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

What owners actually said

977 reports

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2025

Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

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Two months ago While driving on the highway at 60 mph at night my headlights shut off with no warning leaving only my running lights, turn signals, brake lights and hazards lights functioning. Neither hi or low beams would function. Yet no warning or service lights appeared on the dash. Local mechanic replaced both the headlights bulbs and connectors on both sides. 3 weeks later it happened again, this time when I started my car the headlights failed to turn on. So i contacted a local Chevy dealer (Rob Eck chevy) who said there was no recall or investigation...so I took it back the mechanic and had him fix it AGAIN. Just a few minutes ago today when I went to go to work yet AGAIN the headlights won't turn on. Checked through a plethora of forums about the Malibu both fan sites and manufacturers sites and have found that this is an extremely common issue for 2008-2014 Malibus, As this is an extremely dangerous failure/malfunction for both the driver and everyone else on the road I am STUNNED that there's no recall or at least an INVESTIGATION into this as with this many occurrences with so many owners it's virtually impossible to be owner fault ergo it must be a product defect or a manufacturer defect....please do what's right for the safety and well being of others not what's right to protect the rich lining their pockets

NHTSA ODI #11643114

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025

Steering

Failed steering control sensor

NHTSA ODI #11641180

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2025

Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

My electrical power steering is going out. A “power steering” flashes on my dash. I turn off my car and turn it back on and is able to be steered. However, my steering wheel read only moves/jiggles on its on at idle and in park. When I drive I feel the steering wheel jiggling on it’s on requiring to constantly correct so I stay …

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NHTSA ODI #11640009

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2025

SteeringVehicle Speed Control

We own this vehicle with 147,xxx miles on it. There was extended warranty coverage of 10-years or 150,000 miles for the power steering position sensor and torque sensor, all part of the electronic stability control system the bulletin is 15356. A very costly repair that could result in a crash if a driver has the steering wheel …

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NHTSA ODI #11638754

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2025

Engine

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My car stopped running at 78,500 miles. I had it diagnosed twice and I was told the engine needs to be replaced. Even though I bought the vehicle (brand new) in 2010, how can the engine be bad because on the website it states that if the vehicle has more than 100,000 miles then it's possible for that to happen. I am the only owner of the vehicle. I would like to know if other vehicles like mine are having the same issue and if possible, can I get a warranty, or recall to fix it ( or a Chevy dealer to pay for it, or at least half). I am on a fixed income and I really need my car fixed to get to my doctor's appt. And the first sign I got was when it was ticking, like a bomb and the ESC feature with the tire service and that happened for a couple of months. Then the battery light came on , but my battery was actually good ( had it for 2 years). The ticking became persistent. But previously, my vehicle was involved in an accident in2023. My vehicle was parked and was hit on the driver's side front bumper/fender. The other driver insurance (State Farm) paid for the repairs but my vehicle was riding like sideways (it was pulling to the right). I went back twice to have them to check it because it was still not right. But I believe they only did the cosmetic work on the outside, but didn't check on the inside and that hit may have shifted the engine under the hood. I'm at my wits end because of this and I would truly like to have some much needed help on getting my vehicle fixed.

NHTSA ODI #11637098

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2025

Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I'm having to replace the low beam headlight in my car more times than a lil bit! I hate that I'm constantly spending $60+ everytime on headlights cause of i replace one side imma replace the other! I have brought the replacement harness for the lights and the low beam still blows!

NHTSA ODI #11635518

68,000 miles · Dec 18, 2024

Steering

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was n…

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NHTSA ODI #11631492

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2024

Electrical SystemPower Train

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Multiple times while driving this vehicle, get the message loss of engine power, ABS light displays, and steering becomes difficult. Will be calling the dealership for repair. Once it resolved itself enough to drive over 100 miles after changing the battery, but the issue occurred again. Many searches online point to ABS, or Wheel issues. There are YouTube videos but this is a safety issue that should be recalled and fixed. As a loyal Chevy owner, I would love to have Chevy back their vehicles and recall when there are some many instances of this widespread safety issue they would prioritize the safety of their vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11629065

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2024

Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

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About 8 weeks ago first my driver side speaker in the front went out then my passenger low beam light had went out and I had replaced twice then my AC quit working. I thought it was a fuse or battery or alternator issue even checked if it was it a relay fuse and it was not. Then my dash lit up ESC off and then my back driver side brake has been locked up and squealing really bad than my power steering light came on and it’s really hard to turn all of this happened within three weeks and when I looked up recalls and special warranties, my car had a few so I called GM and a couple of dealerships a few times and they have been extremely rude and unhelpful because this is not a wear and tear issue or it being 10 years old. This is clearly a sensor issue that was recalled and had a special warranty for. And I just want my steering, break and heat to work and that’s all I care about but I cannot afford $3000 to fix it when the car is only worth 2000 and I highly doubt that right now. But this is a safety issue for myself and other drivers and I need my car to take my kids to school and to care for my household.

NHTSA ODI #11627507

180,000 miles · Nov 12, 2024

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of Special Coverage Program: 15356; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. Additionally, the contact was informed of NHSTA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lightening, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ODI #11624739

Official recalls

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)