general problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

Car started to loose power and wanted to cut off had to drive with both feet put in the shop a few times but couldn't find any wrong finally stopped driving it and then I started back to driving it and still doing the same thing, finally the motor went out. Have notice more Malibu's in this area and surroundings area having problems with the motor.

- reduced engine power, appears on the dashboard. The motor begins to shake, slow down excessively if I'm driving on the highway, and needs to be shut off to reset the computer. Yes, this is available for inspection. However, we are going to try to fix this ASAP, as I drive an hour to and from work each day, this isn't safe, I'm stressed out as soon as I think about driving, and I am worried I'll get stranded on the side of the road. . This puts me and others at risk, because I can be going 70 mph and the alarm goes off and I instantly slow down from 70 to about 30 mph, I need to immediately get to the side of the road, or I might not be able to move out of the way of traffic. I am unable to use the accelerator at this time if I needed to get to a more safe location. This can happen zero times, to 5 times, per my morning drives to work. I need to pull over, put my flashers on, turn off my car, and hope that it resets right away and I can continue my drive. Other times, I need to let it sit at least 5 minutes before the reduced engine power warning goes off. - there were no warnings. It first happened just putting the vehicle into reverse in our driveway. Now it happens when I am driving. We just bought this vehicle used from the gm dealership with no warranty. It is a 2011 Malibu with only 90,000 miles on it. This can happen going from park to reverse, to going highway speeds.

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.

My car stopped running at 78,500 miles. I had it diagnosed twice and I was told the engine needs to be replaced. Even though I bought the vehicle (brand new) in 2010, how can the engine be bad because on the website it states that if the vehicle has more than 100,000 miles then it's possible for that to happen. I am the only owner of the vehicle. I would like to know if other vehicles like mine are having the same issue and if possible, can I get a warranty, or recall to fix it ( or a chevy dealer to pay for it, or at least half). I am on a fixed income and I really need my car fixed to get to my doctor's appt. And the first sign I got was when it was ticking, like a bomb and the esc feature with the tire service and that happened for a couple of months. Then the battery light came on , but my battery was actually good ( had it for 2 years). The ticking became persistent. But previously, my vehicle was involved in an accident in2023. My vehicle was parked and was hit on the driver's side front bumper/fender. The other driver insurance (state farm) paid for the repairs but my vehicle was riding like sideways (it was pulling to the right). I went back twice to have them to check it because it was still not right. But I believe they only did the cosmetic work on the outside, but didn't check on the inside and that hit may have shifted the engine under the hood. I'm at my wits end because of this and I would truly like to have some much needed help on getting my vehicle fixed.

My timing belt snapped which broke my gaskets and messed messed up my engine.

While driving at highway speed, vehicle stated to shake and the "engine power reduced" and service esc. I was able to move to a safe zone and drive the vehicle home. The following day started normal and drove it, same problem occurred.

Esc off shows up on dashboard and after driving I get "engine power reduced".

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in inclement weather, the vehicle displayed dct: p2138, causing the vehicle to lunge forward, then remain idle for several seconds, before accelerating forward. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that water was intruding into the throttle wiring. The contact was informed that there was no recall for the failure; however, the failure was related to service bulletin NHTSA campaign number: 10139090 (electrical system, engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 100,000.

Engine starts but stalls shortly after. 89,000 miles. Never had any problems like this before. Dash display states "service ecm," "service traction control," "reduced engine power," etc. . A shop diagnosed it with a bad ecm, but that isn't the problem, as it didn't fix it. Based on the codes we're getting ready to swap out the app (accelerator pedal position sensor) this is a well known issue, that many other owners of various years have encountered, and reported. In fact, I just read that gm did a recall for newer Malibu's, for this exact same problem, (the app causing "reduced engine power" and therefore not running) so I'm really not happy. They left out all the older vehicles with the exact same problem!.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was diagnosed with needing the fuel pump replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,400.

I was driving on the free way going 65 mph. When I got a message saying traction control and that the engine was losing power. The car then stopped accelerating until it can to a complete stop in a matter of seconds. It almost got me rear ended since the cars are going fast and it lost al speed and power.

My teenage son was driving in the rain when his Malibu gave engine power reduced, service traction, service esc, and esc off warnings. Car was barely drivable. This is a safety issue since it happens suddenly and increase the chances of a collision with other vehicles. Code reader showed the p2138 dtc. The headliner above the driver side door was also wet. This appears to be coming from the sun roof. I believe that this leakage is causing electrical connection issues somewhere else in the car that is causing the above mentioned warnings and performance issues. According the the chevy website, there are no recalls applicable to this car based on its VIN.

Multiple front head light replacement in short period of time within 3 to 4 months replaced 3 times. Noticed warping of faceplate by audio equipment so had to replace that. Then came back from vacation and drove my car for about 20 minutes, parked I went inside store and my daughter was in the car when she said it jumped and then turned off. When I turned it on it said "engine power reduced" "service traction" "service esc" I drove it to get home. Next morning it was fine to get to work short distance, on way home in hotter time of day (live in arizona) it did it again. Only 20 miles an hour maxium and gulping gasoline. I was in my car with my 13 year old and it was dangerous as we were driving and all of a sudden we were reduced to 20 mph or less and were almost rear-ended various times, caught mid transition from yellow to red light while making left turn. Very scary. Mechanic drove it and said after only 10 to 20 minutes of driving it did the same thing. Mechanic he ran tests and found relay fuse box issue. Tried to order and was told it was on "national back-order" because this was the same problem many of my vehicle year make and model were experiencing. I had to get rental for 20 days which cost in excess of $500 and wait for part. Pay for parts $223 and labor. These expenses cause incredible financial hardship and stress. Recepts did not go through and screen shots of panel because of size, please reach out so I can provide.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the esc, the service traction control, and the engine reduced power warning lights illuminated. The vehicle also vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed an electrical short in the wiring system, and replaced three different sensors. The technician also reprogrammed the engine control unit. The failures recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

I bought my 2011 chevy Malibu in March of 2017. Only put 30k miles and it's April of 2020. My car won't crank up sometimes or when I'm idle, it'll start to shake and I haven't drove my car in a week but when I put the key in and try to turn it, nothing comes on. No lights or anything.

Stabilitrak control turned on change all spark plugs and wires plus coils. Ran fine 1 week again stabilitrak flashing engine in limp mode. Took ro mechanic replaces lifters cam shaft. One week later again. Rebuild complete motor and still displaying same issue!!!! truck is a lemon.

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.

Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the driver was driving 65 mph, the timing chain failed causing the vehicle to lose all power. The driver was able to coast over to the side of the road. The driver attempted to restart the engine but it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to ozark Chevrolet dealer, (1020 n 18th st, ozark, mo 65721, (417) 297-0091) where a diagnostic testing was completed and the contact was informed the timing chain system failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the same dealer on severals occasion for a period of three to six months for not operating correctly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. Aw.

My 2011 chevy Malibu with 2. 4 ecotec just broke a timing chain guide. 67,000 miles. Was getting the p0016 and p0017 crank / cam correlation codes. Man am I ticked!! I bought this car with 18,000 miles always changed oil. Gm will do nothing!! I have owned a 2001 Saturn l200 that broke a timing chain with 106,000 miles and crashed the head. Gm would do nothing!! I had a cutlass supreme and cutlass sierra in the 90's. Both of these cars had the outer harmonic balancer ring just come un-glued and fall off! gm did nothing. This is the last straw for me , I am now focused on Honda who actually cares about reliability!!!!!.

Car continues to go into reduced engine power and will not drive/run longer than five minutes. I have already had all recalls fixed on the vehicle including the one that supposedly fixed this problem.

Tl the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was pulled over and shut off. The vehicle sputtered and the check engine indicator illuminated, but the vehicle was able to restart. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body was defective and located diagnostic code number: p2135. The contact made an appointment for the repairs to be performed at dave gill Chevrolet (4700 e broad st, columbus, OH 43213, (614) 364-4376) on January 15, 2019. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.

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.

Timing chain and engine malfunction. Reviewed the internet and there are thousands of complaints regarding the same thing. The 2. 4 ecotech engine was in a class action suit for equinoxs but not Malibus and they have the same issue.

I brought this vehicle three years ago from the original owner with 60,000 miles kept up with all the maintenance etc. And today the vehicle left me stranded a few blocks from my house . I currently have a no start no cranking issue all the diagnostic from fuses, relays , fuel pressure, ignition switch, battery, etc where done leading us too believe its a bcm issues as too seeing that many other chevy Malibu and other gm products are experiencing these same issues.

Tl the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving 20 mph, the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to shepherds Chevrolet Buick (1520 e 9th st, rochester, in 46975, 574-223-2136) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to call NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle began to lose power and decelerated to 5 mph. The esp, abs, and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as the throttle body. The contact was referred to ballas Buick in toledo, ohio (419-386-0187). The dealer was contacted by phone and a diagnostic appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Randomly starting about 3 weeks ago my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu started going into reduced power mode and showing service traction, service esc and eng pwr reduced. The vehicle would shake and suddenly slow down. It showed a p2135 code. The vehicle restarts after a period of time sitting, but the events happen again when it is driven again. It takes approx. 20 miles from when it was started. Researching this p2135 code I found many complaints and they all involved the throttle body or throttle position sensor. I contacted Chevrolet and they told me it wasn't covered under a recall although they do have a special coverage 14582a which is currently open. But they said my VIN was not covered by that program. This is a very dangerous situation and I can't imagine that not all 2011 Malibu vehicles wouldn't be covered.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds, the "reduce power" electronic stability control warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle began to shake. Jack winegardner Chevrolet (11001 indian head highway, fort washington, MD 20744) was made aware of the failure and stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. In addition, the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the throttle body warranty extension and special coverage number: 14582a. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,659.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 20 mph, a warning indicator illuminated that the acceleration would began to decrease to approximately 5-10 mph. The vehicle began to shake and the contact depressed the brake pedal. When attempting to apply the brakes, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and place it in park to turn off the vehicle. The contact noticed the warning indicator illuminated again, indicating the traction control, engine, and esc failed and needed servicing. The contact diagnosed the vehicle at home and received error code p-2135, which indicated that the throttle sensor position needed repairing. The vehicle had not been to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

The wiring on my vehicle has always been messed up causing my check light engine to stay on at all times. I've had multiple machinists look over my vehicle and have spent lots of money trying to get this issue fixed.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. While stationary, the vehicle would not start when prompted. A dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 154,000.

Engine power reduced and the vehicle sounds like it is going to explode. It reduces the speed to 5 mph. You can turn the car off sit for a few minutes and turn the car back on and it runs fine. It does this daily. I have replaced several sensors and it has not fixed the problem. I have also replaced the throttle body twice and that did not fix it either.

Engine light came on while driving on the highway the engine started to lose power going up a hill and then lost all power as we were able to make it off to an exit ramp. Had to have it towed to an auto repair shop since we were in the middle of nowhere driving home. Auto mechanic said the timing chain broke and the entire engine needs to be replaced. Luckily there wasn't much traffic otherwise it could have been worse. No other problems with the car in 6 years and only 66,000 miles. Have heard of this happening on other Malibus. Absolutely ridiculous for this to happen on a new car.

Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the vehicle failed to go in drive position. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the master overhaul kit, pistons, control solenoid, and the torque converter needed to be placed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000. Tw.

My engine light has been on since I purchased the car back in 2014 the dealership said it was no big deal that the light would evenually go out. Upon purchase it had 51,000 miles on it, because they had it for a few weeks due to it having hail damage the finance company wouldn't approve the loan because of problems. The car was riding ok up until a few montha ago I noticed I was loosing power it was driving slower, I started feeling it tugging when I wanted to pick up speed. Then 3 days ago it just wouldn't go in reverse, when I tried to switch back to driving it wouldn't go into drive ultimately I had to have the car towed because the tranmission went out on it. The car only has 71,000 miles on it. I barely drive it anywhere. The engine to look at it is very clean. I looked up all the recalls on my car and none of them I was notified for and there are many. So why am I not getting a letter about this transmission that has obviously gone out. Up until now I was in love with this Chevrolet Malibu and was a devoted customer advising people this was a good car, now I'm not so sure. Looking at all these recalls are alarming.