IllustrationDRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION, I COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. *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
What owners actually said
1,360 reportsBRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE FOR NO REASON OR TO FAIL TO LIGHT UP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED 1ST "FIXED" 9/14/2011, THEN AGAIN 11/27/2012. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION ESPECIALLY WITH SUDDEN STOP CONDITIONS. THE MALIBU …
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BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE FOR NO REASON OR TO FAIL TO LIGHT UP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED 1ST "FIXED" 9/14/2011, THEN AGAIN 11/27/2012. NOW IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION ESPECIALLY WITH SUDDEN STOP CONDITIONS. THE MALIBU IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. READ MORE: HTTP://WWW.NYDAILYNEWS.COM/AUTOS/GM-FORCED-RECALL-MILLION-VEHICLES-INCLUDING-CHEVROLET-MALIBU-ARTICLE-1.1286106#IXZZ2BJKPY33E *TR
2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMERS WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED HIM TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, THE CONSUMERS WIFE SUSTAINED A VERY SERIOUS CLOSED HEAD INJURY WH…
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2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMERS WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED, WHICH IN TURN CAUSED HIM TO REAR END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT, THE CONSUMERS WIFE SUSTAINED A VERY SERIOUS CLOSED HEAD INJURY WHEN HER HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD, DESPITE THE FACT SHE WAS A WEARING HER SEAT BELT AND THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH FRONTAL AIR BAGS THAT DID NOT DEPLOY. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE CONSUMER WAS STOPPED AND DESPITE THE FACT, HE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO ONE CAR LENGTH BEHIND THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT OF THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE STRUCK THE REAR OF THE OTHER VEHICLE MOVING IT AFTER IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.
VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ACTIVATED WHEN BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, BRAKE LIGHTS DEACTIVATE (OPPOSITE OF WHAT SHOULD OCCUR). DURING THIS TIME CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AND WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" APPEARS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP ON 7/30/13 AND DEALER REPLACED…
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VEHICLE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ACTIVATED WHEN BRAKE IS NOT APPLIED. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, BRAKE LIGHTS DEACTIVATE (OPPOSITE OF WHAT SHOULD OCCUR). DURING THIS TIME CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AND WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL" APPEARS. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP ON 7/30/13 AND DEALER REPLACED BRAKE SENSOR (PART # 22666955) AFTER FINDING THAT BRAKE LIGHTS WERE FAULTY. REPORTING PARTY HAS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. *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
THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES, ONCE A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE JUNE 2010 AT 400 MILES, AND THEN AGAIN ON 7/19/13 AFTER THE ISSUE WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY DEALER.I WAS ASSURED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN AFTER THE REPAIR IN 2010, IT DID. THIS VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. ON 7/19/2013 I…
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THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES, ONCE A FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE JUNE 2010 AT 400 MILES, AND THEN AGAIN ON 7/19/13 AFTER THE ISSUE WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY DEALER.I WAS ASSURED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN AFTER THE REPAIR IN 2010, IT DID. THIS VEHICLE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. ON 7/19/2013 I WAS TRAVELING ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN TRAFFIC AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. EVERYTHING WENT BLANK, THE ENGINE CUT, NO POWER STEERING, NO INSTRUMENT PANELS, NO ELECTRICAL WHAT SO EVER. THANK GOODNESS I WAS ABLE BOTH TIMES TO COAST ON TO THE SHOULDER ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE, BUT WITHOUT TURN SIGNALS, HAZARD LIGHTS, ACCESS TO ON STAR OR THE ABILITY TO HAND SIGNAL AS THE WINDOWS ARE OUT. AFTER BEING ESSENTIALLY POWERLESS, THE CAR DOES TURN BACK ON AFTER IT RESETS THE INTERNAL CLOCK TO 1/1/2009. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IF THIS IS NOT RESOLVED, I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE NOT BEEN HIT BOTH TIMES. I AM FRIGHTENED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND MY JOB RELIES ON ME TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES. THIS CAR IS A DEATH TRAP. *TR
AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ON MY MALIBU, I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STAYING ON WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY, THEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDDLE IS PRESSED LIGHTLY THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. AFTER THE PEDDLE IS DEPRESSED QUITE A BIT (WHILE BRAKING FOR STOPPING OR TO MAKE A SHARP TURN) TH…
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AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ON MY MALIBU, I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STAYING ON WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY, THEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDDLE IS PRESSED LIGHTLY THE LIGHTS TURN OFF. AFTER THE PEDDLE IS DEPRESSED QUITE A BIT (WHILE BRAKING FOR STOPPING OR TO MAKE A SHARP TURN) THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN BACK ON. AFTER RELEASING THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY, THE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF AND THEN BACK ON AGAIN A FEW SECONDS LATER. EVERY TIME THE BRAKE LIGHTS TURN ON, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPS WORKING. *TR
IT WAS RAINING AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES WERE ON .IMMEDIATELY THE BLADES STOP WORKING. L ALMOST HIT THE FENCE BECAUSE L COULD NOT SEE. MY CAR IS JUST 3YEARS OLD , L DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE BLADES WILL STOP WORKING. *TR
THE FRONT/PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DOOR HANDLES MOVE BUT DO NOT "CATCH" ANYTHING TO OPEN THE DOOR. IF THE PASSENGER NEEDED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, HE/SHE WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW. *TR
2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE GAS CAP ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH A LOCKED GAS CAP.
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.