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.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Engine, Oct 9, 2013
THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT WHICH CAUSED THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS TO FLASH, THE ALARM TO SOUND AND THE WORDS THAT THEY WERE OFF PLUS THE WORDS TRACTION CONTROL AND ESC SERVICE TO COME UP. AT THE TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON SEPT 16TH AND WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULDN'T BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS INTERMITTENT. BUT IT OCCURRED AGAIN AND THEN ON 10/2/13 THE WARNINGS STAYED N PERMANENTLY FOR THREE DAYS FRIGHTENING MY WIFE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE TODAY AND THEY SAID THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM USING SOME DIELECTRIC GREASE. *TR
Seat belts, Oct 6, 2013
CHILD WAS PUTTING SEAT BELT ON AND IT BROKE. SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *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
Air bags, Oct 1, 2013
SERVICE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU KEEPS COMING ON AND GOING OUT. *TR
Steering, Sep 29, 2013
CAR STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING WOULD NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. TURN SWITCH OFF AN ON APPEAR TO GET IT GOING FOR A WHILE. NOW CONTINUE TO DO SO. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2013
THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THEY STAY ON AS IF I AM ALWAYS APPLYING THE BRAKES. WHEN I PRESS THE PEDAL THEY GO OFF. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY BE A RECALL BUT WHEN I CALLED LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VIN. BASICALLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK IN REVERSE ORDER. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THESE VEHICLES, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FROM THE GMC TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD WHICH COULD RESULT IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD 3 NEW BRAKE SENSORS INSTALLED AT THE GM DEALERSHIPS.. 2 OF THEM.. IT IS NOT THE BRAKE SENSOR AND THE COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE EACH TIME I TAKE IT IN FOR A NEW SENSOR. *JS
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2013
THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THEY STAY ON AS IF I AM ALWAYS APPLYING THE BRAKES. WHEN I PRESS THE PEDAL THEY GO OFF. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY BE A RECALL BUT WHEN I CALLED LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VIN. BASICALLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK IN REVERSE ORDER. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THESE VEHICLES, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FROM THE GMC TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD WHICH COULD RESULT IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *JS
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ENGAGE AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,200. UPDATED 11/13/13*LJ ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHEN THEY WERE NOT NEEDED AND DID NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. UPDATED 11/14/13
Steering, Sep 7, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR WENT INTO A SKID FOR NO REASON THIS HAD HAPPEND MORE THEN ONCE THERE WAS DASHLIGHTS THAT WOULD COME ON ONE WAS THE ESC AND TCS BUT THEY WOULD GO BACK OFF RIGHT AWAY . I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THERE WAS NO CODES . BUT THEY THINK THE ENGINE WENT INTO LIMP MODE THEY RELEARNED THE POWER STEERING SENSOR . SO I PICK UP MY CAR BUT NOT HAVEING MY CAR MORE THEN 10 MIN ALL LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AND STAYED ON I CALL THE DEALERSHIP BACK AND TOLD THEM . SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK IN ON 8/21/13 THIS TIME THEY FOUND A CODE AND REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN . I THINK THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUES.FOR A CAR TO GO SKIDDING AND LOCKING UP .
Exterior lighting, Sep 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, SHE WAS STOPPED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ASKED WHY SHE WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKES FOR SUCH LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATING WHEN NOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, ONE WEEK LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE SENSOR A SECOND TIME AND THE FAILURE RECURRED THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Service brakes, Aug 30, 2013
BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON OR DOSEN'T GO ON WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENT
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2013
PURCHASED VEHICLE AT 30K MILES AT BEGINNING OF YEAR AND WITHIN THE SAME YEAR TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR UPON START UP THE VEHICLE BEGIN MAKING A LOUD EXHAUST NOISE (SEVERAL OCCASSIONS). I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSSHIP ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASSIONS AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE IT AND GAVE THE EXCUSE THE THE OLDER THE VEHICLE GETS THE MORE APT IT IS TO MAKE NOISES AND SUCH. I'M A VERY EDUCATED YOUNG LADY AND I KNEW THAT STATEMENT TO BE JUST AS FALSE AS TWO LEFT SHOES ON A LEFT AND RIGHT FOOT AND THUS EXPRESSED THAT FACT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SHOULD BE EDUCATED IN THE CAR THAT THEY ARE SELLING WHEN IT COMES TO BODY PARTS AND LIKELY PROBLEMS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, AFTER HITTING THE 70K MILEAGE MARK THE VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGIN TO COME ON AND OFF AND STILL DOES; FURTHERMORE VEHICLE UPON START UP OF THE ENGINE WOULD LAG AS IF SOMETHING WAS NOT CATCHING AND PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM STARTING UP PROPERLY, THUS I WOULD HAVE TO HOLD THE KEY TURNED LONGER THAN USUAL. I AM NOT SATISFIED WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ALL. AT 70K MILES THIS VEHCILE SHOULD STILL BE RUNNING FLAWLESSLY AS IT IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED AND TUNED-UP. PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE WAS AN EPIC FAIL. I AM SHOCKED THAT CERTAIN MODELS AND YEARS HAVE NOT BEEN PERMANENTLY RECALLED AND REPLACED BY A VEHCILE OF OWNERS CHOICE FROM CHEVROLET (NEEDLESS TO SAY I PROBABLY WOULD NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER CHEVY CAR) FOR THE HEADEACHE WE HAVE HAD TO ENDURE. I HAVE AN INFANT AND A TODDLER AND THE UNCERTAINTY OF VEHICLE OPERATION ON ANY GIVEN DAY AT ANY GIVEN TIME ON A PRACTICALLY NEW VEHCILE NEEDS TO BE THE LEAST OF MY CONCERNS! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Aug 26, 2013
WHEN I START DRIVING MY CAR AT A LOW SPEED THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON SAYING SERVICE ESC. THEN IT TURNS THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF. WHILE THIS IS ON YOU CAN'T USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE CAR SHAKES, AND THE RPM'S FLUCTUATES ABNORMALLY. ALSO, WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON THE LIGHT IS OFF UNTIL I START MOVING AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 26, 2013
SOMETIME AROUND 70,000 MILE WHEN WE WOULD CRANK UP THE CAR WE WOULD HEAR A LOUD EXHAUST NOISE. AFTER THE CAR WARMED UP, THE NOISE WOULD GO AWAY. WE TOOK IT INTO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. WE HAVE ALSO HAD ENGINE RUNNING PROBLEMS SINCE EARLY 2013. WE NOW HAVE OVER 106,000 MILES ON IT AND A LOCAL MUFFLER REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE NOISE AS A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. AFTER CHECKING WITH THE LOCAL DEALER, THEY STATED THAT THERE HAVE REPLACED SEVERAL MANIFOLDS ON VARIOUS YEAR MODEL MALIBU'S. HOWEVER, WE ARE OVER THE MILEAGE WARRANTY. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAN ONLY BE SOLD AS A SINGLE UNIT WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I THINK IT SHOULD BE COVERED. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 19, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER LEAVING A CAR WASH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH HOWEVER, SUFFERED A BACK INJURY AND TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A ISSUE WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 09/30/13*LJ
Exterior lighting, Aug 15, 2013
THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THEY STAY ON AS IF I AM ALWAYS APPLYING THE BRAKES. WHEN I PRESS THE PEDAL THEY GO OFF. I UNDERSTAND THERE MAY BE A RECALL BUT WHEN I CALLED LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VIN. *TR
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2013
THE CRUISE CONTROL IN MY VEHICLE HAS STOPPED WORKING AS OF 8/15/13. ON 8/14/13, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING BUT THEN ABOUT 20 MINUTES OR SO LATER, IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN. I HAVE TRIED RESETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL BY TURNING THE CONTROL ON AND OFF HOWEVER THIS WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. I HAVE ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH MY DASH LIGHTS GOING ON AND OFF. IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES SO THERE IS NO SPECIFIC INCIDENTS THAT CAUSE THIS TO OCCUR. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Aug 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE SERVICE ESC/SERVICE TRACTION LIGHTS FLASH. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE BRAKE LIGHTS MALFUNCTION TURNING OFF WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED AND ON WHILE I'M ACCELERATING. UPDATED 8/22/13 *CN
Air bags, Aug 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILED AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS. THE DEALER REROUTED THE WIRING HARNESS, AND REPLACED THE AIR BAG CONNECTOR TWICE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE AIR BAG SERVICE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,256 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,200. UPDATED 11/30/1CN
Air bags, Aug 12, 2013
THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THE CONNECTOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS CORRODED. THIS IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE I HAVE TO MANY MILES ON THE CAR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I DON:T FEEL MILES SHOULD COUNT WHEN ITS A SAFETY FEATURE. IF MY CAR WAS 10 OR 15 YRS OLD I MIGHT AGREE BUT ITS ONLY 3 YRS OLD. HOW DOES A CONNECTOR CORRODE THAT FAST? *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS ERRONEOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,500.
Air bags, Aug 10, 2013
SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON . TOOK CAR TO DEALER FROM WHICH THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. DEALER SAID THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG CONNECTOR ON THE WIRE HARNESS HAD BACKED OUT. THEY RECONNECTED THE TERMINAL AND IT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. NOW 08/10/2013 SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT IS BACK ON. NOW THAT THE CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER THERE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY CHANCES ARE THAT THEY WILL CHARGE ME TO REPAIR THE SAME PROBLEM. SO I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE AND IT SEEMS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A 2010 MALIBU THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT CHEVY SHOULD RECALL BUT WONT. ITS SAD THAT THE CAR ONLY HAS 18,000 MILES AT THIS TIME AND I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK FOR THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE AND PAY TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THESE AIR BAGS ARE INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES FOR SAFETY. YOU WOULD THINK THAT ANY ISSUE WITH SAFETY THAT THE DEALER SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 9, 2013
DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION, I COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 7, 2013
BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE FOR NO REASON OR TO FAIL TO LIGHT UP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED 1ST "FIXED" 9/14/2011, THEN AGAIN 11/27/2012. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION ESPECIALLY WITH SUDDEN STOP CONDITIONS. THE MALIBU IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.NYDAILYNEWS.COM/AUTOS/GM-FORCED-RECALL-MILLION-VEHICLES-INCLUDING-CHEVROLET-MALIBU-ARTICLE-1.1286106#IXZZ2BJKPY33E *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 7, 2013, crash
2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMERS WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED HIM TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, THE CONSUMERS WIFE SUSTAINED A VERY SERIOUS CLOSED HEAD INJURY WHEN HER HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD, DESPITE THE FACT SHE WAS A WEARING HER SEAT BELT AND THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH FRONTAL AIR BAGS THAT DID NOT DEPLOY. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER WAS STOPPED AND DESPITE THE FACT, HE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO ONE CAR LENGTH BEHIND THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT OF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE STRUCK THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE MOVING IT AFTER IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.