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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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104,000 miles · Jan 25, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE GOTTEN MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS CHANGED ON BOTH SIDES TWICE, COSTING ME $150 EACH TIME DUE TO HAVING TO REMOVE THE BUMPER, AND THEY KEEP GOING OUT!!! I WORK AT NIGHT IN AN AREA HEAVILY POPULATED WITH DEER, AMONG OTHER ISSUES WITH JUST NEEDING TO HAVE MY HEADLIGHTS WORKING REGULARLY. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO KEEP REPLACING THEM…

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I HAVE GOTTEN MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS CHANGED ON BOTH SIDES TWICE, COSTING ME $150 EACH TIME DUE TO HAVING TO REMOVE THE BUMPER, AND THEY KEEP GOING OUT!!! I WORK AT NIGHT IN AN AREA HEAVILY POPULATED WITH DEER, AMONG OTHER ISSUES WITH JUST NEEDING TO HAVE MY HEADLIGHTS WORKING REGULARLY. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO KEEP REPLACING THEM! AND I JUST GOT IT IN OCTOBER.

NHTSA ODI #11301878

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering

MY MOTHER"S 2011 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ HAS HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM CONCERNING DASH LIGHTS. IT IS QUITE COMMON FOR US TO BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE ARE NO LIGHTS WITHIN THE GAUGE PANEL OR STEREO FACE PANEL. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS WILL ONLY DIM, OTHERS THEY GO OUT COMPLETELY. ON OTHER OCCASIONS THE LIGHTS DON'T C…

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MY MOTHER"S 2011 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ HAS HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM CONCERNING DASH LIGHTS. IT IS QUITE COMMON FOR US TO BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE ARE NO LIGHTS WITHIN THE GAUGE PANEL OR STEREO FACE PANEL. SOMETIMES THE LIGHTS WILL ONLY DIM, OTHERS THEY GO OUT COMPLETELY. ON OTHER OCCASIONS THE LIGHTS DON'T COME ON AT START-UP AND MAY TURN ON AT SOME POINT, 10-15 MINUTES DOWN THE ROAD. WE'VE CALLED THE DEALER THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM, STARLING CHEVROLET-CADILLAC TO REPORT THESE ISSUES, ONLY BE TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN "WHEN IT WAS HAPPENING", BY THE TIME WE WOULD GET HALF WAY THERE, THE PROBLEM STOPPED AND THE SERVICE WRITER SAYS COME BACK WHEN IT'S HAPPENING. WE'VE WONDERED IF THIS COULD BE RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES FOR WHICH CHEVROLET SENT OUT THE EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY TO 15 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. ANOTHER ISSUE WE'VE HAD RELATES TO THE OLDER POWER STEERING RECALL. WE'VE HAD THE CAR IN TO STARLING CHEVROLET TWICE THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE PROBLEM I HAVE CONCERNS THE UN PROFESSIONAL WORK OF THE MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED THE SERVICE. WHILE HAVING TIRES REPLACED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER THE POWER STEERING REPLACEMENT, WE WERE SHOWN THE WAY THE STARLING CHEVROLET MECHANIC HAD BEAT THE DEVIL OUT OF THE CARS' UNDER CARRIAGE. IT'S ABSOLUTELY UNFORGIVABLE FOR A CHEVY DEALER TO CAUSE THIS KIND OF DAMAGE WHILE PERFORMING A RECALL SERVICE!!! FINALLY, IS THE FIRST PROBLEM WE INCURRED WITH STARLING. DURING THE ORIGINAL TEST DRIVE, THE DEALER'S SALESMAN PROCEEDED TO TOSS A DRIVE-OUT TAG IN THE REAR OF THE CAR DURING WHICH THEY DAMAGED THE PAINT. MY BROTHER TRIED TO STOP THE SALESMAN FROM USING THIS TAG HANGER WHEN HE SAW THE UNGUARDED MAGNET HANGER, BUT THE DEALER REP WOULDN'T LISTEN. IT TOOKY A MONTH TO GET THE PAINT FIXED AND ONLY THEN AFTER MR. STARLING GOT INVOLVED. THE DEALER CHANGED HANGERS AS A RESULT!

NHTSA ODI #11301824

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2020
Exterior Lighting

WITH IN THE LAST 10 TO 12 MONTHS I'VE HAD 5 HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT. ONE THE MODULE HAD MELTED. THE CURRENT LIGHT OUT IS ONCE AGAIN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT BURNT OUT JANUARY 24, 2020. SO FAR TO DATE IT'S BEEN 2 ON THE DRIVER SIDE, 3 ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.

NHTSA ODI #11301766

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT, REPLACED IT SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO REALIZE IT'S NOT THE BULB ITSELF

NHTSA ODI #11301546

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2020
Exterior Lighting

EXTERIOR PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED/REPAIR ABOUT 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. IT MAY GO OUT AT ANYTIME.

NHTSA ODI #11301404

5,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Exterior Lighting

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. WILL TURN ON AND OFF SPORADICALLY. HAVE HAD THE LIGHTS CHANGED MANY TIMES. AND ALSO HAD THE PIGTAILS CHANGED . STILL WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY

NHTSA ODI #11300765

102,000 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Exterior Lighting

FOR OVER A YEAR I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY PASSENGERS SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT GOING OUT. THE ISSUE IS NOT WITH THE LIGHTBULB BUT THE ACTUAL HARNESS AND PIG TAIL. AFTER THREE MECHANICS AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS (THIS IS NOT ANY EASY FIX DUE TO THE BUMPER HAVING TO BE REMOVED EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS) NOT TO MENTION THE COST OF PARTS AND …

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FOR OVER A YEAR I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY PASSENGERS SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHT GOING OUT. THE ISSUE IS NOT WITH THE LIGHTBULB BUT THE ACTUAL HARNESS AND PIG TAIL. AFTER THREE MECHANICS AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS (THIS IS NOT ANY EASY FIX DUE TO THE BUMPER HAVING TO BE REMOVED EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS) NOT TO MENTION THE COST OF PARTS AND LABOR, I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH. IT APPEARS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS SINCE I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED AND IT HAS BURNT UP AGAIN. I FEEL CHEVROLET SHOULD BE ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE AND DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

NHTSA ODI #11300703

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THE FRONT PASSENGER HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM KEEPS GOING OUT I HAVE CHANGED THE SOCKET 2 TIMES AND CHANGED THE WIRE HARNESS 1 TIME AND IT'S ONLY THE LOW BEAM BURNING OUT ON REPEAT LIKE EVERY OTHER MONTH I CHANGE IT AND TRY FIXING IT WITH NEW SOCKETS OR LIGHTS AND IT KEEPS BURNING OUT I THINK THIS HAS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE FR…

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THE FRONT PASSENGER HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM KEEPS GOING OUT I HAVE CHANGED THE SOCKET 2 TIMES AND CHANGED THE WIRE HARNESS 1 TIME AND IT'S ONLY THE LOW BEAM BURNING OUT ON REPEAT LIKE EVERY OTHER MONTH I CHANGE IT AND TRY FIXING IT WITH NEW SOCKETS OR LIGHTS AND IT KEEPS BURNING OUT I THINK THIS HAS TO BE AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE FROM MANUFACTURER BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM PLEASE CAN WE GET THIS RECALLED AND FIXED PLEASE

NHTSA ODI #11300610

95,000 miles · Jan 19, 2020
Exterior Lighting

PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK FINE. REPLACED BULB AND WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND STILL WONT WORK. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION MANY OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE WITH THE SAME EXACT LIGHT. THE LIGHT JUST STOPPED WORKING ONE DAY WHILE STATIONARY…

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PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. ALL OTHER LIGHTS WORK FINE. REPLACED BULB AND WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND STILL WONT WORK. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION MANY OTHER CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE WITH THE SAME EXACT LIGHT. THE LIGHT JUST STOPPED WORKING ONE DAY WHILE STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #11300329

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2020
Exterior Lighting

LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS CONTINUALLY BURN OUT OR QUIT WORKING, REQUIRING FREQUENT REPLACEMENT OF HEADLAMP BULBS AND HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY PIECES. REPAIRS ARE EXPENSIVE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S ENTIRE FRONT END MUST BE REMOVED EACH TIME TO ACCESS HEADLAMPS AND RELATED WIRING. ONE OR BOTH HEADLAMPS HAVE GONE OUT AT LEAST FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST…

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LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS CONTINUALLY BURN OUT OR QUIT WORKING, REQUIRING FREQUENT REPLACEMENT OF HEADLAMP BULBS AND HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY PIECES. REPAIRS ARE EXPENSIVE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S ENTIRE FRONT END MUST BE REMOVED EACH TIME TO ACCESS HEADLAMPS AND RELATED WIRING. ONE OR BOTH HEADLAMPS HAVE GONE OUT AT LEAST FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS.

NHTSA ODI #11298109

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.