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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,045 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

brakes problem

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2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #35

Sep 162022

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have supposedly had the recall fixed. But when using the cruise control my car will not shut down the cruise unless I stomp on the brake or use the off button on my steering wheel. So I am wondering why I should have to pay big dollars for something that was supposedly done"?"

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #34

Apr 162018

Malibu

  • miles
4/16/2018) Codes pulled 16188 Brake Lamp Malfunction, 13036D, and 13036C. Code 16188 was repaired and replaced by the Chevrolet dealership. A warning code would show on the dashboard then brake lights would show that the brakes are being applied at all times while driving or not show when braking.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #33

Nov 032021

Malibu

  • miles
Rear window brake light stays illuminated have to keep raising the brake pad up to get it to go off and in the daytime you arent able to see it. The alarm system is not allowing the car to start correctly. It is very frustrating to have to remove battery cables in many circumstances in order to operate the vehicle. These are all issues that occur many times for over a year. not just an isolated account.

- Auburn , KY, USA

problem #32

Jul 222021

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I-??ve had dash warning lights since purchasing my vehicle since 2017. I have taken it to multiple places for diagnostic and repair. (Brake sensors, traction stability, throttle, and P010 and P011) my last repairs were over $2400 and after finally scraping money to complete the repairs was told the traction control warning light that had been coming on but coming on more often now was because I have one tire sensor that isn-??t reading and that after fixing the accentuators the computer would stop going so crazy and triggering so many lights. On my recent trip to Michigan, when using my cruise control a car pulled in front of me in heavy traffic. When I braked my cruise didn-??t disengage. I remembered this happening before but didn-??t realize it was my cruise control and thought don-??t tell me I have transmission problems!! Then when I was almost home during this same trip a car started honking at me and rolled his window down. He told me I had no brake lights. I then looked up recalls and found 13036, with all the problems my car has had except was told this was remedied/fixed on my car in 2017. I just now checked my car and I have brake lights. It appears the problem relates in conjunction to when the traction control lights are on and when there aren-??t warning lights the brake lights work. My car has 20,000 since the recall repair and has had this problem the majority of this time except I didn-??t understand. My car is not safe and I am very disappointed and concerned about GM product safety and remedies!

- Erlanger , KY, USA

problem #31

Feb 122019

Malibu

  • 99,021 miles
Car had ABS light come on mentime them check engine light light come on then ABS light come

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #30

Apr 072021

Malibu

  • 62,000 miles
My vehicle has about 62,000 miles and the center rear brakes light just inside the rear window is not working. It seems very dim. Failed state safety inspection. Not an accident.

- Fairfax Station, VA, USA

problem #29

Oct 142020

Malibu

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This isn't the first time I've encountered this exact issue, and have had previous issues after purchasing the vehicle (used) back in 2013. Both times this exact issue at hand occurred, both happened while driving. First time, I was driving in a sharp curve with my children in the back seat. This last time I was driving on the highway. Luckily nothing was hit in either cases, however this past time I pulled muscles in my back straining so hard to try and steer the vehicle to get at least very minimum off the road and onto a side street and to safety. As both times I were driving the ESC light came on, and power steering light came on. Resulting in me not being able to brake, or steer - the only steering I were able to do was very strained (as previously stated), I had to put forth extreme efforts to get it to barely turn. The steering wheel acted as if it were locked. This needs to be addressed, and covered under a recall as I've read/heard a multitude of the same issues that are all common with this exact year, model/car. And for this be such a danger, it needs to be corrected before it costs someone their life. I'm terrified to think what if everyone around me weren't paying attention when both events took place, it could've resulted in my life. My spouse being single raising our precious 4 children. How Chevy/GM can live knowing these issues happen and not address it is horrible, knowing very well it could result in a life I'd not more being lost. The only way I could get the lights to turn off and me to be able to drive, I had to shut the car off, wait, and turn it on in order to continue my drive to work. I'm terrified to drive this death trap of a car, especially knowing these issues could happen at any time, without warning or reason. This needs to be fixed. Otherwise this is a lawsuit just waiting to happen.

- Hallsville, TX, USA

problem #28

Oct 072020

Malibu

  • 68,000 miles
While driving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu ltz, I experienced brake failure. This failure was only temporary; while driving approaching a stop light, I went the apply the brakes and the pedal had almost no pressure. It almost went the the floor before I began pumping the brakes. Unfortunately this did not work, which led to my car rear ending the vehicle in front of me. After bringing the vehicle to a stop, I made my best attempt to inspect the brakes and brake fluid, and noticed almost nothing. The only thing I had noticed was slight low brake fluid. After further research, I read a few complaints related to both electronic power steering rack issues, and brake failure. Both of these which I experienced. All of which happened at speeds below 40 mph on a city street

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #27

Mar 142020

Malibu

  • 108,000 miles
While driving the check traction light comes on dash and the brake lights up red while driving without the brake applied.

- Oswego, IL, USA

problem #26

Feb 022019

Malibu

  • 69,000 miles
Saturday around about 2 pm on 2/2/2019. In vehicle traveling in left lane on highway 72. Vehicles were at complete stop at traffic light. When the traffic light changed and the vehicles began to move about low mph to gradually flowing with moving traffic. I removed my foot from brake my vehicle initiated an acceleration. It seemed strange since the vehicle completely stopper on a slight incline. My vehicle propelled without the help of acceleration as traffic were at low mph. My vehicle suspension changed in steeling off into the median from left lane going down hill unable brake or to control the steering. It happened suddenly hitting the raised concert median my car and I went airborne. Injury to my head, aggravated neck cervical, spine, hip and legs. Airbag failed to deploy vehicle totaled. The on-star failed to operate. Thank god for dispatching his angels around me. And thank god for on the scene angel and angels. Stayed with me and called for help. I had paid my car off 2 years ago. The dealership sent me a letter that they had a buyer for my vehicle. Unbeknown to the dealership car was totaled. With in the last year I have see Chevrolet cars and trucks manufactured more and more defective vehicles. Failure to keep the consumers safe is bad business based on advertisement safety hazards that causes premature death. Communication to the consumer safety is just as important informational to the media about recalls defects warns proactively speak volumes about the manufacturers and their defective product. Customer services is key to safe lives matters on the street and in my vehicles manufactured and dealership we the people can count on you!

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #25

Nov 292019

Malibu

  • 96,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The ABS, ESC, and service traction lights came on while I was on the interstate suddenly my cruise control stopped working. I exited the highway and as my car came to a complete stop it started rolling backwards and the breaks locked up so I couldnt stop. It only stopped rolling after putting the car in park, hitting the emergency break, and quickly getting the key out before hitting the family behind me. I tried to turn on my hazards and they wouldnt come on. I restarted the car, and the whole dash was flickering. After trying this 3 times it started, but when I tried to accelerate the car went to 7/8 RPM and did nothing. Then it started to roll backwards again before I could put it in park I was thrusted forward into the center of a roundabout. After that it began to drive. I was less than 5 minutes from a family members home so I tried to make it. I was able to get the car going 30 mph for less than 5 minutes before the speed immediately dropped to zero, and the car began to roll backwards again. My face hit the steering wheel because of the jolt which resulted in facial bruises. The air bags did not deploy. When this issue happened all of the electric in the car started going crazy. I was on a backroad, and luckily a good samaritan stopped to help me. I called my uncle who is a mechanic who towed me back to the house. This isnt the first time ive had issue with these warnings coming up and then I have to suddenly start fighting to survive being trapped in a car trying to kill me. Since this last incident I have not tried to drive the car. After seeing multiple mechanics they confirmed this was a common issue in this year make and model of the vehicle. No one seems to know what has been causing this. This kind of issue could kill someone. It needs to be investigated, and GM needs to be held responsible for selling unreliable, unsafe, death traps to consumers.

- Avon, IN, USA

problem #24

Nov 132019

Malibu

  • 142,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 35 mph, there was a loud explosion from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed, but was inoperable. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed at the residence by a mobile mechanic and the contact was informed that the caliper disintegrated. The contact stated that this was the second time the failure occurred. The vehicle was repaired the first time, but a second repair was still pending. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #23

Sep 102018

Malibu

  • 130,000 miles
Brake lights without applying pressure to brake pedal. Turns off traction control and ESC.worse in colder or damp weather.

- Crown Point, IN, USA

problem #22

Aug 282017

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles
Takata recall the service tech at the dealership said the airbag could deploy while driving causing my daughter to be in danger at all times. Airbag warning light stayed on even after replacing the airbag.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #21

Mar 252019

Malibu

  • 114,900 miles
Lights on panal come on go off when I stop the car and turn back on. I was driving maybe 30-35 mph on city street going straight. No we rain, pot holes or speed bumps

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #20

Jun 122018

Malibu

  • miles
Takata recall. Brake apply sensor fluctuates on and off also turning signal is not working on the left or right even though the bugs been changed and inside the vehicle it shows a turning signal, no rear brake lights when driving or at a complete stop. Even though fuses and new bulbs replaced, electrical shortage with radio and cigarette lighter, also replace bulbs and headlights and they continue to shorten out and blow

- Sebring, FL, USA

problem #19

Dec 012018

Malibu

  • miles
I have had my front brakes serviced 4 times in the last 2 years. They continually need to be serviced and the car isn't even at 100,000 miles yet. Every 6 months to one year, the car begins to chug when braking and shaking continuously. The front rotors and pads are what is fixed most often.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #18

Jun 012018

Malibu

  • miles
While driving, the car surged forward and the driver could not stop the car.. brakes didn't work; struck another vehicle when driver tried to make a turn.

- Chenango Bridge, NY, USA

problem #17

Jan 172018

Malibu

  • 10 miles
Takata recall dealers are to attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and on the bas and harness connector, and relearn the brake pedal home position free of charge. And also dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket to re-locate the tensioner 30mm rearward. Dealers will also inspect the cable, and if necessary, replace the lap pretensioner. These repairs will be completed free of charge.

- Cedar Falls, IA, USA

problem #16

Jul 112017

Malibu

  • miles
Last 3 yrs my ESC and service traction light comes on. Last Aug 2016 had the car if for this replaced a brake sensor problem came back 3 weeks later. Went for 2 more diagnostic test. Could not find issue. May 2017 problem started again. In addition, when this service ESC comes on my brake lights do not work. This is very dangerous. I am bring the car in again for another diagnostic. I am scared to drive. The light comes on during the warm months, either during the actual braking or when I am in a stop position holding down the brake. GM customer care has be of no help thus far.

- Parma, OH, USA

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