2010 Chevrolet Malibu
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 1,360
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2010
None on file
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2010: 1,360 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 5 |
| 1981 | 3 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1997 | 443 |
| 1998 | 976 |
| 1999 | 789 |
| 2000 | 922 |
| 2001 | 721 |
| 2002 | 567 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1,147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1,116 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1,509 |
| 2010 | 1,360 |
| 2011 | 978 |
| 2012 | 907 |
| 2013 | 836 |
| 2014 | 351 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 836 |
| 2017 | 703 |
| 2018 | 697 |
| 2019 | 190 |
| 2020 | 196 |
| 2021 | 88 |
| 2022 | 97 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
33% · 455 reportsMost commonly citing power steering fluid and column.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-14
Electrical system
22% · 294 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show complaint excerpts
I bought a 2010 chevy Malibu in November of 2010 and the car engine caught on fire in January of 2010. The vehicle was parked in my driveway while I was sleeping. At approximately 9 p.m. My neighbors awake me to notify me that my car was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-02
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-18
Electronic stability control (esc)
17% · 227 reportsService brakes
15% · 200 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-09
Exterior lighting
14% · 195 reportsMost commonly citing brake lights and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
The issue is that there are times when the brake lights kick on when Iâm not braking and they stay on and when I brake they turn off. Iâm at risk and so are the people who drive in back of me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2010Complaint volume 1,360 complaints filed for this model year.
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2013-01-01Power train12V460000 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…
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…
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2014-08-18Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control14V252000 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...
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...
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2014-09-08Steering14E044000 Dorman Products, Inc.
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.
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2019-02-25Air bags19V019000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2010 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 455 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 294 reports on file for this year.
- Electronic stability control (esc): 227 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V460000 · Power train
- Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control
- Recall 14E044000 · Steering
- Recall 19V019000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.