2010 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Owners have filed 2,204 complaints about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 20.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 13.3%.
Complaints2,204
Crashes72
Fires17
Injuries90
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 20.6% · 455
Electrical system 13.3% · 294
Electronic stability control (ESC) 10.3% · 227
Exterior lighting 8.8% · 195
Service brakes 8.3% · 183
Air bags 6.6% · 146
Power train 6.0% · 133
Vehicle speed control 5.3% · 116
Severity
Of those complaints, 72 describe a crash, 17 describe a fire and 90 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 27 model years of the Chevrolet Malibu in this data, 2010 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2009 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 62 in the last three years against 172 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 82,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning lamp would illuminate sporadically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection however, the technician was unable to diagnose the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The vin was not available. Updated 03/05/14 Steering · reported at 18,000 miles
Power steering went out and I'm told it's a sensor that is in the steering column. Very expensive to have fixed due to location of the sensor. I seen a recall for this problem however it is only good for 150,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased this car 2 years ago with 172,000 miles. This recall should still be valid if it hasn't been repaired. I almost wrecked the car not realizing this happened while driving. Steering
Power steering suddenly went out while driving, I made it home safely then the next day car drove as if nothing was wrong, power steering functioned normally. The following day power steering went out again as I was turning the corner. I turned the car off and then restarted, then it drove fine until I pulled in my driveway the power steering went out again. For the last 4 days it has been going in and out at will. Steering · reported at 128,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…