERIOUS ISSUE I FOUND TODAY (4/19/2014) WHEN I SMELLED GAS OUTSIDE OF MY CAR. UPON LOOKING UNDERNEATH MY CAR I FOUND MY GAS TANK LEAKING ONTO MY EXHAUST PIPE. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A RECALL ISSUE BECAUSE THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DAMAGE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF MY CAR. ONE OF THE OTHER SERIOUS ISSUES I HAVE FOUND WITH MY CAR INCLUDE A BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE. MY CAR WAS OCCASIONALLY SHOWING A "SERVICE TRACTION/ ESC" ERROR CODE, WHICH COULD NOT BE EXPLAINED BY ANY MECHANIC OR EVEN A CHEVY DEALERSHIP THEMSELVES. IT WASN'T UNTIL A FRIEND FOLLOWING ME POINTED OUT THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS DIDN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING RIGHT, DID I REALIZE I WAS HAVING AN ISSUE. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT THEY SHOULD, BUT ONLY ON THE OCCASIONS SAID ERROR CODE IS SHOWING. I LOOKED INTO THE ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. CHEVY HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. THE THIRD MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT, I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE IS NOT EXCLUSIVE TO MY CAR. WHEN I SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF MY MALIBU, AMONG EVERY MALIBU I HAVE EVER BEEN, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DOES NOT TURN ON. I AM 26 AND WEIGH 94LBS, SO I DON'T KNOW IF MY SIZE IS THE REASON I DO NOT ENGAGE THE AIRBAG!? THE FINAL DEFECT I HAD TO DEAL WITH INVOLVED MY DRIVER SIDE RIM. I HAD A TINY LITTLE HAIR LINE CRACK ON THE INSIDE OF MY RIM, CAUSING ME TO LOOSE A LOT OF AIR IN MY TIRE. I CONSIDER THIS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT BECAUSE MY RIM WAS NOT DAMAGED IN ANY OTHER WAY SHAPE OR FORM. I HAD A HARD TIME OBTAINING A NEW RIM, BECAUSE (ACCORDING TO EVERYONE I CALLED) THE RIM WAS IN HIGH DEMAND. PLEASE LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES AND CONSIDER ADDING THEM TO GM'S CURRENT RECALL LIST. THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING MY CONCERNS. *TR..UPDATED 04-23-14 *BF *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Apr 1, 2014
ERROR 1. WARNING ERRORS ON DASHBOARD STATE SERVICE ESC, SERVICE TRACTION; NOTICED JUST AFTER OCT 2011 PURCHASE. BRAKE POSITION SENSOR REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS ON AND OFF TO THIS DAY (APRIL 2014). TWO SERVICES HAVE NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM. ERROR 2. CRUISE CONTROL WOULD STOP WORKING ON IT'S OWN WHILE AT HWY SPEEDS; NOTICED DEC 2011. CRUISE CURRENTLY (APRIL 2014) WILL NOT ENGAGE AT ANY SPEED. ERROR 3. BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON WITHOUT PEDAL DEPRESSION AT ANY SPEED AND CONVERSELY WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF; NOTICED APR 2012. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING ON AND OFF TODAY (APRIL 2014) . THE CRUISE CONTROL AND BRAKE LIGHT ISSUES ARE HUGE SAFETY CONCERNS AND WITH MORE THAN 20 ALMOST IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTED AND AT LEAST ONE CRASH, WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 31, 2014
AT FIRST I LOST POWER STEERING WHEN TRAVELING HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. NOW THE POWER STEERING FAILS WITH JUST SHORT TRIPS AROUND TOWN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN, ESPECIALLY FOR MY WIFE. SHE DOES NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO TURN THE WHEEL AT SLOW SPEEDS. I DO NOT WANT TO PAY ACCIDENT SURCHARGES ON TOP OF THE REPAIR BILL FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS POWER STEERING ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED ALL OVER THE WEB AND AFFECTS MANY MODELS THAT HAVE THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING BOX. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING BOX RELATED TO THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) AND THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR. THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CANNOT BE REPLACED AT THIS TIME (OR MAYBE NEVER). THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN MUST BE REPLACED. THIS IS AT A VERY COSTLY EXPENSE WHEN A CHEAPER REPAIR IS AN OPTION. I RESEARCHED A CAR OWNER WHO HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN THREE TIMES DUE TO FAILURE OF THE POSITION SENSOR AND THERE IS NO RECOURSE FOR US CONSUMERS. EVERY 20,000 MILES AFTER WARRANTIES WERE EXPIRED. I AM [XXX] YEARS OLD AND HAVE ONLY OWNED AMERICAN MADE CARS, JUST ABOUT ALL GM PRODUCTS. IF THIS ISSUE DOES NOT GET RESOLVED IN A PROFESSIONAL WAY I WILL BE GOING TO THE FORD PRODUCT. I HOPE I WILL NOT BE FORCED TO THE FOREIGN CARS FOR THE REASON I WILL NOT RETURN TO GM IF THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. I AM OPTIMISTIC AT THIS POINT I CAN REMAIN A HAPPY GM CONSUMER. I RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THE MINI COOPER HAD THE SAME ISSUE OF POWER STEERING FAILURE. THEY STOOD BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND OFFERED A 13 YEAR OR 200,000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE POWER STEERING MODULE. HTTP://WWW.NORCALMINIS.COM/2013/05/MINI-POWER-STEERING-PUMP-WARRANTY.HTML THIS WOULD BE A VERY WISE CHOICE TO OFFER THIS SOLUTION WITH THE RECENT OF THE RECALL WITH THE IGNITION SHUTTING OFF WHILE THE CAR IS OPERATIONAL CAUSING FATALITIES. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 20, 2014
I WAS TRAVELING ON A SIDE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO A FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. HAD I BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, IT IS LIKELY THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURY. CHEVROLET DID NOT RESPOND TO MY CONCERN AND I ENDED UP TRADING IN THE VEHICLE FOR A NON-GM PRODUCT. VIEWING THE RECENT RECALLS FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH (THAT I REALIZE WAS NOT THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR) CAUSED ME TO REPORT THIS IN THE EVENT OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND HOPEFULLY PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Mar 13, 2014
THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT BEING PUSHED. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THE CAR IS SITTING IN PARK OR BEING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY, THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN THE PEDAL IS NOT PUSHED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED, THE BRAKE LIGHT GOES OFF. *TR
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2014
NOV 2, 2013, SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON AT START, WON'T TURN OFF EVEN AFTER TURNING OFF, RESTARTING. LIGHT STAYS ON APPROX. 1 HR., TURNS OFF AFTER NEXT RESTART. NOV. 10, 2013, HEAR "DING" - DRIVING IN STOP & GO TRAFFIC JUST BEFORE SUNDOWN. ALL LIGHTS ON DASH TURN OFF, INCLUDING RADIO. TURN CAR OFF & RESTART. NO DASH LIGHTS, NO RADIO. TURN DASH LIGHT KNOB "OFF" & THEN "ON". LIGHTS RESET. NOV 28, 2013, DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE. ENGINE "CHOKES" FOR SPLIT SECOND, BUT DOES NOT SHUT OFF. LESS POWERFUL "CHOKES" NEXT 30-45 MINS. SIMILAR SPORADIC EPISODES CONTINUE -- LAST ONE MARCH 1, 2014. INITIALLY THOUGHT PROBLEM WAS BAD GAS/CONTAMINATED FUEL. CHANGED TO MAJOR OIL COMPANIES FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER. HASN'T SOLVED THE PROBLEM. HAVE NOTIFIED THE DEALER. THIS IS THE SECOND MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ON THE CAR. IN APRIL & MAY 2013, POWER STEERING SHUT-OFF, AND VARIOUS DASH LIGHTS/DOOR LOCKS ACTIVATED. DEALER FINALLY INSTALLED ENTIRELY NEW FUSE PANEL, AND THOSE PROBLEMS HAVEN'T OCCURRED AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 27, 2014
ON JAN 15, 2014, AT 2PM, WHILE DRIVING 55MPH ON A DRY ROAD, THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYED A WARNING OF "ICE POSSIBLE". OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES AT THE TIME WERE IN THE HIGH 30'S. THE NEXT DAY, JAN 16, 2014, AGAIN AROUND 2PM WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH ON A DRY ROAD, THE DASHBOARD MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYED A WARNING OF "ICE POSSIBLE" FOLLOWED BY A WARNING OF "ABS FAILURE" AND THEN IMMEDIATELY BY A "LOW POWER" WARNING MESSAGE. WITHIN SECONDS OF THE LOW POWER WARNING THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE DASH BOARD DISPLAY WENT BLACK, NO FLASHERS, TURN SIGNALS, OR LIGHTS. STEERING AND BRAKES WERE FUNCTIONAL BUT WITHOUT POWER ASSIST. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE DURING FOUR ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE CAR. THERE WERE NO SIGNS OF ANY POWER AVAILABLE. THE KEY WAS REMOVED AND RE-INSERTED AND WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED TO START EVERYTHING WORKED NORMALLY. WE DROVE IT HOME WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 26, 2014
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN WE GOT A POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE CHEVY DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT IT BILL JACOBS CHEVROLET IN JOLIET ILLINOIS AND THEY SAID THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED AND GM REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. IT HAD JUST OVER 40,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND GM SWEPT THE PROBLEM UNDER THE TABLE..OH,BY THE WAY THEY DID CHARGE US 1,200 DOLLARS TO REPAIR IT. *TR
Electrical system, Seats, Jan 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT ENTERED THE PARKED VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BURN MARK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BACK REST. THE DEFECT WAS CAUSED BY A HIGH VOLTAGE OF HEAT THAT PENETRATED THROUGH THE SEAT OVERNIGHT. THE HEATED SEAT HAD BEEN ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE WIRES VISIBLE IN THE BURNED HOLE THAT WAS IN THE BACK REST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 4/1/14*CN THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND ACKNOWLEDGED THE WIRES HAD SHORTED AND BURNED OUT. UPDATED 04/23/14
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 28, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN MAIN STREET IN OUR TOWN AFTER JUST WASHING OUR 2010 MALIBU AND THE CAR STARTED TO LOOSE POWER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND STARTED TO REDUCE POWER. WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT CAME ON, THE SERVICE ESC, SERVICE TRACTION, AND ENG PWR SHOWED UP ON THE DISPLAY. I STOPPED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF. IT TOOK ABOUT 5 MINUTES FOR THE CAR TO RUN CORRECTLY AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND THE CODE P2135 WAS SHOWING. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THIS HAD HAPPENED. THE OTHER TIME WAS ON 10/01/2013 WITH 69,193 MILES ON IT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THEY PUT SOME DIELECTRIC GREASE ON SOME CONNECTORS. I CALLED THE CHEVY DEALER AGAIN TODAY FOR ANOTHER APPOINTMENT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Nov 25, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR LOST POWER. SEVERAL VEHICLES ALMOST STRUCK ME ON HIGHWAY, VERY VERY, SCARY EXPERIENCE. . DURING DRIVING, FOLLOWING MESSAGES APPEARED: 1)ENG PWR REDUCED 2)SERVICE ESC 3)SERVICE TRACTION 4)ESC OFF 5) SERVICE AIRBAG. I ALSO NOTICED THE CAR SHUDDERED EXTREMELY BAD. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE I WAS NOT COMPRESSING THE BRAKE, AND I HAD NO ACCELERATION. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURNED OFF. THE RPM JUMPED BETWEEN 3000-4000. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND LETTING IT SIT FOR APPROX 5 MIN. THE WARNING MESSAGES DISAPPEARED, HOWEVER SES LIGHT REMAINED. 2 CODES PRESENTED TODAY. 1)C0242 2)P2135. WILL BE CONTACTING CUSTOMER CARE, AND TAKING CAR TO DEALER TOMORROW. EXTREMELY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. NOT ALONE, MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUE. CAR STILL RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING FOR SERVICE AIRBAG. -----------------------HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=MYTMB6QOD4Y. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 24, 2013
CPO 2010 CHEVY MALIBU @59K NO KNOWN ISSUES PRIOR TO EXPLANATIONS ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR NEW TIRES AND HAD A MECH CHECK A CLICKING NOISE THAT I NOTICED WHEN I WOULD PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE AND BEGIN TO MOVE. HE STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM WHERE MY CV ENTERS THE TRANSMISSIONS AND BELIEVES THERE IS PLAY WITHIN A GEAR SOMEWHERE INTERNALLY. I CALLED THE CHEVY DEALER AND AM DUE TO BRING IN THE VEHICLE TOMORROW.... NOW HERE IS THE PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY LAST NIGHT THIS RANDOM ISSUE. THE FOLLOWING WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON: ENGINE LIGHT TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT FOLLOWED BY THE FOLLOWING WARNING MESSAGES: ENG PWR REDUCED SERVICE ESC SERVICE TRACTION ESC OFF THE CAR BEGAN TO SHUDDER AS IF IT WANTED TO DIE. ALONG WITH THIS, I HAD NO ACCELERATION AND THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS WHEN THIS HAPPENED I WAS EXITING A TUNNEL ONTO A BRIDGE. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. ALL THE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO SHOW, AND THE RPMS JUMPED AS SEEN IN THE ATTACHED VIDEO. [XXX] I AGAIN SHUT THE CAR OFF AND WAITED ABOUT 5 MIN. AFTER TURNING THE CAR BACK ON, THE ONLY LIGHT THAT REMAINED ON WAS THE ENGINE LIGHT. I GATHERED THESE CODES THIS MORNING. C0242 P2135 -TPS THIS IS THE SECOND CAR IN 2 YEARS I HAVE BOUGHT FROM THIS DEALER, HERB CHAMBERS OF DANVERS, AND THIS IS THE SECOND CAR TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION ISSUE, ON TOP OF WHATEVER ELSE ITS DOING. I STILL OWE WELL OVER $10,000 ON THIS CAR. I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD THIS CAR 9 MONTHS. I CAN TELL YOU I AM A GROWN MAN IN TEARS BECAUSE I WORK 44 HRS A WEEK IN A CAREER I SPENT ALOT OF MONEY TRAINING FOR AND NOW AM HAVING MASSIVE ISSUES. I CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE MY JOB AND THE DEALER COULD SEEM TO CARE LESS. *TR PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Oct 27, 2013
I WENT TO LEAVE ONE MORNING AND MY CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. ONLY WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WOULD IT FINALLY MOVE INTO DRIVE. AFTER DRIVING IT A DAY OR TWO MY SERVICE TRACTION AND MY SERVICE ESC LIGHTS HAVE BEEN COMING ON SINCE JULY. AND NOW TODAY MY CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AN ALSO MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK THEY ARE OFF AND WILL NOT COME ON. WHEN THE CAR IS IN DRIVE THEY ARE ON CONSTANTLY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 19, 2013
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON OUR 2010 CHEVY MALIBU, TURN ON WHILE DRIVING BUT TURN OFF WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. AFTER TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS THEN STAY OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 4 SECONDS, THEN ILLUMINATE ON THEIR OWN AGAIN. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AND THE SERVICE ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION WARNINGS ARE DISPLAYED. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AND FOR VARYING PERIODS OF TIME. *TR
Electrical system, Service brakes, Oct 2, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON EVEN WHEN PEDAL IS NOT PUSHED. WHEN PEDAL IS PRESSED LIGHTS WILL FLASH OFF, BRAKE LIGHTS BASICALLY WORKING IN REVERSE. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF FOR THE LIGHTS TO SHUT OFF. ALMOST WAS REAR ENDED THIS MORNING DUE TO BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TR