Is the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu

◆ Worse than typical

2011 Chevrolet Malibu
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 978
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2011: 978 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.

Electrical system

24% · 235 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the passenger side low beam head lamp failed. The contact drove the vehicle with the high beams activated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-29

Also filed under Exterior lighting

The fuel pump has burned connectors that are inside the fuel tank, the board lights intensity increases or decreases or stays off, all fuses are good, the GM is aware of this and 72 hours ago I'm waiting for an answer , I have fear that happen...

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-02

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Power steering assist motor is out and it was under recall in 2011 but it was out of the recall window but it has less than 150000 miles

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-28

Also filed under Steering

Steering

22% · 214 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system.

CRASHINJURY

Electronic stability control (esc)

18% · 174 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I purchased a 2011 Malibu from champion Chevrolet in austin, tx in November 2010. The car was delivered to me with a known defective ebcm (Electronic brake control module). They had the part on order and didn't tell me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-01-26

Engine

16% · 160 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Exterior lighting

13% · 130 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2011Complaint volume 978 complaints filed for this model year.
R

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...

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-11-16Seat belts15V269000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 235 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 214 reports on file for this year.
Electronic stability control (esc): 174 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V252000 · Electrical system, electronic stability control (esc), exterior lighting, vehicle speed control
Recall 14E044000 · Steering
Recall 15V269000 · Seat belts
Recall 19V019000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 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.