IllustrationI WAS ADJUSTING THE SEAT AND THE METAL BROKE. IT RIPPED MY PANTS AND CAUSED ME TO SWIRVE.
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 →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
650–25K
10125–50K
15950–75K
17575–100K
176100–150K
55150K+
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
Seats complaints
38 reportsTHE DRIVER FRONT SEAT FRAME IS BROKE. UPON INSPECTION BY MYSELF, IT'S A WELD FAILURE (A MANUFACTURING DEFECT). A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT'S BROKE AND THE VERBIAGE THEY USED WAS "SEAT RISER CRACKING FREE". IN USE, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHES TO THE SEAT, AND IF THE SEAT FRAME IS BROKE AND NOT PROPERLY FASTENED TO THE FRAME/…
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THE DRIVER FRONT SEAT FRAME IS BROKE. UPON INSPECTION BY MYSELF, IT'S A WELD FAILURE (A MANUFACTURING DEFECT). A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED IT'S BROKE AND THE VERBIAGE THEY USED WAS "SEAT RISER CRACKING FREE". IN USE, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHES TO THE SEAT, AND IF THE SEAT FRAME IS BROKE AND NOT PROPERLY FASTENED TO THE FRAME/BODY IN MY MIND THIS IS A FAILED OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM. I'M A LITTLE SURPRISED GENERAL MOTORS DIDN'T TAKE ME SERIOUSLY ABOUT REPAIRING THIS IMMEDIATELY AS I'M THINKING THEY ARE LIABLE IF ANYTHING WERE TO HAPPEN. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED THIS AS WE JUST NOTICED IT WHILE IN USE. *TR
THE WELD ON MY SEAT TRACK BROKE. I WORK AT A DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BREAK. MY SEAT IS COMPLETELY OFF THE SEAT TRACK ON MY DRIVER'S RIGHT PART OF THE SEAT. *TR
AFTER HAVING REPAIRS MADE AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR DRIVERS SEAT HEATER NOT WORKING. THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER ELEMENT WAS REPLACED, I HAD DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES WHEN THE SEAT STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE. BY THE TIME I GOT THE CAR STOPPED AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND TH…
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AFTER HAVING REPAIRS MADE AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR DRIVERS SEAT HEATER NOT WORKING. THE DRIVER SEAT HEATER ELEMENT WAS REPLACED, I HAD DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES WHEN THE SEAT STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE. BY THE TIME I GOT THE CAR STOPPED AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE. WITH THE HELP OF ANOTHER MOTORIST I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I RECEIVED SEVERE BURNS TO MY RIGHT LEG AND HANDS. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
THE MANUFACTURER FORGOT TO INSTALL A CLAMP ON THE MOON ROOF DRAIN. THE TUBE FELL OFF AND FLOODED THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WITH 3 INCHES OF STANDING WATER ON JULY 12, 2013. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE INCLUDING CEILING, DASH (IN FRONT AND BEHIND), SEATS, FLOORING, AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE WATER DAMAGE. IT THEN HAPPENED AGAIN O…
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THE MANUFACTURER FORGOT TO INSTALL A CLAMP ON THE MOON ROOF DRAIN. THE TUBE FELL OFF AND FLOODED THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WITH 3 INCHES OF STANDING WATER ON JULY 12, 2013. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE INCLUDING CEILING, DASH (IN FRONT AND BEHIND), SEATS, FLOORING, AND ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE WATER DAMAGE. IT THEN HAPPENED AGAIN ON JULY 14, 2013. CONTACT WAS MADE TO THE DEALER ON JULY 16, 2013. AFTER NUMEROUS, MEANINGLESS PHONE CONVERSATIONS WITH CHEVROLET, THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE SOME COSMETIC PARTS. ONLY THE FLOORING WAS REPLACED AT FIRST. AFTER MORE COMPLAINTS, THE SEAT COVERS AND HEAD LINER WERE REPLACED, BUT NOT THE FACTORY CARPETED FLOOR MATS. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE OR INSPECT ANYTHING ELSE THAT WATER CAME IN CONTACT WITH INCLUDING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, SEAT CUSHIONS, SAFETY RESTRAINTS, WIRING HARNESSES, OR AIRBAG SYSTEM BEHIND THE DASH. OUR 10 YEAR OLD SON HAD A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT TWO YEARS AGO AND HAS A SUPPRESSED IMMUNE SYSTEM. DUE TO THIS, HE CANNOT BE AROUND MOLD WHICH CHEVROLET IS REFUSING TO TEST FOR. BEING THAT ONLY 50% OR LESS OF THE COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, WE ARE CONCERNED OF THE PRESENCE OF MOLD. OUR PHYSICIAN HAS REQUESTED THAT THE CAR BE TESTED AND SIGNED OFF THAT NO MOLD IS PRESENT BEFORE OUR SON CAN RIDE IN THE CAR AGAIN. OUR SON'S HEALTH DEPENDS ON HAVING A SAFE, CLEAN CAR TO BE TRANSPORTED IN. CHEVROLET HAS NO CONCERNS FOR HIS SAFETY OR LIFE THREATENING ISSUES. UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL SAFETY COMPONENTS MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED WITH THIS MUCH WATER OR MOISTURE IN THE VEHICLE. THESE PARTS WERE NOT CHECKED, TESTED OR REPLACED. *TR
THIS IS A GENERAL COMPLAINT ON JUST ABOUT ALL NEW CARS INCLUDING MINE. NAMELY THE HEAD REST IN THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS BLOCK THE REAR VIEW BY AT LEAST 50% AND CONTRIBUTE TO ACCIDENTS ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING UP. THE HEAD RESTS ARE TOO HIGH AND WIDE. AT A RECENT DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE I ATTENDED, THE POLICE OFFICER GIVING THE…
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THIS IS A GENERAL COMPLAINT ON JUST ABOUT ALL NEW CARS INCLUDING MINE. NAMELY THE HEAD REST IN THE FRONT AND REAR SEATS BLOCK THE REAR VIEW BY AT LEAST 50% AND CONTRIBUTE TO ACCIDENTS ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING UP. THE HEAD RESTS ARE TOO HIGH AND WIDE. AT A RECENT DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE I ATTENDED, THE POLICE OFFICER GIVING THE COURSE SAID 30% OF ALL ACCIDENTS INVOLVE PEOPLE BACKING UP. I CAN APPRECIATE THAT AS THE REAR VIEW IS BLOCKED AS IN SOME OF THE SIDE VIEW. I THINK THE HEAD RESTS SHOULD BE SMALLER AND THAT IS MY COMPLAINT. *BF
VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 65 - 75 MPH WILL EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION THAT CAN BE FELT IN THE SEATS AND IN THE STEERING WHEEL. VIBRATION WILL NOT GO AWAY AND WILL WORSEN AFTER A WHEEL BALANCING. MANUFACTURER HAS STATED THAT THE VIBRATION IS INHERENT IN THE VEHICLES DESIGN AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIBRATION CAUSES…
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VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 65 - 75 MPH WILL EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION THAT CAN BE FELT IN THE SEATS AND IN THE STEERING WHEEL. VIBRATION WILL NOT GO AWAY AND WILL WORSEN AFTER A WHEEL BALANCING. MANUFACTURER HAS STATED THAT THE VIBRATION IS INHERENT IN THE VEHICLES DESIGN AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIBRATION CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE WHERE THAT COULD LEAD TO POSSIBLE TIRE FAILURE. *TR
THIS IS A GENERAL COMPLAINT: MODERN VEHICLES ALL SEEM TO HAVE EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE HEADRESTS. I CANNOT GET COMFORTABLE IN MOST NEW CARS! THE HEADRESTS PUSH TOO FAR FORWARD. I AM 6'1" AND PREFER AN UPRIGHT SEATING POSITION. I AM BEGINNING TO DESPAIR ABOUT FINDING A COMFORTABLE CAR FOR LONG DRIVES AND IT IS VERY DISCOURAGING.…
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THIS IS A GENERAL COMPLAINT: MODERN VEHICLES ALL SEEM TO HAVE EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE HEADRESTS. I CANNOT GET COMFORTABLE IN MOST NEW CARS! THE HEADRESTS PUSH TOO FAR FORWARD. I AM 6'1" AND PREFER AN UPRIGHT SEATING POSITION. I AM BEGINNING TO DESPAIR ABOUT FINDING A COMFORTABLE CAR FOR LONG DRIVES AND IT IS VERY DISCOURAGING. YOU ARE PROBABLY GOING TO TELL ME ITS ALL IN THE NAME OF SAFETY (WHIPLASH) BUT WHAT'S THE POINT IF YOU CAN'T STAND BEING IN THE CAR MORE THAN 20 MINUTES? HEADRESTS NEED TO BE ADJUSTABLE ANGLE LIKE MY 07 VW GTI (WHICH HAS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT SEATING). IF ALL I CAN BUY NOW IS THESE STUPID FORWARD TILTING HEADRESTS I AM GOING TO PUT THE DARN THING IN A VISE AND BEND IT BACKWARDS! THAT'S NOT GOING TO HELP SAFETY, BUT AT LEAST I'LL BE ABLE TO WALK UPRIGHT WHEN I GET OUT FROM A 5 HOUR DRIVE. MY LATEST ENCOUNTER WITH THESE STUPID HEADRESTS WAS IN A RENTED CHEVY MALIBU. BUT I'VE ALSO FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM IN RECENT FORDS (MUSTANG ABSOLUTELY AWFUL), AND FOR THAT MATTER IN PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING MANUFACTURED SINCE 2008. PLEASE HELP RESTORE SOME COMMON SENSE TO THE INDUSTRY OR ELSE I'LL BE WALKING TO WORK OR I'LL JUST RIP THE STUPID THINGS OUT OF THE SEAT. *TR
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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.