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.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in inclement weather, the vehicle displayed DCT: P2138, causing the vehicle to lunge forward, then remain idle for several seconds, before accelerating forward. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that water was intruding into the throttle wiring. The contact was informed that there was no recall for the failure; however, the failure was related to service bulletin NHTSA Campaign Number: 10139090 (Electrical System, Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 100,000.
While driving at highway speed, vehicle stated to shake and the "Engine Power Reduced" and Service ESC. I was able to move to a safe zone and drive the vehicle home. The following day started normal and drove it, same problem occurred.
Engine starts but stalls shortly after. 89,000 miles. Never had any problems like this before. Dash display states "Service ECM, " "service traction control, " "reduced engine power, " etc..A shop diagnosed it with a bad ECM, but that isn't the problem, as it didn't fix it. Based on the codes we're getting ready to swap out the APP (Accelerator pedal position sensor) This is a well known issue, that many other owners of various years have encountered, and reported. In fact, I just read that GM did a recall for newer Malibu's, for this exact same problem, (the APP causing "reduced engine power" and therefore not running) So I'm really not happy. They left out all the older vehicles with the exact same problem!
- Bunker Hill, IN, USA
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The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was diagnosed with needing the fuel pump replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,400.
Stabilitrak control turned on change all spark plugs and wires plus coils. Ran fine 1 week again stabilitrak flashing engine in limp mode. Took ro mechanic replaces lifters cam shaft. One week later again. Rebuild complete motor and still displaying same issue!!!! truck is a lemon
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the reduce engine warning light was illuminated and the vehicle began to decelerate independently. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and driven to her destination. The contact stated she had experienced the failure multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the throttle positioning sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the control computer panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
I was driving on the free way going 65 mph. When I got a message saying traction control and that the engine was losing power. The car then stopped accelerating until it can to a complete stop in a matter of seconds. It almost got me rear ended since the cars are going fast and it lost al speed and power.
My teenage son was driving in the rain when his Malibu gave engine power reduced, service traction, service ESC, and ESC off warnings. Car was barely drivable. This is a safety issue since it happens suddenly and increase the chances of a collision with other vehicles. Code reader showed the P2138 dtc. The headliner above the driver side door was also wet. This appears to be coming from the sun roof. I believe that this leakage is causing electrical connection issues somewhere else in the car that is causing the above mentioned warnings and performance issues. According the the Chevy website, there are no recalls applicable to this car based on its VIN.
Multiple front head light replacement in short period of time within 3 to 4 months replaced 3 times. Noticed warping of faceplate by audio equipment so had to replace that. Then came back from vacation and drove my car for about 20 minutes, parked I went inside store and my daughter was in the car when she said it jumped and then turned off. When I turned it on it said "engine power reduced" "service traction" "service ESC" I drove it to get home. Next morning it was fine to get to work short distance, on way home in hotter time of day (live in Arizona) it did it again. Only 20 miles an hour maxium and gulping gasoline. I was in my car with my 13 year old and it was dangerous as we were driving and all of a sudden we were reduced to 20 mph or less and were almost rear-ended various times, caught mid transition from yellow to red light while making left turn. Very scary. Mechanic drove it and said after only 10 to 20 minutes of driving it did the same thing. Mechanic he ran tests and found relay fuse box issue. Tried to order and was told it was on "national back-order" because this was the same problem many of my vehicle year make and model were experiencing. I had to get rental for 20 days which cost in excess of $500 and wait for part. Pay for parts $223 and labor. These expenses cause incredible financial hardship and stress. Recepts did not go through and screen shots of panel because of size, please reach out so I can provide
Timing chain and engine malfunction. Reviewed the internet and there are thousands of complaints regarding the same thing. The 2.4 ecotech engine was in a class action suit for equinoxs but not Malibu and they have the same issue.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the ESC, the service traction control, and the engine reduced power warning lights illuminated. The vehicle also vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an electrical short in the wiring system, and replaced three different sensors. The technician also reprogrammed the engine control unit. The failures recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
I bought my 2011 Chevy Malibu in March of 2017. Only put 30K miles and it's April of 2020. My car won't crank up sometimes or when I'm idle, it'll start to shake and I haven't drove my car in a week but when I put the key in and try to turn it, nothing comes on. No lights or anything
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the engine disabled message displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
My 2011 Chevy Malibu burning oil I keep having add oil to car on top that timing belt broke chances out exhaust camshaft possible sensor out 2-3 times and code remain later chain guides broke seen 2.4L equinox had recall due to burning oil not sure timing chain brake but heard alot complain about chain guides breaking also seat backing keep calling off latches for them fail every time car just gave me alot of problem control arm going out. Car was made cheap and wasn't meant to last. Car broke down timing chain snapped.burnt oil smell when turn car on coming throw ac when on. 2.4 L ecotec motor is problem as well power train transmission break reverse wave gear making it a costly repair.
When we are driving the car it will start shaking, the ESC light comes on and the car completely dies. This has happened while driving 15 mph and 70 mph on city streets and highways. We have had it in multiple shops and been told this is a common issue nobody has found a resolution for. Very dangerous and afraid to put our kids in the car as we don't know when it will do it, there hasn't been a common variable.
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.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Indianapolis, IN, USA