2011 Chevrolet Malibu Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 5%of 978 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,725miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the brakes of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 5% of the 978 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,725 miles. 9 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.
“Saturday around about 2 pm on 2/2/2019. In vehicle traveling in left lane on highway 72. Vehicles were at complete stop at traffic light. When the traffic light changed and the vehicles began to move about low MPH to gradually flowing with moving traffic. I removed my foot from brake my vehicle initiated an acceleration. It seemed strange since the vehicle completely stopper on a slight incline. My vehicle propelled without the help of acceleration as traffic were at low MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #11302153, filed 2020-01, 69,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11290630, filed 2019-12, 96,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11191938, filed 2019-03, 114,900 miles“While driving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu ltz, I experienced brake failure. This failure was only temporary; while driving approaching a stop light, I went the apply the brakes and the pedal had almost no pressure. It almost went the the floor before I began pumping the brakes. Unfortunately this did not work, which LED to my car rear ending the vehicle in front of me. After bringing the vehicle to a stop, I made my best attempt to inspect the brakes and brake fluid, and noticed almost nothing. The only thing I had noticed was slight low brake fluid. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363307, filed 2020-10, 68,000 miles“Took my car in to dealer because it started shaking violently going 20 MPH, needed a new transmission is what I was told, had the transmission put in and now the ESC, and other lights are on!”
NHTSA complaint #10726223, filed 2015-06, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 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 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
235 complaintsSteering
214 complaintsElectronic stability control
174 complaintsEngine
160 complaintsExterior lighting
130 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
112 complaintsAir bags
93 complaintsVehicle speed control
87 complaintsOther or unknown
75 complaintsSeat belts
53 complaintsSeats
38 complaintsFuel system
37 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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