Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,169 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 7 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #91

Mar 162016

Malibu

  • 68,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 65 mph, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

- Waco, TX, USA

problem #90

Feb 162016

Malibu

  • 119,200 miles
Received messages of: Service ESC, service traction, service air bag, eng pwr reduced, engine disabled this morning while driving to work. Engine lost all power, had to pull to side of road to try and turn the engine off and on, until I received the engine disabled message and after that the car would not start. Had to have the car towed to nearest dealership.

- Jackson, MN, USA

problem #89

Feb 142016

Malibu

  • 88,258 miles
First, I had to jump the car to start it. Cold morning but the battery was only 3 months old. Driving from downriver mi area all expressway to grand rapids. Just entered grand rapids area when I had to reduce speed from 75 to 60. Car would not accelerate back to original speed. Cruise control had been engaged. Problem resolved itself but 15 minutes later the car went from 75 to 25 mph by the time I had exited the freeway and stopped the car. The car would not accelerate and the pedal was to the floor. The traction control light went on as did messages:reduced engine power, service ESC, and the check engine light went on. The engine light stayed on. I was able to turn car back and accelerate but the check engine light stayed on and the engine felt like it chugged a bit. When I stopped at intersections, the car felt as if it wanted to stall. Mileage is 88,258.

- Wyandotte, MI, USA

problem #88

Jan 012016

Malibu

  • 100,700 miles

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

Car lost power at 65 mph than reduced power and engine light came on turn car off after trying to coast to ta stop with cars and trucks flying by honking there horn and flicking me off and I was helpless the cars motor was shut off because of the power reduce and ESC than the traction control can on too all need to be serviced fine but than it did it all again after I got everything fixed and then the throttle body had to replaced again and peddle sensor and traction control sensor and still does it the car is trying to kill me and the new mechanic I took it to said he sees this a lot and its sometimes hard to fix because it comes back and than I read online the same thing I thought he was trying to get more money out of me why wont Chevrolet help GM help government needs to step in and make these car places fix this stuff befor a lot of people get killed

- Osceola, IN, USA

problem #87

Jan 232016

Malibu

  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. When the igniton key was turned, a loud clicking nose emitted and the engine failed to respond. In addition, the front driver and passenger side power door locks activated independently. The RPM gauge and speedometer fluctuated continuously. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.

- New Baltimore, MI, USA

problem #86

Jan 222016

Malibu

  • 59,250 miles
30 minute drive to work, in rain at approximately 32 degrees, vehicle was running good until I pulled into a parking spot and an error message appeared (reduced engine power). I later left and the service engine light remained on. I then received an error message (service ESC) and later again received the (reduced engine power) while on the highway. It was snowing during this time. I was unable to fully accelerate but it felt as though the acceleration was not running well. I researched this issue and discovered many people/ Chevy Malibu owners having the same issue with no resolution; even after taking to dealer on many occasions. GM needs to recognize this issue and discover a resolution.

- Hendersonville, TN, USA

problem #85

Jan 192016

Malibu

  • 79,000 miles

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

My 2011 Malibu while on the highway through a sensor code for multiple problems the first stating reduced engjne power, then service ES, service traction, service airbags etc... probably 8 codes. At which point on the highway I could no longer accelerate above 40mph creating a very dangerous situation for me. The car was jerking and shaking and the RPM was reving up between 500 and 1500 even after I stopped. I turned the car off fearing damage to the engine and called myhusband. He asked me turn it on again so I did and although it was now idling normally the engine light remained on. He suggested I continue my commute. I pulled back on to the highway and experienced this same dangerous problem 7 yimes between jackson mi and lansing mi. We took it in to a repairshopand they assessedwhat they could stating that it appeared to be a throttle body issue but they would have to take it apart to look at it. The mechanic also statedthat many of the Chevy made vehicles have had this problem and he was very surprised that therehad not yet been a recall on the part.

- Jackson, MI, USA

problem #84

Nov 252015

Malibu

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 15 mph, all the warning lights illuminated and the vehicle began to lose power. The contact also stated that the power steering seized intermittently. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

- Marion, NC, USA

problem #83

Jan 082016

Malibu

  • 0 miles
After reading the many many comments here, I can say I'm lucky. Fortunately, I was not driving my car when things went haywire. I returned home from work today and my vehicle was fine. I had to run a few errands but when returning to my vehicle, I noticed this: Vehicle wouldn't start. Fast clicking sound when attempting to turn over. Doors locked and unlocked by themselves during this time. Service ESC, service traction, and ESC off appeared. Vehicle has yet to start and now have no power whatsoever throughout the vehicle. Very odd that this is not a current recall. Help?'

- Nevada, TX, USA

problem #82

Nov 182014

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 65 mph, the ESC warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The failure recurred in cold weather numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine management and ignition sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- Sheep Spring, NM, USA

problem #81

Jan 052015

Malibu

  • 105,000 miles

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

2011 Chevrolet Malibu has experienced numerous occasions with "hiccups" (temporary loss of power) while driving followed by flashing warning light of traction control then followed with "service ESC... service ECM... ESC off". service engine light also came on and stayed on. By the time we took the vehicle to GM service the engine service light was off and they could not duplicate the problem or get a code but recommended a new ECM. Problem occurred again and returned back to GM service with same result and recommendation. My wife commutes 1.5 hours per day and also drives our 3 children to school each day. After having the vehicle continue with these issues, the vehicle finally stalled completely, on 2 separate occasions, in heavy traffic but would eventually start and run again. She did not feel safe and would no longer drive the car so I drove the vehicle one week each day to work to witness the problems myself. Every single day while driving the vehicle would flash the same error codes on each trip to and from work finally, on the way to the GM service department, the vehicle died in the middle of busy traffic and I had to have it towed. A new ECM was installed (with a cost of $650+) and within two days of driving, the exact same problem has occurred. GM service sent a tow truck and I await their next attempt at fixing this vehicle.

- Brainerd, MN, USA

problem #80

Dec 142015

Malibu

  • 101,600 miles
Rear defrost stopped working - cables and fuse melted.

- Atwater, MN, USA

problem #79

Dec 012015

Malibu

  • 59,000 miles
I recently noticed that my rear brake light in the back window was flickering on and off. Then my rear defroster stopped working. I decided to check the fuses in the rear fuse box. I then realized the fuse for the rear defroster was completely melted and other fuses were also burnt. Upon calling GM, they told me to take it to a dealership to figure out the problem. The dealership told me that the fuse panel is burnt out, and that I need a new fuse panel, relay, connecter(five leads),connecter(two leads), 10 amp fuse, and a 30 amp fuse. A problem that the dealership told me happens a lot. Upon calling GM back with the news. They told me they would not cover the repair.

- Woonsocket, RI, USA

problem #78

Aug 122014

Malibu

  • 18,000 miles
When driving, generally on the highway, my cars rpms will flutter between 2200-2500. I have to change gear (speed up quickly or slow down) to get it out of that flutter. Car has a pick up and slow down reeling when doing so. Has been happening since I got it a year ago at 17,000 and still doing it. It should be a recall so I don't want to get it fixed.

- Westport, MA, USA

problem #77

Jun 122015

Malibu

  • 100,000 miles
I was driving an my power steering went out in a large curve. 8 had to have the car towed but luckily was not injured. GM recently sent out an "extended warranty" on th power steering module only. This was replaced. In may of 2014 GM sent out recall 13036 that included my car. This recall is not pulling up on my VIN. The letter stated that parts were not yet available for a fix. I have lights and bells that my electronic stability control is not working. They found at yhe dealer that at least once I have had a brake error. In the recall letter it states that the brake lights may function when I am not braking or they may not function when I am. I am afraid to drive my own car! please push for a resolution to this recall.

- Fort Valley, GA, USA

problem #76

Nov 102015

Malibu

  • 146,235 miles
The HVAC resistor is malfunctiong, ongoing issue with numerous products, the resistor malfunctions and creates a small fire a shorts out the resistor melts the harness that attaches to the resistor. Vehicle was stationary and after refueling HVAC blower no longer worked.

- Plymouth, OH, USA

problem #75

Jun 042015

Malibu

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the speedometer light did not illuminate when it was operated, the vehicle did not register the fob key when attempting to unlock the vehicle and the tire pressure indicator functioned abnormally. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V269000 (seat belts); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

- North Charleroi, PA, USA

problem #74

Nov 022015

Malibu 4-cyl

  • miles
2011 Chevrolet Malibu. Consumer writes in regards to electric power steering recall notice. The consumer stated the rear fuse block and circuit had to be replaced.

- Lejunior, KY, USA

problem #73

Oct 262015

Malibu 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at 55 mph, the ESC warning light illuminated. Suddenly, the diminishing engine power and traction control warning lights illuminated and the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was shut off and restarted; however, the service engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000. Updated 1/15/16 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted.

- Berlin, NH, USA

problem #72

Oct 142015

Malibu

  • 119,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed that there was smoke coming from the vehicle and then the vehicle caught fire. The contact mentioned that the fire initiated on the trunk near the fuse box. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V269000 (seat belts) and 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) but the remedy was not available for several months. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

- Kouts, IN, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?