IllustrationCAR LOST CONTROL OF POWER STEERING SAME TIME AS DRIVER SIDE BACK BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BAD WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM 70
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Malibu years
Owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1190–25K
12225–50K
22050–75K
24475–100K
256100–150K
110150K+
1,071 reports with mileage · 289 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 454 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 294 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
41 crash reports14 fire reports35 injury reports
Steering complaints
454 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE SERVICE ESC WARNING INDICATORS HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION, THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE, AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE SERVICE ESC WARNING INDICATORS HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION, THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE, AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING ) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,958.
CAR WAS PURCHASED 12/2009. JUNE OF 2013 CAR WAS BROUGHT TO CHEVROLET DUE TO A RUMBLE IN STEERING WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. OCTOBER 2014 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN TO CHEVROLET WITH SAME PROBLEM. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. JUNE 2015 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN WITH SAME PROBLEM. STEERING GEAR, PUMP, A…
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CAR WAS PURCHASED 12/2009. JUNE OF 2013 CAR WAS BROUGHT TO CHEVROLET DUE TO A RUMBLE IN STEERING WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. OCTOBER 2014 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN TO CHEVROLET WITH SAME PROBLEM. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. JUNE 2015 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN WITH SAME PROBLEM. STEERING GEAR, PUMP, AND ALL HOSES WERE REPLACED. AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER THE RUMBLE HAS RETURNED. GM HAS STATED THEY WILL NO LONGER SPEND MONEY FIXING THE CAR EVEN THOUGH I HAVE FULL WARRANTY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A JERSEY BARRIER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A JERSEY BARRIER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF *CN
LETTER FROM SENATOR BROWN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE POWER STEERING. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED THEY COULD DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE USING THEIR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2015, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN AS SH…
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LETTER FROM SENATOR BROWN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. *SMD THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE POWER STEERING. WHEN SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED THEY COULD DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE USING THEIR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2015, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN AS SHE WAS DRIVING. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER REPAIR FACILITY AND HAD THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FACILITY WAS NOT A GM DEALERSHIP. *JB
RIGHT NOW I HAVE THE SERVICE ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT ON AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME. I TOOK EACH TIME TO CHEVY CLASSIC IN GRAPEVINE TX AND THEY TOLD ME NO CODES THE 1ST TIME, TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY IN IRVING--LIGHT CAME ON THEN NO CODES THEY SHOWED. TODAY 4-15=16 LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I TOOK IT TO CLASSIC CHEVY AND THEY FO…
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RIGHT NOW I HAVE THE SERVICE ESC AND SERVICE TRACTION LIGHT ON AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME. I TOOK EACH TIME TO CHEVY CLASSIC IN GRAPEVINE TX AND THEY TOLD ME NO CODES THE 1ST TIME, TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY IN IRVING--LIGHT CAME ON THEN NO CODES THEY SHOWED. TODAY 4-15=16 LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I TOOK IT TO CLASSIC CHEVY AND THEY FOUND 3 CODES THIS TIME. THEY SAY I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS! I SHOULD NOT SINCE THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON 5/14/2014 FOR 2010 MALIBU'S. MY CAR IS DOING THIS NOW !@!!@ IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT NO CHARGE TO ME!! I FEEL LIKE THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS CAR ON THE ROAD FOR ME AND MY DAUGHTER. I DON'T WANT TO BE A STATISTIC IF WE HAVE A CAR CRASH AND IT WAS ALL BECAUSE CHEVY KEPT MAKING EXCUSES TO NOT FIX MY CRAP CAR FOR ME. THE OTHER RECALL WAS THE BRAKE SYSTEM NOT ILLUMINATING I GOT THAT LETTER A LITTLE TOO LATE . SOMEONE REAR ENDED ME IN OCT 2012 WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. MAYBE THOSE STUPID BACK BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING THEN!!!!!! SOMEONE AT CLASSIC OR CLAY COOOLYE CHEVY NEEDS TO FIX THIS ESC LIGHT ON MY CAR AND FIX ALL THE RECALLS FOR FREE. I ALSO HAVE AN EPS RECALL LETTER THAT WAS SENT TO ME BUT SOMEONE AT CHEVY TOLD ME THE LIGHT HAS TO COME ON FOR THEM TO FIX IT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. MY CAR NEEDS TO BE FIXED FOR ALL THESE PROBLEMS IT HAS NO MATTER IF THE LIGHT IS ON OR NOT. BUT THE LIGHT IS ON FOR SERVICE ESC AND TRACTION RIGHT NOW!@ GM OR CHEVY NEEDS TO PAY FOR IT AND FIX THIS CAR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER DID NOT COMPLETELY FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY ONLY LUBRICATED AND SHE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, SERVICE LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT. ALSO, THE FRONT AXLE WAS LEAKING.
AT IDLE AND ACCELERATION, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL MOVE BACK AND FORTH.
THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY STOP WORKING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. ONCE THE CAR IS SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED BACK ON THE POWER STEERING WILL WORK AS IT SHOULD UNTIL IT RANDOMLY GOES OUT AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED! THE RECALL ONLY COVERED UP TO 2009 AND SHOULD OF INCLU…
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THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY STOP WORKING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. ONCE THE CAR IS SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND TURNED BACK ON THE POWER STEERING WILL WORK AS IT SHOULD UNTIL IT RANDOMLY GOES OUT AGAIN. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED! THE RECALL ONLY COVERED UP TO 2009 AND SHOULD OF INCLUDED 2010.
CAR ONLY HAS ABOUT 3,0070 MILES ON IT AND POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT. I GET THE MESSAGES WHEN I START THE CAR THAT "POWER STEERING" AND "SERVICE ESC." AND WHEN I DRIVE THERE IS NO POWER STEERING.
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT NORMAL TRAVELING SPEED THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SHUTS OFF AND THE CAR GOES INTO MANUAL STEERING WHICH MAKES THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED TWO ACCIDENTS AND HAS MADE ME ARK THE CAR BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS FAR TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THIS STARTED OCCURRING FEBRUARY15TH AND CO…
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WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT NORMAL TRAVELING SPEED THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SHUTS OFF AND THE CAR GOES INTO MANUAL STEERING WHICH MAKES THE CAR VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED TWO ACCIDENTS AND HAS MADE ME ARK THE CAR BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS FAR TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THIS STARTED OCCURRING FEBRUARY15TH AND CONTINUED UNTIL I PARKED THE CAR ON FEB2ST.
Official recalls
319V019000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
May 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System:wiring
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.
Consequence: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Sep 18, 2012
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.