What 976 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Eco

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11631492

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.

NHTSA ODI 11629065

About 8 weeks ago first my driver side speaker in the front went out then my passenger low beam light had went out and I had replaced twice then my AC quit working. I thought it was a fuse or battery or alternator issue even checked if it was it a relay fuse and it was not. Then my dash lit up ESC off and then my back driver side brake has been locked up and squealing really bad than my power steering light came on and it’s really hard to turn all of this happened within three weeks and when I looked up recalls and special warranties, my car had a few so I called GM and a couple of dealerships a few times and they have been extremely rude and unhelpful because this is not a wear and tear issue or it being 10 years old. This is clearly a sensor issue that was recalled and had a special warranty for. And I just want my steering, break and heat to work and that’s all I care about but I cannot afford $3000 to fix it when the car is only worth 2000 and I highly doubt that right now. But this is a safety issue for myself and other drivers and I need my car to take my kids to school and to care for my household.

NHTSA ODI 11627507

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of Special Coverage Program: 15356; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. Additionally, the contact was informed of NHSTA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lightening, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11624739

While driving my steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. My dashboard then flashed “ESC” then “power steering” then the traction control issue came on. I eased over turned the car off then on again. The issue cleared until I turned my car off again. my steering wheel started rocking back and forth/side to side. then I stopped to get gas turned it off then when I turned it back on the issue resumed. This time It took 10 mins for the issue to clear. I drove home and the car made noises and etc. I made it home safely but have not attempted to drive the car since.

NHTSA ODI 11624606

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.

NHTSA ODI 11622381

My vehicle battery light came on around 3 weeks ago. I thought my battery was going bad, since I had it for 2 yrs( I bought it from AutoZone 2 yrs ago w/ 2 yrs warranty). But instead it completely stopped and won't start. I had it towed and was told the timing chain broke in the engine and that I need a whole new engine (something I can't afford being on disability). So I am not only seeking if there is a recall with the engine, but if other drivers are having this same issue with their 2011 Malibu. I have about 77,000 miles on it. I'm having a hard time getting to my doctor's appt and picking up my grandkids from school. If nothing shows up, can you please reach out to GM to see if they can give me a discount/rebate to help me get my vehicle fixed. I'm desperate right now. Thank you for your time

NHTSA ODI 11621022

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the power steering assist suddenly failed. The contact used an excessive amount of force to steer the vehicle. The steering stability control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,987.

NHTSA ODI 11619165

I was under this car inspecting the exhaust system when I noticed the steel rear impact beam was rusty. Upon further inspection, I found that it was completely rusted and rotted out and was being held up by the wire for the license plate light. The car has quite a few miles on in but no other parts of the car are rusted like this. An automotive Engineer inspected it and advised us to replace it. There is no way for customers to know of this issue or easily watch out for it and I am concerned that this may be an issue in other Malibus. This is a huge safety issue as there was no rear protection during a crash due to the severity of the rust on this rear impact beam.

NHTSA ODI 11615209

On [XXX] around 1pm me and my mom were in a bad accident we were driving on [XXX] through Columbus Ohio to go down to Kentucky we were at least 50 feet from the truck that was pulling a camper when all of sudden the camper had no brake lights and was not moving my mom pushed the brake all the way to the floor you could feel the car trying to stop but it wasn’t stopping we were only going 25 and should have been able to stop . But we didn’t by till we were in the camper bumper driver side airbag went off but mine in the passenger seat didn’t forcing my head to fly forward then back my seat belt locked to hard I felt I couldn’t breath and I had just had my appendix removed two days before the accident I was screaming in pain I was later on took to the hospital to make sure I was not bleeding on the inside I now sit in my bed feeling hopeless in so much pain . Since I was been laying in bed I Kelly blue booked our 2011 Chevy Malibu to see what I could possibly get from it but then found out there was not one but three recalls Airbag, brakes, and seat belts but I was never notified i did some more digging and found out these are all new my question is why was I never notified about this we have had this car five years and I found all these recalls going all the back to 2020 and we have had it since 2021. I blame Chevy for my car accident they failed to tell me something major was wrong with my brakes and airbag. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11609321

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The power steering warning light and the ESC warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving to her residence by using physical strength to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,401.

NHTSA ODI 11608660

Passenger headlight keeps going out. Have had to replace 4 times in 3 years. Difficult taking off entire bumper

NHTSA ODI 11593651

Power steering issue.

NHTSA ODI 11584738

Several Times now my 2011 Malibu goes into limp mode, at the same time the ESC/TSC lights come on. It has left me stranded in the middle of intersections. Sometimes I can turn the car off and start it again and it sees to reset something because it begins to work again. It happens mostly at lower speeds or sitting in idle at light. Sometimes when I feel it stat to happen I put the car in neutral and rev it to 1500-2000 RPM, then I put it in gear and I can get going. Now I can't get the car to stay running. Shuts off as soon as I start it.

NHTSA ODI 11580257

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while her son was driving 30 MPH, the electronic power steering warning light illuminated, after which the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and after restarting, the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000.

NHTSA ODI 11571678

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the left to enter the left lane, the steering wheel was difficult to operate. The contact used extra effort while turning the steering wheel to keep from crashing into the highway barrier. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to exit the highway and stopped the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that later in the day the failure reoccurred. The contact repeated the process and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred a third time however, after turning off and restarting the power steering functionality had not returned. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering torque angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminating with the seat belt securely buckled. The contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated with the seat belt buckled. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

NHTSA ODI 11569527

2008 to 2012 Chevrolet Malibu's have a confirmed problem by mechanics about the fuel system regarding the electrical components going bad. The fuel pump relay will overheat the wiring behind it, and will shut the car off, regardless of if it is driving or not.

NHTSA ODI 11568680

There wasnt an incident, but the power steering went out in my car and its a problem that the manufacturer knows about so i believe it should be a recall. I had the mechanics at Firestone look at my car and they told me that it needs a lower steering column bracket and motor assembly along with the torque input sensor. The service light came on when the power steering went out the light on the dash says Service ESC Power Steering.

NHTSA ODI 11567165

My power steering Stopped working 4 times in the middle of the road all the power steering lights came on the dash Yes it is available for inspection It is a huge safety problem because the steering wheel stiffen up all of a sudden and u cannot move the steering wheel while driving, i had to stop my car in the middle of the road to avoid collision. I know it had a recall few years back so i took it to Regal Chevrolet dealership in Lakeland but they dismissed me saying Chevrolet wont pay them for this . It happens all of a sudden out of nowhere and it never shows any symptoms prior.it first appeared few years back .

NHTSA ODI 11567243

Power steering stops working while driving at highway speeds. Power steering light illuminates on the dashboard. When this happens, it is barely possible to steer car to the side of the road to prevent accident or injury. Other than brakes defects, this is the most serious safety concern there is.

NHTSA ODI 11566768

Car started having issues with electrical had to put in a new fuel pump then a new ecm. Then car malfunctioned again with electrical issues relating to the wiring harness. There is a recall for my exact model and year but supposedly my car is not affected. I find this rather strange.

NHTSA ODI 11566698

Passenger side low beam headlight bulb connector melted/burnt. Caused low beam to go out on occasion - hit a bump and it switches on/off

NHTSA ODI 11564517

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.

NHTSA ODI 11563364

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel pulled to the left independently. The contact pulled to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The steering control warning light was illuminated after the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty electronic steering assist motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11553476

Torque sensor and my steering column and as I did research GM new that it was faulty

NHTSA ODI 11552239