2010 Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 115about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,363 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 115 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, 8% of the 1,363 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car was making weird noise under the hood. I have maintained my car very well. Come to find out the timing chain broke and smashed all the valves. The mechanic said because of it being in a plastic mechanism, that's a problem and a bad design on Chevrolet's part. I have seen and heard many other people saying the same happened to them. Why hasn't this been recalled yet?”
NHTSA complaint #11365640, filed 2020-10, 172,000 miles“Takata recall my car made a hum sound while accelerating when I just got in it on my 2 minute journey home. While going straight, the car no longer continued to accelerate and stopped on the street. After restarting the car, the engine light turned on and would still not move in any gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11184962, filed 2019-03, 105,470 miles“I was driving on the highway, going 60mph. The car suddenly slowed down to about 5mph and started violently shaking, and I had to quickly pull to the shoulder lane, reduced engine speed appeared on the dashboard, along with ESC traction control . Restarted my car and the light went off. About 15 mins later, it did the same thing. This is extremely dangerous for myself and other people around me.”
NHTSA complaint #10935949, filed 2016-12, 68,000 miles“While traveling at 60 MPH, lost power for a split second then regained. About 5 miles toward destination, at a traffic light I was attempting to make a right turn & when I accelerated, the car completely died with line of traffic behind me. Should this car have died in the midst of heavy rush hour traffic we could have caused a serious accident with a chain reaction of vehicles piling up behind me & possible injuries. . We were slowly creeping around the corner trying to catch a clear path to proceed when the car went dead. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389510, filed 2021-01, 123,000 miles“After replacing a leaking valve cover gasket, I took it for a test drive, after approximately 17 miles, without any warning the engine ceased on me, it died out and had to be towed back to my place”
NHTSA complaint #11180373, filed 2019-02, 124,523 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11007115Aug 8, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007121Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11006670Aug 7, 2024This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 29 | 29% |
| 2021 | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 65 | 34% |
| 2018 | 281 | 40% |
| 2017 | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 | 304 | 36% |
| 2015 | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 | 99 | 11% |
| 2011 | 160 | 16% |
| 2010 | 115 | 8% |
| 2009 | 61 | 4% |
| 2008 | 62 | 6% |
| 2007 | 28 | 3% |
| 2006 | 33 | 3% |
| 2005 | 49 | 5% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 47 | 8% |
| 2002 | 22 | 4% |
| 2001 | 26 | 4% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
454 complaintsElectrical system
295 complaintsElectronic stability control
227 complaintsBrakes
199 complaintsExterior lighting
194 complaintsAir bags
144 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
133 complaintsVehicle speed control
116 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 29, 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