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, Suspension, Jan 12, 2022
The ESC and engine light came on and then the stability track light came on for a matter of a min and then all the lights just went off. I seen there are recalls on these issues but not for my vin number.
Steering, Jan 5, 2022
Lost Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist while driving during a turn. The dashboard Information Display acknowledged a failure in the Power Steering. The dealer found code C0545 which relates to power steering torque sensor assembly. GM issued a Safety Recall in October, 2014, Bulletin #16146B, for the Malibu 2009 model but not the 2010 model. The bulletin directs the dealer to replace P/S torque sensor module. The dealer replaced the torque sensor module and the P/S assist motor (remanufactured) at the customer cost of $989.63.
Steering, Dec 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would intermittently fail to operate as needed with the power steering assist fault message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to operate the vehicle during the failure. Occasionally, the power steering assist functionality would return upon restart. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Steering, Dec 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the power steering functionality was restored. The vehicle was driven back to the residence and had not been driven since. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering) as a possible solution however, the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Nov 9, 2021
Had test drove the vehicle everything was fine, picked the vehicle up and drove it home everything was fine, parked in the back of my house the car sat over night I go to pull it out the drive way, the power steering has gotten stuck and I mean it was STUCK!, the “power steering” light came on the dash so I tried my best to turn to just pull it back in the driveway. It was so hard to turn I thought I would brake the steering wheel. Another thing whenever I ride over a bump my radio changes stations or turns off.
Steering, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the steering wheel felt abnormal including when making small turns. After continuing to drive, a few minutes later the power steering failed and the “power assist esp” warning message illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle however the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the service control for the steering which is a function of the steering control module would needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,439.
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
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Oct 7, 2021
The airbag don’t work, I just payed 1200$ to replace the computer pc because the car wouldn’t start and that didn’t solve the problem the check engine light is always on, the car have electrical problems; if I run the Ac it blows hot and then the car go to engine power reduces within 4 minutes. If I drive the car it will go on engine power reduce after 6 minutes because the fan is not working due to the fact that that car has electrical problems and the fan is not getting enough power to warm the car up and the engine gets real hot and it go to making a loud rumbling noise and growling and I can only drive 10 mph and 40 mph the fastest but then the car go to shaking and wen I try to park the car it’s shaking Nd rumbling which can cause an accident
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2021
I was driving and the service traction control came across my car the the engine powering down notification appeared, and the check engine light. I took it to advance auto and they hooked up the machine which gave them the code DTC P2138. I took it to a mechanic who said the accelerator pedal sensor needed to be replaced. I replaced it and I'm still having the same issue. This time when it came on the pedal completely lost power until I turned the car off and restarted it.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 1, 2021
The passenger light beam will not come on it also messes with my radio it turns it to the aux I keep replacing the Bub in the harness and it's still not working not not to mention the car felt like a lost of power due to I guess the trance when turning a corner or pulling off. The air bag light comes on a few days and turn off.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 30, 2021
brake lights sometimes they work sometimes they don't yes but they say the recall is 500 miles out of the recall miliage none of these have inspected it since i owned car yes service esc service transaction
Engine, Aug 2, 2021
I received a reduced power error,my car slowed to very low speed...I reserched the error message but it only have 2016-18 models with this problem...apparently 2010's have it as well,but there are no recalls or anything concerning the 2010 chevy malibu LTZ.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door would not open from inside or outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 196,000. The VIN was not provided.
Steering, Jun 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle loss control while driving at various speeds without warning. After taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, the contact replaced the struts, the axles, and inner tie rods himself however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not under recall. The contact paid out of pocket to have the u-joints replaced however, the repair did not fix the failure. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer where it remained. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2021
I purchase the 2010 Chevy malibu, 6/2013. The service traction lights comes on periodically until I am forced to take it in for service. I had to take the car in for this same problem at least 4 times, more or less, also the last time I took the car in, the technician was not able to reset the sensors. A more seasoned tech had to reset the sensors. I am filing a report, because this cost me money every time I take it to the dealer and it is certain a safety issue for me to continue to drive the car with the service traction light coming on and off and stationary at times. It appears to be a defect in the auto system. I should not be required to have to take the car in every year for the same problem and putting myself and others at risk. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 5, 2021
Recently I was almost rear-ended a few times and got curious as to why?? Well yesterday I was following my 2010 Chevy Malibu in another car and noticed that my brake lights stay on when I'm driving and go off when I brake. Very dangerous! I have read other complaints regarding this issue and I think a recall needs to be issued on these cars. It had also disabled my cruise control.
Electrical system, Service brakes, May 21, 2021
Brake lights illuminate without being pressed. Service ESC and Service Traction Control lights intermittently comes on. Dealer said recall issues has already been fixed.
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, Apr 22, 2021
WENT TO DEALER TO GET A PREVIOUS RECALL THAT WAS FIXED BUT HAS SINCE THEN FAILED AGAIN AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL INVOLVED THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHERE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING BUT NOT WHEN ACTUALLY PRESSING ON BRAKES.
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.
Service brakes, Apr 7, 2021
THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR KEEPS FAILING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IN MOTION, RESULTING IN FAILED CRUISE CONTROL AND REVERSING MY BRAKE LIGHTS. WHEN THE SENSOR FAILS, THE CRUISE AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF, LIKE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PUSHED. WHILE ACTIVELY IN MOTION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN ON AS IF THE PEDAL IS ENGAGED, HOWEVER THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURN OFF WHILE ACTIVELY BRAKING THE MOVING VEHICLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL BE TRIGGERED AND SAYS "SERVICE ESC" WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR FAILS. MY LOCAL CHEVORLET DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE ISSUE SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2017, AND WILL NOT FIX IT. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH CHEVORLET DIRECTLY IN JULY 2019, AND WAS PROMPTLY DISREGARDED. THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED OVER 5 TIMES SINCE 2017.*DT
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 5, 2021
WHEN MAKING A TURN AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND THE DASH SAYS "POWER STEERING - ESC SERVICE". TURNING OFF THE CAR AND WAITING A MINUTE TEMPORARILY FIXED THE ISSUE