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2010 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,071 reports with mileage · 289 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 454 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 294 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports14 fire reports35 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

144 reports
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85,000 miles · Sep 28, 2017
Air BagsEngine

ENGINE POWER DROPS SUDDENLY ON HIGHWAY OR IN TRAFFIC AFTER 45MINS OF DRIVING, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, SERVICE ENGINE, SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGES COME ON ALSO ESC MESSAGE THEN ENGINE STALLS AND MOVES AT ABOUT 10MPH FROM DRIVING AT ANYWHERE BETWEEN 30MPH TO 70MPH. RECURRING FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS CAN'T BE FIXED AFTER SEVERAL CHEVY DEA…

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ENGINE POWER DROPS SUDDENLY ON HIGHWAY OR IN TRAFFIC AFTER 45MINS OF DRIVING, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, SERVICE ENGINE, SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGES COME ON ALSO ESC MESSAGE THEN ENGINE STALLS AND MOVES AT ABOUT 10MPH FROM DRIVING AT ANYWHERE BETWEEN 30MPH TO 70MPH. RECURRING FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS CAN'T BE FIXED AFTER SEVERAL CHEVY DEALER WORKSHOP VISITS AND COSTS

NHTSA ODI #11030288

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2017
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND A FRONT PASSENGER HAD BEEN SEATED IN THE SEATS, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND WITH NO WARNING THE SIDE AIR BAGS ON BOTH SIDES INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. IN ADDITION, ANOTHER AIR BAG IN THE CEILING DEPLOYED AS WELL. AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE EMI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND A FRONT PASSENGER HAD BEEN SEATED IN THE SEATS, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND WITH NO WARNING THE SIDE AIR BAGS ON BOTH SIDES INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. IN ADDITION, ANOTHER AIR BAG IN THE CEILING DEPLOYED AS WELL. AN UNKNOWN SUBSTANCE EMITTED INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO DIAGNOSE AND PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF HIGH HUMIDITY WAS A FACTOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10995845

32,000 miles · Jun 17, 2017
Air Bags

THE "SERVICE AIRBAG SOON" MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON. I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY INDICATED THAT THE AIRBAG MODULE IS FAULTY. THE CAR IS ONLY 7YRS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT, THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. SINCE IT IS A MANUFACTURES FAULTY PART I FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AS …

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THE "SERVICE AIRBAG SOON" MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON. I HAD A DIAGNOSTIC DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY INDICATED THAT THE AIRBAG MODULE IS FAULTY. THE CAR IS ONLY 7YRS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 40,000 MILES ON IT, THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. SINCE IT IS A MANUFACTURES FAULTY PART I FEEL THAT THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AS I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR!

NHTSA ODI #10995681

40,458 miles · May 2, 2017
Air Bags

SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT REMAINS LIT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY REGARDING A CONSTANT WARNING LIGHT INDICATING A MALFUNCTION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS. AT THAT TIME, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN…

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SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT REMAINS LIT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY REGARDING A CONSTANT WARNING LIGHT INDICATING A MALFUNCTION OF THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG MODULE AND WIRING HARNESS. AT THAT TIME, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THAT REQUIRED AIRBAGS.REPAIRS WOULD COST OVER $1100. NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE VEHICLE TO CAUSE THIS MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ODI #10983082

101,000 miles · Mar 12, 2017
Air BagsCrash

SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN A CAR SMASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ME ... I WAS DOING 30MPH WHEN I WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. POLICE REPORT WAS MADE EVEN THO THE AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF...

NHTSA ODI #10960214

134,400 miles · Mar 9, 2017
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,400.

NHTSA ODI #10959762

139,110 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE A 2010 CHEVY MALIBU THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED INTO THE TAKATA RECALL. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR TWO WEEKS AGO AND "SERVICE AIR BAG" CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER FURTHER INVESTING, GM NEVER ISSUE AN ACTUAL RECALL FOR THE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. INSTEAD THEY CREATED A "MALIBU SAFETY PROGRAM" THAT ONLY INCLUDES…

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TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE A 2010 CHEVY MALIBU THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED INTO THE TAKATA RECALL. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR TWO WEEKS AGO AND "SERVICE AIR BAG" CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. AFTER FURTHER INVESTING, GM NEVER ISSUE AN ACTUAL RECALL FOR THE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. INSTEAD THEY CREATED A "MALIBU SAFETY PROGRAM" THAT ONLY INCLUDES 2010 CHEVY MALIBU ENDING IN THE VIN NUMBERS OF: A4100001 A4166698 AF100056 AND AF271265. MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T INCLUDED IN THIS LIST. THEREFORE I HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. FOR AN ISSUE THAT IS OUT OF MY CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI #10959668

85,000 miles · Feb 26, 2017
Air BagsSeats

FAULTY PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE , AIRBAG WARNING FAULT LIGHT ON. . THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE AT MY OWN EXPENSE OF $800. I FEEL THAT MY FAMILY AND MY SAFETY IS AT RISK DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN THAT GM IS AWARE OF WITH ITS AIRBAG COMPONENTS. AIRBAGS SHOULD BE WORKING FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, A…

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FAULTY PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE , AIRBAG WARNING FAULT LIGHT ON. . THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE AT MY OWN EXPENSE OF $800. I FEEL THAT MY FAMILY AND MY SAFETY IS AT RISK DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN THAT GM IS AWARE OF WITH ITS AIRBAG COMPONENTS. AIRBAGS SHOULD BE WORKING FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, AND IF THEY ARE FAILING THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE THOSE FAULTY DESIGNED PARTS AT NO EXPENSE TO THE OWNERS.

NHTSA ODI #10957089

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2016
Air Bags

AIR BAG NEED SERVICE

NHTSA ODI #10936150

65,000 miles · Nov 15, 2016
Air Bags

FOR THE LAST 5 MONTHS MAC GHANA LOCATED IN GHANA AT 105 SPINTEX ROAD ACCRA GHANA TEL: +233 (0) 302813919, HAS FAILED TO PROPERLY FIX THE RECALL NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 14V252 RECALL DATE: MAY 14, 2014 (MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: N130036). ALSO RECEIVED LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THE AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE DEALER HAS …

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FOR THE LAST 5 MONTHS MAC GHANA LOCATED IN GHANA AT 105 SPINTEX ROAD ACCRA GHANA TEL: +233 (0) 302813919, HAS FAILED TO PROPERLY FIX THE RECALL NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 14V252 RECALL DATE: MAY 14, 2014 (MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: N130036). ALSO RECEIVED LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THE AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THE DEALER HAS NOT REPLACED IT.

NHTSA ODI #10926118

Official recalls

3

19V019000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 16, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

14V252000 · Electrical System:wiring; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 14, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

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.

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

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.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

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.

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

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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.

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

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

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.

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

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.

Electrical System:wiring

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.

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

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.

12V460000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Sep 18, 2012

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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.