2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. This model year has 972 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Steering Defects
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 231 | 3 | 13 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 211 | 8 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 174 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 172 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 128 | — | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 112 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 92 | 21 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 86 | 5 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 58 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 53 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 44 | 9 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 38 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 32 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 19 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Traction Control System | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 11 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 972 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS related to the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and electric power steering systems. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following problems: * “Service ESC” warning message * “…
The Powersteering is failing in my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with 93K miles on it. The warning light on the dashboard appears randomly then it becomes difficult to steer. This has become a safety issue because when driving on the highway or trying to navigate turns requires a lot of …
Weld on the back, right side of the driver's seat broke causing the seat to rock while driving. This is the second time this has happened, as we replaced the original seat when this happened to it.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated while driving, and the transmission shifted abnormally rough. The check engine warni…
apparently, there was a recall on these cars for the power steering suddenly shutting off. Apparently it’s also electric so there’s nothing you can do at home to remedy it. It is incredibly dangerous to drive. I just bought my car it has under 100,000 miles on it, but I guess the…
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under a carport in her driveway, she had been warned by neighbors that the rear end of the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that she saw that flames were issuing from both rear l…
Headlight wiring harness connector has melted multiple times leaving me without low beam headlights while driving at night with my children in the car. This has left me having to use my high beams to drive and this poses as a safety hazard for not only me and my family but other …
Power steering jerks violently left/right at 35–65 mph. Nearly lost control — happens intermittently and while in park. This is a KNOWN GM DEFECT — Special Coverage #10183 (EPS module) and TSB PIP4473. Michael Bates Chevrolet REFUSES to repair under #10183 — wants $1,500+. GM Cus…
THIS CAR WILL START AND AS YOU ARE DRIVING, THE CAR SHUTS OFF. NO POWER, NO STEERING...NOTHING. I WAS OUT DRIVING TO WORK AND THE CAR DIED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKENT HE CAR TO THE SHOP AND THEY HAD IT FOR OVER A MONTH, CHANGED THE FUEL …
Car started to loose power and wanted to cut off had to drive with both feet put in the shop a few times but couldn't find any wrong finally stopped driving it and then I started back to driving it and still doing the same thing, finally the motor went out.Have notice more Malibu…
- Reduced engine power, appears on the dashboard. The motor begins to shake, slow down excessively if I'm driving on the highway, and needs to be shut off to reset the computer. Yes, this is available for inspection. However, We are going to try to fix this ASAP, as I drive an ho…
Steering locks while driving
While driving down the road my power steering went out , driver side head light and it was like my breaks tried to lock up on me when I would press on them. I was driving down the interstate and pretty much had zero control of my car . Very scary. While trying to slow down and g…
The vehicle has recently started to have power steering failure, making it a hazard while driving at times.
NO POWER STEERING FEELS LIKE MANUAL STEERING
Two months ago While driving on the highway at 60 mph at night my headlights shut off with no warning leaving only my running lights, turn signals, brake lights and hazards lights functioning. Neither hi or low beams would function. Yet no warning or service lights appeared on th…
Failed steering control sensor
My electrical power steering is going out. A “power steering” flashes on my dash. I turn off my car and turn it back on and is able to be steered. However, my steering wheel read only moves/jiggles on its on at idle and in park. When I drive I feel the steering wheel jiggling on …
We own this vehicle with 147,xxx miles on it. There was extended warranty coverage of 10-years or 150,000 miles for the power steering position sensor and torque sensor, all part of the electronic stability control system the bulletin is 15356. A very costly repair that could res…
My car stopped running at 78,500 miles. I had it diagnosed twice and I was told the engine needs to be replaced. Even though I bought the vehicle (brand new) in 2010, how can the engine be bad because on the website it states that if the vehicle has more than 100,000 miles then i…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.
Recalls for 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2011 Chevrolet Malibu — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has 972 NHTSA owner complaints, 40 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (231 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (231 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (211 complaints). #3: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (174 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has 40 crash-related complaints and 16 fire reports out of 972 total NHTSA complaints. 41 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?▾
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?▾
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.