Illustration2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING REPLACEMENT PARTS ISSUES. *SMD
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 reportsIT FIRST STARTED WHEN MY STABILITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND MY CAR ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE WHEN I WAS IN A STOPPING POSITION. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 TIMES. THEN I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND MY STABILITY LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR JUST DIED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED MY COMPUTER SYSTEM. ON MY RECEIP…
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IT FIRST STARTED WHEN MY STABILITY LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND MY CAR ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE WHEN I WAS IN A STOPPING POSITION. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 TIMES. THEN I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND MY STABILITY LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR JUST DIED. I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED MY COMPUTER SYSTEM. ON MY RECEIPT THEY INDICATED DUE TO SHORT IN THE ECM. REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED THE ECM. SINCE THEN THERE HAS BEEN ONE TIME WHEN MY CAR ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE. I TURNED OFF THE HEATER AND RADIO THINKING SOMETHING ELSE WAS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN AND MY CAR DID NOT DIE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING HIGH AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHILE THE SERVICE ESB AND THE SERVICE TRACTION WARNING MESSAGES DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SHAKING VIOL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING HIGH AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHILE THE SERVICE ESB AND THE SERVICE TRACTION WARNING MESSAGES DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND MOVING INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,400.
I LOST POWER STEERING OF MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS TURNING ON A MAJOR INTERSECTION. I ALMOST GOT INTO A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A SEMI-TRUCK. FAULTY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST.
THE FIRST TIME I HAD JUST LEFT THE CAR WASH HEADED HOME, DECIDED TO STOP AT THE PARK TO FINISH CLEANING THE CAR, PULLING UP TO PARK, THE TRACTION CONTROL DISENGAGES THEN THE ( TRIANGLE WITH THE CAR SLIDING IMAGE) APPEARS, A SERVICE ESC NOTICE POPES UP AND THE ENGINE BEGINS TO RUN ROUGH, AT THIS POINT THE TRACTION CONTROL WILL NO…
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THE FIRST TIME I HAD JUST LEFT THE CAR WASH HEADED HOME, DECIDED TO STOP AT THE PARK TO FINISH CLEANING THE CAR, PULLING UP TO PARK, THE TRACTION CONTROL DISENGAGES THEN THE ( TRIANGLE WITH THE CAR SLIDING IMAGE) APPEARS, A SERVICE ESC NOTICE POPES UP AND THE ENGINE BEGINS TO RUN ROUGH, AT THIS POINT THE TRACTION CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE SECOND TIME, I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVE AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. BOTH TIMES WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF, WAIT A WHILE AND START THE CAR AGAIN THE MESSAGE WILL NOT BE THERE, BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN ABOUT 3-WEEKS. IS THE CAR SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E044000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
DOOR LATCH MALFUNCTIONS. THE AUTO LOCK FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK WHEN TRANSITIONING FROM DRIVE TO PARK, AND THE DOOR IS UNABLE TO BE OPENED AND CLOSED. THE ONLY WAY TO EXIT/ENTER THE VEHICLE IS BY CRAWLING ACROSS PASSENGER SEAT - SAFETY CONCERN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE "SERVICE ESC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND TRACTION CONTROL" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, THE THROTT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IN ADDITION, THE "SERVICE ESC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND TRACTION CONTROL" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR, SPARK PLUGS, TORQUE SENSOR, AND THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT A CARBON CLEANING NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
WHEN TURNING OR DRVING CAR. IT WOULD LOSE SPEED. ALSO NOTICED SMELL IN CAR OF FUEL I WOULD GET NAUSEATING HEADACHES. PURCHASED CAR JUNE 2015 FROM COURSTEY FORD. CAR WAS IN MOTION ON STREET AND HIGHWAY.
WHEEL- "CRACK IN RIM" WE PURCHASE A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN 2013 FROM IVORY CHEVROLET IN UNION CITY, GA. NOTICE OVER TIME THAT PASSAGE TIRE KEPT GOING LOW, REPLACE TIRE 2 TWICE, FINALLY IN 2015 BOUGHT ALL NEW TIRES FROM SEARS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT THE PASSAGE SIDE KEPT LOSING PRESSURE, COMPLAINT TO SEAR IT NOT THEIR TIRES …
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WHEEL- "CRACK IN RIM" WE PURCHASE A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU IN 2013 FROM IVORY CHEVROLET IN UNION CITY, GA. NOTICE OVER TIME THAT PASSAGE TIRE KEPT GOING LOW, REPLACE TIRE 2 TWICE, FINALLY IN 2015 BOUGHT ALL NEW TIRES FROM SEARS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT THE PASSAGE SIDE KEPT LOSING PRESSURE, COMPLAINT TO SEAR IT NOT THEIR TIRES BUT MAYBE A CRACK IN RIM. BOUGHT A NEW RIM FOR PASSAGE SIDE NOW THE DRIVER SIDE STARTED DOING THE SAME THING WHEN BACK TO SEAR, IT NOT THE TIRE BUT THE WHEEL HAS A CRACK ALSO, CALL GM ON 12/28/2015 THE REP SEND ME TO BELLAMY STRICKLAND THEY STATED "PARTS: 131139 WHEEL LEAKING FROM CENTER PIECE WHERE ATTACHED TO OUTER RIM, CASE NUMBER 8-1731278803, NO CASE IN SYSTEM FOR STEEL WHEELS LEAKING RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE WHEEL FOR $233.84". I HAVE REPLACE THE RIGHT WHEEL (RIM) NOW THE LEFT WHEEL IS CRACK. THERE ARE A NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS ABOUT THEIR STEEL RIM CRACKING BUT GM AND THEIR DEALERSHIP REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS HAZARDOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION, I AM ASKING FOR THE NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CRACK IN THE STEEL WHEEL INDICATES THAT THE METAL IS WEAKENED AND VULNERABLE TO FAILURE THAT MAY CAUSE DEAD OR SERIOUS INJURIES TO BODY AND PROPERTY.
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.