Owners have filed 2,204 complaints
about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Malibu. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 35
6.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 27
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2010 compares with every other Chevrolet Malibu
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
3137.8%
Brake Lights
1315.9%
Automatic Transmission
1315.9%
Door
1012.2%
Seat Heater/Cooler
44.9%
Cruise Control
44.9%
Headlights
44.9%
Adaptive Cruise Control
33.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
573.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
603.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
804.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
18610.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
34720.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
38522.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
39923.4%
150,000+ miles
19011.2%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR w/SAB
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—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2009peak 57Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V019000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
14E044000
STEERING
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
Risk: A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
14V252000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
12V460000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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 vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Risk: If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201873845 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during an airbag deployment. If the driver-front airbag inflator ruptures during deployment, the airbag may not fully inflate, and the release of high-pressured gas may propel pieces of the inflator and airbag module into the occupant compartment. This could create or increase the risk of injury to occupant(s) in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 2014173194,314 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, intermittent electrical connection faults may cause the brake lamps to illuminate without the brake pedal being depressed, or not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. This could also interfere with cruise control, ABS and/or vehicle stability control function. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or erratic brake lamp function could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 201230740,045 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, shift cable locking tabs could fracture without warning. If this occurs, the transmission may not be in the PARK position and may not match the gear position indicated by the shift lever. The driver would be able to remove the key from the ignition, but the door locks may not unlock automatically and the PARK indicator lamp would not be illuminated. The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash which may cause property damage or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a shift cable retainer clip, or replaced the shift cable, as necessary.
Recall 201010436,756 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 102 - Transmission Control Functions. The indicator light of the PRNDM provided to identify the transmission shift position is not activated under certain circumstances when the ignition key cylinder is in a zone between the ignition “OFF” detent and the accessory “ACC” detent when the engine is off. This condition can occur if the vehicle operator rotates the key cylinder toward the “OFF” detent while the engine is running and the shift lever is in a position other than “PARK”. This will result in the key cylinder hitting a stop which prevents it from being fully turned to the “OFF” detent position. At this key position, electrical power has been disconnected from the shift lever position indication light because the key cylinder has been rotated beyond “ACC” detent and the electrical switch contacts have opened. If this sequence of operator actions were to occur, the shift lever position indication light would not be illuminated and the vehicle transmission would not be in “PARK”. If this condition were present, the key cannot be removed from the vehicle because the transmission is not placed into “PARK”. If the operator exited the vehicle in the condition described above (leaving the key in the ignition), an audible warning to the driver would activate whenever the driver's door is unlocked and opened. Correction: A production change has been undertaken to remedy the technical non
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Jackson, TN1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Was driving down highway at approximately 70 to 75 miles per hour when my drivers side window airbag and seat airbag deployed. It hit my face shoulder and arm. There was no collision and I was able to keep control of the vehicle for the most part. I swerved a little but regained control quickly. My seat belt is locked and is no longer usable
NHTSA complaint #11516208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, TN1 injured
AIR BAGS
Was driving down highway at approximately 70 to 75 miles per hour when my drivers side window airbag and seat airbag deployed. It hit my face shoulder and arm. There was no collision and I was able to keep control of the vehicle for the most part. I swerved a little but regained control quickly. My seat belt is locked and is no longer usable
NHTSA complaint #11516208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,567 milesTexas City, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE AIRBAGS/SIDE AND FRONT ARE DEFECTIVE FOR MY VEHICLE? CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP IN FINDING OUT WHAT I DO NOW...THE VEHICLE AND I WAS INVOLVED IN A WREAK AND I WAS INJURED BADLY AND WAS HOSPITALIZED.....? I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HWY AT POSTED SPEED WHEN I WAS STRUCK...FIRST THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THEN THE L-FENDER AND HOOD...THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME ROLLED 3 OR 4 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #11389391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MICrashFire1 injured
STEERING
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED PREVENTING ME FROM HAVING CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHICH RESULTED INTO ME HITTING THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CAUSING A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT ON A CITY STREET AND MY CAR IS TOTALLY DAMAGED
NHTSA complaint #11354218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesReading, PACrash
AIR BAGS
I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT ON 04/08/2020 AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11322605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flagler Beach, FL2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE WERE DRIVING AND SMELLED A STRONG ODER. OUR EYES STARTED TO BURN AND WE BECAME NAUSEOUS AND DIZZY. WHEN WE ARRIVED HOME WE LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND SAW A POWERFUL GAS SEEPING FROM THE BATTERY. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE GAS COMING FROM THE ADELCO BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11244687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 160,000 milesArlington, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving for 5 miles, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with the message "Service Traction" displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as intended after cooling down; however, the failure recurred after driving 5 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high resistance in the BCM harness. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); which was previously performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the recall repair was a one-time free-of-charge repair. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesArlington, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving for 5 miles, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with the message "Service Traction" displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as intended after cooling down; however, the failure recurred after driving 5 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high resistance in the BCM harness. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); which was previously performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the recall repair was a one-time free-of-charge repair. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesArlington, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving for 5 miles, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with the message "Service Traction" displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as intended after cooling down; however, the failure recurred after driving 5 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high resistance in the BCM harness. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); which was previously performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the recall repair was a one-time free-of-charge repair. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesOxon Hill, MD
STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was shaking and locked up, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. A dealer or an independent mechanic was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farnhamville, IA
STEERING
Power steering has gone out.
NHTSA complaint #11738341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmond, OK
STEERING
1.The ESC system and power steering lights come on and sometimes go off making it extremely unsafe to drive due to not having proper control of the steering wheel. It is available for inspections at any time. 2.Being able to turn and use steering wheel correctly puts me and my family at risk for collisions. 3.confirmed by a code reader. And personal Mechanic. 4. No inspections have been made at dealership u called and they said there was no recall. 5. No other than the steering wheel moving on its own when at a stop light.
NHTSA complaint #11737052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, NC
STEERING
Power steering went out and I'm told it's a sensor that is in the steering column. Very expensive to have fixed due to location of the sensor. I seen a recall for this problem however it is only good for 150,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased this car 2 years ago with 172,000 miles. This recall should still be valid if it hasn't been repaired. I almost wrecked the car not realizing this happened while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11736746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
University City, MO
SEATS
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 might break off causing the driver to sustain serious injury. The sudden shift in the seat could cause the driver to panic resulting in an accident. I have not yet taken it into the dealer for review. This problem has been reported to your website as well as RepairPal and The Center for Auto Safety websites. No one has, as of now, inspected this failure. There are no warning lights or other sources avaliable to inform of this danger.
NHTSA complaint #11726490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wautoma, WI
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11722023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
STEERING
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 adjustment for 2010 through 2012 Chevy malibus. This special adjustment is for those vehicles 2010 through 2012 to have the power steering assist motor replaced for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original service date. The problem with that is I have a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu that has the exact same electric power steering assist motor that the 2004 through 2009 half but yet I only have a special coverage adjustment which is not even close to a recall where there is no expiration date on when the manufacturer would replace the electric power steering assist motor free of charge. The issue with the electric power steering assist motor was a malfunctioning of a bushing issues in the motor. I have the same electric power assist motor in my Malibu that all the recall Malibu's 2004 to 2009 have. So what made the difference after 2009 with this product the electric power steering assist motor? Today February 13th 2026 my electric power steering assist motor will only work when I reset the system. I almost had an accident because the power steering went out and I was driving. Took my Malibu to repair shop called Express pro in Indianapolis Indiana and they diagnosed it power steering assist motor failing. I do not fall under the special coverage adjustment although that's really for non-safety concerns a recall is first safety issues with no expiration date and my 2010 Malibu should be in the recall. I cannot afford $1,500 to get this motor replaced which I had no clue there was even a recall until today. The car will set until there is a recall issue which is the only fair thing to do when it was issued for 2004-2009 Malibu's since there was no change in the electric power steering assist motor.
NHTSA complaint #11717933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Akron, OH
STEERING
My steering wheel is twitching & possibly failing due to the torque steering sensor & it is very unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11717284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 current odometer reading was 174,804; however, O'Reilly service report listed the mileage at 192,000.
NHTSA complaint #11712376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,000 milesLocust Grove, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear brake light failed to illuminate as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the brake lights would illuminate. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,000 milesLocust Grove, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear brake light failed to illuminate as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the brake lights would illuminate. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 270,000 milesLocust Grove, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear brake light failed to illuminate as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the brake lights would illuminate. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenna, MI
STEERING
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??
NHTSA complaint #11705344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenna, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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??
NHTSA complaint #11705344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lannon, WI
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11697960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lannon, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11697960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
WHEELS
Lug studs repeatedly snap at wheel no matter how installed.
NHTSA complaint #11668298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
STEERING
Lug studs repeatedly snap at wheel no matter how installed.
NHTSA complaint #11668298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
SUSPENSION
Lug studs repeatedly snap at wheel no matter how installed.
NHTSA complaint #11668298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sanford, ME
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 several occasions. This puts myself, my passengers, and the other vehicle in immediate danger. As well as the vehicle behind the one attempting to go around my vehicle. Yes it has been reproduced by multiple car repair shops. There is never a time that the turn lever has worked properly. When talking to the previous owner, he indicated that he also had the same problem since he purchased the vehicle. Many online vehicle specific forums have owners who talk about having the same problem and the accidents they've gotten in due to it. There are no warning lights. The blinker stays active as well as the dash light indicating the blinker is still on. The date indicated was the most recent it happened and almost caused an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11666537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
WHEELS
The car will drive but is unable to turn. It's like the steering wheel is locked.
NHTSA complaint #11665447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car will drive but is unable to turn. It's like the steering wheel is locked.
NHTSA complaint #11665447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
