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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,360 reports
200,000 miles · Jan 4, 2020
Exterior Lighting

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. THE BULBS ARE NOT BURNING OUT. IT'S SOMETHING IN THE ELECRICAL THAT'S CAUSING THIS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OFF ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN & CHEVY NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON &…

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THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT. THE BULBS ARE NOT BURNING OUT. IT'S SOMETHING IN THE ELECRICAL THAT'S CAUSING THIS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OFF ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN & CHEVY NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON & HAVE A FIX FOR IT. AFTER READING ON A BUNCH OF FORUMS, THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. AFTER GETTING THE BULBS TO WORK, THEY ONLY WORK FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS THEN GO OUT AGAIN. THIS QUESTIONNAIRE WANTS ME TO PUT IN A DATE THAT THIS HAPPENED BUT IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, SO I'LL JUST PUT IN THE MOST RECENT DATE.

NHTSA ODI #11297078

128,080 miles · Dec 31, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

THE POWER STEERING CONTROL LOCKS UP THE STEERING SYSTEM. THE BRAKES PULSATES WHEN STOPPING CAUSE LOSING TRACTION. ESC CONTROL IS OFF. MAKING THE VEHICLE NOT DRIVE-ABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11292257

160,000 miles · Dec 29, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

4 CYLINDER WITH ELECTRIC POWER STEERING IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL..I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION AND PARKING .....ALSO THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CONSTANTLY STAYS ON

NHTSA ODI #11291851

Mileage unknown · Dec 23, 2019
Steering

THE STEERING LOCKS ITSELF AND THERE IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENING VERY FREQUENTLY NOW AND A WARNING LIGHT FLASHES WITH ESC SIGN. I AM SCARED I MIGHT BE AT INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENS 3 TO 4 TIMES WHILE WAS DRIVING AND IS HAPPENING WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND REST…

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THE STEERING LOCKS ITSELF AND THERE IS LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENING VERY FREQUENTLY NOW AND A WARNING LIGHT FLASHES WITH ESC SIGN. I AM SCARED I MIGHT BE AT INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT. IT HAPPENS 3 TO 4 TIMES WHILE WAS DRIVING AND IS HAPPENING WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. I HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART IT BUT AGAIN IT HAPPENS AFTER A FEW MINUTES.

NHTSA ODI #11290916

113,000 miles · Dec 22, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

VEHICLE WAS WORKING GREAT AS HAS ALWAYS, UNTIL OUT OF NOWHERE , IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I LOST ALL MOVEMENT IN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT BECAME MORE THAN IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AND I HAD TO STOP EVERY 10 SECONDS AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO TRY AND GET IT HOME. I KNOW THAT MORE THAN A FAIR SHARE OF PEOPLE WITH T…

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VEHICLE WAS WORKING GREAT AS HAS ALWAYS, UNTIL OUT OF NOWHERE , IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I LOST ALL MOVEMENT IN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT BECAME MORE THAN IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AND I HAD TO STOP EVERY 10 SECONDS AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO TRY AND GET IT HOME. I KNOW THAT MORE THAN A FAIR SHARE OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAVING THE EXACT PROBLEM. SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING. I KNOW THAT THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL, BUT ITS NOT SHOWING MY VEHICLE HAS ANY CURRENT RECALLS, THOUGH THERE WAS ONE FOR THE POWER ASSISTED MOTOR THAT IS STILL OPEN FROM WHAT I CAN SEE. I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN CAER OF MY VEHICLE AND NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN, AM I CORRECT WITH TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP STILL TO GET IT REPLACED FROM THE RECALL?

NHTSA ODI #11290715

156,000 miles · Dec 18, 2019
Steering

MY POWER STEERING HAS JUST STOPPED WORKING. I CAN BARELY TURN MY CAR, I HAVE A BABY AND MY OTHER CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME AND THIS IS DANGEROUS. I REALLY NEED THIS FIXED. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY TO MY BROTHERS HOUSE WHEN IT JUST STOPPED TURNING CORRECTLY.

NHTSA ODI #11289856

120,292 miles · Dec 15, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

UPON DRIVING THE CAR THE ESC LIGHT AND POWER STEERING LIGHT WILL COME ON AND CARE WILL HAVE NO POWER STEERING.STEERING WHEEL ALSO MOVES ON IT'S ON AND MAKES SOUNDS INSIDE THE COLUMN. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY WIFE TO HAVE TO DRIVE AND DROP OFF THE KIDS AT SCHOOL.NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS OUT OF THE CAR SINCE WE PURCHASED IT 3 YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ODI #11289155

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2019
Exterior Lighting

PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHTS HAVE REPEATEDLY GONE OUT FOR THE 7 YRS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. I HAVE CHANGED THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. I HAVE SEARCHED FORUMS/MESSAGEBOARDS RELATED TO CAR PROBLEMS AND THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE BUMPER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE TH…

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PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHTS HAVE REPEATEDLY GONE OUT FOR THE 7 YRS I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. I HAVE CHANGED THE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. I HAVE SEARCHED FORUMS/MESSAGEBOARDS RELATED TO CAR PROBLEMS AND THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THE BUMPER NEEDS TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT WHICH I CAN NOT DO MYSELF AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO A SERVICING SHOP WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE. HERE IS A WEBPAGE DEDICATED TO THE ISSUES. HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T32066_DS667897?SNTEMLID=3535135585#MSG1032451

NHTSA ODI #11288739

100,000 miles · Dec 7, 2019
Exterior Lighting

THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM KEEPS GOING OUT, EVEN AFTER REPEATEDLY REPLACING HEADLIGHT. JUST YESTERDAY, THE DRIVER SIDE WENT OUT TOO SO NO LOW BEAMS USABLE CURRENTLY. MY READING HAS BROUGHT ME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IN 2008-2012 CHEVY MALIBUS, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE PULLING VOLTAGE FROM THE LOW BEAMS WHICH IS INCREASIN…

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THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM KEEPS GOING OUT, EVEN AFTER REPEATEDLY REPLACING HEADLIGHT. JUST YESTERDAY, THE DRIVER SIDE WENT OUT TOO SO NO LOW BEAMS USABLE CURRENTLY. MY READING HAS BROUGHT ME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IN 2008-2012 CHEVY MALIBUS, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE PULLING VOLTAGE FROM THE LOW BEAMS WHICH IS INCREASING THE AMPERAGE IN THE LOW BEAMS WHICH IS CAUSING OVERHEATING AND THEREFORE THE BULBS AND CONNECTORS TO GO OUT REPEATEDLY.

NHTSA ODI #11287684

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2019
EngineSuspensionVehicle Speed Control

I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM CREST AUTO MALL AND 1 WEEK LATER THE SUSPENSIONS GETS MESSED UP AND THEN 1 MONTH LATER THE ENGINE BLOWS UP NOW MY CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY!

NHTSA ODI #11286519

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.