NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 978 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 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2011 Chevrolet Malibu owner complaints

Owners have filed 978 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, describing incidents dated June 15, 2010 to September 14, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 235 complaints
Steering 214 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 174 complaints
Engine 172 complaints
Exterior Lighting 130 complaints
Power Train 112 complaints

Of the 978 complaints on file, 40 report a crash and 17 a fire; across all 978 complaints, owners report 41 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11766141 · Filed September 22, 2026
My power steering went out while pulling out of a parking spot. The message read “power steering/service ESC. I have read that these vehicles between the years 2007-2012 had a recall for this issue. My car has less than 46000 miles on it. I am confirming the recall so I can have this repair done…
ODI #11760511 · Filed August 28, 2026
Power steering assist motor is out and it was under recall in 2011 but it was out of the recall window but it has less than 150000 miles
ODI #11746504 · Filed June 25, 2026
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.

Read all 978 complaints

Owner-reported

2011 Chevrolet Malibu mileage at failure

717 of the 978 complaints on file for the 2011 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
Electrical System	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–120,000 miles	Based on 156 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–115,000 miles	Based on 137 complaints
Engine	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–100,000 miles	Based on 145 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 105,000 miles	Middle half 85,000–135,000 miles	Based on 75 complaints
Power Train	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–95,000 miles	Based on 95 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.

Steel Cable that Anchors Seat Belt may Fail

NHTSA #15V269000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported May 8, 2015 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 437,045 vehicles

Repair completion: 54.99% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15031 · Owners notified November 16, 2015 · Vehicles built April 8, 2010 – June 9, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Manufacturer 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.

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 8, 2010 – June 9, 2011 (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.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

11% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

978 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

Steering

ODI #11766141

Incident: September 14, 2026 · Filed: September 22, 2026

My power steering went out while pulling out of a parking spot. The message read “power steering/service ESC. I have read that these vehicles between the years 2007-2012 had a recall for this issue. My car has less than 46000 miles on it. I am confirming the recall so I can have this repair done. Thank you

Steering; Electrical System; Unknown or Other

ODI #11760511

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: August 28, 2026

Power steering assist motor is out and it was under recall in 2011 but it was out of the recall window but it has less than 150000 miles

Steering

ODI #11746504

Incident: June 15, 2026 · Filed: June 25, 2026

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.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11745051

Fire

Incident: December 20, 2025 · Filed: June 18, 2026

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.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting; Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11744231

Incident: June 10, 2026 · Filed: June 15, 2026

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.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Unknown or Other

ODI #11736721

Incident: May 4, 2026 · Filed: May 9, 2026

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)

Steering; Electrical System; Seat Belts

ODI #11732967

Incident: March 2, 2026 · Filed: April 22, 2026

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)

Steering

ODI #11727609

Incident: February 9, 2026 · Filed: March 27, 2026

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.

Seats

ODI #11722790

Incident: August 28, 2025 · Filed: March 8, 2026

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.

Power Train

ODI #11716754

Incident: January 25, 2026 · Filed: February 9, 2026

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.

Other Chevrolet Malibu model years

Check your 2011 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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