Electrical System. Review the 235 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 213 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 174 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

40 crash reports17 fire reports30 injury reports

Steering complaints

213 reports

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115,100 miles · Dec 23, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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ON 12/23/15 APPROX 8:40 AM, I WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON KELLY DRIVE APPROX 40 MPH. I WAS HEADING INTO A SOFT CURVE, WHEN THE ESC CAME ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY, JERKING AND SWERVING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, GOING INTO THE LANE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND THEN JERKING BACK INTO THE LANE I WAS ORIGINALLY IN. THE CAR JERKED AND SWERVED BACK AND FORTH, APPROX 4 TIME. THIS LASTED ROUGHLY ABOUT 10 SECONDS. THE ESC LIGHT WENT OFF AND THE CAR FELT LIKE IT HAD DECREASED ENGINE POWER AFTER THAT. I CAME TO A RED LIGHT AND THE ENGINE SHOOK, SHUDDERED AND THEN SETTLED DOWN. I CONTINUED ON FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES TO WORK AND PARKED THE CAR. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I COULD'VE HIT ANOTHER CAR, CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE WALL, OR ANOTHER CAR COULD'VE CRASHED INTO ME

NHTSA ODI #10811870

77,000 miles · Dec 8, 2015

SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. I HAD IT ALIGNED AND TOOK IT BACK SEVERAL DAYS LATER BECAUSE IT WAS STILL PULLING LEFT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS WITHIN SPEC AND IT SHOULD BE FINE. THEY TRIED ROTATING THE TIRES AGAIN AS WELL AND THAT DID NOT CHANGE ANYTHING.

NHTSA ODI #10809005

100,000 miles · Nov 14, 2015

Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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I WAS DRIVING AN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT IN A LARGE CURVE. 8 HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BUT LUCKILY WAS NOT INJURED. GM RECENTLY SENT OUT AN "EXTENDED WARRANTY" ON TH POWER STEERING MODULE ONLY. THIS WAS REPLACED. IN MAY OF 2014 GM SENT OUT RECALL 13036 THAT INCLUDED MY CAR. THIS RECALL IS NOT PULLING UP ON MY VIN. THE LETTER STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR A FIX. I HAVE LIGHTS AND BELLS THAT MY ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL IS NOT WORKING. THEY FOUND AT YHE DEALER THAT AT LEAST ONCE I HAVE HAD A BRAKE ERROR. IN THE RECALL LETTER IT STATES THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY FUNCTION WHEN I AM NOT BRAKING OR THEY MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN I AM. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY OWN CAR! PLEASE PUSH FOR A RESOLUTION TO THIS RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10790368

52,000 miles · Nov 5, 2015

Steering

REPLACED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON FEB 12, 2015. WAS TOLD NOT INCLUDED UNDER CERTIFIED WARRANTY. ALSO NOT INCLUDED IN RECALLL. WOULD LIKE CONSIDERATION OF REFUND OF REPAIR. THERE WAS A CLUNK NOISE ON LEFT SIDE. FOUND TO BE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND PAID FOR REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #10788739

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2015

Electrical SystemSteering

2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR FUSE BLOCK AND CIRCUIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10806900

87,568 miles · Aug 29, 2015

Steering

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BEING A SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT AT TIMES THE POWER STEERING WOULD BECOME INEFFECTIVE AND STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE, ALONG WITH A LOT OF CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN...ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS. AFTER OWNING THIS VEHICLE FOR TWO MONTHS, I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND THE WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY HEAVY AS THE POWER ASSIST WAS NOT WORKING AND THE ENTIRE STEERING POPPED AND I HAD NO MORE STEERING CONTROL ( THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FREE WHEELING). LUCKILY, THIS SITUATION DID NOT HAPPEN ON MY COMMUTE TO WORK AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH! AS IT HAPPENS THE FREE WHEELING OF THE STEERING WHEEL HAS DAMAGED THE CLOCK-SPRING INSIDE THE STEERING HUB THAT PROVIDES POWER TO THE AIRBAG AND CRUISE AND RADIO CONTROLS, MOUNTED ON THE STEERING WHEEL.I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE STEERING SYSTEM OF THIS CAR, BUT AM TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. MY MECHANIC HAS ESTIMATED A REPAIR BILL CLOSE TO $1000 AND THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY GM, IN MY OPINION...AS IT IS A LIFE THREATENING ISSUE (NO STEERING CONTROL AT HIGH SPEEDS)!

NHTSA ODI #10760143

29,000 miles · Aug 25, 2015

Steering

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WHILE DRIVING BACK FROM VACATION, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A VIBRATION AND NOISE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE AREA. THIS WOULD WORSEN AND INCREASE IN INTENSITY AS SPEED INCREASED. ALTHOUGH IT DID NOT APPEAR TO ADVERSELY AFFECT DRIVING, IT WOULD NOT GO AWAY AND NEVER IMPROVED. AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS A BAD/FAILING WHEEL BEARING. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS ONLINE REVEAL THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR MAKE AND MODEL, NOT LIMITED TO THIS MODEL YEAR. THE DANGER IN THIS IS THAT THE BEARING WAS NEARING A POINT OF FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN WHEEL SEPARATION OR BEARING LOCKUP; EITHER OF WHICH COULD HAVE SENT ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY, WHICH LEFT ME TO PAY $420 FOR THE REPAIR. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT AND URGE THE CONSIDERATION OF A RECALL ON THIS. I HAVE RETAINED ALL PAPERWORK PERTAINING TO THE REPAIR AND CAN PRODUCE THIS IF NEEDED FOR EVIDENCE OR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.

NHTSA ODI #10759029

87,076 miles · Aug 4, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

DRIVING CAR ABOUT 30MPH. NOTICED DECREASE SPEED, CHECK GEAR SHIFT TO MAKE SURE IN D. LOOKED AT DASHBOARD, ALL LIGHTS WERE ON. SCROLLING, POWER STEERING, SERVICE ENGINE, THEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. MADE TWO TURNS WITHOUT POWER STEERING. EVENT THREE-FOUR MINUTES. PARKED AND TURNED CAR OFF. DROVE CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERV…

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NHTSA ODI #10746019

50,000 miles · May 8, 2015

Power TrainSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND CHANGING GEARS, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, IT MADE NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…

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NHTSA ODI #10715307

39,085 miles · Apr 22, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A RIGHT-HAND TURN AND THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY CEASED, FORCING ME TO STEER MANUALLY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO COMPLETE THE TURN, I HAD TO STOP QUICKLY AND RESUME MY DIRECTION OF TRAVEL PRIOR TO TURNING. IF THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF WHERE I INTENDED TO TURN, MOST LIKELY I WOULD HAVE COLLIDED WITH THAT VEHICLE. I HAD TO USE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FORCE TO MANUALLY STEER THE VEHICLE AFTER LOSING THE POWER STEERING. ALSO, AS A RESULT OF THE POWER STEERING FAILURE, THE VEHICLE ESC BECAME INOPERABLE. I WAS ABLE TO CAREFULLY DRIVE THE CAR TO A CHEVROLET DEALER AND WAS ADVISED I NEED A NEW ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR AND OTHER PARTS TOTALING APPROXIMATELY $1200. I ADVISED CHEVROLET OF THIS SITUATION AND CURRENTLY AWAITING TO HEAR FROM THEM. I REGARD THIS PRODUCT FAILURE AS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH POTENTIAL RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE HAS 39,085 MILES AND HAS BEEN DEALER SERVICED SINCE PURCHASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10712233

Official recalls

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.

15V269000 · Seat Belts

May 8, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15031.

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)