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: power train
112 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated while driving, and the transmission shifted abnormally rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was rebuilt. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 5, 2024
Multiple times while driving this vehicle, get the message loss of engine power, ABS light displays, and steering becomes difficult. Will be calling the dealership for repair. Once it resolved itself enough to drive over 100 miles after changing the battery, but the issue occurred again. Many searches online point to ABS, or Wheel issues. There are YouTube videos but this is a safety issue that should be recalled and fixed. As a loyal Chevy owner, I would love to have Chevy back their vehicles and recall when there are some many instances of this widespread safety issue they would prioritize the safety of their vehicles.
Power train, Electrical system, Wheels, Dec 29, 2022
to begin with CD player stopped working the service tire light stays on the seat adjuster went out this is used to support your back while driving while driving on a residential road the car would not go in drive. The car just suddenly stopped while in drive. It goes in reverse and stays in park but the other gears do not work. It was a good thing that I was on a residential road and not the freeway. I keep having to repair the headlights left and right they keep burning out for some reason. Gets frustrating. And I have been pulled over for a burned headlight but the officer was aware the the make and model of my car have defects with headlights. He didn't site me but said to get it fixed.
Power train, Engine, Nov 24, 2022, crash
My timing belt snapped which broke my gaskets and messed messed up my engine.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 16, 2022
My 2011 malibu has approx 170000 miles. was driving on the highway when one by one, low fuel range, tire pressure, and antitheft lights illuminated blinking in dash. The radio flickers like loosing power, the car jerks pulling hard to right side and the power steering goes out and the car literally shuts down in drive on the highway not even giving me time to get off road. Pushed car to side of road. When i try and restart engine turns but sputters like out of gas. Again and again i try until the battery is dead but car wouldnt stay running. I check battery terminals and fuses, a friend brings gallon of gas and jumps car. Same result. I have towed home. I put battery on charger put battery back in car and it starts immediately and stays running. Again i try to go to town. The same thing happens 2 miles further from where it previously did, this time the ESC was added to the others illuminating on dash. I tried the same things i did before getting same result. I take battery call a ride and go home to put battery on charger. When i return 48 hours later and put battery in, it cranks right up.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 10, 2022
While driving at highway speed, vehicle stated to shake and the "Engine Power Reduced" and Service ESC. I was able to move to a safe zone and drive the vehicle home. The following day started normal and drove it, same problem occurred.
Power train, May 8, 2022
The transmission has a rough shift in third and fifth. It won't down shift when slowing down. It was confirmed from a independent service center. There was no warning when it did it the check engine light came on. There is many people with the same complaint with the transmission being faulty. My safety and others was at risk because the car would not down shift and come to a stop.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, May 6, 2022
Warranty policy 15356 on Torque Sensor Steering Wheel. Replaced and repaired by Chevrolet dealership in 2018. Reocccured problem started again on April 13th, 2022. Code ESC power steering started May 6th, 2022 but shaking, vibration, and "twitching" started April 13th, 2022. When turning on the vehicle now the code will show and the steering wheel will lock not allowing power steering. In 2018 this code would show up during driving and lock up not allowing you to use power steering.
Steering, Power train, Feb 11, 2022
I was driving up a hill and my Service ESC power steering came up and I suddenly couldn’t turn my steering wheel so it had locked up… I slowed down and drove closes to the side of the road as I could safe as possible … after research online I notice this has happen to several others at this mileage and that there was a recall on esc system
Power train, Aug 25, 2021
While driving down a highway at 60mph, the transmission failed, at just over 118,000. It started surging without moving forward any faster, and reverse doesn't work at all anymore. My son was in the car, and we were miles from home. I was lucky to be able to get off the highway fairly quickly before we got run over, or hit along the side of the road. This particular transmission failure is a well known issue for GM, it is covered for older vehicles up to 2010, and fixed in newer vehicles in 2012, but dealership (Paul Richard's Peru, IN) said "these things happen" and it could cost $3000-$5000 to replace. They will do nothing to help, because they won't acknowledge that this model year needs extended coverage, too. (Actually a recall!) This is completely unacceptable, I've only put 30,000 miles on this car. I had the fluids lab tested when purchased, and it in no way indicated any failure imminent! In fact, it said everything was in fantastic condition for the mileage. We also flushed and filled the transmission ~25,000 miles ago, as recommended by the maintenance schedule. We shouldn't be on the hook for thousands of dollars, when we in no way caused this failure, especially after it could have killed my son and I. Our old 2005 Malibu has 170,000 miles on the original drivetrain, and it's still going. There is no acceptable reason that our 2011 should only last 118,000 miles before needing major repairs, or the transmission replaced already, 100% on our dime.
Power train, Aug 24, 2021
On busy city 3 lane highway transmission failed to engage. I managed to drift right to immediate side street, emergency blinkers on, horns blowing. Turned corner and stopped. No warnings, lights, sounds. 59,908 mileage! Insurance co towed to transmission shop. Mechanic had to completely rebuild $2,132. Insisted not normal problem for such low mileage. I will be contacting Chevy dealer, ect. This car is available for any inspection. I have 0 confidence in the safety of this car. When I picked up the owner of shop pointed out an identical vehicle in his lot, yes, waiting for another transmission replace/repair.
Power train, Jan 19, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A RAMP AND ATTEMPTING TO ENTER HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT ALSO WANTED TO STATE THAT PREVIOUSLY THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ROY ROBINSON CHEVROLET (6616 35TH AVENUE NE, MARYSVILLE, WA, 98271, (360) 659-6236) WHERE THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,632.
Power train, Aug 18, 2020
CAR QUIT SHIFTING INTO 3RD, 4TH OR 5TH GEAR AND REVERSE. EXITING THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT DOWNSHIFTED VERY SUDDENLY AND VERY HARD. FROM THERE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT. WENT TO TAKE OFF AND IT SLIPPED IN 2ND GEAR. FROM THERE PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. NEXT TIME I TRIED REVERSE IT WOULD NOT GO AT ALL. LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT'S THE TRANSMISSION.
Power train, Seat belts, Jul 13, 2020
WHILE MY SEATBELT IS FASTENED THE SEATBELT NOTIFICATION GOES OFF AS IF ITS NOT FASTENED. ALSO AS I'M ACCELERATING IT'S LIKE MY CAR STRUGGLES TO GET TO 40 MPH. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GIVE IT A LITTLE MORE GAS FOR IT TO GO OVER 40
Power train, Engine, Jul 3, 2020
TIMING CHAIN AND ENGINE MALFUNCTION. REVIEWED THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME THING. THE 2.4 ECOTECH ENGINE WAS IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR EQUINOXS BUT NOT MALIBUS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ESC, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, AND THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM, AND REPLACED THREE DIFFERENT SENSORS. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO REPROGRAMMED THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 11, 2020
I BOUGHT MY 2011 CHEVY MALIBU IN MARCH OF 2017. ONLY PUT 30K MILES AND IT'S APRIL OF 2020. MY CAR WON'T CRANK UP SOMETIMES OR WHEN I'M IDLE, IT'LL START TO SHAKE AND I HAVEN'T DROVE MY CAR IN A WEEK BUT WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN AND TRY TO TURN IT, NOTHING COMES ON. NO LIGHTS OR ANYTHING
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 10, 2020
I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ WITH 44,589 MILES AND I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY SCREENS READING THAT MY ESC SYSTEM IS BAD AND WILL REDUCE MY ENGINE POWER, I TOOK IT IN TO AIRPORT CHEVROLET IN MEDFORD, OREGON AND THEY PLUGED MY CAR IN AND TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN THIS ISSUE COUNTLESS TIMES, AND HAS SEEN PEOPLE HAVE TO REPLACE THINGS AS SIMPLE AS A SENSOR ALL THE WAY TO IT BEING AN ISSUE IN THE WIRING HARNESS AND PEOPLE WILL BRING THEIR CAR IN AND DO THE SMALL REPAIRS FIRST ( ECONOMICALLY MAKES SENSE) AND IT WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.. UNTIL THEY FIX THIS HUGE EXPENSIVE ISSUE ALL BECAUSE. CHEVY HAS AN ISSUE WITH A SYSTEM THEY PUT INTO A CAR THAT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY! I HAVE READ OTHER REVIEWS VERY SIMILAR TO MINE WHERE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HIT IN TRAFFIC . NOW LUCKILY I CAUGHT MINE BEFORE A WRECK. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 24, 2020
MY 2011 CHEVY MALIBU BURNING OIL I KEEP HAVING ADD OIL TO CAR ON TOP THAT TIMING BELT BROKE CHANCES OUT EXHAUST CAMSHAFT POSSIBLE SENSOR OUT 2-3 TIMES AND CODE REMAIN LATER CHAIN GUIDES BROKE SEEN 2.4L EQUINOX HAD RECALL DUE TO BURNING OIL NOT SURE TIMING CHAIN BRAKE BUT HEARD ALOT COMPLAIN ABOUT CHAIN GUIDES BREAKING ALSO SEAT BACKING KEEP CALLING OFF LATCHES FOR THEM FAIL EVERY TIME CAR JUST GAVE ME ALOT OF PROBLEM CONTROL ARM GOING OUT. CAR WAS MADE CHEAP AND WASN'T MEANT TO LAST. CAR BROKE DOWN TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED.BURNT OIL SMELL WHEN TURN CAR ON COMING THROW AC WHEN ON. 2.4 L ECOTEC MOTOR IS PROBLEM AS WELL POWER TRAIN TRANSMISSION BREAK REVERSE WAVE GEAR MAKING IT A COSTLY REPAIR.
Power train, Oct 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, THE RPMS REVVED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, AND A SPEED SENSOR FOR THE ENGINE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A CODE FOR THE SPEED SENSOR WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH PRIORITY CHEVROLET (1495 S MILITARY HWY, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320, (757) 424-1811) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND A LOT OF THE SAME MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURES EVEN WITH THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AROUND 90,000 TO 95,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 11, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, THE CAR WILL JUST STOP MOVING FORWARD ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING. WE HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WHICH IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR POWER STEERING / ESC COME ON AND THE CHIMES RING 3 TIMES. UPON STOPPING THE CAR, IF THE ENGINE REMAINS OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES, THEN THE CAR WILL START BACK UP AND RUN NORMALLY FOR UP TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 TIMES OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER IN ST. LOUIS 4 TIMES BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE REPLACED A NUMBER OF PARTS RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING BUT THIS HAS PROVEN TO BE INEFFECTIVE. WE ALSO REPLACED THE BATTERY AND CLEANED THE CABLES WITH NO RESULTS. THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE AND THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALER HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO FIX IT. WE CANNOT BELIEVE OUR 2011 MALIBU IS THE ONLY CAR WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Power train, Aug 6, 2019
I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY. STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, AND WHEN I ACCELERATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK, REV LOUDLY, AND SEEMED TO KICK INTO HIGH GEAR WHILE ONLY GOING ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR. I GOT TO A PLACE WHERE I COULD STOP, AND TRIED TO PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE, BUT THIS GEAR DID NOT WORK. I HAD IT TOWED AND MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED REBUILT. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD RECOMMEND A REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION.
Power train, Jul 9, 2019
81K MILES ON VEHICLE. DRIVING AT RESIDENTIAL SPEEDS (~ 30 MPH), VEHICLE STARTED SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTING, ENGINE REVVING, THEN REFUSING TO GET OUT OF 1ST GEAR. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY OR CROWDED CITY STREET!
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 7, 2019
I RECENTLY OBTAINED MY 2011 MALIBU LT FROM SUPERIOR AUTO IN BEDFORD, IN. IT IS A TRULY OUTSTANDING MACHINE. I WAS PLEASED WITH THE ENTIRE ECOTEC 2.4 ENGINE AND FUEL ECONOMY. THE DRIVETRAIN IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT TOPIC. I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING THE NEW PUSH BUTTON SHIFT SETUP. IT WAS SMOOTH FOR THE FIRST 3 WEEKS OR SO. OH BY THE WAY IT BARELY TURNED 105,000 ON THE ODOMETER. IT STARTED WITH 3RD SHIFTING LATE AND HARD. THEN IT WAS REVERSE NOT CATCHING ONCE SHIFTER WAS ENGAGED, MAKING ME USE MY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT COMPLETELY STOPPED PULLING FORWARD OR REVERSE. INITIALLY I ASSUMED TRANSMISSION JUST BURNED OUT. WAITED UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING, TRYING AGAIN AND IT ENGAGED GEAR. IT WAS ULTIMATELY SHORT LIVED, ONCE TRANSMISSION WARMS IT STARTS TO FAIL COMPLETELY. I'M VERY DISGRUNTLED AND DISAPPOINTED IN THE CAR COMPANY I WAS RAISED ON. AS WELL AS MY FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS. NOT TO MENTION, THIS MY VERY FIRST CHEVY BUYING ON MY OWN. PLEASE RETURN MY CONCERNS PLEASE. I PURCHASED THE MALIBU FROM A LOCAL BUY HERE PAY HERE. THIS LEAVES ME ON A MOST AGGRAVATED NOTE, DUE TO ME BEING ABSOLUTELY HUSTLED INTO PAYING FOR A OPERATIONALESS MOTOR VEHICLE FROM WHAT I ONCE THOUGHT WAS 2ND TO NONE, CHEVROLET AND GM IN GENERAL. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND WILL MOST DEFINITELY NEVER BUY THIS BRAND AGAIN, AS WELL AS MY FAMILY OF 80+ YEARS OF BUSINESS. GM, HAS LOWERED ITSELF TO AN ALL TIME LOW! PLEASE RETURN MY SUBMISSION ASAP. I NEED TRANSPORTATION FOR MY UNION CAREER I DRIVE A VERY LARGE AMOUNT FOR AS WELL. MINDS BLOWN BY THE UTTER LAZINESS OF THIS MASSIVE AUTO TITAN. DISGUSTED!!
Power train, May 14, 2019
ONLY 115K MILES AND TRANSMISSION IS OUT, THIS CAR GETS ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, REVERSE WON'T ENGAGE AND TRANSMISSION MAKES NOISES IN FORWARD. HELP PLEASE