2011 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 | 567 |
| 2003 | 569 |
| 2004 | 1147 |
| 2005 | 975 |
| 2006 | 1115 |
| 2007 | 977 |
| 2008 | 987 |
| 2009 | 1509 |
| 2010 | 1359 |
| 2011 | 977 |
| 2012 | 905 |
| 2013 | 835 |
| 2014 | 350 |
| 2015 | 270 |
| 2016 | 835 |
| 2017 | 701 |
| 2018 | 694 |
| 2019 | 188 |
| 2020 | 195 |
| 2021 | 86 |
| 2022 | 92 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 10 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: electrical system — 235 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20171129
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, 20130302
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, 20260828
Also filed under STEERING and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
22% of complaints: steering — 213 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 174 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20110126
16% of complaints: engine — 160 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 130 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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 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.
Campaign 15V269000 — 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
2011 Chevrolet Malibu — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (235 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (213 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (174 reports on file for this year).
- 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 15V269000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V019000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.