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.
Service brakes, Oct 14, 2013
BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK UNLESS I USE EXCESSIVE FORCE. *TR
Power train, Sep 2, 2013
I PURCHASED THIS MALIBU IN MARCH 2011, NEW. I CURRENTLY HAVE LESS THAN 26K MILES ON THE CAR. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WHILE ACCELERATING (USUALLY) BETWEEN 25 AND 35 MPH THE CAR SEEMS TO LOSE ITS ABILITY TO SHIFT GEARS AND THE TACHOMETER WILL GO TO 4000 PLUS WITH NO ACCELERATION. ITS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL. THIS FIRST STARTED HAPPENING IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP (EXACT MILEAGE NOTED ABOVE MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE) AND THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO KEYES CHEVROLET, WHERE PURCHASED. THEY SAID THEY NOTICED THE DEFECT AND APPARENTLY DID AN OVERHAUL (?) ON THE TRANSMISSION AND KEPT THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS. MY GUESS IS THEY HAD NO PROBLEM WITH DOING AN INITIAL REPAIR AS THEY WOULD BE REIMBURSED BY GM ($1500?). NEW OR SIMILAR REPAIRS OR ISSUES MAY BE MORE DIFFICULT FOR REIMBURSEMENT, AS GM WILL SAY THEY FIXED IT ALREADY AND PAID ONCE!!!!! I TRY AND MAINTAIN A LOG IN THE CAR OF THE TRANSMISSION ISSUES. PROBABLY HAVE AT LEAST 25 TIMES NOTED AND LOGGED IN 2013. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THERE WERE PROBABLY NUMEROUS TIMES THAT WERE NOT LOGGED BECAUSE OF TIMING OR LOCATION OR JUST TIRED OF LOGGING ISSUES ON A NEW CAR. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR MAKING ENGINE NOISES WHEN STARTING UP, AT LEAST TWICE. ONE TIME I DID NOT DO A REPAIR ORDER AS THEY DID NOT HEAR THE NOISE AND LOOKED / LISTENED TO THE CAR. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER AND THE SHIFTING ISSUE HAPPENS MORE REGULARLY. I TRY TO MAINTAIN A RECORD OF THE DATE, TIME AND MILEAGE. WILL SEE IF THEY CAN DUPLICATE THE NOISES AND SHIFTING ISSUES, WHEN I BRING IT IN SOON, AGAIN. THE CAR HAS RECENTLY STARTED CHUGGING ALONG WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE, A NEW ISSUE. *JS
Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Aug 5, 2013
THE MANUFACTURER FORGOT TO INSTALL A CLAMP ON THE MOON ROOF DRAIN. THE TUBE FELL OFF AND FLOODED THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WITH 3 INCHES OF STANDING WATER ON JULY 12, 2013. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE INCLUDING CEILING, DASH (IN FRONT AND BEHIND), SEATS, FLOORING, AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE WATER DAMAGE. IT THEN HAPPENED AGAIN ON JULY 14, 2013. CONTACT WAS MADE TO THE DEALER ON JULY 16, 2013. AFTER NUMEROUS, MEANINGLESS PHONE CONVERSATIONS WITH CHEVROLET, THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE SOME COSMETIC PARTS. ONLY THE FLOORING WAS REPLACED AT FIRST. AFTER MORE COMPLAINTS, THE SEAT COVERS AND HEAD LINER WERE REPLACED, BUT NOT THE FACTORY CARPETED FLOOR MATS. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE OR INSPECT ANYTHING ELSE THAT WATER CAME IN CONTACT WITH INCLUDING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, SEAT CUSHIONS, SAFETY RESTRAINTS, WIRING HARNESSES, OR AIRBAG SYSTEM BEHIND THE DASH. OUR 10 YEAR OLD SON HAD A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT TWO YEARS AGO AND HAS A SUPPRESSED IMMUNE SYSTEM. DUE TO THIS, HE CANNOT BE AROUND MOLD WHICH CHEVROLET IS REFUSING TO TEST FOR. BEING THAT ONLY 50% OR LESS OF THE COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, WE ARE CONCERNED OF THE PRESENCE OF MOLD. OUR PHYSICIAN HAS REQUESTED THAT THE CAR BE TESTED AND SIGNED OFF THAT NO MOLD IS PRESENT BEFORE OUR SON CAN RIDE IN THE CAR AGAIN. OUR SON'S HEALTH DEPENDS ON HAVING A SAFE, CLEAN CAR TO BE TRANSPORTED IN. CHEVROLET HAS NO CONCERNS FOR HIS SAFETY OR LIFE THREATENING ISSUES. UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL SAFETY COMPONENTS MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED WITH THIS MUCH WATER OR MOISTURE IN THE VEHICLE. THESE PARTS WERE NOT CHECKED, TESTED OR REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Aug 5, 2013
DRIVING DOWN TWO LANE ROAD AT AROUND 45 TO 50 MPH, LIGHT RAIN.....PUDDLES ON UNEVEN SURFACED ROAD STARTED TO GATHER, CAR STARTED TO HYDROPLANE AND WANTED TO GO LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON LEFT....TRIED TO MOVE CAR TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID ACCIDENT.....SLOWED WAY DOWN AND TURNED OFF ROAD INTO PARKING LOT. TOOK CAR FOR REPAIR AND THE STEERING MOTOR WAS BAD AND REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2013
CAR SLIPS 1ST TO 2ND (RPM BUZZES UP) THIS OCCURS WHEN CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR 30 MILES OR MORE AND WHEN IT IS ABOVE 85 DEGREES. IT ALSO HESITATES 2ND TO 3RD WHEN COLD. I WAS ALMOST HIT IN THE REAR TWICE WHEN THE CAR SLIPPED BETWEEN 1ST TO 2ND. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID NOTHING THEY COULD DO AS IT DID NOT SHOW ANYTHING ON THE COMPUTER. NOTE THAT SINCE THEY LOOKED AT THE CAR ON 7/26/13 THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO SLIP BETWEEN 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. NOTE THAT THE DEALERSHIP TEST DROVE IN THE MORNING WHEN IT WAS STILL COOL OUTSIDE AND DID NOT DRIVE IT BUT A FEW MILES. I WAS CHARGED FOR CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION $84.53. CAR WAS FIRST TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP ON 11/23/12 AS THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BETWEEN 1ST, 2ND, 3RD GEARS (44,000 MILES ON CAR). COMPUTER SHOWED NO ISSUES, CAR WAS ONE QUART LOW IN TRANSMISSION FLUID. CHARGE WAS $49.69. FIRST I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE IN PRICE AS THE DEALERSHIP 11/23/12 DID MORE AND CHARGED LESS. SECOND THE CAR CONTINUES TO HESITATE WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS "EVERYDAY" I DRIVE IT (IN THE AFTERNOON WHEN IT IS WARM). I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO ALMOST BEING HIT. PLUS I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR THIS WHEN IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *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
Vehicle speed control, Jun 20, 2013
WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR LOST POWER. UPON TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE APP SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING. FROM READING ONLINE, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS STYLE OF CHEVROLET, AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE AT LEAST 2008. CONSUMERS ARE BEING FLEECED BY FAULTY PARTS AND/OR ENGINEERING (BASED ON THE COST OF THE REPAIR). *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.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE DECELERATED IN SPEED WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. *TR
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system, Mar 29, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 50 MILES PER HOUR AND THE ABS,TRACTION CONTROL, AND ESC SERVICE LIGHTS WENT ON THE DASHBOARD. FELT A SMALL JERK IN THE CAR AND THEN IT CONTINUED TO DRIVE NORMALLY LIGHTS REMAINED ON. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 16, 2013
DRIVING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE AND SERVICE ESC AND ALL OTHER LIGHTS CAME ON AND ENGINE DIED. I HAD TO MANEUVER 3 LANES TO THE RIGHT IN RUSH HOUR TO GET TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WITHOUT POWER STEERING. "FAULTY ALTERNATOR" RULED TO BE AT FAULT. NO WARNING THAT MORNING PRIOR TO EVENT. TWO DAYS BEFORE THE BATTERY LIGHT STAYED ON A LITTLE LONGER (5 MINUTES) THAN USUAL AND THEN WENT OFF. IT NEVER CAME ON AGAIN TO WARN OF SOMETHING WRONG. I CALLED CHEVROLET AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS INDIFFERENT SO I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH MY STATE'S BBB AS THIS IS THE THIRD, AND MOST SEVERE ISSUE, I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR AND I HAVE NOT HAD IT TWO YEARS QUITE YET. I DID RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM GM. THEY ARE WORKING ON THEIR RESPONSE TO THIS LIFE THREATENING EVENT AS WELL AS THE OTHER PROBLEMS, WHICH WERE THE EXHAUST SOLENOID DIED ( SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON) AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE COVERING CAME OFF EXPOSING THE SHARP METAL IT IS MADE OF). *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 16, 2013
CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON, THEN RESET ITSELF, WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON INTERMITTENT MODE SHUT OFF AND ON AGAIN. REPORTED TO CHEVY DEALER, SAID IF LIGHT WASN'T ON THEY COULDN'T CHECK IT, IF THE WIPERS ARE WORKING PROPERLY THEY COULDN'T CHECK IT. DID THIS ON MY LAST OIL CHANGE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REDUCE ENGINE POWER, SERVICE TRACTION, AND SERVICE ESC WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000.*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
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 2, 2013, fire
THE FUEL PUMP HAS BURNED CONNECTORS THAT ARE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK, THE BOARD LIGHTS INTENSITY INCREASES OR DECREASES OR STAYS OFF, ALL FUSES ARE GOOD, THE GM IS AWARE OF THIS AND 72 HOURS AGO I'M WAITING FOR AN ANSWER , I HAVE FEAR THAT HAPPEN AGAIN, SO I'M NOT USING THE CAR, WHERE I CAN SEND PICTURES OF THE FUEL PUMP, WHEN I OPENED THE CASE I ASK THEM GM CAR RENT IT AND REVISE MINE TO SEE IF IT WAS SAFE BUT UNTIL NOW NO RESPONSE, IT SEEMS THAT THEY WANT THE CAR TO BURN. *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
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2013
WENT OUT TO CRANK THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT START. SENT IN TO BE FIXED. PICKED CAR UP TODAY AND INSIDE PANEL IS NOT WORKING NEITHER IS THE LIGHTS. I HAVE TO CALL SERVICE AGAIN IN THE A.M. *TR
Power train, Feb 3, 2013
DROVE INTO GAS STATION AND STOPPED, TURNED OFF CAR, FILLED WITH GAS. UPON STARTING CAR AND PUTTING CAR IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE. HAD TO DRIVE CAR APPROXIMATELY 3 BLOCKS IN REVERSE TO GET CAR IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. *TR
Air bags, Jan 22, 2013
I STARTED MY VEHICLE ON JANUARY 11, 2013 AND THE "SERVICE AIRBAG" LIGHT CAME ON IN THE INFORMATION CENTER IN MY DASH. I TOOK THE CAR TO HORNE AUTO IN SHOW LOW, AZ, WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR, ON JANUARY 18, 2013 TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT I HAD PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $730 TO FIX. I WENT HOME AND GOT THE INFORMATION FROM MY LOCAL MECHANIC TO CONTACT GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A BULLETIN SENT OUT THAT I HAD UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2012, TO GET SAID PROBLEM FIXED. IN RESEARCHING THIS BULLETIN ON SAFERCAR.GOV, THIS BULLETIN WAS SENT OUT NOVEMBER 1, 2012. SINCE I NEVER RECEIVED THE BULLETIN AND DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM UNTIL JANUARY 11, I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FIX OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I PUT IN A COMPLAINT TO GM AND WAS THEN TOLD I COULD GET IT FIXED FOR HALF THE COST SINCE GM WAS GOING TO COVER THE OTHER HALF. I PUT IN ANOTHER COMPLAINT TO GM TO HAVE THEM FIX THE PROBLEM, SEEING THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY KIDS THAT I DRIVE AROUND IN THIS VEHICLE, I DO NOT BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING FOR A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS NOT MY FAULT AND THAT GM KNOWS ABOUT. I DON'T WANT ANYONE ELSE TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS ISSUE EITHER. I AM STILL WAITING FOR GM TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
Seats, Dec 6, 2012
THIS IS A GENERAL COMPLAINT ON JUST ABOUT ALL NEW CARS INCLUDING MINE. NAMELY THE HEAD REST IN THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS BLOCK THE REAR VIEW BY AT LEAST 50% AND CONTRIBUTE TO ACCIDENTS ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING UP. THE HEAD RESTS ARE TOO HIGH AND WIDE. AT A RECENT DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE I ATTENDED, THE POLICE OFFICER GIVING THE COURSE SAID 30% OF ALL ACCIDENTS INVOLVE PEOPLE BACKING UP. I CAN APPRECIATE THAT AS THE REAR VIEW IS BLOCKED AS IN SOME OF THE SIDE VIEW. I THINK THE HEAD RESTS SHOULD BE SMALLER AND THAT IS MY COMPLAINT. *BF
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 27, 2012
BACKED OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND DROVE TO THE END OF STREET AND VEHICLE WAS SLUGGISH TO MOVE INTO GEAR BY THE END OF THE STREET WHICH IS ROUGHLY 4 HOUSE DOWN FROM DRIVEWAY I BACKED OUT OF IT WOULD NO LONGER GO FORWARD SO I HAD TO BACK UP ALL THE WAY TO MY DRIVEWAY AND CAL DEALERSHIP TO TOW IN. MONDAY MORNING DEALER SERVICE DEPT SAID IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SENSOR IN TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS ORDERED AND CAR WAS BACK TO ME WITHIN TWO DAYS. I AM WORRIED THIS WILL BE A CONTINUING PROBLEM AS I HAD A SIMILAR SITUATION WITH PREVIOUS 2009 FORD TAURUS X THAT JUST KEPT HAPPENING WITH AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION. WHEN YOU BUY A NEW CAR YOU DO NOT EXPECT THESE ISSUES. BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, I DO NOT WANT THIS TO OCCUR WHEN I AM DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY SINCE THIS HAPPENS WITH NO WARNING. *TR
Power train, Aug 30, 2012
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN MARCH 2010 FROM MANGINO CHEVROLET. IT HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH (I BELIEVE) THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. THE PROBLEM IS VERY INTERMITTENT, THAT IS TO SAY IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME AND APPEARS TO DO IT VERY REGULARLY IF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR IT IS HOT(OVER 85 DEGREES) OUT. IT IS ALWAYS THE SAME THOUGH; IT BEGINS BY NOT SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR SMOOTHLY. WHAT IT DOES IS IT TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO GET TO 3RD GEAR. IT IS ALMOST LIKE IT GOES INTO NEUTRAL FOR SECONDS BEFORE IT SLAMS INTO 3RD GEAR. THIS HAS LEFT ME IN A DANGEROUS SPOT WHILE CHANGING LANES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. ONCE THE PROBLEM BEGINS, IT THEN WILL BUCK AND CLUNK WHEN IT IS SHIFTING. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES & EVEN CALLED ONSTAR WHILE THE PROBLEM WAS OCCURRING (AT THE DEALER'S RECOMMENDATION). I AM CURRENTLY VACATIONING IN MYRTLE BEACH SC & WAS WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 2 DAYS WHILE THE LOCAL DEALER (JUD KUHN CHEVROLET) TRIED TO DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO DATE IS NO PARTS WERE CHANGED & ALL I GET IS THE SAME STORY THAT THERE IS NO "CODE" SHOWING UP & THEY CAN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS FOR THE DEALER TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IF THAT INVOLVES SWAPPING OUT PARTS (TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER, DRIVE MODULE ETC) UNTIL THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED (SEARCHED ONLINE) OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE DEALER CAN'T REPAIR THIS WITHOUT THE COMPUTER TELLING HIM HOW. I OTHERWISE AM VERY PLEASED WITH MY VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ME TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL GM CUSTOMER FOR OVER 30 YEARS. *TR