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2011 Chevrolet Malibu: common problems and reliability
· 7th generationOne of the weaker Malibu years.
978 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Malibu?The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu has 978 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and steering. Owners most often flag timing chain stretch, rattle, and related failures on the 2.4l ecotec.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Malibu years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the Malibu?
Across the 29 Malibu model years we track, complaint volume runs from 69 (2023) to 3,043 (2009). With 978 complaints, the 2011 Malibu sits above the model's median of 848.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 Malibu
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 19V019000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 14V252000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
steering
Campaign 14E044000Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
seat belts
Campaign 15V269000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
What owners report on the 7th generation Malibu
Owner sentiment for the 2008-2012 Malibu is predominantly negative, with the car widely described as mediocre, middle-of-the-pack, and not worth choosing over Japanese rivals unless the price is unusually low.
- Very frequentTiming chain stretch, rattle, and related failures on the 2.4L Ecotec
- Very frequentElectrical problems and gremlins, including body control module issues from moisture
- RecurrentTransmission failures or shift solenoid problems around 100,000-150,000 miles
- RecurrentHeadlight replacement requiring bumper removal
With reports of lights overheating and melting wire harnesses.
- RecurrentOil consumption and leaks on the 2.4L Ecotec
Owner insights for the 7th generation Malibu. Read the full 7th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Malibu listings typically run $13,498–$19,476 across 2016 to 2025 model years.
Other Malibu model years
Compare every Malibu year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Malibu against its rivals
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