“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking and locked up, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. A dealer or an independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 20, 2026 at 146,000 miles
“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated while making a left turn, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the steering wheel vibrated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 4, 2025 at 120,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)
Complaints about the 2010 Malibu peaked in 2014, with 212 filed that year. Owners had filed 57 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 14E044000 in July 2014; 276 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 15 so far.
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V019000
Filed Jan 16, 20191,145 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Filed Jul 21, 20147,304 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.
Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
Risk. A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Filed May 14, 20142,440,524 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)12V460000
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
Technical service bulletins
1,254 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2010 Malibu. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 445engine 207electrical system 181transmission 85equipment adaptive/mobility 60fuel system 35visibility 34wheels 30
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …
PIT5236GService campaignMar 31, 2016electrical system
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Diagnostic Trouble Code B101D stored in Telematics Communication Interface Control Module. Technician will check Global Warranty Management system for customer satisfaction program 15086 status. If the status of the customer satisfaction program …
This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information on electric power steering loss of assist with DTCs C0545 and/or C0460 set.
Showing the newest 6 of 17 bulletins about the steering, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Oct 13, 2026210,000 milesTX
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was listed as 170,225. During a service appointment for the check engine warning light illumination, the vehicle history report revealed that the mileage was 210,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 8, 2026LA
ESC light is on and steering started to be hard to steer . My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety for myself and others was a very risky.. vehicle was inspected by dealership, but was told that vehicle could not be scanned.
Power Train
Filed Sep 22, 2026122,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. After starting the vehicle with the transmission in park(P), the gear shift indicator indicated that the transmission was in drive(D). The transmission was shifted into drive(D), and the vehicle jerked and the engine revved loudly, but the vehicle failed to move. The TPMS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the gear shifter was loose while shifting, and the vehicle rolled forward while parked. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 9, 2026IN
They do not have brake lights. I was behind them for probably 3-5 miles, their blinkers and other lights seemed to work because they were just the plain lights cars have. They are also a red chevy.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2026160,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving for 5 miles, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with the message "Service Traction" displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as intended after cooling down; however, the failure recurred after driving 5 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high resistance in the BCM harness. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); which was previously performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the recall repair was a one-time free-of-charge repair. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Steering
Filed Jul 20, 2026146,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking and locked up, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. A dealer or an independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
Steering
Filed May 16, 2026IA
Power steering has gone out.
Steering
Filed May 11, 2026OK
1.The ESC system and power steering lights come on and sometimes go off making it extremely unsafe to drive due to not having proper control of the steering wheel. It is available for inspections at any time. 2.Being able to turn and use steering wheel correctly puts me and my family at risk for collisions. 3.confirmed by a code reader. And personal Mechanic. 4. No inspections have been made at dealership u called and they said there was no recall. 5. No other than the steering wheel moving on its own when at a stop light.
Steering
Filed May 9, 2026NC
Power steering went out and I'm told it's a sensor that is in the steering column. Very expensive to have fixed due to location of the sensor. I seen a recall for this problem however it is only good for 150,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased this car 2 years ago with 172,000 miles. This recall should still be valid if it hasn't been repaired. I almost wrecked the car not realizing this happened while driving.
Seats
Filed Mar 23, 2026MO
The driver's seat bracket broke causing the seat to sag to the right and for the back of the seat to rise up. Pictures were taken and are attached. Available for inspection until fixed. The view is from the front. My finger points to the failed weld. In an accident, the seat might break off causing the driver to sustain serious injury. The sudden shift in the seat could cause the driver to panic resulting in an accident. I have not yet taken it into the dealer for review. This problem has been reported to your website as well as RepairPal and The Center for Auto Safety websites. No one has, as of now, inspected this failure. There are no warning lights or other sources avaliable to inform of this danger.
Steering
Filed Mar 4, 2026WI
The power steering goes out at times. When I start up or when I am driving my steering will get harder and I get a power steering warning on the dash. If I shut the car off, sometimes it goes away but most of the time it does not.
Steering
Filed Feb 13, 2026IN
In 2014 there was a recall issue on 2004 to 2009 Chevrolet malibus 2.4 l motors with the electric power steering assist motor. They were to be replaced with labor and free cost. A recall is a safety issue that has no expiration date. In 2015 GM issued a special coverage adjustment for 2010 through 2012 Chevy malibus. This special adjustment is for those vehicles 2010 through 2012 to have the power steering assist motor replaced for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original service date. The problem with that is I have a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu that has the exact same electric power steering assist motor that the 2004 through 2009 half but yet I only have a special coverage adjustment which is not even close to a recall where there is no expiration date on when the manufacturer would replace the electric power steering assist motor free of charge. The issue with the electric power steering assist motor was a malfunctioning of a bushing issues in the motor. I have the same electric power assist motor in my Malibu that all the recall Malibu's 2004 to 2009 have. So what made the difference after 2009 with this product the electric power steering assist motor? Today February 13th 2026 my electric power steering assist motor will only work when I reset the system. I almost had an accident because the power steering went out and I was driving. Took my Malibu to repair shop called Express pro in Indianapolis Indiana and they diagnosed it power steering assist motor failing. I d
Steering
Filed Feb 11, 2026OH
My steering wheel is twitching & possibly failing due to the torque steering sensor & it is very unsafe to drive
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jan 21, 2026192,000 milesSC
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while reviewing O'Reilly diagnostic report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 159,000, and the current odometer reading was 174,804; however, O'Reilly service report listed the mileage at 192,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 2026270,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that under previous vehicle ownership, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear brake light failed to illuminate as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the brake lights would illuminate. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 16, 2025MI
Power Steering Randomly Goes off taking the Traction Control with it. Terrible for the snow roads to have. Have to life the steering wheel slightly when starting to the car get it to work. Steering Angle Sensor or Torque Position Sensor Maybe??
Steering
Filed Nov 6, 2025WI
I lost power steering while driving, making the wheel hard to turn. While the car is idle, the steering wheel shakes. Also “ESC” pops on on the dashboard.
Wheels
Filed Jun 21, 2025MO
Lug studs repeatedly snap at wheel no matter how installed.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 12, 2025ME
The blinker level does not automatically shut off after the turn is preformed. It never has. Yes it can be inspected if asked. Because of this fault, people driving behind me have thought I am turning and have attempted to go around my vehicle, almost causing collision on several occasions. This puts myself, my passengers, and the other vehicle in immediate danger. As well as the vehicle behind the one attempting to go around my vehicle. Yes it has been reproduced by multiple car repair shops. There is never a time that the turn lever has worked properly. When talking to the previous owner, he indicated that he also had the same problem since he purchased the vehicle. Many online vehicle specific forums have owners who talk about having the same problem and the accidents they've gotten in due to it. There are no warning lights. The blinker stays active as well as the dash light indicating the blinker is still on. The date indicated was the most recent it happened and almost caused an accident.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 7, 2025NC
The car will drive but is unable to turn. It's like the steering wheel is locked.
Service Brakes
Filed May 19, 2025VA
The issue I'm having is the traction light is on and my rear break lights stay on constantly. I took the car to a shop and had the break light switch replaced. Two days later the lights was back on. I did some research and there was a recall for the exact issue I'm have (NHTSA14V252) when I gave the Chevrolet dealership my VIN they said there were no recalls but there was three recalls but they are no longer open. Is there any thing I can do? Please help
Air Bags
Filed May 10, 2025IN
I was driving down the highway when the passenger side curtain airbags deployed for no reason. Air bag deployment stunned the driver, but fortunately did not cause accident.
Steering
Filed Mar 29, 2025MO
My power steering quit working
Electrical System
Filed Mar 18, 2025140,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact had been informed by other drivers that the brake lights failed to illuminate as intended while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights randomly illuminated while driving. The traction control warning light was illuminated intermittently, causing the cruise control to become inoperable. The contact stated that as an independent mechanic, he had replaced the brake sensors twice; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure might be related to the brake sensors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 14, 2025IN
The shift lever does not want to release from park. I cant get it to go into drive. Traction light comes on and overrides cruise control. Refer to recall dated 5/14/2014 #14V252000 or GM recall 13036. It is in for repair now. Almost $500 for repair.
Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2025120,000 milesAR
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated while making a left turn, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the steering wheel vibrated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 2024MO
Steering not working correctly it is ver hard to turn steering wheel. Cluster lights went out so dashboard lights do not work, brake lights not working seems to be electrical problems with the vehicle
Electrical System
Filed Dec 22, 2024MI
This is in reference to GM Recall Number: 13036 - I noticed that from time to time the service traction warning comes on, service esc warning comes on, my cruise control stops working suddenly. I didn't think anything of it until I finally noticed my brake lights were illuminated in my back window without my foot being on the brake pedal. I replaced the sensor on the brake pedal hoping that would fix it and it did not. I looked up my VIN for active recalls and for some reason it's saying there are none. This is clearly the recall that is listed. I'm worried I'll be driving and someone may either rear end me or get confused thinking I'm braking when I am not. Very unsafe. I'm just unsure what to do. Any help would be appreciated as I need a vehicle and can't be without one.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 22, 2024CA
Connector for airbags sensor wiring has a problem which is address in General Motors document Recall 13040A Dated April 2014. There is a warning on the dash about the airbags not operational. We have never been contacted by General Motors about this problem, but other Chevrolet Malibu owners are have the same problem.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 2, 2024SC
The July 14, 2014 recall (13036) describes the issue perfectly. Brake lights come on when gas is pressed, goes off when brake pedal is pressed (very dangerous). Airbag, motor & traction control lights come on, message center says “ESC” “traction control”. We have had the car on multiple diagnostic tools saying it’s the module and the electrical isn’t communicating with the module… according to the recall, it is EXACTLY what is happening. We bought the car recently for our NEW driver not knowing and after HOURS of research and going to mechanics it seems to be the SAME recall but this car/VIN is not included in the recall. My child is going to get rear ended because nothing is fixing the issue and this vin doesn’t have any “recalls”
Electrical System
Filed Sep 9, 2024GA
I have replaced my transmission in 2019. Car still has transmission problems. I’ve replaced my passenger headlight and lamp but the light still won’t work. My brake lights or back blinkers don’t work even after changing the fuses. Tire pressure light won’t go off. I have had this car since 2010..
Air Bags
Filed Aug 8, 2024FL
THE PASSANGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE RADIO LIGHTS UP BUT NO SOUND FOR RADIO OR TURN SIGNALS.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 8, 2024FL
The front doors on the car lock and unlock them selves and often you have to climb into the backseat from the front seat to exit the car. This is a serious danger if you were in an accident or the car was on fire. Hi I am [XXX] and it’s almost impossible for me to climb over the seats the way the cockpit is made. When the car locks itself it’s impossible to unlock the car using the door locks inside by pulling them up or using the key in the drivers door nothing works. The car can be completely locked and hours later maybe the next day the drivers door will be open on its own. This is happened several times in the rain soaking the driver seat. The only way to unlock the doors if they lock on their own it’s to play with a key fob pressing lock unlock maybe 100 times and you might get lucky and it unlocks. I spent three days once before I could enter my car using the key fob as I explained earlier. The door came open one time while the car was going forward and luckily I was in a Walmart parking lot or there’s no telling what would’ve happened. When the car was shifted into drive the door locks clicked down but that still did not stop the door from opening. I purchased the car two months ago for $7000 and the dealer is going to do nothing they stressed as is. I have read online there are thousands of these complaints for the same thing and GM has not acknowledged the problem to date. Complaints I have read also stated they have done different repairs to the doors which are quit
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 22, 2024LA
• Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. • The failure of the power steering system made it extremely difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower speeds, which put my safety and the safety of others at risk by increasing the likelihood of an accident. It would turn on and go off by itself at random spurts, which was very unusual. • No, the problem has not been reproduced by another dealer. • The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer’s service department. As well as, not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. • No it just randomly had a warning light one day when I got in it to crank it like a normal day. But never warned me before hand, but when it did come on, But it appeared on the dashboard indicating a power steering issue, and abs and brake warning light. The abs and brake warning light first appeared about two weeks before the complete failure of the system. Which I became without a vehicle for about 3 months because of it.
Steering
Filed Mar 6, 2024OH
Casi tengo un accident por q mi power steering dejo de funcionar se puso duro y e visto muchos malibu con el mismo problema
Steering
Filed Feb 16, 2024TX
Power steering and yes it is. Not safe to drive because of the steering. The dealership has changed the part under the recall as well as the warranty Yes by several people No warning lights or anything came on to show that there was a issue
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jan 22, 202450,000 milesTN
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the instrument cluster went blank and became inoperable. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 19, 2024MO
My 2010 Chevy Malibu randomly started having electrical problems a few weeks ago. My gauge cluster lights will not turn on and I cannot see my blinkers or other information I need in the gauge cluster. The gauge cluster lights wont come on so I cannot see how fast i am going at night. The brake lights illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed. The car is difficult to get out of park. After researching the problems I found that GM has issued recalls for the BCM on Chevrolet Malibus recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012. I then contacted my local chevy dealership and they told me my vehicles VIN does not fall under the recall they issued so I would have to pay to have the problems addressed. I explained to the dealership that this is a well known issue and how unsafe that it is and they then told me “There is nothing we do about it.”. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle and I feel that these issues that it is having will put my life at risk and others because these malfunctions will obviously increase the risk of a crash. I feel that it is wrong to have a customer pay for repairs on a part of a vehicle that has recalls and is a crucial safety component.
Engine
Filed Jan 10, 2024IN
Driving down the highway, the car completely shuts down, states engine deactivated, engine power decreased, and traction light on, had to attempt to safely pull over, had to be towed, still trying to figure what's wrong, completely unsafe!
Air Bags
Filed Dec 27, 2023MA
My airbag light just recently came on driver frontal airbag may explode NHTSA-19001900 Power steering NHTSA- 14E044000 u joint premature failure Electrical system all out of wack NHSTA-14V252000 bcm resistance result in voltage fluctuations in brake Power train- NHTSA 12V460000 4 speed automatic transmission the tabs on transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate
Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems
Filed Dec 27, 2023MA
215/50r16 tire regulating system ABS light is always on as tire pressure light
Steering
Filed Dec 14, 2023PA
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine / it stopped while I was driving / dealer charged me $2000 for a replacement engine, then after that my Power steering gave out , My ESC turns off and on / car jumps while driving my whole dashboard goes crazy How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the car stopped while i was driving multiple times , my kids were in the car for 2 of them, it stops with out warning. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the Used car dealership i bought it from is well aware and basically not helping at all Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no , no warnings signs came on until after the engine was changed and they go on and off
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 30, 2023MI
My brake lights are always on as if I am riding the brakes (which I am not) and when I apply the brakes they turn off. I also get a warning to service traction control and ESC. I understand that GM had a recall for this and the repair work was done on this vehicle but people are complaining that the repair is only temporary and the problem returns. I don't think I should have to pay for this to be repaired as it is a know problem with many GM cars, not just Malibu. The vehicle is useless as it is because it will definitely cause a accident.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 23, 2023MI
The headlights will repeatedly stop working. I got both headlight bulbs replaced and two months later the passenger side low beam light was flickering. it would sometimes come back on if a bump in the road was hit or if it was tapped then it went out completely. This is very costly and unsafe to be driving at night with. It is most likely a problem with the headlight assembly. I have had the vehicle inspected multiple times and there was not anything reported to me. I can not afford to keep spending hundreds of dollars over and over again on the same issue. This is a continuous issue that I have seen in many other Chevy malibus and this needs to be fixed immediately.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 18, 2023NY
I submitted a complaint regarding traction service/escape alerts at any given time of my 2010 Chevolet Malibu and have not received an acknowledgment of my complaint. Therefore I am hoping it has been resolved. Thank goodness, the car passed inspection on 10/17/2023 for which the complaint of the traction service alerts have affected my yearly inspection for at least 3 years. I am asking for the status of your assessment of my complaint. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering
Filed Oct 14, 2023WA
My service esc light and no esc light randomly pop up and I lose power steering in my 2010 malibu. I've heard there are warranties for this but only if your vehicle is at 150000 miles. Mine is at 160k. Ibe changed the torque sensor and motor to power steering. No fix. It seems that if gm knows about this problem, they should be responsible. I can't afford to keep dishing out money on parts that aren't working. Super annoying
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 28, 2023CA
The issue is that there are times when the brake lights kick on when I’m not braking and they stay on and when I brake they turn off. I’m at risk and so are the people who drive in back of me. The lights kick on and they don’t know when I’m actively braking. I took it to the Merle stone a year ago now and they “fixed it” but it still occurred. No warning lamps/lights. It was my moms car before it became mine and she’s told me that when she drove it, it was already happening before it was gifted to me so I can’t pinpoint exactly when it started happening. I’ve searched the internet and I’ve came upon stories of other people with this same make and model have the same issue. I currently don’t that the invoice of when they “fixed” the issue but I could always contact the Merle stone and get a copy emailed (hopefully) if needed.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 19, 2023OK
Transmission went out at 88740 miles. Paid over $3000 for it and there are still issues. This car is junk. I feel chevy should have repair all these issues on this car. Now it's the throttle body and transmission issues. It's non stop issues. I Baby this car out of fear to no avail.
Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2023MI
You can be driving down the road and the car randomly loses speed and all the dash lights come on. Traction Control. Engine power reduced, ABS Brake light comes on. How is this problem not a recall yet? So many people have reported it and nothing has been done about it! Driving down the freeway is TERRIFYING and DANGEROUS! What is Chevrolet waiting for? A few serious accidents first? We already replaced the fuel pump and the timing chain!
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 29, 2023GA
THE ESC IS HARD TO STEER AND THE SEATBELT LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN WHEN I'M WEARING MY SEATBELT
Complaints 1-50 of 1,363, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Malibu years to avoid. Owners filed 1,363 complaints, against about 755 for a typical Malibu year. The most common complaint is about the steering (24%).
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
The steering: 333 of the 1,363 complaints (24%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (29%), loses steering assist or the wheel locks (29%) and loses power (15%). The typical report comes at 99,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 16, 2019. The largest, 14V252000, covered 2,440,524 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2010 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 82,000 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 99,000 miles.
Are there service bulletins for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
The manufacturer filed 1,254 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (207), the electrical system (181) and the transmission (85). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jan 16, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.