Problems · NHTSA complaints

2011 Chevrolet Malibu problems

Owners filed 978 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA between Oct 2010 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (235).

Complaints
978
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
40
Reported by owners
Fires
17
Reported by owners
Injuries
41
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system235
  2. Steering214
  3. Electronic stability control (esc)174
  4. Engine160
  5. Exterior lighting130
  6. Power train112
  7. Air bags93
  8. Vehicle speed control87
  9. Seat belts53
  10. Seats38
  11. Service brakes38
  12. Fuel/propulsion system32
  13. Structure19
  14. Traction control system15

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20101
201116
201214
201324
2014130
2015161
2016100
201772
2018118
2019135
202073
202136
202229
202319
202423
202515
202612

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

235 reports3 crashes14 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingFire reportedODI 11745051

Steering

214 reports8 crashes1 related recall
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 22, 2026SteeringODI 11766141

Electronic stability control (esc)

174 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2024Steering, Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 11624739

Engine

160 reports4 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2025Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11658132

Exterior lighting

130 reports4 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed controlODI 11744231

Power train

112 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 9, 2026Power trainODI 11716754
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.