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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 →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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 reports
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75,000 miles · Feb 7, 2016
Steering

"TAKATA REPORT" CAR LOSE'S STEERING OUT OF NO WHERE LIGHTS ON DASH FLASH.SHOWS RECALL FOR OTHER YEARS BUT NOT 2010. EVEN THOU STICKER ON DOOR OF CAR SAYS WAS BUILT IN 2009.TYPE IN VIN. SAYS NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME IS CONFUSING WHEN HAVE SEEN THAT THERE WAS ONE. CAMPAIGN # 14V252000 FIGURE JUST ANOTHER WAY GM COVERING UP THEIR TR…

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"TAKATA REPORT" CAR LOSE'S STEERING OUT OF NO WHERE LIGHTS ON DASH FLASH.SHOWS RECALL FOR OTHER YEARS BUT NOT 2010. EVEN THOU STICKER ON DOOR OF CAR SAYS WAS BUILT IN 2009.TYPE IN VIN. SAYS NO RECALLS AT THIS TIME IS CONFUSING WHEN HAVE SEEN THAT THERE WAS ONE. CAMPAIGN # 14V252000 FIGURE JUST ANOTHER WAY GM COVERING UP THEIR TRACKS. AT OUR LIVES EXPENSE. WOULD ENJOY SOME HELP FROM SOMEONE!

NHTSA ODI #10824692

80,000 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SERVICE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE GREAT EFFORTS TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE STEERING OPERATED PROPERLY F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SERVICE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE GREAT EFFORTS TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE STEERING OPERATED PROPERLY FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10822785

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2016
Steering

2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ISSUES. *SMD

NHTSA ODI #10838286

60,000 miles · Jan 13, 2016
Steering

I LOST POWER STEERING OF MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS TURNING ON A MAJOR INTERSECTION. I ALMOST GOT INTO A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A SEMI-TRUCK. FAULTY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST.

NHTSA ODI #10819982

159,000 miles · Jan 13, 2016
SteeringTraction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.

NHTSA ODI #10819904

45,000 miles · Jan 8, 2016
EngineSteeringTraction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE "SERVICE ESC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND TRACTION CONTROL" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, THE THROTT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE "SERVICE ESC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND TRACTION CONTROL" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR, SPARK PLUGS, TORQUE SENSOR, AND THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT A CARBON CLEANING NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #10818959

30 miles · Jan 5, 2016
SteeringVehicle Speed Control

WHEN TURNING OR DRVING CAR. IT WOULD LOSE SPEED. ALSO NOTICED SMELL IN CAR OF FUEL I WOULD GET NAUSEATING HEADACHES. PURCHASED CAR JUNE 2015 FROM COURSTEY FORD. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON STREET AND HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10818031

Mileage unknown · Dec 10, 2015
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON OCTOBER 2016 3 RANDOM LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD APPEARED(ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT, ESC). THEY STAYED ON FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS THEN DISAPPEARED FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY, ALL THREE LIGHTS APPEARED AND DID NOT LEAVE FOR 3 DAYS, THEN DISAPPEARED. THEN THEY REAPPEARED FOR 2 DAYS, …

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WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON OCTOBER 2016 3 RANDOM LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD APPEARED(ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT, ESC). THEY STAYED ON FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS THEN DISAPPEARED FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY, ALL THREE LIGHTS APPEARED AND DID NOT LEAVE FOR 3 DAYS, THEN DISAPPEARED. THEN THEY REAPPEARED FOR 2 DAYS, THEN DISAPPEARED. THE DAY AFTER THEY DISAPPEARED,ALL LIGHTS APPEARED BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT. NOW I ONLY HAVE ESC AND SERVICE AIRBAG WHICH COMES ON AND OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10809386

116,000 miles · Nov 9, 2015
Steering

WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY I EXPERIENCE MY STEERING COLUMN VIBRATE START TO VIBRATE FOLLOWED BY AN ELECTROINC WARNING STATING POWER STEERING ALONG WITH A SERVICE ESC. MY POWER STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DRIVE. I PARKED AND TURNED OFF MY CAR. AFTER WAITING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, I STARTED MY CAR AND EV…

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WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY I EXPERIENCE MY STEERING COLUMN VIBRATE START TO VIBRATE FOLLOWED BY AN ELECTROINC WARNING STATING POWER STEERING ALONG WITH A SERVICE ESC. MY POWER STEERING WENT COMPLETELY OUT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DRIVE. I PARKED AND TURNED OFF MY CAR. AFTER WAITING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, I STARTED MY CAR AND EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL. I PROCEEDED HOME AND AGAIN EXPERIENCE THE POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #10789174

113,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE W…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #10786316

Official recalls

3

19V019000 · 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.