general problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering did not function as intended. The electronic stability control warning light illuminated and the power steering seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering was difficult to turn or to steer forward. . 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 informed of special coverage program 15356 which had a similar failure description, however the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. In addition, the contact was also informed of nhsta campaign number: 14v252000(electrical system, exterior lightening, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control(esc) which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control). The contact stated that on various occasions and while driving at various speeds, the traction control and power steering disengaged independently as the "reduced engine power" warning message was illuminated and the vehicle velocity dropped down to 10 mph. The contact also stated that the brake lights flickered intermittently without applying the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the intake camshaft actuator, mass air flow and manifold absolute pressure (map) sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failures recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

This isn't the first time I've encountered this exact issue, and have had previous issues after purchasing the vehicle (used) back in 2013. Both times this exact issue at hand occurred, both happened while driving. First time, I was driving in a sharp curve with my children in the back seat. This last time I was driving on the highway. Luckily nothing was hit in either cases, however this past time I pulled muscles in my back straining so hard to try and steer the vehicle to get at least very minimum off the road and onto a side street and to safety. As both times I were driving the esc light came on, and power steering light came on. Resulting in me not being able to brake, or steer - the only steering I were able to do was very strained (as previously stated), I had to put forth extreme efforts to get it to barely turn. The steering wheel acted as if it were locked. This needs to be addressed, and covered under a recall as I've read/heard a multitude of the same issues that are all common with this exact year, model/car. And for this be such a danger, it needs to be corrected before it costs someone their life. I'm terrified to think what if everyone around me weren't paying attention when both events took place, it could've resulted in my life. My spouse being single raising our precious 4 children. How chevy/gm can live knowing these issues happen and not address it is horrible, knowing very well it could result in a life I'd not more being lost. The only way I could get the lights to turn off and me to be able to drive, I had to shut the car off, wait, and turn it on in order to continue my drive to work. I'm terrified to drive this death trap of a car, especially knowing these issues could happen at any time, without warning or reason. This needs to be fixed. Otherwise this is a lawsuit just waiting to happen.

My vehicle is experiencing all symptoms related to NHTSA campaign number: 14v252000 and there is no active recall for my VIN. That problem his causing high voltage which keeps causing electrical issues like burning cables to the headlights and not getting power to multiple interior equipment such as the ipc which stops working while driving and I am no longer able to my speed and other information. I also get a engine power reduced error from a bad connected from the app to the bcm, code p1238.

My vehicle has approx. 91,500 miles. Upon starting the car recently, an error appeared saying "service traction" and "engine power reduced. " the vehicle could not go above 35 mph and the traction control system was disabled. Upon inspection by the dealership, they discovered the sunroof drain tubes had shrunk and water had accumulated in the floorboard, eventually leading to corrosion. I have researched this issue and found several other drivers reporting issues with the drain tubes becoming disconnected and causing leaks. I have also found several instances where drivers lost engine power on the highway. If this were to happen, it could easily cause a crash.

The esc lights, traction control lights and abs lights are on. Took it to the dealership in January and they �fixed� it by replacing the hub assembly. Worked ok for a month. Lights are back on as well as randomly while driving the speedometer, gas gauge, temp gauge, and rpm's will drop to 0 then back to normal and this will continue for the a whole trip. Then the next day or few days it will be fine then do it again. All the lights are on continuously.

I was driving at 70 miles per hour, the steering wheel started shaking and locked up, I almost loss control of the car. This is my 2nd 2011 Malibu and the other car had the same problem. It an issue with the power steering control. The car is currently cannot be driven.

Per online reviews from recalls for 2011 Malibu the power steering warning light flashed. This recall was not sent to me, however, my car is affected.

The esc turns off pretty much every time I drive the car. Last Monday the check engine light came on when the transmission was slipping m. The the transmission would no longer shift and the solenoid is stuck open while driving home from work. Prompting the dealership to try and sell me a whole new $5,000 trans. When the car only has 130,000 miles on it. The transmission has been running slow on acceleration but has never been stuck in first gear leaving me left on the side of the road waiting for help to come get me. The headlight burn out like every 6 months resulting in taking off the bumper or paying $200 from the dealership for a $5 bulb. I have no pictures since my car is at the dealership waiting for me to either go get or pay for the transmission.

The abs, esc, and service traction lights came on while I was on the interstate suddenly my cruise control stopped working. I exited the highway and as my car came to a complete stop it started rolling backwards and the breaks locked up so I couldnt stop. It only stopped rolling after putting the car in park, hitting the emergency break, and quickly getting the key out before hitting the family behind me. I tried to turn on my hazards and they wouldnt come on. I restarted the car, and the whole dash was flickering. After trying this 3 times it started, but when I tried to accelerate the car went to 7/8 rpm and did nothing. Then it started to roll backwards again before I could put it in park I was thrusted forward into the center of a roundabout. After that it began to drive. I was less than 5 minutes from a family members home so I tried to make it. I was able to get the car going 30 mph for less than 5 minutes before the speed immediately dropped to zero, and the car began to roll backwards again. My face hit the steering wheel because of the jolt which resulted in facial bruises. The air bags did not deploy. When this issue happened all of the electric in the car started going crazy. I was on a backroad, and luckily a good samaritan stopped to help me. I called my uncle who is a mechanic who towed me back to the house. This isnt the first time ive had issue with these warnings coming up and then I have to suddenly start fighting to survive being trapped in a car trying to kill me. Since this last incident I have not tried to drive the car. After seeing multiple mechanics they confirmed this was a common issue in this year make and model of the vehicle. No one seems to know what has been causing this. This kind of issue could kill someone. It needs to be investigated, and gm needs to be held responsible for selling unreliable, unsafe, death traps to consumers.

These are recalls that I was never made aware of and have not been repaired.

When we are driving the car it will start shaking, the esc light comes on and the car completely dies. This has happened while driving 15 mph and 70 mph on city streets and highways. We have had it in multiple shops and been told this is a common issue nobody has found a resolution for. Very dangerous and afraid to put our kids in the car as we don't know when it will do it, there hasn't been a common variable.

Vehicle lights dim, loss of power, esc, traction control, illuminates on dash. Car sputters with no acceleration. Car is unable to turn. This happened as I began to leave my subdivision, luckily I was able to push it back. I have a new battery no car will not crank unless I have a jump.

Esc light comes off and on headlights burnout after maybe a few months of being changed for the last couple years.

Service esc light came on and disabled my engine twice! 1 time on February 14,2019 which I was told it was the throttle body got that replaces in March. Come June samething happened service esc engine disabled and we had to be towed off of the expressway in June of 2019. After taking the car to the mechanic to get it serviced for the same issue again I was told that the body control module has a shortage in it and fuses in my fuse box had melted to the fuse box and caused a shortage ! the car stopping on the expressway could have killed me and my mom!!!.

I recently obtained my 2011 Malibu lt from superior auto in bedford, in. It is a truly outstanding machine. I was pleased with the entire ecotec 2. 4 engine and fuel economy. The drivetrain is a little different topic. I was looking forward to trying the new push button shift setup. It was smooth for the first 3 weeks or so. Oh by the way it barely turned 105,000 on the odometer. It started with 3rd shifting late and hard. Then it was reverse not catching once shifter was engaged, making me use my brake to stop the vehicle. All of a sudden it completely stopped pulling forward or reverse. Initially I assumed transmission just burned out. Waited until the next morning, trying again and it engaged gear. It was ultimately short lived, once transmission warms it starts to fail completely. I'm very disgruntled and disappointed in the car company I was raised on. As well as my family for generations. Not to mention, this my very first chevy buying on my own. Please return my concerns please. I purchased the Malibu from a local buy here pay here. This leaves me on a most aggravated note, due to me being absolutely hustled into paying for a operationaless motor vehicle from what I once thought was 2nd to none, Chevrolet and gm in general. I am very disappointed and will most definitely never buy this brand again, as well as my family of 80+ years of business. Gm, has lowered itself to an all time low! please return my submission ASAP. I need transportation for my union career I drive a very large amount for as well. Minds blown by the utter laziness of this massive auto titan. Disgusted!!.

My check engine light has been coming on lately. So I took it to a place so they could check it. The results states that the camshaft position sensor needs to be replaced. My lights are dimming, the bright headlights symbol comes on if I am sitting under a viaduct, the radio is disappearing on the dashboard, and my heating system is on when it's off. Then the car is jerking erratically when I proceed to drive after a stop. My vehicle is under 50,000 miles. It's at 48342 now. I need to know if there are any recalls because 3 years ago I,was under 35000 miles and had to pay for a new engine that should have been covered under the emissions act, and I had to pay $800 for that, plus getting disrespected by the manager at the dealership. Please let me know if anything comes up concerning this matter. Thank you.

While driving service traction and service esc lights come on and car starts driving weird and doesn't feel safe!.

Takata recall. I have recalls that Chevrolet not picking up. All the recalls are happening to my car. When it rain the traction system light comes on, my lights bulbs constantly go out, my cigarette light starked fire. When turning a curve my car halts or stall and jerk. There are so many things going on with the car that I can explain. When it rain my car pulls or goes off road I have to drive really slow because I am afraid that I will loose control of the vehicle do the braking system etc.

I went to start my vehicle and immediately got an esc/power steering alert. I had no power steering and not able to drive my car.

Lights on panal come on go off when I stop the car and turn back on. I was driving maybe 30-35 mph on city street going straight. No we rain, pot holes or speed bumps.

Update on complaint #'s 1144041 & 11172602. On 2/8/19, I was 2 blocks from work when messages displayed for (service ecs, reduced engine power, check engine light). I drove right from work to the dealership, which was 9 miles away, with my hazards on and at a max speed of 25 mph. I drove it into the bay and told a service advisor that I was told to bring it back while the problem we keep trying to fix was actually happening. He tried to get someone to come hook up the code reader to it but was unable to so he turned off my car. I received a voicemail mid-day Monday 2/11/19 to say that because my battery had been out of my car too long, they had to relearn the throttle body assembly. I left a message to specifically say that the last time the battery had been out of my car to my knowledge was 3/2018. When they called back, their conclusion was that the battery had not been installed or secured properly which caused them to have to relearn the throttle body assembly. On 2/19/2019, it happened again but they could not read a code when I brought it in, so was again sent to come back when it was occurring so they could hook up the code reader while it was happening. On 3/5 I drove my car to them while it was displaying the messages and running rough. They again tried to put the blame on the battery. Even though the codes where p2176 and p2135, the recommended fix was new battery and battery cables ($733). I still had warranty for that battery as it was installed nearly a year ago after the first incidence, so I went back to that auto shop. He did not find anything associated to battery but did find gm bulletin from 2012 (pip5019). He re-crimped throttle body circuit pins after doing a pen out test at ecu. It is now 3/25 and no other issues! hoping we have found root of the problem. No thanks to dealer or chevy customer care. . .

Code p2135.

Service esc message - esc off message - and power steering messages come on and I cannot turn my car. Happens multiple times while driving on daily commute and causes me to be put in dangerous situations especially on the expressways. There is not always a place to pull over. These indicators happens whether driving or sitting still. Service air bag message stays on.

The power steering was lost as I was driving my vehicle in a city road. I was driving approximately 25 miles an hour on a straight road, not turning at the time. The service esc light came on. The car jerked to the side, which was terrifying with my two young kids in the car. This repair was covered under the gm bulletin 15356 and the dealership replaced the eps motor and torque sensor. However, since having the work done, the mechanic informed me that my steering column is now bent. As I have not been in any accident, this could only be from the impact of losing my power steering. I feel like this repair should be covered under this special bulletin as well. This power steering failure jeopardized the safety of my family and this should be made a full recall covering all the steering components to the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. I would like to be reimbursed for what will be over $700 to fix the issue caused by this power steering failure.

Power steering fails without warning, reststart if works foine for a whille. . . Very dangerous. But my question is, why the special warranty for gm bulletin 15356 is not showing up on your website. I was never given a recall notice by mail. I hasd to do internet research to find my recall. This is some shady s%^t. Never buying a chevy again. This should be a crime.

Esc off "service traction control" lights flashed on upon start of vehicle, power steering was off/not working. After restarting the vehicle, the errors disappeared and it was driveable. This happened 7-8 times over the course of 2 weeks, as it became more frequent the vehicle was taken in for service and the steering column replaced. The steering wheel also would shake when driving, especially while turning, and this was a danger at times on icy roads in north dakota!!.

Upon starting my 2011 Malibu, the alert tone sounded and a message appeared flashing "power steering and also esc". It was almost impossible to turn wheel. I shut the car off, waited a minute, then started it again. It was fine, but has done the same thing several at least once daily over the last week. When error message is not present, the wheel pulses & moves- while in park and in drive. 149,700 miles on car.

I was driving down troy Ave in illinios when my car all of a sudden lost power and said engine reduce and and steering wheel got stiff. I went all the way from 60 to 20 mph and almost crash and got hit from behind. I have had this problem non stop after fix after fix. But nobody seems to know the problem. Then my head light go in and out on the right side ever since I had it fixed over and over.

This is an update on NHTSA complaint #11144041. I brought it to dealer early November 2018, but they did not find anything wrong as there were no codes. Last week Tuesday(1/22/19), it happened again(reduced engine power, service esc, check engine light, traction control light) while driving on my way to work. I was about 2 miles from home slowing down from 45 mph to stop at light , I had my husband bring it in to check codes when dealership opened. They replaced accelerator pedal assembly and put a new pigtail on throttle body. It happened again on Saturday (1/26/19)when I was 4 miles from home on a city street at 45 mph. I drove it the last two miles to work w/ hazard light on and slowly as I could only get speed up to 25-30 mph. I tried several times to turn off and restart car to "reset" to normal. Today the dealer is replacing the throttle body assembly. This will be the third one in 7 months at a cost of over $1000 in repairs. Dealer will not look at any other options until it has cleared this code. Seems to me, there must be a wire, fuse or something else electrical wrong that keeps tripping this code. I have receipts of all work done to date.

Car shut off after driving to the store, it wouldn't start and said service esc.

My headlights keep going off. I use to hit the front and it turns on but not anymore. Had it fixed 3 times within a year. No ac doesn't turn on when I start the car as well.

Takata recall. Power steering and esc light came on while bcar was warming up for the first time, it comes and goes as it pleases sometimes while in motion, sometimes while stationary, and makes it difficult to turn or steer. It also makes my car feel as if the wheels are about to fall off the front end. My air bag light is also on and won't go off. Guessing it doesn't work. Pulled some codes but nothing for power steering, attached are a few images of a few codes that were pulled. Not all codes.

While driving on the road, the car will just stop moving forward although the engine is still running. We have to immediately pull off the side of the road, which is very difficult to do in heavy traffic. The indicator lights for power steering / esc come on and the chimes ring 3 times. Upon stopping the car, if the engine remains off for approximately 5 minutes, then the car will start back up and run normally for up to 2 months before it has the same problem again. This has happened at least 6 times over the past 18 months. We have had the car to the local Chevrolet dealer in st. Louis 4 times but they have been unable to determine the source of the problem. They have replaced a number of parts related to the power steering but this has proven to be ineffective. We also replaced the battery and cleaned the cables with no results. This is a real safety issue and the mechanics at the dealer have no idea how to fix it. We cannot believe our 2011 Malibu is the only car with this problem.