Page 27 of 28 · complaints 1,301–1,350 of 1,363

2010 Chevrolet Malibu complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2010 record →

Steering
Filed Jan 6, 2012NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT SEIZE, BUT IT WOULD TAKE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT EASILY RETURN BACK TO ITS CENTERED POSITION AFTER COMPLETING TURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 5, 20116,000 milesTN

THIS CAR HAS HAD THIS ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS,AND THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY FOR A WHILE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE PREVIOUS TIME, THE LIGHT CAME ON AT 35000 MILES. THE DEALER COULD NOT GET IT TO REPEAT. CAR NOW HAS 50000 MILES AND THE LIGHT IS COMING ON AGAIN. NO ONE CAN TELL US ,IF WE ARE PROTECTED,BY THE AIR BAG IF THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON. THERE SEEMS TO BE PLENTY OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM IF YOU DO A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET. *TR

Steering
Filed Nov 30, 201143,700 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TOWARD THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND LOUD BANGING NOISES COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,700.

Power Train
Filed Nov 7, 201147,800 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU . THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY IN OTHER GEARS WHEN SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE ALSO LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,800 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 30, 2011202,100 milesNV

I DRIVE FOR A TAXI COMPANY THAT EXTENSIVELY USES THE 7TH GENERATION CHEVY MALIBU (2008+). A WELL KNOWN DEFECT AROUND HERE INVOLVES THE POWER STEERING SENSOR, WHICH CAN WITHOUT WARNING STOP OPERATING AND MAKE STEERING IMPOSSIBLE. THIS HAS BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN MOST OFTEN WHEN ODOMETER MILEAGE IS 150K+. VEHICLE MUST BE RESTARTED TO REGAIN FULL STEERING OPERATION. STEERING CAN RESUME NORMAL OPERATION WITHOUT A REPEAT OF THE ERROR, OR THE FAULT CAN BE REPEATED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT AND RANDOM PROBLEM. I BELIEVE MY COMPANY HAS NOT YET REPORTED THIS, BUT I PERSONALLY DON'T FANCY GETTING MYSELF AND POTENTIALLY MY CUSTOMERS INTO A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. I WOULD APPRECIATE AN OFFICIAL LOOK INTO HIGH MILEAGE MALIBUS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN A COMMERCIAL CAPACITY. *TR

Steering
Filed Sep 23, 201160,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE, THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED IN ANY DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE POWER STEERING MOTOR ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 31, 20111,000 milesTX

TRANSMISSION FORGETS HOW TO SHIFT WHEN DRIVING UPHILL AT AROUND 65 MPH AND RPMS START BOUNCING BETWEEN 2000 TO 2400 RPM. THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN OUTDOOR AMBIENT TEMP IS ABOVE 90F. THIS PROBLEM CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ON THE HIGHWAY AS CARS ARE BEARING DOWN ON YOU AT 70 MPH PLUS AND YOUR CAR REFUSES TO ACCELERATE. THIS CAR IS A DEATH BOX AND DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. I GUESS BEFORE ANYONE WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE FIRST. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 4 TIMES FOR THE ISSUE AND THEY ALWAYS SAY IT CAN'T BE REPLICATED AND HAVE REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER. THE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU IS A LEMON! THE PROBLEM BEGAN OCCURRING AFTER 1000 MILES AND WE HAVE GIVEN UP TAKING IT TO THE DEALER TO GET FIXED. IT IS OBVIOUS THEY HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO FIX IT AND REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. WE NOW HAVE 19000 MILES ON IT AND THE PROBLEM NEVER GOES AWAY. I WISH WE COULD BURN THIS CAR TO THE GROUND. I HAVE DOCUMENTED MANY OTHER MALIBU 2.4L OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2011MN

DRIVER SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED WITH MANUALLY FROM INSIDE, OR WITH THE KEY OR AUTO OPENER. DRIVER HAD TO EXIT OVER THE COUNSEL AND OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN I TURNED IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTION AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE IT. THEY DIDN'T SEEM TOO CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS A NEW ISSUE AND WHAT I BELIEVE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, IN ADDITION I HAVE HAD TO TAKE THIS VEHICLE SIX TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" INDICATOR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAD A RECALL BUT WAS NOT FIXED YET.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 27, 201113,500 milesMD

IN HOT WEATHER - OVER 90 F - ON INCLINES AT 40-60 MPH THE CAR SURGES, ACCELERATION REPEATEDLY SURGES AND HESITATES AND RPM OCCILATES RAPIDLY BETWEEN 2000-2500 RPM. PROBLEM IS INTERMITANT AND DIFFICULT TO REPRODUCE. REFERED TO BY OTHERS AS RPM BOUNCE. OCCURED APPROX 10 TIMES SUMMER 2010 AND APPROX 8 TIMES SUMMER 2011 TO DATE. SEE PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF THIS ISSUE AT CHEVY MAILIBU FORUM AT HTTP://WWW.CHEVYMALIBUFORUM.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=4843 *TT

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Aug 24, 201130,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE DEALER WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 10/19/11 *BF

Air Bags
Filed Aug 19, 2011CA

SERVICE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON MY 2010 CHEVY MALIBU KEEPS COMING ON AND GOING OUT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 7, 20119,050 milesNJ

I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. I WANTED TO ACCELERATE. I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND . I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I DID IT TWICE, CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 28, 2011CA

A/C HAS STRONG MOLD SMELL. SMELL IS PERSISTENT EVEN AFTER A/C IS NOT IN USE. HAD IT SERVICED TWICE, BUT DEALERSHIP ONLY SPRAYED ANTI-MOLD SPRAY TO SUBDUE SMELL. WILL NEED TO GO EVERY MONTH FOR THIS TO BE TREATED. DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED SMELL IS DUE CONDENSER'S CONDENSATION NOT BEING COLLECTED MALIBU WAS DESIGNED NOT HAVE A CABIN FILTER. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 20, 20113,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING, THE DASH LGIHTS, HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY AND SPORADICALLY AND THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WITHOUT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 17, 201114,969 milesLA

2010 CHEVY MALIBU ROOF LEAK FROM BAD WELD WATER RAN DOWN HEADLINER AND FLOODED BACK FLOOR BEHIND DRIVE SEAT. WATER WAS ALMOST 1" DEEP. WATER RAN DOWN HEADLINER ACROSS WIRING FOR AIRBAGS, LIGHTS AND SETTLED ALONG FLOOR NEAR THE MAIN BODY WIRING HARNESS. RUST ON SEAT BRACKETS. DEALER PULLED OUT HEADLINER, WINDSHIELD, ALL SEATS AND TRIM. REPLACED CARPET CLEANED AND PAINTED SEAT BRACKETS. CALLED CHEVROLET HQ BUT WOULD DO NOTHING BUT REPLACE CARPET AND EXTEND WARRANTY - UNWILLING TO BUY CAR BACK OR TRADE FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE. HAVING DELAY ISSUES WITH LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD NOW. UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING REGARDING RESALE VALUE OF VEHICLE, VERY ARROGANT ATTITUDE AND CAVALIER TOWARDS ME AS A CUSTOMER. MORE ROAD NOISE SINCE INTERIOR WAS RIPPED OUT. VEHICLE HAD 15,000 MILES WHEN THIS HAPPENED. STILL HAVE MUSTY ODOR SOMETIMES AFTER CAR HAS SAT FOR A DAY. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 23, 2011PA

2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING 30- 40 MPH FREQUENT SHIFTS IN THE TRANSMISSION WERE STRONG ENOUGH TO EXHIBIT A SLIGHT BUCK. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *JB

Seats1 injured
Filed Feb 24, 2011OH

I HAVE A PINCHED NERVE BECAUSE THE HEAD RESTS ON MY 2010 MALIBU ARE TILTED TOO FAR FORWARD. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT: HTTP://DISCUSSIONS.CONSUMERREPORTS.ORG/N/PFX/FORUM.ASPX?TSN=1&NAV=MESSAGES&WEBTAG=CR-38AULUXSUVGJ&TID=8915 CHEVY DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

SteeringCrash
Filed Feb 17, 2011500 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THE CONTACT COULD NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE POLICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 500.

Steering
Filed Jan 6, 20117,000 milesIL

2010 MALIBU POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONING LESS THAN 10,000 MILES. I'VE BEEN FIGHTING WITH GM FOR MANY MONTHS TO FIX PROBLEMS,ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE,AIR CONDITIONING HAS MOLD SMELL. THIS CAR NEARLY CAUSE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION..THIS IS A PARTIAL POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION CAR HAS HAD A MAJOR POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION TO WHERE YOU CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL AT ALL.CAR HAS BEEN IN A SHOP 6 TIMES DEALERS CANNOT FIX PROBLEMS OR FIND PROBLEMS.HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=C_OU-MXIP7M. *TR

Steering
Filed Dec 13, 20107,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE TURNING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND BECAME STIFF. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT; THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO USE THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER THE RESTART. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 70,000. UPDATED 02/10/11 *BF UPDATED 02/23/11

Steering
Filed Dec 1, 201024,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN TO THE RIGHT AND LEFT WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION AND DURING THE INITIAL ENGINE START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Nov 24, 201015,000 milesIL

I WANT TO FILE A COMPLIANT AND MAKE YOU AWARE THAT THE 2010 CHEVY MALIBU'S HAVE AN AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT ISSUE. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN A HIT A DEER HEAD-ON AT 50 MPH'S BECAUSE THE AIRBAG WIRE WAS SEVERED BY THE CRACKED PLASTIC AIR INTAKE COVER ON THE ENGINE DURING THE ACCIDENT. I FORTUNATELY WAS FINE DUE TO HAVING MY SEATBELT ON, BUT I WAS CURIOUS WHY THE AIRBAG DID NOT WORK DEPLOY AT THE SPEED I WAS GOING WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. UPON INSPECTION, MY REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THE WIRE WAS SEVERED BY THE PLASTIC AIR INTAKE COVER AND ALSO FOUND OUT THIS A COMMON ISSUE IN THE 4 CYLINDER 2010 CHEVY MALIBU'S. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHEVY ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IN THE 2010 MALIBU'S. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 18, 2010200 milesNY

I OWN A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU WHILE DRIVING 38 MPH WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATORS THE CAR LOST POWER AND AFTER I DEPRESSED AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIME MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE DEALER FIRST SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO HAVE IT REPAIRED GENERAL MOTORS SAID IT WAS IN THE COMPUTER IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM I THEN WAS TOLD TO USE HI TEST FUELTHE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 1923. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Oct 15, 201010,000 milesOK

2010 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ V6 3.6L HAS HARD GEAR SHIFT UP AND DOWN AROUND 15 MPH, 35 MPH, 50 MPH, MORE NOTICEABLY AT 15 AND 35 MPH. THIS PROBLEM, SO I ASSUME, ALSO CAUSES THE CAR TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AFTER BRAKING AND LETTING OFF OF THE BRAKE TO COAST AROUND THESE SPEEDS. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE HESITATES AND THEN "LURCHES" FORWARD INTO GEAR. I'M AFRAID THIS MAY CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES TO INVESTIGATE/REPAIR PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP AND GM CLAIM THIS IS "NORMAL PERFORMANCE" FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 20101,900 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER AND TOLD THE CONTACT TO ONLY USE HIGH GRADE GASOLINE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO WAS CURRENTLY EXPLORING OTHER REMEDIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,900. UPDATED 01/31/11 *BF UPDATED 02/11/11

Steering
Filed Oct 14, 2010150,000 milesKY

2005 MALIBU MAXX... POWER STEERING LOCK UP.. LUCKILY EACH TIME IT HAS HAPPENED I WAS TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED OR JUST AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE I WOULD GET HE POWER STEERING ALARM. TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART THE PROBLEM IS GONE. COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS AT HIGH SPEED ON A CROOKED ROAD. *TR

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Oct 14, 20104,600 milesOK

TL*THE CONTACT WAS LOANED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED OVER YET THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS WERE REPORTED INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE FOR SERIOUS INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT LOANED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,600.

Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Oct 8, 201014,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH LANES AND WHEN LOOKING OVER HIS LEFT SHOULDER TO SEE IF ANY VEHICLES WERE IN HIS BLIND SPOT, THE DESIGN AND HEIGHT OF THE HEAD REST BLOCKED HIS VISIBILITY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER HE ATTEMPTED TO LOOK OVER HIS LEFT SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000. UPDATED 12/30/10 *BF UPDATED 01/10/11*JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 5, 2010300 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 38 MPH HE TOOK HIS FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTER DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AFTER THE VEHICLE SPEED INCREASED. HE STATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. REPORT 71-872396053 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHICH WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ISSUE WAS RESOLVED. UPDATED 03/23/11 *JB

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 20101,006 milesVA

BRAND NEW 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU LEAKS WHEN RAINS AND IT RUNS INTO MY FLOORBOARD, AIRBAGS AND WIRE HARNESS CAUSING CAR TO SHORT OUT. MOST OF THE TIME THE LIGHTS IN DASH WON'T WORK. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 1, 20101,400 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED FROM 35 MPH TO 10 MPH AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT COOLANT HAD LEAKED ONTO THE ELECTRICAL WIRES AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 1,400.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 30, 20109,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE LEVEL OF FORCE INVOLVED. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 17, 20101,300 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SHIFT INTO FOURTH GEAR WHEN DRIVING 20 MPH AND OVER, CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO JERK AND PULL THE VEHICLE WITH A STRONG FORWARD FORCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES YET THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,333. UPDATED 12/15/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AT TIMES, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD MISS GEARS. UPDATED 12/27/10

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2010FL

RPM LIGHTS UP..EACH TIME I START IGNITION..TECH UNABLE TO FIND PROBLEM. *TR

Seats
Filed Sep 15, 201018,000 milesDE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT SEATS OF THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN AWAY FROM THE PLATE THAT THE SEATS ARE WELDED TOO. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS HAD BEEN A PROBLEM AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER DOES HAVE A REPLACEMENT PLATE FOR THESE VEHICLES. THE FAILURE WAS FOUND DURING A SAFETY CHECK NOTICE THE CONTACT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 18000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 27, 2010251 milesVA

THE VEHICLE IS A 2010 CHEVY MALIBU. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND IT NOW HAS 758 MILE ON IT. IT STALLS WHILE DOING SPEEDS ABOVE 25 MILES PER HOUR. THE STEERING BECOMES DIFICULT, THE BRAKES BECOME LESS THAN EFFICIENT AND IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING. EVERY TIME THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED IT WAS ABOVE 90 DEGREES OUTSIDE. IT HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN 758 MILES. THEY ARE LOOKING AT IT AT THE DEALERSHIP NOW AND I HAVE 2 OTHER AQUAINTENCES THAT HAVE THE SAME CAR WITH THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 13, 20102,600 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONER TO MALFUNCTION. THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD BLOW HOT AIR AND CHANGE THE TEMPERATURE OF THE VEHICLE IN 95 DEGREE WEATHER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE REGARDING THE CHIP. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CHIP THE SECOND TIME BUT THAT DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS UP TO THE DEALER TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED AN ASTHMA ATTACK DUE TO THE HEAT IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DOCTOR AND WAS FORCED TO CALL A TAXI CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,600. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WROTE A LETTER TO GM DETAILING THE PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. TO DATE, THERE HAS BEEN NO RESPONSE. UPDATED EVOQ 08/24/10*JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 7, 201050 milesNJ

I JUST TOOK DELIVERY OF A 2010 MALIBU WITH 50 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP I WENT TO ACCELERATE ONTO A HIGHWAY. AT THIS TIME THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE. THE ENGINE DIDN'T REV AND THE TRANS FELT LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. NEXT THE TRANS SLAMMED INTO GEAR AND THE CAR ACCELERATED AS IT SHOULD. NOT TOO SAFE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 6, 20103,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SOLENOID WAS FAULTY. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS WAITING FOR THE MANUFACTURERS PERMISSION TO REPLACE THE SOLENOID. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 3,000. UPDATED 10/13/10*BF UPDATED 10/19/10*JB

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Aug 6, 201040,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN EYE INJURY DUE TO THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE LEFT WITH THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE DEALER TO MAINTAIN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 6, 2010700 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING COMING FROM THE BRAKES WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES WHERE THE BRAKES PADS WERE CONTINUOUSLY REPLACED BUT TO NO AVAIL. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL CLICKING COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT AXLE YET THE FAILURE PERSISTED IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE, THERE WAS A LOUD ROAR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND WHEN ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, THE CONTACT OBSERVED ANTI-FREEZE EXPELLING FROM THE INTERIOR VENTS. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,600.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash3 injured
Filed Jul 30, 20101,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE OTHER DRIVER CROSSED OVER THE LANE AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE HEAD ON. THE DRIVER FRONTAL AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER, FRONT PASSENGER, AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANTS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER HEAD, ARM AND FINGERS. THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER FACE, A BROKEN FINGER, AND THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR SEAT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, ARM, AND HEAD. THE MICHIGAN POLICE REPORT NUMBER 9217521 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 1,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 29, 2010MI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ESC SERVICE WARNING AND POWER STEERING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE STEERING WHEEL THEN BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED A WIRE WAS LOOSE AND CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HEAVY RAIN WAS CAUSING THE SHORTAGE. UPDATED 10/26/10

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 23, 201014,475 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT RENTED A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE RENTAL COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE RENTAL FACILITY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR ROAD HAZARD THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 14,745. UPDATED 10/28/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/28/10*JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 19, 2010806 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 806. UPDATED 10/05/10 *BF UPDATED 10/07/10*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jul 15, 20101,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT. WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER, THE FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE AIR BAG ON LIGHT SHOULD HAVE ILLUMINATED ONCE THE SEATS WERE OCCUPIED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE PASSENGER WOULD HAVE TO BE AT LEAST 105-115 POUNDS BEFORE THE AIR BAG WOULD ACTIVATE, ACCORDING TO SAFETY STANDARDS, AND THE PASSENGER WAS ONLY 100 POUNDS. THE DEALER ADVISED HE WOULD HAVE AN ENGINEER INVESTIGATE THE VEHICLE FURTHER. THE ENGINEER ALSO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,400. UPDATED 10/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/25/10

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 7, 20108,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 19 MPH THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE TRANSMISSION AND AROUND THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, SINCE THE MILEAGE WAS LOW, THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 8,000.

Wheels › Hub
Filed Jul 1, 20102,300 milesTN

MY WIFE, DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET IN OUR 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU, HAD TO SWERVE TO HER RIGHT TO AVOID A TRUCK THAT WAS COMING AROUND A CURVE IN HER LANE, AND IN THE PROCESS OF AVOIDING THE ONCOMING VEHICLE , SCRAPPED THE CURB WITH HER RIGHT FRONT TIRE. UPON CHECKING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE, THE CHROME ON THE PLASTIC HUB HAD PEELED BACK AND HAD SHARP EDGES. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION IT APPEARS THAT THE CHROME FROM THE HUBCAP, HAD CUT THE SIDEWALL OF TIRE SO THAT I COULD SEE THE CORD. THE HUB CAP EXTENDS OUT FROM THE RIM OF THE TIRE, AND IT SEEMS LIKE ANY EXTREME FLEXING OF THE TIRE, SUCH AS MY WIFE HAD, OR DRIVING THROUGH AND POT HOLE INTO THE ROAD, WOULD CAUSE THE HUBCAP TO CUT THE TIRE. I NOW HAVE TO PURCHASE AND NEW HUB CAP AND NEW TIRE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AT OVER $200.00 IF I HAD NOT NOTICED THE DAMAGE AND WE WERE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND HAD A BLOWOUT THE RESULTS COULD BE SERIOUS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 30, 2010491 milesKY

I PURCHASED A 2010 CHEVY MALIBU ON MONDAY JUNE 28TH AT FINNEGAN CHEVROLET IN HOUSTON TEXAS. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD 14 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. MY FAMILY AND I STARTED TO DRIVE BACK HOME TO KENTUCKY AND AT ABOUT 300 MILES ON THE UNIT, THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO ACT UP WITH FLUCTUATIONS AND THEN DROPPED TO 0, UPON WHICH WE CALLED ON-STAR AS AN EMERGENCY AND THEY CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND THEY SAID WE COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT AND HAVE IT CHECKED WITHIN 24 HOURS. WE STOPPED FOR GAS AND RESTARTED OUR TRAVEL WHEN AT 450 IT STARTED BECOMING WORSE. WE CHECKED AGAIN WITH ON-STAR AND THEY SAID IT HAD 3 ERROR SINGLES BUT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK. AT 491 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MILES AND HOUR AND ALMOST CREATED AN ACCIDENT BUT MY SON WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. WE DIDN'T CONTINUE BUT HAD THE CAR TOWED TO GWATNEY CHEVY IN JACKSONVILLE, AR. THEY NEXT DAY WE WERE TOLD IT WAS A COMPUTER MALFUNCTION AND THEY ROAD TESTED THE CAR AND IT WOULD MAKE IT TO KENTUCKY. I TOOK OVER DRIVING AND JUST 5 MILES DOWN THE ROAD, LOST COMPLETE DRIVETRAIN/TRANSMISSION CONTROL AT 72 MILES PER HOUR IN A CONSTRUCTION ZONE AND ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT AGAIN DO TO THE DROP IN SPEED. THIS IS TWO EPISODES WITH THIS VEHICLE IN 24 HOURS AND NO ASSURANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURE IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THE CAR IS BACK IN GWATNEY CHEVY IN JACKSONVILLE, AR. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 20, 201010,500 milesOH

2010 MALIBU; I'VE HAD IT JUST OVER 3 MONTHS; AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUALLY LIT UP; TOOK TO DEALERSHIP; I'VE WAITED OVER A WEEK; THEY ORDERED 5 MODULES TO REPLACE SAFETY AIR BAG SYSTEM; TO REPLACE THEY HAD TO REMOVE BOTH FRONT SEATS; CUT THE TRACKS OF THE SEATS OUT; ORDER NEW TRACKS AND HAS TO WELD THEM BACK IN THE CAR; HOW SAFE IS THIS CAR GOING TO BE AT THIS POINT? I ONLY WISH FOR A DIFFERENT CAR AT THIS POINT AS I HAVE 2 YEAR OLD THAT I TRANSPORT IN THIS CAR AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE EVEN WITH THEM REPLACING ALL THE MODULES. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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