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2011 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2011 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

731 reports with mileage · 246 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 235 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 213 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 174 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports17 fire reports30 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

130 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

GOOD MORNING THE COMPLAINTS ARE GOING FOR OVER 3 YEARS, AND CHEVY IS IGNORING US ALL . I ALSO COMPLAIN DIRECT TO THEM AND THEY PLAY DUMB REF CHEVY MALIBU 2011 WHY ISNT CHEVY HAVING A RE CALL ON THE HEAD LIGHTS ISSUE OF THE MALIBU?? IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. OVER 80% OF MALIBU OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING AND REGISTER…

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GOOD MORNING THE COMPLAINTS ARE GOING FOR OVER 3 YEARS, AND CHEVY IS IGNORING US ALL . I ALSO COMPLAIN DIRECT TO THEM AND THEY PLAY DUMB REF CHEVY MALIBU 2011 WHY ISNT CHEVY HAVING A RE CALL ON THE HEAD LIGHTS ISSUE OF THE MALIBU?? IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. OVER 80% OF MALIBU OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING AND REGISTERING COMPLAINTS ON THE CONSTANT BURNING OF THE HEADLIGHTS AND HEADLIGHT SOCKET OF A MALIBU I REPLACED MINE 4 TIMES OVER 8 MONTHS, THE COST IS OUTRAGEOUS AND THE TIME OUT OF OUR WORK AND LIVES IS EVEN MORE AGGRAVATE. CHEVY IS AWARE OF IT AND IS CHOOSING TO DO NOTHING AND LET US PICK UP THE COST OF A "DEFECTIVE" ITEM IN THE CAR. I APPRECIATE IF CHEVY COULD REFUND IT AND FIX IT AT NO COST RIGHT NOW, AS I ALREADY GOT PULLED OVER BY COPS DUE TO IT STOP WORKING 1 MONTH AFTER I HAD REPLACED. THANK YOU PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW THE PROPER SITE OF DOT TO COMPLAIN SO THEY DO HERE IN THIS SITES.. PLEASE CONSIDER THEIR COMPLAINTS AND MAKE CHEVY DO A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHTS AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2009/LIGHTS/HEADLIGHT_WIRING_SHORTED_OUT.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.CHEVYMALIBUFORUM.COM/FORUMS/6-PROBLEMS-SERVICE-ISSUES-TROUBLESHOOTING-GENERATION-7/25313-HEADLIGHT-BURNS-OUT-CONTINUOUSLY.HTML

NHTSA ODI #11120430

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

PLEASE CONSIDER THE COMPLAINTS OF SAME ISSUE ON THE LINK BELLOW. THE MALIBU HAS AN MANUFACTURE DEFECT OF HEAD LIGHT, THY CONSTANT BURN AND GO OFF, SOMETIMES IT BURNS THE BULB AND SOMETIMES THE SOCKET. I REPLACED THE BULBS AND SOCKET OVER 6 TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. THERE IS OVER THOUSANDS COMPLAINTS OF EXACTLY SAME ISSUE ONLINE ON CAR…

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PLEASE CONSIDER THE COMPLAINTS OF SAME ISSUE ON THE LINK BELLOW. THE MALIBU HAS AN MANUFACTURE DEFECT OF HEAD LIGHT, THY CONSTANT BURN AND GO OFF, SOMETIMES IT BURNS THE BULB AND SOMETIMES THE SOCKET. I REPLACED THE BULBS AND SOCKET OVER 6 TIMES IN 8 MONTHS. THERE IS OVER THOUSANDS COMPLAINTS OF EXACTLY SAME ISSUE ONLINE ON CAR COMPLAINT SITES AS PEOPLE ARE NOT AWARE WHERE TO REPORT AND CHEVY IGNORE US AS THEY ARE AWARE OF THE THOUSANDS COMPLAINS. THE HEADLIGHT GOING OFF IS A HAZARDS AND I ALREADY GOT PULLED OVER 4 MONTHS AFTER REPLACED THE HEAD LIGHT WHEN IT WENT OFF WITHOUT I REALIZE IT. IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH A BAD DEFECT . TO REPLACE IT ONE NEEDS TO TAKE THE CAR APART AND ENTIRE BUMBER OFF IT IS OUTRAGEOUS EXPENSE TO REPLACE A $8 DOLLAR BULB, PLEASE CONSIDER THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS 2 WEB SITES AS TO MAKE CHEVY RECALL IT AND FIX ON MALIBUS OF 2009 TO 2013. HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/MALIBU/2009/LIGHTS/HEADLIGHT_WIRING_SHORTED_OUT.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.CHEVYMALIBUFORUM.COM/FORUMS/6-PROBLEMS-SERVICE-ISSUES-TROUBLESHOOTING-GENERATION-7/25313-HEADLIGHT-BURNS-OUT-CONTINUOUSLY.HTML

NHTSA ODI #11120421

125,000 miles · Aug 15, 2018
Exterior Lighting

DRIVER & PASSENGER HEADLIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT OR NOT FUNCTIONING. I'VE REPLACED THE BULBS 4 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. I'VE READ ON MALIBU BLOGS THAT A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING SAME LIGHTING ISSUE ON THEIR MALIBU

NHTSA ODI #11120101

80,000 miles · Aug 14, 2018
Exterior Lighting

IT STARTED WITH MY LOW BEAM GOING OUT. I REPLACED IT. THEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN REPLACED IT THEN BOTH LIGHTS WENT OUT REPLACED BOTH LOW BEAM NOW MY RUNNING LIGHTS ARE OUT. I HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. I ONLY HAVE HIGH BEAMS AT THIS TIME. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAV…

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IT STARTED WITH MY LOW BEAM GOING OUT. I REPLACED IT. THEN THE LIGHT WENT OUT AGAIN REPLACED IT THEN BOTH LIGHTS WENT OUT REPLACED BOTH LOW BEAM NOW MY RUNNING LIGHTS ARE OUT. I HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS. THIS HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. I ONLY HAVE HIGH BEAMS AT THIS TIME. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACED FUSES, CONTROL ARMS,,RELAYS ETC ON TOP OF THREE SETS OF BULBS.

NHTSA ODI #11119789

106,400 miles · Jul 29, 2018
Exterior Lighting

PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT, AND I HAVE REPLACED THE PIG TAIL. THE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT 2 TIMES SINCE I CHANGED THE PIG TAIL. THIS IS EFFECTING MY TRAVEL AT NIGHT NOT BEING ABLE TO DEPEND ON MY HEADLIGHTS.

NHTSA ODI #11114399

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2018
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS ON THE CAR CONTINUE TO BURN OUT EVERY TWO MONTHS. THE COST TO REPLACE IS $200. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN THEY BOTH GO OUT AT THE SAME TIME

NHTSA ODI #11110168

90,000 miles · Jun 28, 2018
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS OVERHEATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLAMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A COLLISION SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS OVERHEATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLAMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA ODI #11104469

171,000 miles · Jun 24, 2018
Exterior Lighting

2011 CHEVY MALIBU HEADLIGHT ISSUE. LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS HAVING SOME SORT OF POWER ISSUES. REPLACED BULBS SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE REALIZING THE BULBS AREN'T BURNT OUT. LIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR TO ACCESS.

NHTSA ODI #11103624

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2018
Exterior Lighting

I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE 5 TIMES. I ALWAYS REPLACE BOTH WHEN I TAKE THE CAR APART. I HAVE PURCHASED BULBS FROM THE DEALER, ASK PARTS STORES TO ORDER LONG LIFE BULBS. THIS LAST REPLACEMENT HAS LASTED 4 WEEKS. ALL CONNECTIONS, WIRES ARE GOOD, REPLACED RELAYS, CONNECTIONS LOOK GOOD. OWNED A SHOP OVER 20 …

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I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE 5 TIMES. I ALWAYS REPLACE BOTH WHEN I TAKE THE CAR APART. I HAVE PURCHASED BULBS FROM THE DEALER, ASK PARTS STORES TO ORDER LONG LIFE BULBS. THIS LAST REPLACEMENT HAS LASTED 4 WEEKS. ALL CONNECTIONS, WIRES ARE GOOD, REPLACED RELAYS, CONNECTIONS LOOK GOOD. OWNED A SHOP OVER 20 YEARS. PLEASE, NEED HELP. STUPID DESIGN REQUIRES A COUPLE OF HOURS WORK TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMP!!

NHTSA ODI #11097838

60,000 miles · Apr 28, 2018
Exterior Lighting

THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT EVERY COUPLE MONTHS. I'VE CHANGED IT 4 TIMES. I CHANGE THE DRIVER SIDE TOO BECAUSE IT'S SO MUCH WORK EVEN THOUGH IT WORKS FINE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS PROBLEMS, IT HAS TO BE A MALFUNCTION OF SOME KIND.

NHTSA ODI #11090805

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.

15V269000 · Seat Belts

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

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.

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.