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 PER YEAR
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 | 566 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1357 |
| 2011 | 976 |
| 2012 | 904 |
| 2013 | 834 |
| 2014 | 349 |
| 2015 | 267 |
| 2016 | 834 |
| 2017 | 696 |
| 2018 | 687 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 190 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: steering — 448 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20231014
21% of complaints: electrical system — 287 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20100302
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, 20231018
17% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 226 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: service brakes — 183 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 176 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20230928
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 ve
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 o
Campaign 12V460000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Campaign 14V252000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14E044000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 19V019000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (448 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (287 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (226 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12V460000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14E044000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V019000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.