NHTSA vehicle safety data

2010 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,363 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2010 Chevrolet Malibu owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,363 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, describing incidents dated October 5, 2009 to October 9, 2026.

Most-cited components

Steering 454 complaints
Electrical System 295 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 227 complaints
Service Brakes 199 complaints
Exterior Lighting 194 complaints
Air Bags 144 complaints

Of the 1,363 complaints on file, 41 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 1,363 complaints, owners report 47 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11770933 · Filed October 13, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was listed as 170,225. During a service appointment for the check engine warning light illumination, the…
ODI #11769997 · Filed October 8, 2026
ESC light is on and steering started to be hard to steer . My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety for myself and others was a very risky.. vehicle was inspected by dealership, but was told that vehicle could not be scanned.
ODI #11766064 · Filed September 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. After starting the vehicle with the transmission in park(P), the gear shift indicator indicated that the transmission was in drive(D). The transmission was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle jerked and the engine revved loudly, but the vehicle failed to…

Read all 1,363 complaints

Owner-reported

2010 Chevrolet Malibu mileage at failure

1,052 of the 1,363 complaints on file for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Steering	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 80,000–140,000 miles	Based on 359 complaints
Electrical System	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–140,000 miles	Based on 194 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–125,000 miles	Based on 188 complaints
Service Brakes	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–105,000 miles	Based on 141 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 95,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–125,000 miles	Based on 133 complaints
Air Bags	Median 55,000 miles	Middle half 30,000–85,000 miles	Based on 103 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

NHTSA #19V019000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 16, 2019 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 1,145 vehicles

Repair completion: 42.03% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N182206630 · Owners notified February 25, 2019 · Vehicles built May 1, 2010 – August 24, 2010 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Shaft Inadequate Support of U-Joint

NHTSA #14E044000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported July 21, 2014 · Dorman Products, Inc.

Potentially affected: 7,304 vehicles

Repair completion: 30.35% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified September 8, 2014

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Lights may or may not Randomly Illuminate

NHTSA #14V252000 · Electrical System — Wiring · NHTSA notice

Reported May 14, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 2,440,524 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 13036 · Owners notified August 18, 2014 · Vehicles built April 7, 2009 – June 15, 2010 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

The Transmission Shift Cable May Detach

NHTSA #12V460000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Gear Position Indication (PRNDL) · NHTSA notice

Reported September 18, 2012 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 426,240 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 12106 · Owners notified January 1, 2013 · Vehicles built February 23, 2009 – June 14, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Safety consequence

If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Notes

General Motors safety recall number 12106. Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to www.safercar.gov.

2010 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1,363 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu.

Electrical System

ODI #11770933

Incident: October 9, 2026 · Filed: October 13, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was listed as 170,225. During a service appointment for the check engine warning light illumination, the vehicle history report revealed that the mileage was 210,000.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11769997

Incident: September 21, 2026 · Filed: October 8, 2026

ESC light is on and steering started to be hard to steer . My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety for myself and others was a very risky.. vehicle was inspected by dealership, but was told that vehicle could not be scanned.

Power Train; Tires

ODI #11766064

Incident: September 18, 2026 · Filed: September 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. After starting the vehicle with the transmission in park(P), the gear shift indicator indicated that the transmission was in drive(D). The transmission was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle jerked and the engine revved loudly, but the vehicle failed to move. The TPMS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter was loose while shifting, and the vehicle rolled forward while parked. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #11762987

Filed: September 9, 2026

They do not have brake lights. I was behind them for probably 3-5 miles, their blinkers and other lights seemed to work because they were just the plain lights cars have. They are also a red chevy.

Electrical System; Vehicle Speed Control; Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ODI #11752487

Incident: July 23, 2025 · Filed: July 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving for 5 miles, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with the message "Service Traction" displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as intended after cooling down; however, the failure recurred after driving 5 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high resistance in the BCM harness. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); which was previously performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the recall repair was a one-time free-of-charge repair. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Steering

ODI #11751580

Incident: July 18, 2026 · Filed: July 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking and locked up, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. A dealer or an independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

Steering

ODI #11738341

Incident: May 16, 2026 · Filed: May 16, 2026

Power steering has gone out.

Steering

ODI #11737052

Incident: May 3, 2026 · Filed: May 11, 2026

1.The ESC system and power steering lights come on and sometimes go off making it extremely unsafe to drive due to not having proper control of the steering wheel. It is available for inspections at any time. 2.Being able to turn and use steering wheel correctly puts me and my family at risk for collisions. 3.confirmed by a code reader. And personal Mechanic. 4. No inspections have been made at dealership u called and they said there was no recall. 5. No other than the steering wheel moving on its own when at a stop light.

Steering

ODI #11736746

Incident: March 1, 2026 · Filed: May 9, 2026

Power steering went out and I'm told it's a sensor that is in the steering column. Very expensive to have fixed due to location of the sensor. I seen a recall for this problem however it is only good for 150,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased this car 2 years ago with 172,000 miles. This recall should still be valid if it hasn't been repaired. I almost wrecked the car not realizing this happened while driving.

Seats

ODI #11726490

Incident: March 21, 2026 · Filed: March 23, 2026

The driver's seat bracket broke causing the seat to sag to the right and for the back of the seat to rise up. Pictures were taken and are attached. Available for inspection until fixed. The view is from the front. My finger points to the failed weld. In an accident, the seat might break off causing the driver to sustain serious injury. The sudden shift in the seat could cause the driver to panic resulting in an accident. I have not yet taken it into the dealer for review. This problem has been reported to your website as well as RepairPal and The Center for Auto Safety websites. No one has, as of now, inspected this failure. There are no warning lights or other sources avaliable to inform of this danger.

Other Chevrolet Malibu model years

Check your 2010 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Malibu at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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