Two problems related to battery dead have been reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2011 Malibu.
When I first purchased the vehicle the engine light would constantly come on and go off but now the engine light is always on. I just recently started having issues with the airbags on the passenger side not being engaged and the engine esc comes on whenever it pleases, even when the weather is good outside. Last weekend, my battery died for the first time, I'm just glad that I had someone to jump me off. My primary concern is my headlights. I have gotten pulled over by the police 3 times due to my intermittent headlights. The first time my right side headlight went out, a officer pulled me over and informed me of the issue, so I got it fixed the very next day. A week goes by and I get pulled over again and the officer informed me but this time I informed the officer that I just changed the bulb a week ago and he mentioned that it could be the wiring. After the officer left, I got out my car and hit the headlight with my fist and it came back on just to go back out the next day. I went to my local mechanic and he changed the light bulb socket. That only lasted 3 or 4 weeks and now I literally have to ride with my headlights on bright or can't be out at night. After going to multiple auto shops, they all says that it's the wiring, which I already knew because the gages on my dashboard lights up like christmas lights every other day.
While traveling at a slow speed (betw 10-20 mph) on 3/20/17, the car started to shake, the service esc message light turns on, and service traction control light turns on (with message that car will power down). So, if I pull over to the side of the road and shut the car off (before it shuts down on it's own), wait 2 minutes for the computer to reset, then get rpm up quick (so the speed is quickly above the 20 mph), then it is wouldn't do it and I could get it to the mechanic. When the mechanic went to check it, the battery was dead, so no luck with computer scan. He put in new battery. So I drove it and it did it again. I took it to the mechanic and he checked it and he replaced the gas pedal (computer code indicated a bad sensor). However, it did not take care of the issue. Brand new battery and still draining battery (overnight). Mechanic thinks a relay may be staying open somewhere however isn't sure. Currently not drivable due to the shaking and that service esc and service traction control messages come on with statement that vehicle will power down (while driving). First occurred on 3/20/2017 and is still occurring 4/20/2017 (mechanic hasn't been able to fix)! been dealing with a slow battery drain since purchased car in July 2016. If didn't drive car for 5 days, battery would be dead (4th day was still ok). Then in March 2017, other issue started and the battery drain became much worse. Now brand new battery and will drain completely dead overnight. Huge electrical issue. Car has 85,000 miles on it.