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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,318 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.

2010 Chevrolet Malibu drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2010 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 4 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #60

Oct 212016

Malibu

  • 109,673 miles

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

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted on the first attempt. The failure recurred and the vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission had a design flaw and needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,673.

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #59

Oct 222016

Malibu

  • 146,264 miles
Vehicle hesistates and aquire high acceleration then jerks hard into first gear.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #58

Aug 172015

Malibu

  • 92,280 miles
At 92,280 miles the vehicle's transmission malfunctioned on the commute home from work. The vehicle was fine during the trip to work, while in motion on the return home the transmission became unsafe. This was on a state highway at speeds ranging from 35-50 mph. The gears would not catch, resulting in high engine revs and unpredictable speed of travel. The vehicle would not accelerate past 30 mph or so. The same was true for reverse gear. The vehicle was just outside warranty period. Our local Chevrolet dealer at the time, [xxx] was unhelpful in fixing the situation, they would not schedule a convenient appointment, and suggested we took the car elsewhere for a sooner repair. We needed the vehicle fixed asap, and ended up having the transmission replaced by a specialty shop at $2800. Because the vehicle was outside the warranty period, and we went to a 3rd party shop and not a GM dealer the GM claims department says we are out of luck, nothing they can do for us. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Steamboat Springs, CO, USA

problem #57

May 162016

Malibu

  • 120 miles

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

I had to have over $2500 worth of work done to my car, which had something to do with some torque sensor and other parts - I see that there was a recall on other Chevy Malibu's in previous model years. I am wondering how long this recall will take, my year is 2010 and not currently on the recall list. Prior to that, I had just paid $2000 for other work needed on this vehicle that was out of warranty. I've had so many issues w/this car. I have receipts but they are currently in storage - I am unable to upload them right now.

- Livonia, MI, USA

problem #56

Aug 192016

Malibu

  • 71,000 miles
As I pulled out from work, I noticed that as the car should have been going into second or third gear, the RPM's just revved. I was heading down a hill at the time, and when it got to around 30-35 mph, the gear caught (thank goodness because it was starting to get a bit scary at that moment) and was able to be driven like normal. I had a few stop lights along the way home, and each time that I came to a complete stop and then started driving, the same thing would occur. As I got home, I called the nearest dealership, david stanley Chevrolet here in Oklahoma city, to make an appointment to have it looked at. It sat in the garage for the duration of the weekend, and then I took it in this morning (Monday Aug.22nd) for my appointment. As I was driving from my house to the dealership (around 8 miles) I noticed that it had gotten worse. A few times on the trip I did not think that it was going to make it the whole way there and then about a mile or so from the dealership, the check engine light came on. Later, I had to go in reverse after I arrived and found that the car would not shift into reverse. I dropped it off to have them do the diagnostic on it for $120. As I got home, my wife and I did some research on our car, trying to figure out what it might be while the diagnostic was taking place. I have to say that I was shocked by what I found. Website after website with comments from other Chevy Malibu owners ranging from 2000, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 describing the exact same issues I was having. All describing a "broken 35R wave plate" that results in a "loss of reverse gear, slipping or harsh 3rd or 5th gear shift"..

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

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problem #55

Aug 192016

Malibu

  • 70,000 miles
As I pulled out from work, I noticed that as the car should have been going into second or third gear, the RPM's just revved. I was heading down a hill at the time, and when it got to around 30-35 mph, the gear caught (thank goodness because it was starting to get a bit scary at that moment) and was able to be driven like normal. I had a few stop lights along the way home, and each time that I came to a complete stop and then started driving, the same thing would occur. As I got home, I called the nearest dealership, david stanley Chevrolet here in Oklahoma city, to make an appointment to have it looked at. It sat in the garage for the duration of the weekend, and then I took it in this morning (Monday Aug.22nd) for my appointment. As I was driving from my house to the dealership (around 8 miles) I noticed that it had gotten worse. A few times on the trip I did not think that it was going to make it the whole way there and then about a mile or so from the dealership, the check engine light came on. Later, I had to go in reverse after I arrived and found that the car would not shift into reverse. I dropped it off to have them do the diagnostic on it for $120. As I got home, my wife and I did some research on our car, trying to figure out what it might be while the diagnostic was taking place. I have to say that I was shocked by what I found. Website after website with comments from other Chevy Malibu owners ranging from 2000, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 describing the exact same issues I was having. All describing a "broken 35R wave plate" that results in a "loss of reverse gear, slipping or harsh 3rd or 5th gear shift". my heart sank as I read some of the comments showing what was needed to fix it and then, of course the cost. Technician called back and its a broken wave plate. This is a serious issue! this is a warning..someone will get hurt.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #54

Aug 212016

Malibu

  • 185,000 miles

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

On August 21, 2016 I place my car in reverse to back up out of a parking space in a residential parking lot. Then I attempted to place my car into drive to pull off and the gear shift moved but my car started rolling backwards. So immediately stepped on my emergency brakes so the car would stop. I look at my gear shift and saw it was still in reverse. I played with the gears moving the level back and forth but the car remain in reverse so I turned my car off. When I went to turn the car back on, my car wouldn't start. Not knowing what to do but guessing it was something wrong with the gear shift, with the help of some citizens we tried to push the car back into a parking space. I then called a tow truck to come tow my truck to the closest Chevrolet dealership, lucky me was only 23 miles away. I had a friend come pick me up and take me home where I went online and began doing some research on this part. That's when I came across the recall ref this part. Unknown to me because I never received a letter. The next day the dealership called me and advise me that my transmission gear shift cable needed to be replace. They stated they didn't show any recalls on my VIN no#,so the cost was my responsibility. I called the NHTSA inquiring about everything relating to recall. They could only confirm there is a recall but my VIN is not included. Currently my vehicle is at the dealership waiting to be repaired because they have to order the part.I am very upset because everyone keeps stating recalls are based on the probability of the problem happening to certain cars. Well I am hear to say my VIN was not included but it happen to my car. I could has easily rolled into another vehicle or something else and hurt myself or someone else's property. I can't believe when you have 100's of thousand of cars recalled that the manufactured, in this case GM catches them all.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #53

Jul 112016

Malibu

  • miles
Takata recall my car started to slow down to 35 to 40 mph in the middle of traffic and I call to see if there was a recall and I was told for some models but not mine and it's doing the same as the other cars it's not safe.

- Longview, TX, USA

problem #52

Jul 172016

Malibu

  • miles
I was getting on I10 as I began to merge onto the interstate my car came to crawl did it start to gain power allowing me to merge onto I10 safely. So I thought. As I was reaching 70mph the car stalls ( no steering no engine power) on my dash board it read reduce engine power service traction ! wth out of know where this happen the dash didnt read that till my car stalled and all power was loss. Mind U I have a toddler and an [xxx] with me in a stalled vehicle on the interstate. I called GM they said I had no recall on my car due to my VIN my car at the time was at 65000 mile. That was maybe 1 yr ago starting 7/17/16 at 163000 miles my car stalled twice my service traction control reduce engine power light came on after the car stalls looses power! called the dealer ship to make an appt for Monday because I work and I have two kids this is supposed to be my realibile car. I am scared to drive it to the dealer ship come Monday becauuse I feel it is a danger for me and my family. It stalls with no warning what so ever it takes 20 minutes to start up after a stall out! it is not safe if my car is not in the recall how is it that my car has the same problems as other S?

- St Martinville, LA, USA

problem #51

May 022016

Malibu

  • 70,000 miles
My 2010 Chevy Malibu is having issues with the break lights working in reverse, the ESC traction control sensor is going off. We have replaced the break light switch and it's still not working. I have seen multiple complaints regarding this issue. I am an avid Chevy person, I have had the car in for all recalls and it happened about a year after. Car was in motion

- Kannapolis, NC, USA

problem #50

Jun 232016

Malibu

  • miles

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

First repair, airbag service required. The dealership claimed it was a loose wire. 2nd repair, ESC maintenance required, traction service required, engine power reduced, vehicle will not leave neutral. If gas is applied vehicle jumps and shakes. 3rd is same as 2nd and 4th visit is same as previous except when I received ownership of the vehicle it could not make it out of the parking lot. After mentioning the lemon law the dealership is now trying to blame this technically 5th visit on an ignition coil even though ESC maintenance message was displayed with traction control, engine pwr reduced, the vehocle was still shakig, and now the check engine light is on when it wasn't before.

- Hammonton, NJ, USA

problem #49

Jun 072013

Malibu

  • 92,958 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the traction control and the service ESC warning indicators had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission, the power steering control module, and the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14E044000 (steering ) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,958.

- Deland, FL, USA

problem #48

May 272016

Malibu

  • 65,000 miles
Will not shift into park, checked and found plastic tabs that hold transmission shift cable together were broken as indicated in GM recall notice 12106C. Contacted dealer and was told this recall does not affect my car's VIN. (see attached photo)

- Belmar, NJ, USA

problem #47

Apr 082016

Malibu

  • miles
Brake lights malfunctions, brake lights will be illuminating when brake is not pressed also gear shifter is difficult to get out of park service ESC traction control light comes on this vehicle has been serviced in July 2011, September 2012. August 2013. September 2014, and February 2016 for the same ongoing safety issue. GM doesn't know how to fix it. There was a recall for this very problem recall # 13036 but once they repair it, they consider the recall closed even though they did not fix the problem.

- Tuscumbia, AL, USA

problem #46

Apr 152016

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 45,000 miles
Right now I have the service ESC and service traction light on again for the 3rd time. I took each time to Chevy classic in grapevine tx and they told me no codes the 1st time, took it to clay cooley in irving--light came on then no codes they showed. Today 4-15=16 light came on again and I took it to classic Chevy and they found 3 codes this time. They say I will have to pay for this! I should not since there was an open recall on 5/14/2014 for 2010 Malibu's. my car is doing this now !@!!@ it needs to be fixed at no charge to me!! I feel like this is the most dangerous car on the road for me and my daughter. I don't want to be a statistic if we have a car crash and it was all because Chevy kept making excuses to not fix my crap car for me. The other recall was the brake system not illuminating I got that letter a little too late. Someone rear ended me in Oct 2012 while I was stopped at a red light. Maybe those stupid back brake lights were not working then!!!!!! someone at classic or clay cooolye Chevy needs to fix this ESC light on my car and fix all the recalls for free. I also have an eps recall letter that was sent to me but someone at Chevy told me the light has to come on for them to fix it. This is ridiculous. My car needs to be fixed for all these problems it has no matter if the light is on or not. But the light is on for service ESC and traction right now!@ GM or Chevy needs to pay for it and fix this car. The consumer stated the dealer did not completely fix the problem. They only lubricated and she continued to experience problems with the brakes, service light and ESC light. Also, the front axle was leaking.

- Keller, TX, USA

problem #45

Apr 092016

Malibu

  • 70,000 miles
Was driving on the freeway and my transmission randomly went out. It was slipping with RPM going out of control. Once this started happening my speed and acceleration were not synchronizing so I had to exit. It was a very scary experience and then the check engine light went on. My car is fairly new and had been kept up to par so this came out of nowhere.

- Chino, CA, USA

problem #44

Mar 042015

Malibu

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 65 mph, the check engine, electronic stability control, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle began to jerk but stopped at higher speeds. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was not found. On another occasion, the vehicle jerked before it stalled. The vehicle failed to start and was towed to the contact's residence. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

- Humboldt, TN, USA

problem #43

Oct 132015

Malibu

  • 63,850 miles
I am the owner of a 2010 Chevy Malibu 2lt fwd. I bought the car in August of 2013, since then I have had to have the transmission rebuilt due to the fact that the manufacturer used a faulty 3-5 reverse wave plate. This is the same wave plate that caused significant damage to vehicles in the recall of similar vehicles in the 2007-2009 models. The dealership tried to make it seem like I was some sort of freeloader because I didnt not feel a car with 63000 miles on it should have a bad transmission. When all was said and done the 3-5 wave plate fell apart and shredded my transmission. The car stopped accelerating in traffic, this almost caused an accident not once not twice but 3 times. As the my children were in the vehicle the 1st 2 times the car stopped working properly, the very first time the dealer stated that even though the computer showed the fault codes in the computer from the check engine light stating there was a transmission error since they were not able to make them repeat it was fine. 2 weeks later it happened again and caused me to have to pay $500 after much complaining and pleading as my car was only 5 yrs old with less than 65000 miles on it, but all warantees had just conveniently expired. I feel that this must be looked into, this is the 2nd complaint that I have filed due to the fact that my car still does not run correctly and it has been docuemented that if it happens once it will happen again. These vehicles are not any safer than the earlier models and need to be looked into as were the 2007-2009 models with the same faulty transmission issues. If not then someone is going to be seriously hurt or killed. If I had not been attentive to my car my daughter or I would not be here, or a driver of the other vehicles that could have been involved. As cars should not just stop accelerating because of Chevy neglect to see this problem

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #42

Sep 152015

Malibu

  • 62,300 miles
On 9/15/15 I was making a right hand turn from a red light when I heard a loud pop or bang from my front end, when I stepped on the gas the car would not accelerate. My car was out of warranty so after complaining to the dealership and GM they finally had it towed to the dealer (after 2 weeks) to have it fixed or looked at. The check engine light that was on at the time reset it self but the 2codes found in the computer were the P0716 and P0717 transmission codes but since they were historic (which the check engine light has never come on except for the break light issue) the dealership said my car was fine. I picked it up and off I went. 12 days later the vehicle bucked making a left turn, and the vehicle would not accelerate and the check engine light was back on. I was forced to drive to the dealership when the vehicle would not come out of 1st gear. The transmission was shredded. They would not tell me what codes were in the computer this time. But as I stated was an issue with vehicles from 2007 -2009 the 3-5 wave plate broke and contaminated my transmission. The car is still not 100% running right. The car still hesitates and jumps and has a hard shift with issues accelerating.

- Tonawanda, NY, USA

problem #41

Jul 312015

Malibu

  • 68,924 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the engine rpms rapidly increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was merged to side of the road and parked on the shoulder where he switched from automatic to manual and proceeded driving. The shift lever failed to shift from second to third. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,924.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

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