2011 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 978 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 40 involved a crash and 17 involved a fire. 41 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
Seat beltsMay 8, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15031.
Campaign 15V269000 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
Representative owner complaints: engine
172 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 5, 2015
THE ENGINE KEEPS REDUCING POWER THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AFTER THE CAR ENGINE POWER REDUCES ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR SITS IDLE WARMING UP .THE THROTTLE BODY MUST BE A DEFECTIVE COMPONENT PART OF THE CAR I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE DID A DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND THE CODES SAID THROTTLE BODY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 5, 2015
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM BEING OUT OF TOWN ON 10/15/13 WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 80MPH WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE THEN THE "TRACTION LIGHT ,SERVICE ESC,ENGINE POWER TURNING OFF AND CAR WENT FROM GOING 80MPH TO 10MPH ON THE FREEWAY, WHILE A BIG DIESEL TRUCK WAS BEHIND ME IN WHICH I WAS TO BE ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED BY THE DIESEL, IN WHICH I HAD MY (XXX) YR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS. ON DECEMBER 23,2014, THE SAME THING OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT 60MPH IT REDUCES SPEED TO ALMOST ZERO MPH,SHAKES WITH THE "TRACTION SENSOR LIGHT AND "SERVICE ESC ENGINE POWER TURNING OFF COMES ON AND THE CAR STALLS! LEAVING ME STRANDED AND HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED AGAIN! THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME SINCE THE ENGINE LIGHT WASN'T ON ANYMORE IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE!? I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE SECOND INCIDENT! I CALLED 2 CHEVROLET DEALERS IN FRESNO,CA I WAS TOLD THEY HAVEN'T HEARD ANY COMPLAINTS, WHICH IS ASTOUNDING BECAUSE AFTER READING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE OF OTHERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME CAR IS UNBELIEVABLE UNTIL THERE'S A LAW SUIT! *TRPARTS 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).
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Dec 31, 2014
SINCE MARCH 2014, I HAD INSTANCES WHERE THE CHEVY MALIBU I WAS DRIVING WARNED ME ON THE DASH THAT I NEEDED TO SERVICE THE ESC. IT WOULD TELL ME ESC TURNED OFF AND TRACTION CONTROL TURNED OFF. THIS MESSAGE WOULD DISAPPEAR WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. IT STARTED DOING IT MORE FREQUENTLY SO I CALLED GMC ON AUGUST 2ND. I HAD TO WAIT 2 WEEKS UNTIL THEY COULD GET ME IN TO THE DEALER. THIS WHOLE TIME MY CAR WAS SHUTTING OFF MY TRACTION CONTROL. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON SOLID AND STAYED ON FOR 3 DAYS ON SEPTEMBER 12TH. THEY PAID TO DIAGNOSE AND FOUND THAT MY 4TH CYLINDER WAS MISSING AND WAS LEAKING 45%. ON SEPTEMBER 17TH, THEY SUGGESTED $140 FOR A CARBON COIL FLUSH TO SEE IF IT COULD POSSIBLE FIX THE PROBLEM. ON SEPTEMBER 25TH THEY DID THE COIL FLUSH AT 10 AM. AT 1:06 I GOT THE MESSAGE THAT ESC ACTIVE. I WENT ON A 2 WEEK VACATION AND DID NOT DRIVE MY CAR. ON OCTOBER 12TH, AT 2:08PM ESC WARNING AND SHUT TRACTION CONTROL OFF. OCTOBER 13TH, AT 5AM THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON SOLID. ON OCTOBER 27TH, THEY REPLACE MY INTAKE/EXHAUST VALVE ON THE LEFT SIDE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY WARNING LIGHTS SINCE THEN, BUT I DROVE FROM AUGUST TO THE END OF OCTOBER WITH THE CAR SHUTTING OFF THE TRACTION CONTROL. I CAN IMAGINE TRYING TO DRIVE IN HEAVY RAIN AND DYING BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE TRACTION CONTROL WHEN I NEEDED IT MOST. *JS
Engine, Dec 17, 2014
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2011 MALIBU LT. IT WILL RANDOMLY READ "SERVICE TRACTION" AND "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND COME TO A STOP. IT IS UNPREDICTABLE AND VERY VERY DANGEROUS. I CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP TAKING IT TO CHEVROLET. THEY HAVE THE CODES BUT SAID THEY HAVE TO REPLICATE IT. IF YOU GOOGLE MALIBU LOSES POWER, SERVICE TRACTION. YOU WILL SEE MANY COMING UP WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT. VERY DANGEROUS!!! WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL OR SOMETHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE IT AND WISH I NEVER BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE APRIL OR MAY. TRUE LEMON!!!! *TR
Engine, Dec 11, 2014
2011 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 30,000 MILES. SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST WEEK, I WAS AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND THE CAR JUST QUIT! THIS IS A SAFETY DANGER. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET BADLY HURT OR KILLED. THE DEALERSHIP DOESN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE!!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 29, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON AT 50 MPH AND VEHICLE REDUCED TO A UNSAFE SPEED WITH THE ERROR MESSAGES "SERVICE TRACTION" "ESC OFF" AND "ENG PWR REDUCED". THE UNSAFE DROP IN SPEED ALMOST CAUSED A CAR TO HIT ME IN THE BACK. THIS IS A VERY SCARY PROBLEM AND IF I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THIS OCCURRED SOMETHING VERY BAD COULD HAVE HAPPEN. A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE OR THE THROTTLE BODY NEED TO BE MADE PUBLIC BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURE DUE TO THIS FLAW! *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Nov 22, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, MY POWER ENGINE WARNING CAME ON AND THE SAME AS WARNING LIGHTS FOR ESC AND TRACTION WARNING. I JUST RECENTLY TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR FIXING THE RECENT RECALL PROBLEM AND I WONDER IF IT MADE MY CAR WORSE?? WILL BE STOPPING BY MONDAY MORNING...IF I MAKE IT HOME OK AFTER I'VE HAD TO STOP AND PULL OVER TWICE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Traction control system, Engine, Nov 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE ESC SENSOR, TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR, AND THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE MAINLY HAPPENED DURING COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE RECALL FAILED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND DRASTICALLY REDUCED TO 10 MPH WHICH MADE OPERATING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Engine, Nov 17, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER ENGINE REDUCED SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SPEED SUDDENLY REDUCED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND WOULD ONLY OCCUR IN COLDER WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Oct 7, 2014
I WENT TO GET AIR IN TIRE. GOT BACK IN MY CAR AND STARTED IT UP. IT STARTED SHAKING REAL BAD AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON , CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND A THING ABOUT LOSS OF POWER. I WAS ONLY 5 MINUTES FROM HOME SO I WENT BACK HOME. IT WOULDN'T GET OVER 25 MILES AN HOUR. I CALLED EDWARD CHEVROLET IN BIRMINGHAM,AL. THEY TOLD ME TO GET CAR TO THEM BUT NOT DRIVE IT. THEY CALLED ME BACK AND SAID IT WASN'T UNDER WARRANTY. I DON'T EVEN HAVE 100,000 ON IT. I READ ON LINE OTHER PEOPLE HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY SAY IT'S NOT ON RECALL. WHY? HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE OR CHILDREN? I DIDN'T READ OF ANY DEATHS JUST ALMOST. I CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE TO GET SOMETHING DONE. I WAS LUCKY AND NOT FAR FROM HOME. IT COULD HAVE STOPPED ON ME IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. I'VE NEVER GOT ANY RECALL NOTICES. I TOLD THE LADY AT EDWARDS CHEV. THE SAME THING. *TR
Traction control system, Engine, Sep 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SERVICE TRACTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,909.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Sep 22, 2014
2011 MALIBU WAS ACTING LIKE IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS OR BAD SPARK PLUGS. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS. HAD A DIAGNOSTICS RAN AND SAID THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD A PIN HOLE. REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP, GOT A TUNE-UP RAN GOOD FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. WENT TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND IT ONCE AGAIN STARTED ACTING AS IF IT WAS NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS AND ENGINE LIGHT ONCE AGAIN CAME ON, SERVICE ESC, SERVICE TRACTION. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IT WILL SOMETIMES SLOW DOWN FROM THE CURRENT SPEED. FOUND A RECALL CONCERNING THE SERVICE ESC, BUT THE DEALER SAID THEY DO NOT THINK IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT. THIS STARTED WHEN ALL OF THE CODE STARTED POPPING UP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 17, 2014, crash
ON AUGUST 6,, 2014 I HAD TAKEN MY 3 KIDS TO THE LAKE @ DREHER ISLAND STATE PARK. UPON GETTING READY TO LEAVE I PUT ON BRAKES TO SEE WHAT MY SON ASKED ME.FOR NO REASON THE CAR STARTED MOVING FORWARD & I COULDN'T GET IT TO STOP GET THE WHEELS TO TURN AS IT WAS VERY HARD & PUSHED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES & IT KEPT GOING TILL IT WENT IN THE DITCH ON A CONCRETE TERRACOTTA CAUSING IT TO BEND A PIECE OF WHAT WAS TOLD TO ME THE A FRAME & UNDER THE FRONT END! I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP & TOLD IT WASN'T POSSIBLE. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED I COULD PARK MY CAR & THE ENGINE WOULD ACT IS IF IT WAS TRYING TO GO W/O ME MASHING THE GAS OR ANYTHING THEN IDLED DOWN REPEATEDLY ACTED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF! I'VE EVEN HAD 2 BUY 2 NEW BATTERIES, FIXING TO BUY ANOTHER! THEY SAID A CONNECTION WAS CAUSING THE BATTERY TO BE DRAINED & CELLS KILLED. ON THE INTERSTATE 2 DAYS AGO I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, FOR NO REASON IT STARTED LOSING SPEED THEN WOULD START CATCHING BACK UP ON IT'S OWN & I TURNED IT OFF! THE MOTOR MADE A SCREECHING NOISE! I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S GOING ON! EVEN MY TAIL LIGHTS WOULDN'T COME ON LAST NIGHT UNTIL I MASHED THE BREAKS A FEW TIMES, CUT OFF THE LIGHTS, & RESTARTED THE CAR! MY MAJOR ISSUE IS NOW I'M GOING TO HAVE TO FILE A CLAIM FOR THE INCIDENT & I HAD NO PART OF BEING @ FAULT & CAN'T EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED! IT STILL IDLES WRONG & THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON @ TIMES W/O ME TOUCHING IT! I'M BEGINNING TO WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN AS WELL AS MYSELF, BUT ESPECIALLY MY KIDS! WHAT CAN I DO? PLEASE HELP ME AS THIS CAN'T BE NORMAL! SO FAR THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS CAME ON, POWER STEERING LIGHT, AIR PRESSURE LIGHT, & @ ONE POINT A RED LIGHT CAME ON & WENT OFF BEFORE I COULD SEE WHAT IT WAS! IF YOU COULD DO ANYTHING@ ALL TO HELP & ASSIST ME I WOULD BE TRULY GRATEFUL! ALL I'M TOLD IS PARTS AREN'T IN TO FIX SOME KIND OF RECALL, BUT WHAT I DON'T KNOW! THANKS & GOD BLESS! *TR
Steering, Engine, Jul 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 30, 2014
I HAD MY 2011 MALIBU SERVICED AT MARTY FELDMAN CHEVROLET FOR ROTORS, BRAKE PADS AND ALL FLUIDS CHANGED BECAUSE OF MILEAGE IN JULY 2013.IN NOVEMBER 2013, I BEGAN HEARING THE SAME NOISES THAT LEAD ME TO HAVE MY ROTORS REPLACED ON THE DRIVER'S FRONT SIDE. I WENT TO SERRA CHEVROLET WHO STATED I NEED ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. I EXPLAINED I HAD JUST HAD THAT WORK DONE. AFTER PROVING WITH MY PAPERWORK THAT I HAD THE WORK DONE, SERRA CHEVROLET STATED THEY COULD REPLACE THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. MARTY FELDMAN CHEVROLET SALES MANAGER STATED I COULD BRING IT BACK THERE; HOWEVER, DUE TO CONVENIENCE I ALLOWED SERRA CHEVROLET COMPLETE THE REPAIR WORK. A WEEK LATER MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR BACK SEVEN TIMES BEFORE THEY WERE ABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IN THE MEANTIME; IN FEBRUARY THE NOISE FROM THE ROTORS RETURNED. BECAUSE I HAD TO DRIVE OVER 40+ MILES BACK AND FORTH (SEVEN TIMES) TO HAVE THE ENGINE LIGHT REPAIRED; I WAS TOLD MY ROTORS WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER CONTACTING GM CONSUMER COMPLAINT AND NOT SETTLING FOR A NO ANSWER; SERRA CHEVROLET STATED THEY GAVE ME NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS. HOWEVER, IN APRIL, THE NOISE RETURNED AND NO-ONE IS WILLING TO ADDRESS MY PROBLEM OR CONCERN. I HAD MY ATTORNEY PREPARE AN OFFICIAL LETTER TO SEND TO SERRA AND MARTY FELDMAN CHEVROLET. NO COMMENTS AS OF YET. I AM PURSUING OTHER MEANS TO GET THE PROBLEM BEFORE THE PUBLIC AND TO GM HEADQUARTERS. I PAY MY CAR NOTE EACH MONTH AND I HAVE HAD CAR PROBLEMS SINCE JULY 2013. *TR
Engine, Jun 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE, ESC, AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS, CLEANED THE OIL SENSOR SCREEN, AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE CODE INDICATED A MISFIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR BLINKED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, May 18, 2014
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON I 84 ON ROUTE TO WORCESTER, MA. HAD TO COAST WITH NO POWER STEERING AND AVOID A TRUCK TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE. ENGINE STARTED AFTER FIVE MINUTES AND RAN FOR ANOTHER HR. LUCKILY THIS TIME, STOPPED FOR FUEL AND ENGINE WOULD NOT START AGAIN. HAD TO BE TO TO DEALER AND WAS ADVISED FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED.
Engine, May 16, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 35N ON MY WAY TO MY SISTER'S HOUSE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING ENGINE POWER REDUCED. OUT OF NOWHERE, MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 5 MPH. THE SPEED LIMIT ON THAT PART OF 35 IS 70 MPH. IT WAS DARK AND I HAD MY TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR WITH ME. WITH CARS SPEEDING PAST ME I PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER. MY DAUGHTER WAS VERY SHAKEN AS WAS I. CALLED MY BROTHER IN LAW TO COME PICK US UP. HE BASICALLY COASTED IT BACK TO HIS HOUSE ABOUT 20 MILES AWAY. IF IT WEREN'T FOR MY QUICK THINKING AND DRIVING ABILITY, I MIGHT NOT EVEN BE HERE TO TALK ABOUT THIS. VERY BAD FEELING. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND STALLED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE WARNING LIGHT (SSIBLE) ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,400 . THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 28, 2014
THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME 6 TIMES NOW. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, I WAS ABOUT 70 MILES OUTSIDE OF ATLANTA GOING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY SURROUNDED BY 18 WHEELERS. SUDDENLY MY TRACTION LIGHT AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION CAME ON, THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR VERY SUDDENLY AND THE CAR WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. THE 18 WHEELER BEHIND ME COULD NOT STOP FAST ENOUGH AND THE ONLY REASON I WAS NOT HIT WAS BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO VEER ONTO THE SHOULDER. TERRIFIED, I SAT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF. I STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT BEGAN DRIVING NORMALLY, BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. SINCE I WAS PRETTY MUCH IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE AND IT WAS EXTREMELY DARK, I GOT BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN TO GET HOME. I MADE IT TO ATLANTA, BUT THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN WHEN I WAS ENTERING THE CITY ON THE LOOP. I BASICALLY COASTED HOME. SINCE THEN, THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 MORE TIMES. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT JIM ELLIS CHEVROLET IN ATLANTA WHERE I LEFT IT LAST NIGHT. NEED IMMEDIATE HELP. MY ENTIRE STORY CAN BE FOUND ON THIS FORUM. [XXX] MY POSTS ARE UNDER [XXX]3. I AM HOPING FOR SOME SORT OF RESOLUTION SO I WILL NOT HAVE TO RETAIN A LAWYER. *JS 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).
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 25, 2014
2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" WHILE DRIVING. ENGINE LIGHT, LOW TRACTION WARNING AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED LIGHT WOULD DISPLAY. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD AUTOMATICALLY AND INSTANTLY LOSE POWER DOWN TO 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE RATHER VIOLENTLY. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF 2 WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED 2 ERROR CODES. THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE SCREEN ON THE EXHAUST CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATOR SOLENOID VALVE WAS RESTRICTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Engine, Mar 4, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE DISPLAY SHOWED LOW TRACTION, SERVICE ESC, AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED AND I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY A TRUCK. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE THE ENGINE BEGAN SHAKING AT WHICH POINT I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 26, 2014
I WAS DRIVEN IN HIGHWAY 40 MPH SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL OF THE CARS' SPEED BECAUSE THE ENGINE STOPPED RESPONDING TO ITS NORMAL FUNCTIONS. THIS ULTIMATELY LOWERED MY SPEED DOWN TO 11 MPH. THIS ALMOST RESULTED IN ME GETTING INVOLVED IN A HIGH SPEED COLLISION WITH THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 26, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE DISPLAYED SHOWED LOW TRACTION, SERVICE ESC, REDUCED POWER ENGINE. AFTER QUICKLY PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE THE CAR BEGAN VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL RESULTED IN NO ENGINE POWER. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 18, 2014
CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND STARTED SPUTTERING. ENGINE ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO QUIT AND DID NOT HAVE ANY POWER. WOULD NOT GET OVER 15MPH. PUT ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I AM VERY LUCKY NO ONE WAS KILLED. DECELERATED AT A VERY FAST RATE. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE THROTTLE BODY. THE THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $675. WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 100K POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. CHEVROLET CONVENIENTLY STOPPED COVERING THE THROTTLE BODY STARTING IN 2011. FROM LOOKING AT OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2011 CHEVY MALIBU THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND IS CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE OR POORLY DESIGNED PART. *TR