RoadVitals

2010 Chevrolet Malibu Other / unspecified Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the other system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Other / unspecified reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
57
Latest Jun 21, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 1,359 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

What this page shows

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 57 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming other

The 25 most recent of 57, in the owner's own words

Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 21, 2025

Lug studs repeatedly snap at wheel no matter how installed.

NHTSA ID
11668298
Incident
Jun 21, 2025
ElectricalFuel systemOther / unspecified
Filed Jun 7, 2025

The car will drive but is unable to turn. It's like the steering wheel is locked.

NHTSA ID
11665447
Incident
Dec 16, 2024
EngineOther / unspecified
Filed Dec 19, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving over rough roads, the vehicle displayed a Service Traction, Service EFC and EFC Off, and Engine Power Reduced messages. After coming to a complete stop and then the attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started to jerk. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the accelerator pedal twice however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the certified mechanic, and it was determined that water was leaking into the wiring harness and the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 265,000.

NHTSA ID
11498043
Incident
Jul 12, 2016
Mileage
265,000 mi
Driver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed Jun 5, 2021

I purchase the 2010 Chevy malibu, 6/2013. The service traction lights comes on periodically until I am forced to take it in for service. I had to take the car in for this same problem at least 4 times, more or less, also the last time I took the car in, the technician was not able to reset the sensors. A more seasoned tech had to reset the sensors. I am filing a report, because this cost me money every time I take it to the dealer and it is certain a safety issue for me to continue to drive the car with the service traction light coming on and off and stationary at times. It appears to be a defect in the auto system. I should not be required to have to take the car in every year for the same problem and putting myself and others at risk. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11419766
Incident
May 7, 2021
ElectricalOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Dec 1, 2020

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER MY ESCL CAME ON. MY WHEELS LOCKED UP.I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT AND I'M NOW CONCERNED AS WELL ABOUT AIRBAG SAFETY I'M SCARED ABOUT HOW RISKY AND DANGEROUS THIS CAR REALLY IS MALIBU IS MOST RECALLED VEHICLES HAD I KNOWN AHEAD I WOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED THIS DEADLY WEAPON. I'M 22 A SINGLE MOM WHO IS RESPONSIBLE AND NOW HAVE A VEHICLE ISSUE AND A POTENTIAL DEADLY ONE AT THAT . PLEASE DO SOMETHING IT'S NOT AN ERROR ON MY END I KNOW THAT FOR FACT. AND OF COURSE THERE'S NO DRIVING IT AT ALL. SO PLEASE TAKE TIME TO TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUS GOD BLESS

NHTSA ID
11377246
Incident
Nov 30, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingOther / unspecified
Filed Jan 20, 2020

I DROPPED MY 2010 MALIBU ([XXX]) OFF AT MATICK CHEVY ON 1/10/2020. I CALLED 1/11/2020 AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO CHARGE AND IT WAS READY FOR PICK UP. THAT'S ALL I WAS TOLD. I DIDN'T MAKE IT HOME BEFORE THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED: SERVICE TRACTION ERROR LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD AND ALL 3 BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON - WHEN NO ONE IS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR IS IN THE GARAGE AND ALL 3 BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON - NO ONE IS IN THE VEHICLE...I'M DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL 3 BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON - I'M NOT BRAKING. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. TODAY IS 1/19/2020 AND I STILL DON'T HAVE MY VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL - DESPITE LEAVING A MESSAGE FOR THE SERVICE [XXX], ON 1/16/19. HE ADVISED THAT THIS VEHICLE IS COVERED UNDER A SPECIAL WARRANTY PROGRAM OR POLICY - 150,000 MILES OR THE YEAR 2025?. THE VEHICLE IS 10 YEARS OLD - DEALERSHIPS DON'T FIX ANYTHING FOR FREE, SO THAT "SPECIAL PROGRAM" IS INDICATIVE OF THE COMPANY TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND KNOWING THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED GM PRODUCTS ALL MY LIFE AND FOR THE FIRST TIME DO NOT KNOW IF MY LOYALTY TO THE MANUFACTURER OR BRAND WILL CONTINUE. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE WAY THIS SITUATION HAS BEEN HANDLED. THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN SERVICED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM TWICE PREVIOUSLY. THE ONLY SAVING GRACE IS THAT I DEMANDED A LOANER. PLEASE HELP. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11300450
Incident
Jan 10, 2020
Mileage
104,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed Nov 29, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AND THEN SLOWED DOWN. THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KRAMER TIRE (6628 PROVIDENCE RD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23464, (757) 346-5739) WHERE THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE PASSENGER SIDE CV JOINT WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ID
11282857
Incident
Apr 1, 2019
Mileage
108,000 mi
EngineOther / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 11, 2019

CAR HESITATES TO CHANGE GEARS AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND STALLS AFTER DRIVING REASONABLY SHORT DISTANCES. THE DRIVER FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AND ARE ALREADY CAUSING THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE.

NHTSA ID
11279438
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
102,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed May 23, 2019

EVERYTIME I DRIVING I LOSE THE CONTROL OF THE WHEEL BECAUSE IT START TO SHAKE EVEN WHEN IS PARKING. THE WHEEL SHAKES A LOT VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING

NHTSA ID
11209519
Incident
May 22, 2019
Mileage
16,000 mi
BrakesElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Mar 9, 2019

ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING BUT THE BATTERY/ELECTRONICS WERE STILL ON. I SAFELY STOPPED THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CHECK ENGINE + ABS + TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I FINALLY HAD TO CALL A TOW COMPANY. NO MECHANIC KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND MODEL YEAR RANGE SUFFERED SIMILAR SITUATIONS. THE CAR STILL WON'T START TILL NOW.

NHTSA ID
11185584
Incident
Mar 9, 2019
Mileage
157,000 mi
Driver assistanceOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Feb 11, 2019

POWER STEERING WARNING COMES ON. ESC. TRACTION STEERING IS STIFF TO TURN IS HARD.

NHTSA ID
11176136
Incident
Feb 6, 2019
Mileage
144,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngineOther / unspecified
Filed Dec 10, 2018

WHEN DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ONE FOLLOWED BY TRACTION CONTROL,REDUCED ENGINE POWER, AND LOSS OF POWER. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE AND I WAS IN THE FAST LANE WHEN IT HAPPENED GOING 70 MPH. I LOST POWER AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT OVER TO THE SHOULDER. CAR STARTED SHAKING BADLY. I CUT IT OFF AND RESTARTED IT. WENT AWAY FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD IT HAPPENED AGAIN. FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS IT'S BEEN HAPPENING ONLY DURING COLD MONTHS BETWEEN DECEMBER AND FEBRUARY. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE

NHTSA ID
11160543
Incident
Dec 10, 2018
Mileage
98,327 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceOther / unspecified
Filed Oct 18, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,642.

NHTSA ID
11141178
Incident
Sep 10, 2018
Mileage
129,642 mi
Driver assistanceOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Oct 17, 2018

I FOUND A COMPLAINT BEFORE ABOUT THE POWER STEERING GOING OUT ON MY CAR. TODAY IS OCTOBER 17TH 2018 THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT ABOUT 5:50 IN THE MORNING MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN THE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AGAIN AND THE WHEEL LOCKED UP AND TURNT THE CAR ONTO A CONSTRUCTION SHE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. SHE TELLS ME THAT EVERY LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING THEN IT WENT AWAY AND SAID ESE, NO POWER STEERING, SERVICE, NO TRACTION. SHE TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND STARTED IT BACK UP AND EVERYTHING WORKED AGAIN, THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONE TIME AND EACH YEAR IS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE.

NHTSA ID
11140793
Incident
Oct 17, 2018
Mileage
82,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 23, 2018

POWER STEERING WARNING IS COME ON WHEN TRY TO START CAR . NOT SAFETY TO DRIVE .WHAT TO DO???

NHTSA ID
11074511
Incident
Feb 23, 2018
Driver assistanceOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Mar 22, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED AND THE ESC, POWER STEERING, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR ALL SYSTEMS TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT, DUE TO THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE, THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,360. UPDATED 05/30/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR TOO EXPENSIVE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE FAILURE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL. UPDATED 08/07/2017 *JS

NHTSA ID
10967802
Incident
Mar 20, 2017
Mileage
172,360 mi
EngineOther / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Dec 12, 2016

ONE OF MY NEW TIRES CONTINUALLY DEFLATE. AFTER TAKING TO TIRE CO. 6OF8WKS TO GET AIR, I WAS TOLD I HAVE A CRACKED WHEEL AND WILL PAY $500 FOR A USED WHEEL OR UP TO $1000 FOR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO REPLACE IT. I PAY $50 EXTRA F/PLATINUM WARRANTY AND HAD TO PAY FOR AIRBAG SVC'ING TO GET INSPECTION--AND $100 DEDUCTIBLE FROM WARRANTY COMPANY. IN 2YRS, I'VE PAID $1200 F/WARRANTY PLUS $150 DEDUCTIBLE@AUTHORIZED SERVICE CTR-PINKERTON CHEV IN LYNCHBURG, VA-AND IT TOOK 3 WEEKS THAT I HAD TO BUM A RIDE TO WORK OR PAY A CAB. NOW, I'M RIDING ON A "DONUT" AND MY GAS MILEAGE IS <8MPG........W/A $389 CAR NOTE AND $200 CAR INSURANCE NOTE.

NHTSA ID
10934854
Incident
Dec 10, 2016
Mileage
51,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Nov 9, 2016

RIM LEAKS AIR. THERE ARE AIR LEAKS AT THE STEEL SEAMS WHERE THE HUB SPOKES ARE WELDED. IN THESE AREAS, THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY WELDING DONE AT ALL.

NHTSA ID
10925206
Incident
Nov 3, 2016
Mileage
120,000 mi
ElectricalEngineOther / unspecified
Filed Oct 11, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHEN THE WEATHER WAS BELOW 50 DEGREES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA ID
10915206
Incident
Nov 1, 2015
Mileage
98,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Aug 12, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT AIR WAS LEAKING FROM ALL FOUR TIRES. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE TIRES AND STATED THAT THE FACTORY RIMS WHEEL WELLS FRACTURED INTERNALLY AND WERE PREMATURELY DETERIORATING. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT ALL FOUR RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO RECOMMENDATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,824.

NHTSA ID
10895289
Incident
Aug 1, 2016
Mileage
138,824 mi
BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 5, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT KEPT ILLUMINATING AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKES HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED NOR DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 09/27/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ID
10893568
Incident
Apr 5, 2016
Mileage
79,688 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed May 7, 2016

I HAVE HAD 2 OF MY STEEL RIM GET CRACKS IN THEME IS THERE A RECALL ON THEME, I ALSO HAD 5 WHEEL LUGS ON THE LEFT FRONT BREAK AND 7 ON THE RIGHT NOT FROM OVER TIGHTENING WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THATS WHAT THEY TOLD ME AT THE TIME I HAD 1 ON EACH SIDE BROKEN THEY I HAD THEME REPAIR EM AND 3 WEEKS LATER I HAD 2 ON ONE SIDE 1 SIDE BRAKE I REPLACED THE WHEEL HUBS.

NHTSA ID
10863732
Incident
May 4, 2016
Mileage
11,300 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed May 4, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIMS WERE CRACKING AND THE TIRES WERE LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS LOW DUE TO THE CRACKED RIM. THE RIM WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE RIM WAS PURCHASED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10863197
Incident
Apr 29, 2016
Mileage
100,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical+2 more
Filed Mar 21, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT THE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED FUNCTIONING AFTER THE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE TRACTION AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE CALIBRATED. THE SWITCH WAS CALIBRATED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER" 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 05/11/16*LJ *TR

NHTSA ID
10850677
Incident
Jan 21, 2016
Mileage
100,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jan 29, 2016

2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU MANUFACTURER STEEL WHEEL ARE DEFECTED, AND CHEVROLET GM WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE MOLDING OF THE STEEL, AT A COST OF $233.84 FROM THE DEALERS TO REPLACE. CUSTOMER SERVICE SEND ME TO BELLAMY STRICKLAND IN MCDONOUGH, GA AND THEY ALSO FOUND THE CRACK IN THE STEEL RIM. THERE ARE MANY CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, DATED AS FAR BACK AS 2008 FROM CONSUMERS. THIS WILL BE THE SECOND STEEL RIM I WILL NEED TO REPLACE AT MY EXPENSE. THIS IS A HAZARDOUS AND DANGEROUS FOR THE OWNER/DRIVER AND THE PUBLIC.

NHTSA ID
10823043
Incident
Dec 29, 2015
Mileage
13,113 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .