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
1,363 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jun 21, 2014
STARTED THE CAR ONE MORNING AND HEARD A CHIME, THEN OBSERVED POWER STEERING WARNING ON THE DISPLAY. STEERING NEEDS MORE EFFORT THAN USUAL EVER SINCE. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE NOT ENGAGED AND SHUT OFF WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ESC OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE TRACTION IN THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
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
Steering, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 16, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU LT (ECOTECH ENGINE), THE ENGINE STARTS TO STUTTER AND THE ESC SHUTS OFF AND CLAIMS IT NEEDS SERVICING. THE ESC WILL GO ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS WELL. I HAVE HAD THE CODES READ MULTIPLE TIMES AND CHANGED MULTIPLE PARTS BUT TO NO AVAIL. IT KEEPS STATING THAT THERE IS A MISFIRE IN CYLINDER 1. HAVE CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACKS. THE STUTTERING HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS, INCLUDING WHILE ACCELERATING AND IDLING. THERE'S ALSO BEEN TIMES OF TOUGH STEERING AS IF THE POWER STEERING IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I HAVE NOTICED IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN IN LATE SPRING THROUGH SUMMER WHEN THE TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE ARE HIGHER. I HAVE CHECKED AND THERE IS NOT A CRACK IN THE HEAD GASKET OR THE HEAD. *TR
Steering, Jun 14, 2014
WHEN I STARTED THE ENGINE ON MY 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU, THE INFORMATION CENTER DISPLAYED THE MESSAGE "POWER STEERING" AND SERVICE ESC" AND WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE THE CAR, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 200 FEET IN A PARKING LOT, I REALIZED STEERING WAS TOO DIFFICULT AND DRIVING THE CAR WAS UNSAFE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE, AND LUCKILY THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY WENT AWAY. HOWEVER, I HAD THIS PROBLEM REOCCUR AGAIN OVER 20 TIMES BETWEEN 2/2014 TO 4/2014. FOR MY OWN SAFETY AND FEAR THAT THE ISSUE COULD WORSEN AND APPEAR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING, I PROACTIVELY TOOK THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED AND FIXED THE PROBLEM. HERE IS THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND FIX: CAUSE CODE: C0545 TORQUE SENSOR CORRECTIVE ACTION: REPLACED STEERING COLUMN I HAVE ALSO OPENED A CASE# WITH GENERAL MOTORS/CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND REPEATEDLY CONTACTED THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND RESOLUTION AS OUTLINED IN THE RECENT 31MAR2014 (ELECTRIC) POWER STEERING RECALL FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: [ HTTP://MEDIA.GM.COM/MEDIA/US/EN/GM/NEWS.DETAIL.HTML/CONTENT/PAGES/NEWS/US/EN/2014/MAR/0331-POWER-STEERING.HTML ]. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE, HOWEVER, INDICATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER/VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR. I AM CONTACTING THE NHTSA TO INFORM THEM THAT VEHICLES NOT LISTED UNDER THE ABOVE RECALL, NAMELY THE 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU, POTENTIALLY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM/SAFETY ISSUE AND REQUIRE THE SAME REPAIR. I HOPE THAT THE NHTSA ENCOURAGES GENERAL MOTORS TO REASSESS THE VEHICLES COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL AND EXTEND THE RECALL TO ALSO INCLUDE THE 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU MODEL YEAR. *JS
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 13, 2014
MY SERVICE ESC/SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR WAS FLASHING. IT CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL, THEN THE ENGINE DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH TRAFFIC APPROACHING BEHIND ME. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND IT CAUSED MY BRAKE LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN NOT DEPRESSED AND GO OFF WHEN THE BRAKES WERE PRESSED. I AM NOT SURE IF THIS WAS HAPPENING ALSO AS IT WAS LIGHT OUTSIDE AND I COULD NOT SEE. THE CAR STARTED AFTERWARD AND STILL PERIODICALLY STALLS OR DIES WHEN THE SERVICE ESC/SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL INDICATOR LIGHTS UP. AS OF 6-13-14, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED NOTICE THAT MY VIN IS AFFECTED BY THE LATEST RECALL FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM. *JS
Power train, Jun 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,906.
Steering, Jun 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO MANEUVER AS THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Air bags, Structure, Tires, Service brakes, Jun 12, 2014, crash
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY ROUGH TO TURN. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY AND THE BATTERY CONTINUED TO DRAIN PREMATURELY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE SWAYED VIOLENTLY TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND AS THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES AND THE JAWS OF LIFE WERE USED TO REMOVE AN INJURED PASSENGER FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V460000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES SEVERAL TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. *TR UPDATED 3/3/15*CN UPDATED 07/06/2017 *CT
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
Exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AND DIMMED DURING BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jun 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKES LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURES UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL , EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 36,000.
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
Power train, Engine, Jun 2, 2014
TRANS APPEARS TO BE SLIPPING ...WHEN ACCELERATING CAR DOES NOT MOVE ..CAR BUCKS WHEN GEARS SHIFT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jun 2, 2014
ALL IN ONE WEEKEND (WHILE OUT OF TOWN) FIRST THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO CRUISE CONTROL COMMANDS (ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE) IF ENGAGED THROUGH THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS. THE SERVICE ESC LIGHT KEEPS COMING OFF AND ON AT RANDOM WHILE EITHER SITTING OR DRIVING. THE ESC TRACKING IS TURNED OFF. BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATE RANDOMLY WHEN MY FOOT IS NOT ON THE BRAKES. TAPPING THE BRAKES GETS THE LIGHT TO TURN OFF, BUT IT TURNS ON AGAIN 5-6 SECONDS LATER. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN OR TAP THE BRAKE THE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ONLY COMING ON WHEN I'M AT A COMPLETE HARD STOP. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS I HAVE OVER A 40 MINUTE COMMUTE INTO THE CITY EACH DAY. ALSO, THE SEATBELT LIGHT AND BEEPING IS ON EVEN WHEN MY SEATBELT IS SECURED. I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE THESE ITEMS REPLACE, AND I HAVE 4 YEARS TO PAY ON THIS CAR! THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THESE ITEMS IN MY CAR. *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).
Service brakes, May 31, 2014
WHILE CAR IS ON. BRAKE LIGHTS WORK IN REVERSE. WHEN BREAK PEDAL IS PUSHED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS GO OUT. WHEN PEDAL IS NOT ENGAGED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON. (WORKS IN REVERSE). SERVICE TRACTION, ECS WARING COMES ON. *TR
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 31, 2014
INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, OCCURRING AT LEAST FIVE TIMES SINCE DATE ABOVE. ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS NOTED: 1. CRUISE CONTROL FAILS TO ENGAGE, OR STOPS ENGAGING. INDICATOR LIGHT ON (/OFF WHEEL TOGGLE SWITCH), BUT NO ENGAGE. 2. "SERVICE ESC" AND ALTERNATING "TRACTION CONTROL" WARNING WITH ALARM TONE ON SPEEDO CLUSTER. ORANGE WARNING TRIANGLE ILLUMINATED, ALSO. 3. BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANT ON, WITH NO FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL. OR, BRAKE LIGHTS CAN GO OFF WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. CONFUSING, POSSIBLY DANGEROUS, TO DRIVERS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING. ONCE AWARE OF THIS, FASHIONED A REFLECTOR FITTING JUST BEHIND THE REAR TOP MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT THAT REFLECTS INTO MY REAR-VIEW MIRROR. THESE PROBLEMS CAN CLEAR AFTER CAR IS STOPPED FOR A TIME (OVER 45 MINUTES) AND MAY NOT APPEAR AGAIN FOR ANOTHER UNKNOWN INTERVAL. ALREADY REPLACED (MARCH 31, 2014) A BRAKE POSITION SENSOR SWITCH ($186.60 - MY COST) AT LOCAL SELLING CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. THIS DID NOTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND WHEN ASKED, DEALER CLAIMED NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY TSBS OR OF OTHERS HAVING ISSUES SIMILAR. *TR
Service brakes, May 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ECS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT APPLIED AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 28, 2014
APPROACHING 4-WAY STOP SIGN AND CAR BEGAN TO JERK/COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND SERVICE TRACTION/ ESC LIGHT CAME ON...HAD ENOUGH POWER TO ROLL INTO A PARKING LOT AND SHUT THE CAR OFF..RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT STOPPED DOING THIS. I WAS ABLE TO CONTACT A CHEVROLET DEALER (I WAS ON A 6 HOUR TRIP AND THIS HAPPENED 2 HOURS INTO MY TRIP:-( I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ABOUT 8 MILES TO THE DEALER. HAD TO HAVE A PART CALLED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY. I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY...BEING SERVICED NOW. *TR
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
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, May 25, 2014
UPON ARRIVING AT MY DESTINATION I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT VEHICLE BUT THE DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. IT COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. TRIED LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOOR FROM THE KEY REMOTE, FROM THE BUTTONS ON THE DOOR AND MANUALLY AND TRIED THE KEY IN THE DOOR BUT NOTHING WOULD ALLOW THE DOOR TO OPEN. ULTIMATELY HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE CONSOLE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO EXIT VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO DO SO, SOME PEOPLE (DUE TO AGE, HEALTH, SIZE, ETC.) WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO. IF I HAD BEEN IN A SITUATION WHERE I NEEDED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO SO AND NO ONE WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR TO HELP ME. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IF THERE HAD BEEN A FIRE. GM IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE ISSUED A TSB. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OWNERS OF MANY DIFFERENT GM VEHICLES, NOT JUST THE MALIBU, DATING BACK AT LEAST SIX YEARS. I HOPE THERE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A FATALITY DUE TO THIS BEFORE GM ISSUES A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR