This page covers 2 recalls, 1359 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu.
20–29 mpg combined
8.1–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 8 tested variants for this model year.
Steering is the dominant story with the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, accounting by far for the largest share of complaints filed. Owners most commonly describe the electric power steering cutting out intermittently or failing outright, typically accompanied by a power steering warning light on the dash. The stability control warning light often illuminates alongside the steering alert, and some owners report the two lights cycling on and off unpredictably. A common pattern is that cycling the ignition sometimes temporarily clears the condition, but it returns. Exterior lighting is the second most-reported system, with owners describing headlight and taillight failures. Electrical system complaints round out the top three, often described as warning lights, unexpected system shutdowns, or accessories behaving erratically. The steering complaints are notably consistent in symptom: increased steering effort combined with dashboard warnings, sometimes resolving briefly after a restart and then recurring.
1,359
Total Complaints
41
Crash-Related
14
Fire-Related
35
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has 2 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's frontal airbag inflator, which can explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death.
The second recall affects the electronic stability control system, which can fail to function correctly and reduce the vehicle's ability to maintain control during certain driving conditions, raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator can become overpressurized and explode during a crash when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front driver air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
A loose connection in the Body Control Module causes voltage fluctuations in the brake sensor circuit. This can make brake lights stay on or not light up, prevent cruise control from disengaging, allow the car to shift out of Park without pressing the brake, and disable traction control and stability features.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the wiring harness to the Body Control Module with a spacer, apply lubricant to connectors, and recalibrate the brake pedal position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
