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
Power train, Engine, Feb 13, 2014
SITTING AT INTERSECTION, FOOT ON BRAKE, WAITING FOR LIGHT TO TURN GREEN, FELT SUDDEN POWER SURGE, THOUGHT SOMEONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND, LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD READ: REDUCED ENGINE POWER, SERVICE ESC, SERVICE ENGINE ICOM APPEARED. LIGHT TURNED GREEN, HAD TO CROSS 5 LANES OF STATE HIGHWAY. CAR WOULD BARELY MOVE, LIGHT TURNED RED, PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AS BEST I COULD ACCOUNT 5 FT SNOW PILES ALONGSIDE ROAD. MINUS 6 DEGREES OUT. SHUT CAR OFF FOR APPROX. 5 MIN. STARTED CAR AND COULD DRIVE IT TO FIRST PARKING LOT ABOUT 3/4 MILE. HAD CAR TOWED TO CHEVROLET DEALER, WAS TOLD IT WAS A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME HE'S HAD ALOT OF THESE FAILURES AND IT'S DUE TO EXTENSIVE COLD WEATHER. I FEEL CHEVROLET SHOULD ORDER A RECALL AND TAKE CARE OF THESE VEHICLE PROBLEMS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR KILLED. CAR JUST ENDED WARRANTY PERIOD THIS WEEK, OTHER OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR COST IF THEIR CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 6, 2014
I CALLED AND MADE A COMPLAINT YESTERDAY REGARDING MY VEHICLE DROPPING FROM 60 MPH TO 30 MPH IN THE MIDST OF MORNING TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO LET THE CAR SIT IDLE WHENEVER THIS HAPPENS FOR A MOMENT AND THEN IT SHOULD RESET AND BE FINE. WELL, THIS HAPPENED TO ME 4 TIMES THIS MORNING, 3 OF THOSE TIMES MY TWO CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE ROADS WERE SLICK THIS MORNING WITH RAIN/SNOW AND MY CAR FIRST DID THIS AT INTERSTATE 35 AND ILLINOIS, I PULLED OVER FOR TWO MINUTES AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO PROCEED. IT DID IT AGAIN AT INTERSTATE 35 AND REGAL ROW AND HAD TO AGAIN SIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 2 MINUTES. I REACHED CARROLLTON AND IT DID IT AGAIN ON BELTLLINE ROAD AND THEN ON 161 AND TRINITY. MIND YOU, THE FIRST TWO INCIDENCES HAPPENED BEFORE DAYLIGHT. THE SECOND INCIDENT ALSO PUT US IN DANGER OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT AS AN 18 WHEELER WAS RIGHT BEHIND ME AS THE CAR BEGAN JERKING AND DECREASING SPEED. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MOVE TO THE MEDIAN BEFORE I WAS SIDESWIPED. THE FIRST THREE INCIDENCES THE CAR DECREASED TO 30 MPH AND WOULD NOT INCREASE. ON THE FOURTH INCIDENT MY CAR WOULD NOT INCREASE PAST 25 MPH. THIS VEHICLE PUT ME IN MUCH DANGER THIS MORNING, ESPECIALLY WITH THE WEATHER (SNOW) CONDITIONS IN OUR AREA. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jan 27, 2014
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2011 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 42,000 MILES ON SNOW-COVERED ROADS. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP, INCLUDING "SERVICE ESC", "ENGINE POWER REDUCE" AND THE CAR BEGAN IN JOLT. THIS CAUSED HER TO SWERVE INTO THE OTHER LANE AND JUST MISSED GETTING BROADSIDED BY A SEMI TRUCK. WE LET THE CAR SIT FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS IN A PARKING LOT. WE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY AND THAT IT WASN'T A COVERED PART UNDER GM'S POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. WE PROCEEDED TO TALK TO GM'S CUSTOMER SERVICE. BOTH INDIVIDUALS THAT WE SPOKE WITH US TOLD US THAT IT IS A COVERED PART. THE ISSUE WAS ESCALATED TO A TIER 2 REP WHO SPOKE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER CONTINUES TO MAINTAIN THAT IN THEIR COMMUNICATION WITH GM, THAT IT IS NOT COVERED. WE ARE SO FRUSTRATED. WE ARE 2 MONTHS FROM TURNING OUR VEHICLE IN AND WERE CONSIDERING ANOTHER GM LEASE, BUT I'M PRETTY SURE WE WILL BE GOING WITH ANOTHER MANUFACTURER, SINCE GM HAS OPTED TO TAKE THIS POSITION. THE DEALER HAS OFFERED TO SPLIT THE COST OF THE REPAIR WITH US, BUT TO ME, THIS ISSUE WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE DRIVER. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART. IT SHOULD EITHER BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED OR SOME OTHER TYPE OF RESOLVE. THIS CAR NOW SITS IN OUR GARAGE AND ACTS THIS WAY WHEN WE START IT. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 8, 2014
LUCKILY I WAS STUCK IN WALL TO WALL TRAFFIC DUE TO BAD WEATHER ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK. I ATTEMPTED TO HIT THE GAS TO INCH FORWARD AND MY CAR STARTING SHAKING AND SEEMED TO BE IDLED UP. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY DASH READ ENGINE POWERING DOWN,SERVICE TRACKING SYSTEM AND MY CAR WOULD GO NO FASTER THAN 20 MPH. THE PART ISN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ON A 3YR CAR AND I HAVE TO PAY $388.00 TO HAVE THIS FIXED. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 CHEVY MALIBU WAY TOO WORK , RUSH HOUR AND UNPLEASANT WEATHER. AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR JUST SLOWED ITSELF DOWN, STARTED TO TREMBLE AND THE ;ENGINE POWER REDUCE / SERVICE TRACTION WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED SINCE CAR JUST DECIDED TO REDUCE ITS ENGINE POWER. I PULLED OVER FOR A FEW MINUTES, TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON. CAR STARTED TO RUN SMOOTHLY, AND THEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I CALLED INTO WORK AND CAUTIOUSLY DROVE CAR TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD CAR WILL NOT BE LOOKED AT TIL THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE SERVICE ATTENDANT CALLS ME THE FOLLOWING MORNING , TO TELL ME THE CAR WAS CHECKED AND NEEDS THROTTLE BODY REPLACEMENT AND IS NOT COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER, DUE TO IT BEING AN ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL DEFECT POSSIBLY CAUSED BY THE COLD WEATHER. I ASKED WHY WOULD THE THROTTLE BODY DEFECT , BE THE CONSUMERS FAULT; I DIDN'T KNOW CARS CANT BE OUT IN THE COLD WEATHER. SO, I DECIDED TO LOOK UP THE 2011 CHEVY MALIBU RECALLS/DEFECTS AND FOUND 22 OF 57 COMPLAINTS OVER THE SAME CAR ISSUE/PROBLEM/DEFECT. SO, I ASK; WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN PUT UP FOR A SAFETY ISSUE, A RECALL, AND HAVE THIS TAKEN CARE OF??? THIS CAN CAUSE ALOT OF ACCIDENTS! AS IM SURE THE CONSUMERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ENGINE POWER REDUCTION HAVE FELT AT THAT MOMENT AND TIME. SO NOW IM TOO PAY $546.00 (ESTIMATED) TOO HAVE THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF, SINCE THE MANUFACTURER DECIDED TO USE FAULTY/DEFECTIVE PARTS ON THESE VEHICLES. I THOUGHT CHEVROLET WAS A DEPENDABLE MAKER. ALL MY FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND MY PARENTS HAVE PURCHASED CHEVYS- FROM TRAVERSE- MALIBU'S AND THEY ARE ALL SURPRISED THIS IS HAPPENING. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 4, 2014
I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ON ONE OF THE MAIN HIGHWAYS WHERE THERE IS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND SEVERAL LIGHTS APPEARED FIRST IT WAS THE SERVICE ESC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED, AND SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT, ALONG WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND TRACTION LIGHT, THE CAR THEN DROPPED FROM A SPEED OF 65 TO A SPEED OF 20 AND WOULD NOT GO ON THE HIGHWAY THIS ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AS THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE, I WOULD RATHER MY LIFE BE SAVED THAN DRIVING IN A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 3, 2014
VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING, LOW TRACTION CONTROL MESSAGE, ESC MESSAGE, REDUCED ENGINE POWER MESSAGE. CAR WOULDN'T GO OVER 15 MPH, WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH THIS ISSUE. WAS LUCKY TO BE ON AN OUTER ROAD WITH NO TRAFFIC THEN THIS HAPPENED. HAD CAR DIAGNOSED, FOUND THE THROTTLE BODY HAD TO BE REPLACED -- KNOW OF TWO OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITH SAME ISSUE IN THE PAST 6 WEEKS, ONE ON A MALIBU, AND ONE ON ANOTHER CHEVY VEHICLE. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Dec 5, 2013, crash
I WAS GOING ONTO A EXIT AN HIT A GUARDRAIL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, THE CAR SPUN AND I ENDED UP SIDEWAYS. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT INFLATE. I SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS, A FACIAL HEMATOMA AND MULTIPLE CONTUSIONS. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jul 12, 2013
I HAVE A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND HAD TO REPLACE THE HEATING CORE AND NOW THE HVAC SYSTEM IS LEAKING AND DAMAGED ALL THE CARPETS. I AM ALSO HEARING A THUMPING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. I HAVE RECENTLY BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I HAVE TO WAIT FOR MY CARPETS TO DRY AND WE HAVE BEEN HAVING RAIN SHOWERS FOR DAYS. THE ONLY WAY THE DEALER IS ABLE TO DRY THE CARPETS IS TO PLACE THEM OUTSIDE. I NOW HAVE TO PAY FOR A RENTAL BECAUSE MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY IS EXPIRED. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 3, 2013
I PURCHASED MY CAR IN FEB. OF 2012 AS OF TODAY MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 10 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE SAME THING. THE STEERING VIBRATES WHEN YOU DRIVE AND IT LOSES POWER WHEN SHIFTING. THEN, I HAD TO GET A NEW MOTOR IN THE CAR MAY 2013, THEN IT WAS RATTLING AGAIN SO I TOOK IT UP THERE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WAS THAT IT NEEDED A PROGRAM UPGRADE AND THAT I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET 60.70 FOR THIS UPGRADE. TWO DAYS LATER THE WHOLE CAR SHUTS DOWN ON ME AND THEY ARE NOW SAYING THAT IT IS AN APP MODULE AND IT NEEDS TO BE RE-PROGRAMMED. I AM TIRED OF PAYING ALL THIS TOW BILLS AND FEES FOR A CAR THAT DOES NOT RUN AND IT NOT SAFE FOR MY KIDS TO RIDE IN. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Engine, Jul 1, 2013, crash
ON 6/22/13 AT APPROX 1:40PM I WAS HEADING BACK TO WORK FROM MY LUNCH BREAK AND I WAS GOING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION ON MY GREEN LIGHT AT APPROX 30MPH WHEN A BIG CHEVY TRUCK BLEW THROUGH THE RED LIGHT GOING APPROX 40 MPH. I ENDED UP T BONING THE CAB OF HIS TRUCK. CAUSING ME TO DO A 360. TORE OFF THE BUMPER COMPLETELY. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND ONSTAR DID NOT CALL ME. TWO IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES OF MY CAR FAILED ME! I THANK GOD I AM ALIVE WITH NO SERIOUS INJURIES! EVERYONE WHO SAW MY CAR INCLUDING THE BODY SHOP ARE IN COMPLETE SHOCK OF MY AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING! I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE CAUSE! *TR
Engine, May 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE SEVERELY. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE OVER GRAVEL OR AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS FAULTY AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 10, 2013
I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR 18 MONTHS. NOVEMBER 2012, I REPORTED TO MY GM DEALER OF LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING. CAR'S RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS, LOSES POWER AT VARYING SPEEDS FROM 30 MPH AND UP. VEHICLE BROUGHT IN, DEALER STATED THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. DECEMBER 2012, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH, CAR ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING, CAR CAME TO STOP ON ACTIVE TRAIN TRACKS WITH CHILDREN IN CAR, NO POWER STEERING, NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE, NEUTRAL OR REVERSE, PARK. ONCE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. TOWED VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, WAS TOLD TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A BAD SOLENOID. VEHICLE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS TWO MONTHS AFTER. JANUARY 2013 BROUGHT VEHICLE IN FOR SAME ISSUE, LOSING POWER, NO ACCELERATION, RPM'S WOULD REV AND THEN RAPIDLY DROP WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT FOOT ON GAS PEDAL. WAS TOLD BY DEALER NOTHING IS WRONG WITH CAR. FEBRUARY 2013, CHANGE OIL LIGHT WAS ONE FOR THREE MONTHS, EVEN AFTER HAVING OIL CHANGED. BROUGHT TO DEALER TO HAVE RESET. MAY 2013, VEHICLE STILL LOSING POWER, RPM'S REVVING AND RAPIDLY DROPPING, DASH LIGHTS RANDOMLY DIMMING WITHOUT TOUCHING DIMMER KNOB, DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE AND WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK DESPITE MULTIPLE METHODS, ONCE OPEN DOOR WILL NOT LATCH TO CLOSE AND DOOR BOUNCES OPEN AGAIN, AUTO START LAGS AT TIME AND RANDOMLY DOESN'T WORK. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE NEXT MONDAY, NOT OPTIMISTIC AS THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPLICATE, THEY STATE THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER KNOWN ISSUES ON THIS VEHICLE, DESPITE THERE BEING MANY MANY TSB'S ONLINE FOR THE SAME ISSUES I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING. I HAVEN'T OWNED THE CAR FOR EVEN TWO YEARS, TRADED IN A BEAUTIFUL NEW CAMARO FOR IT TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN IN A SAFE CAR, YET THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND HEADACHES. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 4, 2013
THE CONTACT JUST BOUGHT A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU USED NOVEMBER 2012. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE ESP, SLIPPERY /TRACTION LIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT AND REDUCING ENGINE POWER WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR DECREASED SPEED TO 20MPH. *TR
Engine, Feb 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME RESISTANT TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE ESP AND LOW ENGINE POWER WARNING LIGHTS THEN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE ENGINE RESET AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 48,500. ...UPDATED 04/25/13 *BF UPDATED 05/20/2013 *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2012
ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Apr 9, 2012
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
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 17, 2012
THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED FIRST IN NOVEMBER 2011. THE ENGINE STOPPED, THERE WAS NO STEERING, SERVICE ESC,THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT WOULD NOT MOVE WHEN PUT IN GEAR. TODAY IS THE SECOND TIME THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED. CHEVY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED IN NOVEMBER, BUT NOW IT'S BACK. THE MALIBU IS BACK AT CHEVY FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR THIS PROBLEM. WE EXPERIENCED ANOTHER INCIDENT 2 WEEKS AGO BUT AFTER STARTING THE CAR AGAIN THE PROBLEM WAS NOT THERE AND HAS NOT SURFACED UNTIL NOW. I CERTAINLY HOPE THIS PROBLEM IS RESOLVED THIS TIME FOR GOOD. I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 19, 2011
I WAS DRIVING AND WHEN I WENT OVER A SMALL HILL THE CAR SEEMED TO LOSE POWER. THE SERVICE /ESC MESSAGE CAME ON. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE CAR WAS RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. IT HAD NO POWER WHATSOEVER. WHEN I CALLED ONSTAR THEY SAID TO SHUT IT OFF FOR A MINUTE AND TURN IT BACK ON TO SEE IF THE CODE WOULD CLEAR. IT DIDN'T SO I CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO TOW IT TO BANKS CHEVROLET (NH). AFTER SITTING IN THE CAR FOR ABOUT AN HOUR WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING (IT WAS FEBRUARY AND VERY COLD OUT) THE TOW OPERATOR ARRIVED. I SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES, HE THEN STARTED IT AND LOW AND BEHOLD THE MESSAGE WAS GONE THE CAR HAD POWER AND HE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE IT ON THE TOW TRUCK. THE GARAGE HAD THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS TRYING TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THEY COULD NOT. THEY SAID A SERVICE BULLETIN DID GO OUT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I WILL ADMIT IT DOES MAKE ME NERVOUS THE CAR WAS 1 MONTH IN MY POSSESSION WHEN THIS HAPPENED NOT EVEN 1500 MILES ON IT. I NOW HAVE 7500 MILES AND NO PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF I HAD BEEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND LOST POWER AT A HIGH SPEED-THANK-GOD THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN!!! BUT REALLY NO RESOLUTION THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED IT THEY DID HOWEVER GIVE ME SOME SONG AND DANCE ABOUT THINGS LOOSENING UP FROM GOING OVER BUMPY ROADS. WELL I LIVE IN THE NORTHEAST SO THAT IS PRETTY UNAVOIDABLE. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Tires, Jul 18, 2011
I HAVE A 2011 MALIBU, I CHANGED MY TIRES OUT ON MY CAR AND TIRE PRESSURE LOW LIGHT CAME ON, THEN 3 DAYS LATER SERVICE ESC LIGHT CAME ON, AN I INSTANTLY FELT LIKE I WAS IN A WRONG GEAR, POWER AND SPEED REDUCED, THANKFULLY I WASN'T IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, I'M UNDER THE 5 YEAR WARRANTY CAN I GET SERVICE, AND IS IT DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Feb 10, 2011
I WAS ACCELERATING FROM THE ENTRY LANE OF A MOSTLY EMPTY (THANKFULLY) RURALHIGHWAY WHEN SUDDENLY A WARNING MESSAGE "SERVICE TRACTION" ENGINE POWER REDUCED" SERVICE ESC APPEARED ON THE DASH MONITOR.. I LOST POWER AND COULD NOT GET ABOVE 45 MPH. THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO BE LOCKED INTO A GEAR LEVEL. I CONTACTED CHEY AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS A SAFETY FEATURE. HERE'S THE PROBLEM, IF I HAD BEEN DOING A HIGH SPEED MERGE ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY THE POWER LOSS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT NOT TO MENTION GETTING ME KILLED. I THINK THE FEATURE IS ENGINEERED INTO THE SOFTWARE THAT CONTROLS THE ENGINE/TRANSMISSION. A DETECTED FAULT TRIGGERS THE ACTION. INCIDENTALLY, THERE WAS NO PRIOR NOTICE, WARNING LIGHTS,ETC. THAT WOULD HAVE INDICATED A PROBLEM. THE LACK OF NOTICE EXACERBATES THE DANGER.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2010
THE PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING WITH MY 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU LTZ IS A METALLIC RATTLE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN ROADS. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW ON AUGUST 24, 2010. THE VERY NEXT DAY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE METALLIC RATTLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON AUGUST 30, AUGUST 31, SEPTEMBER 17, SEPTEMBER 30 (2 DAYS) AND OCTOBER 7, 2010 BUT, TO DATE, THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT IN TIME THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME ? I HAVE NO FURTHER ACTION PLAN? AND THE MECHANIC THAT WORKED ON MY VEHICLE TOLD ME ? THE NOISE MAY BE THE NEW NORMAL FOR CHEVROLET?. THIS SAME NONCONFORMIST SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIRS THE USE, VALUE AND SAFETY OF MY NEW VEHICLE. I HAVE ASKED THAT THE VEHICLE BE REPLACED PURSUANT TO THE LEMON LAW OF OHIO. I CONTACTED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP, WHICH THE DEALERSHIP STATED WAS UNTRUE AND WAS NEVER COMMUNICATED TO THEM. BOTH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP HAVE HEARD THE METALLIC RATTLE AND SAID IT IS UP TO CHEVROLET MOTORS DIVISION TO OFFER OTHER POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. I THINK I HAVE BEEN PATIENT LONG ENOUGH AND SINCE THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE REPLACED. *TR