Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

977 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading314

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

sudden stalling 162transmission slipping 67software faults 33
A recent report: 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…
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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 warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was rebuilt. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11716754 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading247

Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

electrical shorts 85premature wear 38
A recent report: There was a fire in the trunk on the way to work. Fire department was called to inspect the car and make sure that the fire was out. Fire melted fuse box located in the trunk along with wiring…
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There was a fire in the trunk on the way to work. Fire department was called to inspect the car and make sure that the fire was out. Fire melted fuse box located in the trunk along with wiring harness and wires, also causing all electrical items to stop working. Claim was attempted to be made, but insurance did not cover this particular issue. After hours of reading as well as watching videos, this seems to be an on problem for Malibu's from 2011-2016. I bought this car one year ago and had a mechanic inspect the vehicle.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11745051 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading29

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 8 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.

software faults 12loss of braking 9premature wear 3
A recent report: Multiple times while driving this vehicle, get the message loss of engine power, ABS light displays, and steering becomes difficult. Will be calling the dealership for repair. Once it resolved itself…
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Multiple times while driving this vehicle, get the message loss of engine power, ABS light displays, and steering becomes difficult. Will be calling the dealership for repair. Once it resolved itself enough to drive over 100 miles after changing the battery, but the issue occurred again. Many searches online point to ABS, or Wheel issues. There are YouTube videos but this is a safety issue that should be recalled and fixed. As a loyal Chevy owner, I would love to have Chevy back their vehicles and recall when there are some many instances of this widespread safety issue they would prioritize the safety of their vehicles.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11629065 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading211

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 7 mention a crash, 12 mention an injury.

loss of steering 175premature wear 8
A recent report: Power steering assist motor is out and it was under recall in 2011 but it was out of the recall window but it has less than 150000 miles

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760511 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading109

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 19 mention a crash, 20 mention an injury.

software faults 40airbags not deploying 23
A recent report: The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steel cable used to anchor the front driver’s side lap seat belt had fractured. The contact stated no warning light was…
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The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the steel cable used to anchor the front driver’s side lap seat belt had fractured. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V269000 (Seat Belts). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11563364 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor31

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 2corrosion 2
A recent report: Hood support strut failed suddenly allowing hood to close forcefully nearly hitting me while working in the engine bay. Vehicle has no positive latch or prop mechanism to prevent hood closing in…
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Hood support strut failed suddenly allowing hood to close forcefully nearly hitting me while working in the engine bay. Vehicle has no positive latch or prop mechanism to prevent hood closing in event of gas strut failure.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11622381 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading36

Most reports here involve electrical shorts. Of these, 2 mention an injury.

electrical shorts 4fire 2
A recent report: 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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11722790 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 977 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2010 and 2026, roughly 62 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.