Chevrolet Malibu Complaints (2011)

978 consumer complaints on file.

#11645300February 27, 2025
STEERING
NO POWER STEERING FEELS LIKE MANUAL STEERING
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643114February 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641180February 6, 2025
STEERING
Failed steering control sensor
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640009January 31, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, UNKNOWN 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 in the lines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638754January 27, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING
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 lock up while driving. Zero help from GM because the period has "expired." I feel it should be covered since it is under the 150k mileage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637098January 20, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635518January 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR 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!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631492December 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 notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629065December 5, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627507November 26, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624739November 12, 2024
STEERING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624606November 11, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
While driving my steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. My dashboard then flashed “ESC” then “power steering” then the traction control issue came on. I eased over turned the car off then on again. The issue cleared until I turned my car off again. my steering wheel started rocking back and forth/side to side. then I stopped to get gas turned it off then when I turned it back on the issue resumed. This time It took 10 mins for the issue to clear. I drove home and the car made noises and etc. I made it home safely but have not attempted to drive the car since.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622381October 28, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hood support strut failed suddenly allowing hood to close forcefully nearly hitting me while working in the engine bay. Vehicle has no positive latch or prop mechanism to prevent hood closing in event of gas strut failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621022October 21, 2024
ENGINE
My vehicle battery light came on around 3 weeks ago. I thought my battery was going bad, since I had it for 2 yrs( I bought it from AutoZone 2 yrs ago w/ 2 yrs warranty). But instead it completely stopped and won't start. I had it towed and was told the timing chain broke in the engine and that I need a whole new engine (something I can't afford being on disability). So I am not only seeking if there is a recall with the engine, but if other drivers are having this same issue with their 2011 Malibu. I have about 77,000 miles on it. I'm having a hard time getting to my doctor's appt and picking up my grandkids from school. If nothing shows up, can you please reach out to GM to see if they can give me a discount/rebate to help me get my vehicle fixed. I'm desperate right now. Thank you for your time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619165October 10, 2024
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the power steering assist suddenly failed. The contact used an excessive amount of force to steer the vehicle. The steering stability control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,987.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615209September 18, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was under this car inspecting the exhaust system when I noticed the steel rear impact beam was rusty. Upon further inspection, I found that it was completely rusted and rotted out and was being held up by the wire for the license plate light. The car has quite a few miles on in but no other parts of the car are rusted like this. An automotive Engineer inspected it and advised us to replace it. There is no way for customers to know of this issue or easily watch out for it and I am concerned that this may be an issue in other Malibus. This is a huge safety issue as there was no rear protection during a crash due to the severity of the rust on this rear impact beam.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609321August 19, 2024
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, SEAT BELTS
On [XXX] around 1pm me and my mom were in a bad accident we were driving on [XXX] through Columbus Ohio to go down to Kentucky we were at least 50 feet from the truck that was pulling a camper when all of sudden the camper had no brake lights and was not moving my mom pushed the brake all the way to the floor you could feel the car trying to stop but it wasn’t stopping we were only going 25 and should have been able to stop . But we didn’t by till we were in the camper bumper driver side airbag went off but mine in the passenger seat didn’t forcing my head to fly forward then back my seat belt locked to hard I felt I couldn’t breath and I had just had my appendix removed two days before the accident I was screaming in pain I was later on took to the hospital to make sure I was not bleeding on the inside I now sit in my bed feeling hopeless in so much pain . Since I was been laying in bed I Kelly blue booked our 2011 Chevy Malibu to see what I could possibly get from it but then found out there was not one but three recalls Airbag, brakes, and seat belts but I was never notified i did some more digging and found out these are all new my question is why was I never notified about this we have had this car five years and I found all these recalls going all the back to 2020 and we have had it since 2021. I blame Chevy for my car accident they failed to tell me something major was wrong with my brakes and airbag. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608660August 15, 2024
STEERING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The power steering warning light and the ESC warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving to her residence by using physical strength to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,401.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593651June 11, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Passenger headlight keeps going out. Have had to replace 4 times in 3 years. Difficult taking off entire bumper
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11584738April 23, 2024
STEERING
Power steering issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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