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

Wheels complaints

11 reports

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Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2022

Electrical SystemPower TrainWheels

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to begin with CD player stopped working the service tire light stays on the seat adjuster went out this is used to support your back while driving while driving on a residential road the car would not go in drive. The car just suddenly stopped while in drive. It goes in reverse and stays in park but the other gears do not work. It was a good thing that I was on a residential road and not the freeway. I keep having to repair the headlights left and right they keep burning out for some reason. Gets frustrating. And I have been pulled over for a burned headlight but the officer was aware the the make and model of my car have defects with headlights. He didn't site me but said to get it fixed.

NHTSA ODI #11499350

10 miles · Oct 31, 2020

Exterior LightingWheels

SINCE THE FIRST OF JANUARY I'VE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHT 3 TIMES SO FAR , I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE MY BEARINGS ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER 2 TIMES ON MY PASSENGER. AND THE REASON I AM WRITING THIS NOW IS BECAUSE MY DRIVER SIDE NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. THE HEADLIGHTS DIDN'T COME ON IN THE MORNING WHEN I WAS LEAV…

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NHTSA ODI #11372481

Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2020

Electrical SystemExterior LightingWheels

THE HEAD LIGHTS IN MY VEHICLE DO NOT WORK AT ALL. I HAVE TO USE THE BRIGHTS TO SEE ANYTHING AT NIGHT. THE HEAT WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TOO AND WHEN I BUMP INTO A SMALL LUMP ON THE STREET IT TURNS OFF. THE WHEEL BARRIER IS BAD ON MY RIGHT TIRE.

NHTSA ODI #11363020

140,899 miles · Nov 3, 2019

Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)WheelsCrash

TIRES GO FLAT REALLY FAST. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS NOT READY MY TIRES NO MORE AND DON'T SHOW IF THERE'S AN ISSUE INCLUDING AIRBAGS. THE LIGHT WAS ON FOR A MONTH AND WEN TAWAU I GOT HIS IN THE FRONT OF MY CAR AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI #11277748

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2018

Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Wheels

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I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAG AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN BEFORE REGARDING THE ISSUE WITH THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT BEFORE. JUST RECENTLY THE SERVICE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) LIGHT HAD COME ON. I CALLED GENERAL MOTORS REGARDING IF THERE ANY RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE, AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NOT ACTIVE RECALLS, BUT I SHOULD TAKE MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG NOT WORKING PROPERLY (NOT ON). I HAVE ALSO HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH MY TMP(TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING) SYSTEM AS WELL WITH REGARD TO LOW TIRE PRESSURE THAT KEEPS SHOWING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. WHEN I PUT AIR IN THAT TIRE AIR PRESSURE IS REGISTERING IN THE OTHER TIRES AS WELL. THESE ARE ALL SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS THAT NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURIES OR DEATH.

NHTSA ODI #11145089

34,000 miles · Jan 11, 2018

Wheels

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THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING BEGAN FAILED WITH LOW MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS, WHICH COST JUST OVER $400. IF THE BEARING WOULD HAVE FULLY FAILED PRIOR TO MY SEEKING REPAIRS, THE FAILURE WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SEPARATED TIRE AND BEARING FROM THE REST OF THE VEHICLE OR A LOCKED UP WHEEL, WHICH COULD HAVE STEERED ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT INJURY, DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE. THE DEALERSHIP AND PARENT COMPANY OFFERED NO COMPENSATION OR INVESTIGATION, BUT ACKNOWLEDGED THEY'VE REPAIRED MANY MALIBUS WITH WITH SAME ISSUE. I ASKED TO SEE THE FAILED PART, AND SAW EVIDENCE OF EXTREME HEAT BUILD-UP AND SIGNIFICANT RESISTANCE TO TURNING OF THE BEARING.

NHTSA ODI #11062262

66,000 miles · Aug 15, 2016

Air BagsSteeringWheelsCrashInjury

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FRACTURED BONES ON HER FACE AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR CONTUSIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING AXLE AND TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #10895902

74,589 miles · Mar 25, 2016

Wheels

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THIS PAST FALL MY LOW TIRE AIR LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK MY CAR INTO FREE TIRE SERVICE WHICH IS A REPUTABLE TIRE COMPANY. IT IS WHERE I PURCHASED MY TIRES ALONG WITH A TIRE PROTECTION PLAN. THEY SAID THAT MY RIMS(WHICH CAME STOCK ON THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP) ARE CORRODING MY TIRES AND THEY COULD TEMPORARILY FIX THEM WITH A SEALANT. THEY SAID THE SEALANT COULD LAST FOR YEARS OR ONLY A MONTH; THERE WAS NO WAY TO KNOW. A FEW MONTHS HAVING THE SEALANT PUT ON (THIS PAST SATURDAY), I WAS ON MY WAY OUT OF TOWN TO KNOXVILLE (A 2 HOUR DRIVE FROM HOME) AND MY LOW TIRE AIR LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD TO PULL OVER OFF THE INTERSTATE AND MY TIRE WAS ALMOST FLAT. NOT ONLY DID THIS ALMOST CAUSE ME TO BE LATE FOR AN APPOINTMENT, BUT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THIS TIME I THOUGHT I WOULD REACH OUT TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING ABOUT MY RIMS. MY FATHER OWNS A 2009 MALIBU AND HIS TIRES ARE NOT CORRODING. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A COMPANY CHANGES THERE RIMS IN 2 YEARS. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE OF THE WHEELS. IF THIS TYPE OF WHEEL IS CORRODING, DAMAGING TIRES THEN I COULD OF HAD A BLOWOUT CAUSING ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT ANYTIME. NEW TIRES WILL NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM EITHER. THE TIRES I HAVE ON MY CAR ARE STILL VERY GOOD TIRES. SO EVERY TIME I PUT NEW TIRES ON MY CAR, THIS IS GOING TO BE AN ISSUE. THE ONLY WAY TO PERMANENTLY SOLVE THIS ISSUE IS TO GET NEW WHEELS ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER.

NHTSA ODI #10851639

125,000 miles · Mar 16, 2016

SteeringWheels

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I WAS GOING ON A 3HR TRIP ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, 40MIN INTO MY RIDE MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND SHAKING TERRIBLY. 40MIN FROM MY FINAL DESTINATION MY CAR WAS SHAKING HORRIBLY AND IT FELT LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL HAD NO CONTROL OF THE TIRES. WHEN THE ROAD REARED TO EITHER THE RIGHT OR LEFT I HELD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL VERY TIGHT AND IT FELT LIKE THE WHEELS WERE NOT TURNING IN THE DIRECTION THAT I WAS DRIVING. I WOULD DROP MY SPEED FROM 60MPH TO 40MPH, WHICH DID NOT RESULT IN A CHANGE. I AGREE THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL, MYSELF ALONG WITH OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.

NHTSA ODI #10849896

21,000 miles · Jul 1, 2013

Air BagsEngineStructureCrashInjury

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ON 6/22/13 AT APPROX 1:40PM I WAS HEADING BACK TO WORK FROM MY LUNCH BREAK AND I WAS GOING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION ON MY GREEN LIGHT AT APPROX 30MPH WHEN A BIG CHEVY TRUCK BLEW THROUGH THE RED LIGHT GOING APPROX 40 MPH. I ENDED UP T BONING THE CAB OF HIS TRUCK. CAUSING ME TO DO A 360. TORE OFF THE BUMPER COMPLETELY. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND ONSTAR DID NOT CALL ME. TWO IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURES OF MY CAR FAILED ME! I THANK GOD I AM ALIVE WITH NO SERIOUS INJURIES! EVERYONE WHO SAW MY CAR INCLUDING THE BODY SHOP ARE IN COMPLETE SHOCK OF MY AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING! I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE CAUSE! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522768

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)