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: exterior lighting
130 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 18, 2026, fire
There was a fire in the trunk on the way to work. Fire department was called to inspect the car and make sure that the fire was out. Fire melted fuse box located in the trunk along with wiring harness and wires, also causing all electrical items to stop working. Claim was attempted to be made, but insurance did not cover this particular issue. After hours of reading as well as watching videos, this seems to be an on problem for Malibu's from 2011-2016. I bought this car one year ago and had a mechanic inspect the vehicle.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jun 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ESC and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, while the cruise control was activated and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was able to be moved without the brake pedal being depressed. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2026, fire
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under a carport in her driveway, she had been warned by neighbors that the rear end of the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that she saw that flames were issuing from both rear light housings. The contact stated that by the time her husband and a neighbor attempted to extinguish the flames with garden hoses, the light housings and the rear bumper were on fire and melting. The fire department and the police were called. The contact stated that by the time emergency services arrived, the flames had been extinguished. The contact stated that the fire department opened the trunk, and the interior of the trunk and the matting were not damaged. The only damage was to the rear light housings and the rear bumper. The fire department had not issued a report, however the police had. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Nov 17, 2025
Headlight wiring harness connector has melted multiple times leaving me without low beam headlights while driving at night with my children in the car. This has left me having to use my high beams to drive and this poses as a safety hazard for not only me and my family but other people on the road. This also poses a fire hazard if the plastic connector is getting hot enoughto melt. I have requested warranty replacements for this part through AC Delco and made them aware of the on going problem and informed them that this is a well known issue with this car and that it is extremely dangerous. I have not had the part inspected by a mechanic, insurance company or law enforcement but have the failed part and would be willing to have it inspected by law enforcement or anyone else but can not afford out of pocket expenses to do so. There was no prior warning to this happening any of the times it happened it would be working when I left my house I would stop somewhere turn the car off and when I got back in and started the car they wouldn't turn on. Another time they quit working while driving down the road. The date below is the date that I ordered the first replacement wiring harness it lasted less than 3 months and i had to have it replaced and currently I am dealing with not having low beams again this is the 3rd time I have dealt with this issue and it has been on going since January 2025.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2025
Two months ago While driving on the highway at 60 mph at night my headlights shut off with no warning leaving only my running lights, turn signals, brake lights and hazards lights functioning. Neither hi or low beams would function. Yet no warning or service lights appeared on the dash. Local mechanic replaced both the headlights bulbs and connectors on both sides. 3 weeks later it happened again, this time when I started my car the headlights failed to turn on. So i contacted a local Chevy dealer (Rob Eck chevy) who said there was no recall or investigation...so I took it back the mechanic and had him fix it AGAIN. Just a few minutes ago today when I went to go to work yet AGAIN the headlights won't turn on. Checked through a plethora of forums about the Malibu both fan sites and manufacturers sites and have found that this is an extremely common issue for 2008-2014 Malibus, As this is an extremely dangerous failure/malfunction for both the driver and everyone else on the road I am STUNNED that there's no recall or at least an INVESTIGATION into this as with this many occurrences with so many owners it's virtually impossible to be owner fault ergo it must be a product defect or a manufacturer defect....please do what's right for the safety and well being of others not what's right to protect the rich lining their pockets
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 12, 2025
I'm having to replace the low beam headlight in my car more times than a lil bit! I hate that I'm constantly spending $60+ everytime on headlights cause of i replace one side imma replace the other! I have brought the replacement harness for the lights and the low beam still blows!
Exterior lighting, Jun 11, 2024
Passenger headlight keeps going out. Have had to replace 4 times in 3 years. Difficult taking off entire bumper
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 9, 2024
Passenger side low beam headlight bulb connector melted/burnt. Caused low beam to go out on occasion - hit a bump and it switches on/off
Exterior lighting, May 29, 2023
I purchased this 2011 Cheverolet Malibu brand new. A few years prior to me giving it to my daughter, I had to get the headlights replaced several times, one would go out a month or so after I had the other one fixed. I gave it to her in 2019 and lately every other week one or even BOTH of the front headlights have gone out. Also, the third brake lamp randomly goes out and now one of the rear brake lamps has gone out. There’s already over 100 complaints about these issues with this particular model but GM has yet to do a recall! WHY?? It’s clearly an issue with the vehicle and the fact that the ENTIRE front bumper has to come off to get to it is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen!!! Headlights, of all things, randomly going out on a vehicle is not safe at all! There are people out here who have children in these faulty vehicles and clearly neither GM nor the NHTSA cares. What is it going to take for someone to do something about this, deaths???
Exterior lighting, Seat belts, May 15, 2023
Driverside Airbag light will come on with Service Airbag message. This does occasionally turn off but comes back for days or weeks at a time. Driver side seatbelt light will randomly come on and stay on or turn off. Both airbag and seatbelt light may be on at the same time. If they are all off or the airbag light turns off it's only for a day or two. Most of the time it will be the airbag light only that is on and tends to stay on longer than seatbelt light.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at various speeds, the traction control and power steering disengaged independently as the "Reduced Engine Power" warning message was displayed and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. The contact also stated that the brake lights flickered intermittently without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the intake camshaft actuator, mass air flow, and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 28, 2022
Headlights fail. I have had to replace my headlights several times. I have also had to replace the entire headlight assembly.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, May 6, 2022
4/16/2018) Codes pulled 16188 Brake Lamp Malfunction, 13036D, and 13036C. Code 16188 was repaired and replaced by the Chevrolet dealership. A warning code would show on the dashboard then brake lights would show that the brakes are being applied at all times while driving or not show when braking.
Exterior lighting, Feb 15, 2022
The headlights have went out over 10 times. The wiring keeps burning. This is a known issues. Why is there not a recall? It’s extremely expensive and hard to get the front end of the car off to replace the bulb to find out it’s not the bulb. It goes out every few months. Even the dealership service department has told me it’s a known issue!
Exterior lighting, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the front headlights failed to illuminate without warning at start-up. The contact had taken the vehicle to a relative who was able to replace both headlights. Two months after the repair, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate and had the headlight was replaced again by her relative. Despite the replacement of the headlight, the new headlight failed to operate as needed. The contact then purchased a third headlight and the headlight also failed to operate. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Apr 11, 2021
MY VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 62,000 MILES AND THE CENTER REAR BRAKES LIGHT JUST INSIDE THE REAR WINDOW IS NOT WORKING. IT SEEMS VERY DIM. FAILED STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. NOT AN ACCIDENT.
Exterior lighting, Dec 24, 2020
THE LOW BEAM PORTION OF HEADLIGHTS STARTED GOING OUT AND BACK ON PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING I'VE REPLACED THE BULBS TWICE WITHIN 6 MONTHS AND IT CONTINUES TO REPEAT ISSUE THE BULBS ARE NOT BLOWN. MULTIPLE REPORTS ONLINE OF THIS ISSUE BUT NO RECALL. IF HEADLIGHTS FAIL DURING DARK DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS OR EVEN FATAL ACCIDENTS.THE INFORMATION ONLINE SUGGESTS WIRING HARNESS ISSUES
Exterior lighting, Dec 16, 2020
PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT GOES OUT RANDOMLY. WIRING AND HEADLIGHT HAVE BEEN REPLACED, AND DOES NOT SEEM TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. THIS HAPPENS APPROX.EVERY 6 MONTHS IF NOT MORE. YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE FRONT BUMPER TO GET TO THE HEADLIGHT WHICH IS A PAIN IF DONE YOURSELF. VERY EXPENSIVE IF YOU PAY A MECHANIC.
Exterior lighting, Dec 11, 2020
MY DIM LIGHTS DO NOT WORK, IT IS NOT THE BULB OR ANYTHING CONNECTED WITH THE LIGHT, IT HAS ALL BEEN CHECKED OUT! BRIGHTS WORK, BUT IT IS TOO DANGEROUS FOR ME TO HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY BRIGHTS ON. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT!
Exterior lighting, Nov 28, 2020
PASSENGER SIDE LOW-BEAM HEAD LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT, AND HAVE TO REPLACE EVERY SIX MONTHS OR LESS. VERY COSTLY DUE TO DESIGN. FRONT BUMPER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED TO GET TO HEADLIGHT. HAVE HAD DIFFERENT MECHANICS CHANGE AND ISSUE CONTINUES TO BE THE SAME.
Exterior lighting, Wheels, Oct 31, 2020
SINCE THE FIRST OF JANUARY I'VE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHT 3 TIMES SO FAR , I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE MY BEARINGS ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER 2 TIMES ON MY PASSENGER. AND THE REASON I AM WRITING THIS NOW IS BECAUSE MY DRIVER SIDE NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. THE HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T COME ON IN THE MORNING WHEN I WAS LEAVING FOR WORK. AND THE BEARING JUST STARTED MAKING A SOUND WHEN DRIVING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE BAD.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Wheels, Oct 6, 2020
THE HEAD LIGHTS IN MY VEHICLE DO NOT WORK AT ALL. I HAVE TO USE THE BRIGHTS TO SEE ANYTHING AT NIGHT. THE HEAT WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO AND WHEN I BUMP INTO A SMALL LUMP ON THE STREET IT TURNS OFF. THE WHEEL BARRIER IS BAD ON MY RIGHT TIRE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 23, 2020
PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT EVER OTHER MONTH
Exterior lighting, Sep 22, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MILLER BROTHERS CHEVROLET OF ELLICOTT CITY, LOCATED AT 9035 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 7, 2020
MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ALL SYMPTOMS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 AND THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL FOR MY VIN. THAT PROBLEM HIS CAUSING HIGH VOLTAGE WHICH KEEPS CAUSING ELECTRICAL ISSUES LIKE BURNING CABLES TO THE HEADLIGHTS AND NOT GETTING POWER TO MULTIPLE INTERIOR EQUIPMENT SUCH AS THE IPC WHICH STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING AND I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO MY SPEED AND OTHER INFORMATION. I ALSO GET A ENGINE POWER REDUCED ERROR FROM A BAD CONNECTED FROM THE APP TO THE BCM, CODE P1238.