IllustrationCAR LOST CONTROL OF POWER STEERING SAME TIME AS DRIVER SIDE BACK BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BAD WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM 70
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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE SERVICE ESC WARNING INDICATORS HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION, THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE, AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE SERVICE ESC WARNING INDICATORS HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION, THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE, AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING ) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,958.
I BOUGHT MY MALIBU NEW IN 2010, SHORTLY ATTER THE SERVICE ESC AND TRACTION LIGHRTS KEPT COMMING ON, I TOOK TO SHOP BUT THSY ACTED LIKE I WAS NUTS, LATER I GOT A RECALL AND TOOK TO SHOP, SAID WAS FIXED BU TWO DAYS LATER SAME SITUTATION, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR 5 YEARS MOT ONLY THOSE BUT SEATBELT COME ON AND SERVICE AIR…
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I BOUGHT MY MALIBU NEW IN 2010, SHORTLY ATTER THE SERVICE ESC AND TRACTION LIGHRTS KEPT COMMING ON, I TOOK TO SHOP BUT THSY ACTED LIKE I WAS NUTS, LATER I GOT A RECALL AND TOOK TO SHOP, SAID WAS FIXED BU TWO DAYS LATER SAME SITUTATION, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR 5 YEARS MOT ONLY THOSE BUT SEATBELT COME ON AND SERVICE AIRBAGS COMES ON CONSTANTLY, I WROTE TO CHEVY AND ALL THEY DID WAS SENE ME BACK TO CHEVY WHERE THEY CHARGED ME AND GUESS WHAT, THE PROBLEM IS OCCURING, I EMAILED CHEVY AGAIN MONTHS AGO AND HAVE STILL NO REPLY.
CAR WAS PURCHASED 12/2009. JUNE OF 2013 CAR WAS BROUGHT TO CHEVROLET DUE TO A RUMBLE IN STEERING WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. OCTOBER 2014 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN TO CHEVROLET WITH SAME PROBLEM. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. JUNE 2015 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN WITH SAME PROBLEM. STEERING GEAR, PUMP, A…
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CAR WAS PURCHASED 12/2009. JUNE OF 2013 CAR WAS BROUGHT TO CHEVROLET DUE TO A RUMBLE IN STEERING WHILE TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. OCTOBER 2014 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN TO CHEVROLET WITH SAME PROBLEM. POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. JUNE 2015 CAR WAS RETURNED AGAIN WITH SAME PROBLEM. STEERING GEAR, PUMP, AND ALL HOSES WERE REPLACED. AGAIN 6 MONTHS LATER THE RUMBLE HAS RETURNED. GM HAS STATED THEY WILL NO LONGER SPEND MONEY FIXING THE CAR EVEN THOUGH I HAVE FULL WARRANTY.
WILL NOT SHIFT INTO PARK, CHECKED AND FOUND PLASTIC TABS THAT HOLD TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE TOGETHER WERE BROKEN AS INDICATED IN GM RECALL NOTICE 12106C. CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS RECALL DOES NOT AFFECT MY CAR'S VIN. (SEE ATTACHED PHOTO)
HAD TO GET A REPAIR ON THE EXHAUST VVT SOLENOID FOR THE EXHAUST SIDE OF THE ENGINE. CODES: P0013 & P0014.
THE DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM EITHER KEY, INSIDE DOOR HANDLE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. WE TOOK TO CHEVY MALIBU DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD SINCE THIS IS NOT RECALL WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT WHICH WOULD BE $467.00. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 79.000 MILES. THE DOOR NOT OPENING HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND I AM NOT ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPE…
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THE DRIVER'S DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM EITHER KEY, INSIDE DOOR HANDLE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. WE TOOK TO CHEVY MALIBU DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD SINCE THIS IS NOT RECALL WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT WHICH WOULD BE $467.00. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 79.000 MILES. THE DOOR NOT OPENING HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES AND I AM NOT ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BECAUSE I CHECKED ON LINE TO SEE THE NUMBERS. IT IS DANGEROUS IN THIS CONDITION. I AM TRAPPED IN CAR WHEN IT HAPPENS PLUS I AM DISABLED AND MOVING OVER MEDIAN TO GET OUR OF CAR IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. SINCE THIS IS DANGEROUS, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.
VEHICLE SUNROOF LEAKS THROUGH TO CENTER CONSOLE, FRONT DOME LIGHT, CARPETS AND SPEAKERS. THIS OCCURS AT ALL TIMES, STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. MORE SO AFTER RAIN AND CAR WASHING. I NOW HAVE WATER STAINS, MOLD AND SMELL THROUGHOUT CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A JERSEY BARRIER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A JERSEY BARRIER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.....UPDATED 07/05/16 *BF *CN
SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR ON MORE THAN ONE OCASSION THE SUNROOF HAS LEAKED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN YOU MOVE THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW DOES NOT WORK.
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.