2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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4/5

★★★★

Safety Rating

1,512

Owner Complaints

71 Crashes 23 Fires

4

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

25

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU

The 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU has received a total of 1,512 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, SEAT BELTS, STEERING. 25 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (225 complaints), Steering (208 complaints), and Electronic Stability Control Esc (174 complaints).

Recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU, potentially affecting up to 12,648,114 vehicles.

Recall 19V019000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 1,145 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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.

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Recall 15V269000 — SEAT BELTS

| 437,045 vehicles affected

Defect: 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....

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...

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Recall 14E044000 — STEERING

| 7,304 vehicles affected

Defect: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

Consequence: A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

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Recall 14V252000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 14V252000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 14V252000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

View full details →

Recall 14V252000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

View full details →

Recall 14V252000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

| 2,440,524 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU

1,512 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 225 3 Crashes 10 Fires 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 208 8 Crashes 12 Injuries
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 174 3 Crashes 6 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 160 4 Crashes 2 Fires 3 Injuries
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 121 2 Fires
Power Train
Complaints: 110 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 92 21 Crashes 28 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 84 5 Crashes 3 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 58 2 Crashes
Seat Belts
Complaints: 51 5 Crashes 1 Fire 5 Injuries
Service Brakes
Complaints: 38 8 Crashes 6 Injuries
Seats
Complaints: 35 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 32 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 15 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Traction Control System
Complaints: 15
Suspension
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Injury
Wheels
Complaints: 11 3 Crashes 3 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 10
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 8
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 5
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Structure
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 2
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsbulbs
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 1 1 Fire 1 Injury
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11716754 | POWER TRAIN | | 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated while driving, and the transmission shifted abnormally rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was rebuilt. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
#11715719 | STEERING | | N/A miles
apparently, there was a recall on these cars for the power steering suddenly shutting off. Apparently it’s also electric so there’s nothing you can do at home to remedy it. It is incredibly dangerous to drive. I just bought my car it has under 100,000 miles on it, but I guess they have also 10 year age policy that they won’t service the recall. This was a brand new car for me and it is very dangerous for a company to allow cars to be out on the street with no power steering and decide after a certain amount of time it’s no longer their problem. Is their product and people are going to get into accidents. I’m very disappointed in this car.
#11708409 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 85,000 miles Fire
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under a carport in her driveway, she had been warned by neighbors that the rear end of the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that she saw that flames were issuing from both rear light housings. The contact stated that by the time her husband and a neighbor attempted to extinguish the flames with garden hoses, the light housings and the rear bumper were on fire and melting. The fire department and the police were called. The contact stated that by the time emergency services arrived, the flames had been extinguished. The contact stated that the fire department opened the trunk, and the interior of the trunk and the matting were not damaged. The only damage was to the rear light housings and the rear bumper. The fire department had not issued a report, however the police had. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
#11708409 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 85,000 miles Fire
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under a carport in her driveway, she had been warned by neighbors that the rear end of the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that she saw that flames were issuing from both rear light housings. The contact stated that by the time her husband and a neighbor attempted to extinguish the flames with garden hoses, the light housings and the rear bumper were on fire and melting. The fire department and the police were called. The contact stated that by the time emergency services arrived, the flames had been extinguished. The contact stated that the fire department opened the trunk, and the interior of the trunk and the matting were not damaged. The only damage was to the rear light housings and the rear bumper. The fire department had not issued a report, however the police had. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
#11699889 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Headlight wiring harness connector has melted multiple times leaving me without low beam headlights while driving at night with my children in the car. This has left me having to use my high beams to drive and this poses as a safety hazard for not only me and my family but other people on the road. This also poses a fire hazard if the plastic connector is getting hot enoughto melt. I have requested warranty replacements for this part through AC Delco and made them aware of the on going problem and informed them that this is a well known issue with this car and that it is extremely dangerous. I have not had the part inspected by a mechanic, insurance company or law enforcement but have the failed part and would be willing to have it inspected by law enforcement or anyone else but can not afford out of pocket expenses to do so. There was no prior warning to this happening any of the times it happened it would be working when I left my house I would stop somewhere turn the car off and when I got back in and started the car they wouldn't turn on. Another time they quit working while driving down the road. The date below is the date that I ordered the first replacement wiring harness it lasted less than 3 months and i had to have it replaced and currently I am dealing with not having low beams again this is the 3rd time I have dealt with this issue and it has been on going since January 2025.

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Safety Rating for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU

The 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★ (4/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU

General Motors, LLC has issued 25 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

04-06-04-051J — ENGINE

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

N182194790 — SEAT BELTS

N182194790 - Special Coverage. In certain ehicles, if a driver repeatedly sits on the seat belt cable cover located at the base of the driver?s seat when entering the vehicle, it may cause the seat belt pretensioner to bend sharply over the seat side shield. If this continues to occur...

070849020M — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

IPC Odometer Programming Method Quick Reference Guide

PI0096 B — STRUCTURE:BODY

Some customers may comment on finding wet carpet in the driver or passenger footwell area. Upon further inspection, a technician may note water spotting or water accumulation within the IP structure and/or hush panel. This condition may occur due to incomplete sealing within the roof to windshield header, A-pillar and/or...

PI0096B — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

This preliminary informational bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a water leak into driver/passenger footwell or within IP and/or lower dash panel insulators (hush panels).

SB-15-08-45-001 — ENGINE

PONTIAC/SATURN/CHEVROLET: SOME VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE ISSUES/SYMPTOMS CAUSED BY BODY HARNESS HARD CONTACT AGAINST FLOOR EDGE PANEL UNDER LEFT REAR SEAT CUSHION. MODEL 2004-12 MALIBU, MALIBU MAXX, 2007-09 AURA, 2005-10 G6. *PE

PI0857A — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

PIC6047A — TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

PIT5074G — EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair...

SB-G-1X010-A — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

Showing 10 of 25 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

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