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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

Seat Belts complaints

53 reports
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89,865 miles · Jun 13, 2019
Air BagsEngineSeat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DICK GENTHE CHEVROLET (866-874-7380, LOCATED AT 15600 EUREKA RD, SOUTHGATE, MI 48195) AND THE CONTACT WAS ASKED IF SHE WANTED THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DICK GENTHE CHEVROLET (866-874-7380, LOCATED AT 15600 EUREKA RD, SOUTHGATE, MI 48195) AND THE CONTACT WAS ASKED IF SHE WANTED THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V269000 (SEAT BELTS). THE CONTACT APPROVED THE RECALL REPAIRS. SIX DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT READY AND SHE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO SEE OR RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CALLED TWO HOURS LATER TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IT NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO AIR BAG FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED A $250 DISCOUNT TOWARDS THE REPAIRS ("TAKE OR LEAVE IT"). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,865. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *AS *TR

NHTSA ODI #11219813

130,000 miles · Jun 4, 2019
Seat BeltsSeats

BROKEN WELDS UNDER THE SEAT WHERE THEY SHOULD NEVER BE BROKEN, VERY DANGEROUS! SEAT IS ALL THE WAY DOWN, DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS COLLASPED

NHTSA ODI #11217772

149,000 miles · May 30, 2019
Seat BeltsSeatsCrashInjury

THE SEAT BELTS ON THIS VEHICLE HAVE SOME ISSUES. I WAS INVOLVED IN A WRECK LATELY AND I WAS HURT REALLY BAD FROM THE SEAT BELT ON THE CHEVY . THE SEAT BELT DINTED INTO MY BODY CAUSING SOME REALLY BAD PAIN WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #11210889

111,000 miles · May 27, 2019
Air BagsSeat BeltsVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATED ITSELF. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS LIT MOST OF THE TIME. IT SAYS SERVICE AIR BAG AND TRACTION SYSTEM. TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON, BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. DOESNT RESET EVEN WHEN UNHOOKING THE BATTERY AND REHOOKING IT UP. CAR MAKE…

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I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATED ITSELF. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT STAYS LIT MOST OF THE TIME. IT SAYS SERVICE AIR BAG AND TRACTION SYSTEM. TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON, BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. DOESNT RESET EVEN WHEN UNHOOKING THE BATTERY AND REHOOKING IT UP. CAR MAKES RATTLING NOISE FROM FRONT END. PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11210167

165,000 miles · May 9, 2019
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsSteering

WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY THE INSIDE LIGHTS BLINKS, THE POWER STEERING CANE ON TWICE AND I HAVE MY SEATBELT ON THE LIGHT INDICATOR COMES ON WHILE THE IT'S CONNECTED

NHTSA ODI #11206386

80,000 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Air BagsSeat BeltsService Brakes

TAKATA RECALL THE SERVICE TECH AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING CAUSING MY DAUGHTER TO BE IN DANGER AT ALL TIMES. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE AIRBAG.

NHTSA ODI #11204778

173,000 miles · Feb 19, 2019
Seat Belts

THE CABLE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE. EVIDENTLY, OTHER MALIBU'S THIS YEAR HAD A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. BUT, MY VIN # IS NOT ACCEPTED. CHEVY IS UNWILLING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN THE OUTCOME IF THIS HAPPENED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT CAME …

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THE CABLE TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE. EVIDENTLY, OTHER MALIBU'S THIS YEAR HAD A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. BUT, MY VIN # IS NOT ACCEPTED. CHEVY IS UNWILLING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH COULD EASILY HAVE BEEN THE OUTCOME IF THIS HAPPENED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT CAME COMPLETELY APART.

NHTSA ODI #11181115

107,000 miles · Jan 15, 2019
Seat Belts

107,000 MILES SEAT BELT BUCKLE DOES NOT SENSE SEAT BELT IS BUCKLED. SEAT BELT ALARM CHIMES WITH BELT BUCKLED. DEALER SAYS PART IS NOT COVERED BY SPECIAL CAMPAIGN. THERE WAS A RECALL A FEW YEARS AGO FOR SEAT BELT ISSUE AND I THOUGHT THE WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11170152

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2018
Seat BeltsSeatsSuspension

I PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 11/30/2018 AND NOTICED NOW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SEAT BELTS. MY CAR BELTS HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI #11160862

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSeat Belts

THE CAR WONT START BRING 3 TIMES AT DEALER SHIP NO FUNS ANY REAZON A BUT THE PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI #11110896

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.