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
978 reports, newest first.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Feb 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LAMP AND THE ESC WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED EACH TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHIN WEEKS OF THE RECALL REPAIR, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE FURTHER DIAGNOSED. THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,903.
Steering, Feb 23, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, IT RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,700.
Engine, Feb 23, 2015
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON CITY STREET, CAR LOST POWER. WARNING LIGHTS FLASHED, REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND ESC WARNINGS. CAR JERKED VIOLENTLY, SLOWED TO 5 MPH MAX. PULLED OVER. TURNED OFF CAR FOR ABOUT A MINUTE. RESTARTED CAR, SEEMED FINE. SINCE I HAPPENED TO BE ONLY ABOUT A MILE FROM THE DEALERSHIP, I DECIDED TO TRY AND MAKE IT. AT STOPLIGHT, CAR DID SAME THING, VIOLENT SHAKING, ALL WARNING LIGHTS. THANKFULLY, I MADE IT INTO DEALER LOT. TURNED CAR OFF. HAD TO RE-START TO PULL TO SERVICE DOOR. AGAIN, DID FINE. WAITING TO HEAR FROM DEALER. VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE TO SUDDENLY LOSE ENGINE POWER. AGREE WITH OTHER COMPLAINANTS...IF THIS HAPPENS MID-INTERSECTION OR ON THE INTERSTATE LIVES ARE AT RISK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, TC AND ASC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND THE ESC, TRACTION CONTROL, AND REDUCED POWER SPEED WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 22, 2015
DRIVING 2011 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ LIGHT CAME ON.GOT MESSAGE SAYING ENGINE POWERING DOWN.CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SPEED DROPPED TO ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR.PULLED INTO CVS PHARMACY LOT.TURNED CAR OFF AND RE-STARTED.DROVE AROUND LOT FOR 1 MINUTE.JUST AS I WAS ABOUT TO PULL OFF LOT AND ENTER EXPRESSWAY.CAR SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY.UNABLE TO RE-START.WAITED 2 HOUR'S FOR TOW ON STAR ROAD SIDE SERVICE.PLAN TO HAVE CAR TOWED MONDAY MORNING.WILL CHECK FOR ESC RECALL ON THIS CAR. *TR
Structure, Feb 21, 2015
I HAVE A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND WHEN IT RAIN THE DRIVER SIDE ON THE INSIDE ALWAYS GETS WET. ITS THE LEFT SIDE ONLY THAT HAS WATER ON IT. THIS IS BECOMING A PROBLEM BECAUSE I ONLY HAVE HAS THIS CAR FOR A YEAR. YES IT DOES HAVE A SUNROOF BUT NO WATER IS COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. I HAVE HEARD SEVERAL OF TIMES IT COULD BE THE DRAIN TUBE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2015
MY CAR WILL NOT START. IT TURNS OVER BUT WON'T START. BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED, GAS TANK FULL, WIRING IS GOOD, SPARK PLUGS ARE BRAND NEW, JUST WON'T START AND I DON'T KNOW WHY. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECREASED TO 10 MPH AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 19, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT SHOOK AND THE TRACTION, THE ESC AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Feb 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE RAPIDLY AND THE TRACTION AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,533.
Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 17, 2015
DRIVING DURING SNOW AND ICE, ESC INDICATOR CAME ON, PUSHED THE TC AND IT DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY, THE CAR GOES ONLY ABOUT 20MPH WITH JERKING MOTION, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON, FLUID FROM SOMEWHERE DRAIN ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE CAR. TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. CAR SAT STILL FOR ABOUT 7 HOURS AND STILL DID THE SAME THING. *TR
Engine, Feb 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED, SHOOK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT DROVE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OTHER OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,200.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 17, 2015
REDUCED ENGINE SPEED AND JERKING WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 16, 2015
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REDUCED ENGINE SPEED, LOW TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON, AND COULD GO OVER 40 MPH. WE STOPPED AND LET IT SIT FOR APPX 5 MINUTES, AND WERE ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. MY SON HAS AN AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER WE WERE ABLE TO HOOK UP AND IT READ THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. WE REMOVED IT AND CLEANED IT WITH MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR CLEANER AND REPLACED IT. AS SOON AS WE STARTED THE CAR UP, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF. THE CAR DROVE FINE UNTIL 2-7-2015 WHERE THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AT APPX 74,700 MILES. WE TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP (COUGHLIN AUTOMOTIVE IN CIRCLEVILLE) ON 2-14-15. THEY TESTED IT AND IT SHOWED THE CODE P2135 #PIP2019 THEY CHECKED CONNECTORS FOR CORROSION & DAMAGE , BUT FOUND NOTHING. THEY RAN THE THROTTLE SWEEP TEST. IT TESTED OK. THEY CLEARED THE CODE & DROVE & COULDN'T GET IT TO DO IT AGAIN. THEY SAID THEY JUST CAN'T REPLACE PARTS BECAUSE THEY COST TOO MUCH, NOT KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT THE ISSUE IS. THEY SAID IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, TO BRING IT IN. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR EVERY DAY TO COLUMBUS OHIO DURING RUSH HOUR, ON STATE HIGHWAYS. I'M SCARED THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN DURING RUSH HOUR AND SOMETHING BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN LIKE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND OR LOSS OF LIFE TO SOMEONE. SO, DOES GM THINK PARTS COST MORE THAN A LOSS OF LIFE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE?????? *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2015
I WAS SLOWING DOWN AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION, TRAVELING AT ABOUT 10MPH. SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS AS TRAFFIC STARTED TO MOVE AGAIN, THE CAR WOULD BARELY CRAWL FORWARD. THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. I TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. AGAIN, I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND ON AND THIS TIME THE CAR SEEMED TO DRIVE AS NORMAL, HOWEVER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. I'M JUST HAPPY THAT I WASN'T TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED AND THAT NO ONE HIT ME FROM BEHIND WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I HAVE READ ON CHEVY FORUMS THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. HOPEFULLY CHEVY CAN FIND AN ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SHOOK VIOLENTLY, THE "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" MESSAGE APPEARED, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Seats, Feb 12, 2015
THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT FRAME IS BROKE. UPON INSPECTION BY MYSELF, IT'S A WELD FAILURE (A MANUFACTURING DEFECT). A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT'S BROKE AND THE VERBIAGE THEY USED WAS "SEAT RISER CRACKING FREE". IN USE, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHES TO THE SEAT, AND IF THE SEAT FRAME IS BROKE AND NOT PROPERLY FASTENED TO THE FRAME/BODY IN MY MIND THIS IS A FAILED OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I'M A LITTLE SURPRISED GENERAL MOTORS DIDN'T TAKE ME SERIOUSLY ABOUT REPAIRING THIS IMMEDIATELY AS I'M THINKING THEY ARE LIABLE IF ANYTHING WERE TO HAPPEN. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED THIS AS WE JUST NOTICED IT WHILE IN USE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 6, 2015
TWO ISSUES EXIST: 1. THE THROTTLE BODY PREMATURELY WORE OUT AND CAUSED VARIOUS SYMPTOMS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER, INSTABILITY IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM DUE TO THE ENGINE REVVING UP WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED OR SLOWED, AND VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS INCLUDING TRACTION CONTROL AND ECS INDICATORS. STEERING ALSO WAS DIFFICULT WHILE THE SYMPTOMS PERSISTED. 2. THE CONNECTOR TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM/ECU) THAT IS THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER WAS NOT COMPLETELY SEALED WHICH ALLOWED WATER TO GET INSIDE WHICH STARTED TO CORRODE THE PINS OF THE CONNECTOR. THIS CAUSED INSTABILITY IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLE. *JS
Steering, Feb 4, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE TRACTION AND SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, NO SOLUTION WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2015
SERVICE AIRBAG DISPLAY MESSAGE CAME ON. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER SAID IT NEEDS A NEW SDM. $902 TO FIX. DEALER SAID IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE ESC ERROR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 3, 2015
2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND WAS NOT DRIVABLE. *MW THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL/ THE CHECK ENGINE AND ESC LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE ACCELERATION AND THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE IN MOTION. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM SHE EXPERIENCED, WAS THE DIRECT RESULT OF RECALL 14V252000. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE REPAIR THAT WAS PERFORMED, WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. *JB
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 2, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A SCHOOL ZONE AT APPROX 25 MPH, ALL OF THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE DASH SAID "LOSS OF ENGINE POWER" THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME AN THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 5 MPH. *TR
Engine, Jan 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MAILBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE THROTTLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.