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Model year record

2010 Chevrolet Malibu recalls & problems

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has 4 safety recalls and 1,363 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (455 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints1,363filed by owners
Crashes · fires41 · 14reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths47 · 0reported in complaints
2010 Chevrolet Malibu in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsJan 16, 2019

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 19V0190001,145 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
General 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.
Risk
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N182206630.
SteeringJul 21, 2014

Steering

Recall 14E0440007,304 vehicles

Problem
Dorman 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.
Risk
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
Electronic stability control (esc)May 14, 2014

Electronic stability control (esc)

Recall 14V2520002,440,524 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
General 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.
Risk
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

Components: Electronic stability control (esc); Vehicle speed control › Cruise control; Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch; Exterior lighting › Brake lights; Electrical system › Wiring

Power trainSep 18, 2012

Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 12V460000426,240 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Risk
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2010 Chevrolet Malibu 4-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2010 Chevrolet Malibu NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Malibu Hybrid Hybrid

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Malibu

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Malibu FFV

26mpg combined
City / highway22 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Malibu

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Malibu FFV

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Malibu FFV

23mpg combined
City / highway19 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Malibu

22mpg combined
City / highway18 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Malibu

20mpg combined
City / highway17 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
SteeringColumn; Hydraulic power assist › Power steering fluid4551116100,307 mi
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel; Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer29545785,000 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)22720385,125 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights; Headlights19521397,145 mi
Service brakes18450673,400 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window1462603154,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission13430474,100 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control11641369,750 mi
Engine11501076,000 mi
Unknown or other6400185,426 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door4420570,684 mi
WheelsRim; Hub3310165,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.