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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,108 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Chevrolet Malibu Owner Comments (Page 2 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #138

Dec 212018

Malibu

  • 70,000 miles

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

While driving on the road, the car will just stop moving forward although the engine is still running. We have to immediately pull off the side of the road, which is very difficult to do in heavy traffic. The indicator lights for power steering / ESC come on and the chimes ring 3 times. Upon stopping the car, if the engine remains off for approximately 5 minutes, then the car will start back up and run normally for up to 2 months before it has the same problem again. This has happened at least 6 times over the past 18 months. We have had the car to the local Chevrolet dealer in St. Louis 4 times but they have been unable to determine the source of the problem. They have replaced a number of parts related to the power steering but this has proven to be ineffective. We also replaced the battery and cleaned the cables with no results. This is a real safety issue and the mechanics at the dealer have no idea how to fix it. We cannot believe our 2011 Malibu is the only car with this problem.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #137

Oct 012019

Malibu

  • 136,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 65 mph, the timing chain failed and caused the vehicle to lose all power. The driver was able to coast over to the side of the road. The driver attempted to restart the engine, but it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to ozark Chevrolet (1020 N 18th St, ozark, mo 65721, (417) 297-0091) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain system failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the same dealer on several occasions for a period of three to six months for not operating correctly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

- Ozark, MO, USA

problem #136

Aug 192019

Malibu

  • 5 miles
Takata recall... the undercarriage fell down unexpectedly while driving. The most important thing is that I have been continually getting an error that my engine reduced/engine disabled and it shuts off while I'm driving on the street. I may get a few seconds of motion to get to the side of the road before it stops completely. It's happened with my child in the car and that scares me more to think it may happen again. It has happened 3 time in the past 5 weeks. I've had a tune up and a number of things replaced in the past 12 months. My engine light came on again and one of the same sensors on the engine had to be replaced again.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #135

Jun 072019

Malibu

  • 48,332 miles

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

My check engine light has been coming on lately. So I took it to a place so they could check it. The results states that the camshaft position sensor needs to be replaced. My lights are dimming, the bright headlights symbol comes on if I am sitting under a viaduct, the radio is disappearing on the dashboard, and my heating system is on when it's off. Then the car is jerking erratically when I proceed to drive after a stop. My vehicle is under 50,000 miles. It's at 48342 now. I need to know if there are any recalls because 3 years ago I, was under 35000 miles and had to pay for a new engine that should have been covered under the emissions act, and I had to pay $800 for that, plus getting disrespected by the manager at the dealership. Please let me know if anything comes up concerning this matter. Thank you

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #134

May 162019

Malibu 4-cyl

  • 89,865 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to dick genthe Chevrolet (866-874-7380, located at 15600 eureka rd, southgate, mi 48195) and the contact was asked if she wanted the vehicle repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 15V269000 (seat belts). The contact approved the recall repairs. Six days later, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not ready and she was not allowed to see or retrieve the vehicle. The contact was called two hours later to pick up the vehicle. When the vehicle was started, the air bag indicator illuminated. The technician informed the contact that the failure made the vehicle unsafe to drive and it needed to be diagnosed. The contact stated that there was no air bag failure with the vehicle prior to the repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered a $250 discount towards the repairs ("take or leave it"). the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 89,865. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Wyandotte, MI, USA

problem #133

Nov 022017

Malibu

  • 129,000 miles
The wiring on my vehicle has always been messed up causing my check light engine to stay on at all times. I've had multiple machinists look over my vehicle and have spent lots of money trying to get this issue fixed.

- Richmond, IN, USA

problem #132

Apr 222019

Malibu

  • 60,000 miles

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

Every time this has happened the car has been in motion. 3 times within a year this car has just died on me. Have all power to dashboard lights and radio but the engine shuts off and wont restart. First time I was told it was low on oil. Second time it sat for 2 days and cranked right up. 3rd time the plenum on the egr valve was cleaned. It seems odd to me that these 3 things would all cause the same exact issue. Thankfully it has not happened in heavy traffic and was able to coast out of the road

- Louisa, VA, USA

problem #131

Mar 142019

Malibu

  • 67,000 miles
My 2011 Chevy Malibu with 2.4 ecotec just broke a timing chain guide. 67,000 miles. Was getting the P0016 and P0017 crank / cam correlation codes. Man am I ticked!! I bought this car with 18,000 miles always changed oil. GM will do nothing!! I have owned a 2001 Saturn L200 that broke a timing chain with 106,000 miles and crashed the head. GM would do nothing!! I had a cutlass supreme and cutlass Sierra in the 90's. both of these cars had the outer harmonic balancer ring just come un-glued and fall off! GM did nothing. This is the last straw for me, I am now focused on Honda who actually cares about reliability!!!!!

- Greentown, IN, USA

problem #130

Feb 212019

Malibu

  • 145,000 miles
Car continues to go into reduced engine power and will not drive/run longer than five minutes. I have already had all recalls fixed on the vehicle including the one that supposedly fixed this problem.

- Soldier, IA, USA

problem #129

Oct 102018

Malibu

  • miles
It is noted that the exhaust manifold on the 3.3 L four-cylinder engines for years have a cracked exhaust manifold there by leaching carbon monoxide into the cab interior of said automobiles. Parts of carbon monoxide have been noted to be 20 to 30 ppm when readings have been done

- Monee, IL, USA

problem #128

Jan 272019

Malibu

  • 138,000 miles

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

Ecs light, check engine light came on, reduced engine power, ABS light, code throws map sensor error. Happens after vehicle go through the carwash or get slush and moisture from the road. Map sensor connector seems to be causing the electrical issue. Very dangerous going down the road, happened suddenly while not expecting it.

- Mosinee, WI, USA

problem #127

Jan 102019

Malibu

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was pulled over and shut off. The vehicle sputtered and the check engine indicator illuminated, but the vehicle was able to restart. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body was defective and located diagnostic code number: P2135. The contact made an appointment for the repairs to be performed at dave gill Chevrolet (4700 E broad St, columbus, oh 43213, (614) 364-4376) on January 15, 2019. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #126

Jan 102019

Malibu

  • 77,400 miles
Car shut off after driving to the store, it wouldn't start and said service ESC

- Roseville, MN, USA

problem #125

Dec 112018

Malibu

  • 160,556 miles
While normal driving. Car will give the following error codes: "service ESC" "service traction" "ESC off" and "engine pwr reduced" back to back. The car will power itself down until ~10 mph while making a rattling noise. The car will start and act as if everything is fine once I pull over and fully shut the vehicle off. This happens at any point, driving highway or neighborhood speeds, while turning and even when idle.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #124

Apr 012017

Malibu

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start upon attempting to turn the key in the ignition. Wood motor company (600 us-62, harrison, ar 72601, (870) 741-8211) indicated that there was an internal electrical and engine failure that required diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that the repair may be extensive. The dealer indicated that the timing chain, gear, belt, and valves within the engine assembly may need to be replaced. The dealer also stated that the pistons had not been firing at the right time and there was an internal meltdown of the dashboard area. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

- Forsyth, MO, USA

problem #123

Oct 122018

Malibu

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 20 mph, the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to shepherds Chevrolet Buick (1520 E 9th St, rochester, in 46975, 574-223-2136) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to call NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

- Rochester, IN, USA

problem #122

Nov 042018

Malibu

  • 80,000 miles
I brought this vehicle three years ago from the original owner with 60,000 miles kept up with all the maintenance etc. And today the vehicle left me stranded a few blocks from my house. I currently have a no start no cranking issue all the diagnostic from fuses, relays, fuel pressure, ignition switch, battery, etc where done leading us too believe its a BCM issues as too seeing that many other Chevy Malibu and other GM products are experiencing these same issues

- Winter Park, FL, USA

problem #121

Aug 222018

Malibu

  • 55,661 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle made a popping sound and stopped. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Also, while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle decelerated to approximately 20 mph and the steering lost power. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact noticed smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to the contact's house. The dealer was not called and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 55,661.

- Levittown, PA, USA

problem #120

Aug 132018

Malibu

  • 160,000 miles
When I start the car the traction control light comes on ESC comes up and says it turned off. When stationary it will just die, when driving it will just die doesn't matter if I'm going 75mph on the highway or in the middle of an intersection of city streets!!!!! took it to the dealership they have no clue what's wrong with it I've add mechanics tell me it's my computer but they don't work on my make of a car. The car may start up or not. I've read of a recall for this particular problem back in 2014 for this make, model, and year. They said they fixed? and this happened when I first bought the car in 2016 after they kept it for 90days for the seat belt recall.

- Fort Scott, KS, USA

problem #119

Jul 072018

Malibu

  • 52,000 miles
Sometimes at stops (stationary), car stalls, could cause an accident..it will start again when ignition is turned on again as if nothing was wrong.

- El Paso, TX, USA

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