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2011 Chevrolet Malibu

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has 973 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (324 complaints) and electrical (320 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Malibu, consider the 2025 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 99% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

15V269000 SEAT BELTS

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 tha...

Risk

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 Novemb...

Reported Aug 5, 2015

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200010520737925315
2001957335520514
200265513621126
20031195629412913
200411207731410084
20057547833816259
20069217617616151
20076443915011742
20084807525612477
2009744150404100107
2010538184368153114
20113243832020091
20122806038414633
20132474433725637
201495355614233
20156713828124
201621575110334122
2017182419829999
20181453483313111
20192610336950
20202129306644
2021190181819
2022212143316
202319210171
2024112822
202550101

By Category

Body
324
Electrical
320
Engine
200
Transmission
91
Brakes
38

By Severity

1
446
2
465
3
5
4
57

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 1

Everytime I turn on my car, I get a warning for ESC power steering and I have no power steering. Usually it will fix itself have shutting it off once and starting it again immediately. There has been a couple times where it has taken multiple starts to fix itself.

23d ago
Electrical 4

There was a fire in the trunk on the way to work. Fire department was called to inspect the car and make sure that the fire was out. Fire melted fuse box located in the trunk along with wiring harness and wires, also causing all electrical items to stop working. Claim was attempted to be made, but insurance did not cover this particular issue. After hours of reading as well as watching videos, this seems to be an on problem for Malibu's from 2011-2016. I bought this car one year ago and had a mechanic inspect the vehicle.

1mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ESC and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, while the cruise control was activated and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was able to be moved without the brake pedal being depressed. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 122,000.

1mo ago
Electrical 2

Hi my name Is [XXX] . JD Byrider financed me this car knowing that it had open recalls putting me and my family's lives in danger. The car has had electrical problems since Ive had it. Every other day different lights appear on the dashboard Service Airbags ,Service ABS and traction ESC off are some of the few. The car has been to their service department 14 times since Ive owned it each time they said its fixed then its right back in their shop again. I have one daughter with sickle cell disease and one with autism. My kids are afraid to ride in the car and Im afraid to drive it. Last Monday while bringing my kids to school every light on the dash board came on then the car shut down on me on the highway. If the car behind me wouldnt have swerved around me and the one behind it didnt jam their brakes my kids and i would have been seriously hurt or possibly killed. I got the car pulled to byrider they claim it was the alternator said it was fixed but soon as i started the car those same lights were on again. So i brought it back and the guy told me that was another problem and i would have to make another appointment. I cant keep putting myself and my kids in danger. I am returning Byrider their vehicle today. Please help us. Byrider cant keep taking advantage of poor people like myself. I am surrendering that car today. Please do not let them put that car back on the road. Someone is going to be seriously injured or killed. My name is [XXX] and my phone number is [XXX] . Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Electrical 1

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS related to the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and electric power steering systems. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following problems: * “Service ESC” warning message * “ESC Off” displayed * Traction control disabled * Electric power steering warning * Airbag warning light illuminated These issues occur while driving and directly impact the vehicle’s safety systems and handling. I am aware of a prior safety recall issued by General Motors under Recall Number 13036, which involves electrical wiring, the body control module (BCM), and brake assist system (BAS). According to the recall, this defect can result in the loss of electronic stability control, traction control, and other critical safety features. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same symptoms described in Recall #13036, including the disabling of ESC and traction control systems. However, I have been informed that my VIN may not be included in this recall, despite the identical safety-related failures. This presents a significant safety risk because: * Electronic stability control and traction control systems are not functioning * Steering assist may be compromised * Crash avoidance and braking support features may be disabled I am requesting that this issue be investigated and that consideration be given to expanding Recall #13036 to include additional affected vehicles like mine, as this appears to be a widespread defect. This condition poses a serious risk to driver and passenger safety, thank you so much you can contact me back via email [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Body 2

The Powersteering is failing in my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with 93K miles on it. The warning light on the dashboard appears randomly then it becomes difficult to steer. This has become a safety issue because when driving on the highway or trying to navigate turns requires a lot of strength and can be a hazard while driving in traffic or alone. I have taken the vehicle to an auto repair shop for a diagnostic and they were unable to fix it due to the Chevrolet dealership who no longer makes the part. I have researched and found that GM had a special coverage 15356 for this problem but no recall. The special coverage is now expired. I am not sure if it has been inspected by the manufacturer as I am the 2nd owner. The message that appears on the dashboard when there is a loss of power steering says ESC Power steering then it becomes difficult to steer. The problem started about 1 month ago.

3mo ago
Body 1

Weld on the back, right side of the driver's seat broke causing the seat to rock while driving. This is the second time this has happened, as we replaced the original seat when this happened to it.

4mo ago
Transmission 1

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.

5mo ago
Body 2

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.

5mo ago
Electrical 4

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.

6mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

8mo ago
Body 2

Power steering jerks violently left/right at 35–65 mph. Nearly lost control — happens intermittently and while in park. This is a KNOWN GM DEFECT — Special Coverage #10183 (EPS module) and TSB PIP4473. Michael Bates Chevrolet REFUSES to repair under #10183 — wants $1,500+. GM Customer Care also denied coverage. I use this car for WORK DAILY — it is UNSAFE TO DRIVE. If I crash and die, GM is liable. Component failed: Electric Power Steering (EPS) module Available for inspection: YES — at Michael Bates Chevy, Woodhaven MI Safety at risk: YES — driver and public Confirmed by dealer: NO — they refuse to honor #10183 Warning lamps: NO — no codes, intermittent First appeared: About a week ago and has progressively gotten worse.

8mo ago
Electrical 2

THIS CAR WILL START AND AS YOU ARE DRIVING, THE CAR SHUTS OFF. NO POWER, NO STEERING...NOTHING. I WAS OUT DRIVING TO WORK AND THE CAR DIED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKENT HE CAR TO THE SHOP AND THEY HAD IT FOR OVER A MONTH, CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP AND IT WAS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. THE MECHANIC SAID HE CAN NOT FIX IT, THAT IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE POSTED ONLINE THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND THE YEAR OF THE CAR IS KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. I OWN THREE CHEVY VEHICLES AND THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH ALL THREE. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! NO ONE STANDS BEHIND THEIR WORK. YOU PAY MONEY FOR A VEHICLE AND THE MAKERS WANT SPEND A DIME TO RECALL SOMETHING THAT CAN KILL SOMEONE.

10mo ago
Engine 2

Car started to loose power and wanted to cut off had to drive with both feet put in the shop a few times but couldn't find any wrong finally stopped driving it and then I started back to driving it and still doing the same thing, finally the motor went out.Have notice more Malibu's in this area and surroundings area having problems with the motor.

14mo ago
Engine 2

- Reduced engine power, appears on the dashboard. The motor begins to shake, slow down excessively if I'm driving on the highway, and needs to be shut off to reset the computer. Yes, this is available for inspection. However, We are going to try to fix this ASAP, as I drive an hour to and from work each day, this isn't safe, I'm stressed out as soon as I think about driving, and I am worried I'll get stranded on the side of the road. . This puts me and others at risk, because I can be going 70 mph and the alarm goes off and I instantly slow down from 70 to about 30 mph, I need to immediately get to the side of the road, or I might not be able to move out of the way of traffic. I am unable to use the accelerator at this time if I needed to get to a more safe location. This can happen zero times, to 5 times, per my morning drives to work. I need to pull over, put my flashers on, turn off my car, and hope that it resets right away and I can continue my drive. Other times, I need to let it sit at least 5 minutes before the reduced engine power warning goes off. - There were no warnings. It first happened just putting the vehicle into reverse in our driveway. Now it happens when I am driving. We just bought this vehicle used from the GM dealership with no warranty. It is a 2011 Malibu with only 90,000 miles on it. This can happen going from park to reverse, to going highway speeds.

15mo ago
Electrical 1

Steering locks while driving

16mo ago
Brakes 1

While driving down the road my power steering went out , driver side head light and it was like my breaks tried to lock up on me when I would press on them. I was driving down the interstate and pretty much had zero control of my car . Very scary. While trying to slow down and get off the interstate it's like it all just turned back on I had power steering back but my head light stayed out. So I went and purchased a new one put it in worked drove 2 miles up the road head light right back off. Something is going on with my ESC control system and power steering. I could have been really hurt or could have hurt someone.

16mo ago
Body 2

The vehicle has recently started to have power steering failure, making it a hazard while driving at times.

16mo ago
Body 2

NO POWER STEERING FEELS LIKE MANUAL STEERING

16mo ago
Electrical 1

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

17mo ago

973 total

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