IllustrationI WAS T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR AND HIT MY DAUGHTER IN THE FACE. THE AIRBAG HAD FIBERS AND SUCH ON IT THAT WAS IMBEDDED IN MY DAUGHTERS EYE. SHE HAD TO HAVE SURGERY TO GET IT OUT. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Malibu years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1190–25K
12225–50K
22050–75K
24475–100K
256100–150K
110150K+
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
Wheels complaints
33 reportsTHIS IS THE THIRD RIM THAT HAS CRACKED ON THIS 2010 CHEVY MALIBU,WITHIN 6 MOS. AT THE PRICE OF $253.00. *TR
FACTORY INSTALL STEEL RIM IS LEAKING AIR AT THE RIM WELD SEAL. UNREPAIRABLE AND POSE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. PURCHASE CERTIFIED VEHICLE LAST YEAR (JUNE 2013) WITH A TWO (2) YEAR WARRANT. WAS INFORMED RIM WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY AFTER ONE YEAR. *TR
STEEL WHEEL CRACKED IN WELD RESULTING IN SLOW AIR LEAK AND LOW TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE (ON SEPARATE WHEELS) ON THIS CAR WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED OR WRECKED. THIS IS HAPPENING SO OFTEN TO OWNERS THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND USED WHEELS. *TR
STEEL WHEELS CRACKED BEHIND WELD FOR SECOND TIME CAUSING SMALL AIR LEAK AND LOW TIRE,WHEELS NEVER STRUCK ANYTHING AND WERE NEVER ABUSED. THIS ALSO HAPPENED IN 2011 TO ANOTHER OF THE WHEELS. *TR
RIGHT REAR TIRE CONSISTENTLY LOST 5 TO 10 LBS. PRESSURE EVERY TWO TO THREE DAYS, BELIEVED TO BE TEMPERATURE CHANGE RELATED, PERHAPS SLOW LEAK. TIRES HAD APPROXIMATE 20,000 MILES LEFT ON THEM ,BUT GREW TIRED OF THE CONSTANT PROBLEM. ON 09/21/2013 REPLACED BOTH REAR TIRES WITH NEW TIRES, PROBLEM PERSISTED. ON 09/28/2013 HAD DEALER…
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RIGHT REAR TIRE CONSISTENTLY LOST 5 TO 10 LBS. PRESSURE EVERY TWO TO THREE DAYS, BELIEVED TO BE TEMPERATURE CHANGE RELATED, PERHAPS SLOW LEAK. TIRES HAD APPROXIMATE 20,000 MILES LEFT ON THEM ,BUT GREW TIRED OF THE CONSTANT PROBLEM. ON 09/21/2013 REPLACED BOTH REAR TIRES WITH NEW TIRES, PROBLEM PERSISTED. ON 09/28/2013 HAD DEALER REPLACE WITH FACTORY RIM ($339.32) PROBLEM SOLVED. ON 02/15/2014 SAME PROBLEM FRONT RIGHT, ADDED AIR EVERY TWO TO THREE DAYS FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS, AND ON 03/18/2014 LEFT FRONT BEGAN SAME ISSUE. NOW FORCED TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT RIMS, THEY WILL NOT BE FACTORY REPLACEMENTS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED THERE WAS A NAIL IN THE TIRE DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TIRE WAS CRACKING FROM TWO AREAS AT THE WHEEL RIM. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED THERE WAS A NAIL IN THE TIRE DUE TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE TIRE WAS CRACKING FROM TWO AREAS AT THE WHEEL RIM. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
WE HAD TO CONTINUALLY ADD AIR TO ONE TIRE. THINKING WE A HAD A NAIL, WE TOOK IT TO A TIRE SHOP. THE RIM WAS DEFECTIVE. THAT WAS WHEN THE CAR HAD 41,564 MILES. WE REPLACED IT. ANOTHER RIM WENT BAD AFTER 50,688 MILES. RIMS SHOULD NOT GO BAD. THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE FABRICATION OF THE RIMS AND MALIBU OWNERS ARE PAYING F…
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WE HAD TO CONTINUALLY ADD AIR TO ONE TIRE. THINKING WE A HAD A NAIL, WE TOOK IT TO A TIRE SHOP. THE RIM WAS DEFECTIVE. THAT WAS WHEN THE CAR HAD 41,564 MILES. WE REPLACED IT. ANOTHER RIM WENT BAD AFTER 50,688 MILES. RIMS SHOULD NOT GO BAD. THERE MUST BE A DEFECT IN THE FABRICATION OF THE RIMS AND MALIBU OWNERS ARE PAYING FOR IT. *TR
ALL FOUR TIRES ARE LOSING AIR AND HAVE PUT AIR IN 3 TIMES. HAVE BEEN TOLD THE RIMS ARE CRACKED AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. SAFETY IS OF CONCERN AND IT WILL COST $600 - $700 TO FIX. FOR WHAT INFORMATION I HAVE GM IS NOT DOING A THING ABOUT IT. I WILL NOT BUY A GM CAR AGAIN IF THEY DO NOT RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. …
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ALL FOUR TIRES ARE LOSING AIR AND HAVE PUT AIR IN 3 TIMES. HAVE BEEN TOLD THE RIMS ARE CRACKED AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. SAFETY IS OF CONCERN AND IT WILL COST $600 - $700 TO FIX. FOR WHAT INFORMATION I HAVE GM IS NOT DOING A THING ABOUT IT. I WILL NOT BUY A GM CAR AGAIN IF THEY DO NOT RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT I HAVE 3 AREAS IN MY RIM TO BE CRACK ALONG THE CREASE OF A 5 STAR RIM. I WAS INFORMED BY A COUPLE OF EXPERTS THAT THESE TYPE OF RIMS HAS BEEN CAUSING ALOT OF OWNER DIFFICULTIES. I DO NOT BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS CLEAR THAT THE…
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IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT I HAVE 3 AREAS IN MY RIM TO BE CRACK ALONG THE CREASE OF A 5 STAR RIM. I WAS INFORMED BY A COUPLE OF EXPERTS THAT THESE TYPE OF RIMS HAS BEEN CAUSING ALOT OF OWNER DIFFICULTIES. I DO NOT BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS CLEAR THAT THERE WAS NOT ANY NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE OWNER. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS INVESTIGATED FOR A RECALL..AT THIS TIME I AM REFUSING TO PAY FOR THE RIM, BECAUSE NO ONE HAS GIVEN ME A "MAKE SINCE" EXPLANATION AS TO THE BLAME.. I HAVE EVEN WENT AS FAR A FILING A CLAIM WITH GENERAL MOTORS TO HAVE THEM SHUFFLE ME BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR (GM) SPECIALIST. SOMETHING NEED TO GIVE. I FEEL OUR SAFETY IN INVOLVED AT THIS POINT. HAD I NOT HAD IT CHECK AND CONTINUED WITH THE FIX A FLAT FORMULA AND AIRING UP THE TIRE, WHO KNOWS WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME AND MY FAMILY.. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, NOT JUST FOR ME, BUT FOR THOUSANDS OD MALIBU 2010 LS OWNERS... THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOU IMMEDIATE ATTENTION AND CONCERN IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE IN ADVANCE. *TR
Official recalls
319V019000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.