2010 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 199about this part
- Share
- 15%of 1,363 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 199 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, 15% of the 1,363 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My brake lights are illuminated when I do not push on the brake when I do push on the brake they disappear I can't put my cruise control on when this happens this happens while I'm driving it started happening about a month ago at a hundred and ninety-eight thousand miles but it would go away I was able to turn the car off and back on and it would be fine now it is like that at all times”
NHTSA complaint #11102923, filed 2018-06, 198,000 miles“My 2010 chevy Malibu is having issues with the break lights working in reverse, the ESC traction control sensor is going off. We have replaced the break light switch and it's still not working. I have seen multiple complaints regarding this issue. I am an avid chevy person, I have had the car in for all recalls and it happened about a year after. Car was in motion”
NHTSA complaint #10882881, filed 2016-07, 70,000 miles“The electronic stability control and traction control feature malfunctions and shuts off every time I drive the car. Also, the brake lights do not turn on when I apply the brakes with normal pressure. The brake lights do turn on only if a very great abnormal amount of pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Also, occasionally the brake lights turn on when I do not push the brake pedal at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10955171, filed 2017-02, 66,000 miles“Brake lamp recall for these models do not work. I noticed the issue recently while driving home from work at around 55 MPH at night. My brake lights are on, while my foot is off of the brake pedal. When I place my foot on the brakes, the brake lights go off. This is a serious driving hazard. I've taken the car to get the recall handled, but noticed this morning, that my brake lights are still illuminating when my foot is off the brake pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #11184254, filed 2019-03, 132,000 miles“I own a 2010 chevy Malibu and have had issues with my brake lights coming on when I am not applying the brake. I took my car in and had the brake light switch replaced and the issue is still happening. This is a huge safety issue when my brake lights come on without me applying the brake. In addition, there are time the lights do not come on when I apply the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10573889, filed 2014-03, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 6 | 6% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 50 | 25% |
| 2019 | 27 | 14% |
| 2018 | 69 | 10% |
| 2017 | 73 | 10% |
| 2016 | 104 | 12% |
| 2015 | 16 | 6% |
| 2014 | 45 | 13% |
| 2013 | 46 | 6% |
| 2012 | 74 | 8% |
| 2011 | 44 | 5% |
| 2010 | 199 | 15% |
| 2009 | 153 | 10% |
| 2008 | 89 | 9% |
| 2007 | 51 | 5% |
| 2006 | 70 | 6% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 63 | 11% |
| 2002 | 55 | 10% |
| 2001 | 89 | 12% |
| 2000 | 250 | 27% |
| 1999 | 308 | 39% |
| 1998 | 376 | 39% |
| 1997 | 111 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
454 complaintsElectrical system
295 complaintsElectronic stability control
227 complaintsExterior lighting
194 complaintsAir bags
144 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
133 complaintsVehicle speed control
116 complaintsEngine
115 complaintsOther or unknown
87 complaintsBody and structure
44 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsWheels
33 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology