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: exterior lighting
194 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that under previous vehicle ownership, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear brake light failed to illuminate as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the brake lights would illuminate. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact had been informed by other drivers that the brake lights failed to illuminate as intended while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights randomly illuminated while driving. The traction control warning light was illuminated intermittently, causing the cruise control to become inoperable. The contact stated that as an independent mechanic, he had replaced the brake sensors twice; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure might be related to the brake sensors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 22, 2024
This is in reference to GM Recall Number: 13036 - I noticed that from time to time the service traction warning comes on, service esc warning comes on, my cruise control stops working suddenly. I didn't think anything of it until I finally noticed my brake lights were illuminated in my back window without my foot being on the brake pedal. I replaced the sensor on the brake pedal hoping that would fix it and it did not. I looked up my VIN for active recalls and for some reason it's saying there are none. This is clearly the recall that is listed. I'm worried I'll be driving and someone may either rear end me or get confused thinking I'm braking when I am not. Very unsafe. I'm just unsure what to do. Any help would be appreciated as I need a vehicle and can't be without one.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jan 19, 2024
My 2010 Chevy Malibu randomly started having electrical problems a few weeks ago. My gauge cluster lights will not turn on and I cannot see my blinkers or other information I need in the gauge cluster. The gauge cluster lights wont come on so I cannot see how fast i am going at night. The brake lights illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed. The car is difficult to get out of park. After researching the problems I found that GM has issued recalls for the BCM on Chevrolet Malibus recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012. I then contacted my local chevy dealership and they told me my vehicles VIN does not fall under the recall they issued so I would have to pay to have the problems addressed. I explained to the dealership that this is a well known issue and how unsafe that it is and they then told me “There is nothing we do about it.”. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle and I feel that these issues that it is having will put my life at risk and others because these malfunctions will obviously increase the risk of a crash. I feel that it is wrong to have a customer pay for repairs on a part of a vehicle that has recalls and is a crucial safety component.
Exterior lighting, Oct 23, 2023
The headlights will repeatedly stop working. I got both headlight bulbs replaced and two months later the passenger side low beam light was flickering. it would sometimes come back on if a bump in the road was hit or if it was tapped then it went out completely. This is very costly and unsafe to be driving at night with. It is most likely a problem with the headlight assembly. I have had the vehicle inspected multiple times and there was not anything reported to me. I can not afford to keep spending hundreds of dollars over and over again on the same issue. This is a continuous issue that I have seen in many other Chevy malibus and this needs to be fixed immediately.
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2023
The issue is that there are times when the brake lights kick on when I’m not braking and they stay on and when I brake they turn off. I’m at risk and so are the people who drive in back of me. The lights kick on and they don’t know when I’m actively braking. I took it to the Merle stone a year ago now and they “fixed it” but it still occurred. No warning lamps/lights. It was my moms car before it became mine and she’s told me that when she drove it, it was already happening before it was gifted to me so I can’t pinpoint exactly when it started happening. I’ve searched the internet and I’ve came upon stories of other people with this same make and model have the same issue. I currently don’t that the invoice of when they “fixed” the issue but I could always contact the Merle stone and get a copy emailed (hopefully) if needed.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 10, 2023
Passenger side low beam headlight wiring harness connector keeps melting even after replacement. Noticed online that many owners are experiencing the same issue. Replaced harness multiple times and same issue reoccurs after two to three weeks of use.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2022
I drive down the road and the brake lights come on I hit the brake then they go off. Randomly when I drive service esc service traction come on but as soon as I turn the car off and back on it is gone. Cruise control stopped working as well.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Oct 30, 2022
DEALER NOT ASSISTING IN RECALL REPAIRS THAT WEREN’T CORRECTED.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 20, 2022
THE BRAKES ARE DOING THE SAME THING THAT WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRED BACK IN 2014. THEY ARE ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TURN OFF WHILE I HIT THE BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED WITHOUT GETTING THIS CORRECTED. I HAVE BOUGHT SEVERAL PARTS TRYING TO REPAIR THIS BUT THE PARTS ARE NOT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. CRUISE CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL AND SEVER OTHER FUNCTIONS ARE NOT WORKING EITHER ALL OF THEM ARE RELATED TO THE SAME RECALL ISSUED BACK IN 2014. IS THERE ANY KIND OF WARRANTY ON THE RECALL THAT WAS REPAIRED?
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 4, 2022
I purchased the car for my mother on 10/20/2015 from Mike Savoie Chevrolet in Troy, MI. At the time I had a concern because there was a message being displayed on the car “Service ESC”, I was informed by the dealer that it was a false message and there was no issue with the car, we should just disregard but if we had any problems to let him know moving forward. At that time we did not have issues with anything else. There was about 80,000 miles on the odometer when we bought it, there are only about 95,300 now. Recently the brake lights have been coming on when the brakes are not applied, we have taken the car to a mechanic three times for this issue but he has been unable to duplicate it, as a result he felt that the brake pedal sensor was at fault and replaced it, but the issue still exists, a wasted $200! My 17 year old grandson is now using the car, the issue occurred again today and I discovered that this issue may be associated with a recall which also includes the “Service ESC” message which has been on the car since I bought it. However, when I enter the VIN it shows no open recalls. Apparently it was not fixed and the dealer should have fixed it before I bought it or I should have been notified of the recall. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY GRANDSON’S SAFETY AND WILL NEED TO SWITCH MY CAR WITH HIM SO THAT HE CAN BE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE! Not only do the brake lights come on when not applied, but you need to tap the brake to turn them off at that point other drivers are not aware that the brake is being applied. Taking the car back to the repairman today. Please help. Thank you very much for your time and attention to this matter.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 13, 2021
My 3rd brake light works intermittently. I have bought my car just over a year ago from a pre-owned dealership.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Oct 19, 2021
Service electronic stability control light comes on and brake light comes on and off at times
Exterior lighting, Oct 2, 2021
The component that has malfunctioned or failed is the pigtail for the low beam headlight on the driver side. The safety issue is that I am driving with one headlight reducing the visibility of the road. The problem has been reproduced because this is the second time that I had to change the headlights. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or Insurance representative because the price would have been more than $300. There are no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. It occurred two years ago. And once again this year.
Exterior lighting, May 4, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD FLASH WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ESC AND TCM SERVICE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Exterior lighting, Apr 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD FAIL TO ILLUMINATE AS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SPITZER CHEVROLET (33 E AURORA RD, NORTHFIELD, OH 44067) WHO ATTACHED THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE BCM WITH A SPACER AND APPLIED DI-ELECTRIC LUBRICANT TO THE BCM AND HARNESS CONNECTOR HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SAME FAILURE SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,281.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Apr 13, 2021
WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BE SET AND ALL OF A SUDDEN TURN OFF. THE GAUGES ON THE DASH WOULD SPORATICALLY JUMP UP AND DOWN AND SOMETIMES FLATLINE AS IF THE CAR WAS OFF. WHEN BRAKING THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD ENGAGE IF MY HAND PRESSED THE BUTTON LLOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPEED UP WHILE TRYING TO SLOW DOWN. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD BE ON WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKES AND WOULD TURN ON ONCE BRAKES WERE PRESSED. RECALL WORK WAS REPORTED TO BE COMPLETED JANUARY 2015 BUT PROBLEMS STILL PERSIST. THERE IS ALSO A BULLETIN FOR SPECIAL COVERAGE THAT IS LIMITED TO 150,000 MILES WHICH I DON'T RECIEVE BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS OVER THAT MILEAGE BUT THE DANGERS OF THE VEHICLE STILL PERSIST. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN PRESENT SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR 2 OR 3 YEARS AGO. THE LAST INCIDENT HAPPENED JUST 2 DAYS AGO. I CANTACTED CHEVY AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T COVER IT BECAUSE OF THE MILES.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Dec 28, 2020
THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP BREAKING. THE RIGHT SIDE MORE OFTEN. I SEE THESE MALIBU'S ON THE ROAD ALL THE TIME WITH A HEADLIGHT OUT. IT'S EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE AND SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AS OFTEN AS IT DOES.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Dec 26, 2020
STEERING GETS HARD TO MANEUVER WHILE DRIVING ALL LIGHTS COME ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND HAVE TO STOP AND RESET VEHICLE, HEADLIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN MY STEERING GOT HARD TO USE. I HAD TO GET ON THE SHOULDER AND RESET THE BATTERY, IN ORDER TO GET HOME SAFELY
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 14, 2020
EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON & CRUISE CONTROL SHUTS OFF. WHEN IN MOTION.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Dec 6, 2020
THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING PUSHED. THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM AND WE ONLY REALIZE IT STILL EXISTS WHEN ONE OF OUR FAMILY IS FOLLOWING THE 2010 MALIBU IN ANOTHER CAR. WE HAD BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO A CHEVROLET SERVICE CENTER IN THE PAST AND WERE CHARGED FOR A "REPAIR". WHEN WE AGAIN NOTICED THE PROBLEM WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO A FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER AND THEY CHARGED US FOR A "REPAIR". WE JUST NOTICED THE PROBLEM AGAIN AND NOW ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. A SEARCH OF THE VIN SHOWS NO UNREPAIRED RECALLS SO WE ARE NOT SURE IF THE ORIGINAL OWNER HAD ALREADY BROUGHT IT IN (WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER) OR IF THIS PARTICULAR VIN WAS NOT THOUGHT TO BE AFFECTED. REGARDLESS, IT SOUNDS LIKE A KNOWN PROBLEM AND WE ARE HOPING NOT TO HAVE TO PAY A THIRD TIME AND THEN STILL HAVE AN ISSUE. PLEASE LET US KNOW OUR OPTIONS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Exterior lighting, Oct 28, 2020
THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 13, 2020
LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I GET THEM FIXED. I CAN BANG ON THE FRONT END AND SOMETIMES THEY'LL COME ON, BUT SOMETIMES NOT. TIRED IF REPLACING AND OR FIXING THEM, EVERY FEW MONTHS! ALSO MY SVC TIRE MONITOR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND SAY LOW TIRE PRESSURE AND MY TIRES ARE NOT LOW......
Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 8, 2020
MY LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. AS OF NOW I DONT HAVE ANY HEADLIGHTS. AND I KEEP HAVING TRANSMISSION KIND OF ISSUES.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2020
BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEPS GOING OUT I CHANGED BOTH HARNESS 4 TIMES AND THEY KEEP COMING ON AND GOING OFF. ALSO WINDOW BRAKE LIGHT LIGHTS UP WHEN IT WANTS TO WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE AND BOTH FRONT DOOR SPEAKERS KEEPS COMING ON AND GOING OFF. SOMETIMES THE SWITCH ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL LOCK/UNLOCK DOORS AND SOMETIMES IT WANT. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS THAT'S CAUSING THIS MY MECHANIC THINKS IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT'S CAUSING ALL OF THIS. ALSO KEY FOB STOPPED WORKING SO I CHANGED THE BATTERY STILL DIDN'T WORK TOOK TO SEE IF MAYBE IT NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED BUT WAS TOLD ONCE AGAIN MY CAR HAS SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUES.