2010 Chevrolet Malibu: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Chevrolet Malibu? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,356 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2010 Chevrolet Malibu trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has 1,356 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Malibu
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,356
- Crash-related complaints
- 41
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for any signs of defects or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and stability control repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any signs of defects or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and stability control repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu are concentrated in steering defects, electrical faults, and electronic stability control issues. The data shows a high volume of complaints relative to the single model year analyzed, though confidence is low due to the limited scope.
- Steering defects account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Electrical faults and electronic stability control issues are also frequently reported.
- Crash-related complaints number 41 out of 1356 total complaints.
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
All 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 451 | 11 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 293 | 4 | 5 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 226 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 199 | 8 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 194 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 145 | 26 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 132 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 126 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 115 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 63 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 44 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 33 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 31 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 25 | 2 | 5 | — | |
| Traction Control System | 23 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 19 | — | 2 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 16 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The driver's seat bracket broke causing the seat to sag to the right and for the back of the seat to rise up. Pictures were taken and are attached. Available for inspection until fixed. The view is from the front. My finger points to the failed weld. In an accident, the seat mi…
The power steering goes out at times. When I start up or when I am driving my steering will get harder and I get a power steering warning on the dash. If I shut the car off, sometimes it goes away but most of the time it does not.
In 2014 there was a recall issue on 2004 to 2009 Chevrolet malibus 2.4 l motors with the electric power steering assist motor. They were to be replaced with labor and free cost. A recall is a safety issue that has no expiration date. In 2015 GM issued a special coverage adjustmen…
My steering wheel is twitching & possibly failing due to the torque steering sensor & it is very unsafe to drive
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while reviewing O'Reilly diagnostic report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 159,000, and…
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that under previous vehicle ownership, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the recal…
Power Steering Randomly Goes off taking the Traction Control with it. Terrible for the snow roads to have. Have to life the steering wheel slightly when starting to the car get it to work. Steering Angle Sensor or Torque Position Sensor Maybe??
I lost power steering while driving, making the wheel hard to turn. While the car is idle, the steering wheel shakes. Also “ESC” pops on on the dashboard.
Lug studs repeatedly snap at wheel no matter how installed.
The blinker level does not automatically shut off after the turn is preformed. It never has. Yes it can be inspected if asked. Because of this fault, people driving behind me have thought I am turning and have attempted to go around my vehicle, almost causing collision on sever…
The car will drive but is unable to turn. It's like the steering wheel is locked.
The issue I'm having is the traction light is on and my rear break lights stay on constantly. I took the car to a shop and had the break light switch replaced. Two days later the lights was back on. I did some research and there was a recall for the exact issue I'm have (NHTSA14…
I was driving down the highway when the passenger side curtain airbags deployed for no reason. Air bag deployment stunned the driver, but fortunately did not cause accident.
My power steering quit working
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact had been informed by other drivers that the brake lights failed to illuminate as intended while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake lights randomly illuminated while driving. The traction control warning l…
The shift lever does not want to release from park. I cant get it to go into drive. Traction light comes on and overrides cruise control. Refer to recall dated 5/14/2014 #14V252000 or GM recall 13036. It is in for repair now. Almost $500 for repair.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated while making a left turn, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the steering wheel vibrated. The vehicle was not ta…
Steering not working correctly it is ver hard to turn steering wheel. Cluster lights went out so dashboard lights do not work, brake lights not working seems to be electrical problems with the vehicle
This is in reference to GM Recall Number: 13036 - I noticed that from time to time the service traction warning comes on, service esc warning comes on, my cruise control stops working suddenly. I didn't think anything of it until I finally noticed my brake lights were illuminated…
Connector for airbags sensor wiring has a problem which is address in General Motors document Recall 13040A Dated April 2014. There is a warning on the dash about the airbags not operational. We have never been contacted by General Motors about this problem, but other Chevrolet M…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,356 owner complaints, 41 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Steering Defects (451 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (293 complaints). #3: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (226 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, NHTSA complaints include 41 crash-related reports and 14 fire reports out of 1,356 total complaints. 47 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Malibu reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.