2011 Chevrolet Malibu Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 235about this part
- Share
- 24%of 978 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 235 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 24% of the 978 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 14 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The metal on side of seat broke causing the seat not to be able to adjust. Also, electrical problems lighter had shortage and speaker sounds increase and decrease with being adjusted, and the light for the tire pressure remain on even when the tires has sufficient air. I didn't notice an exact time the defect happen. I just notice the affects while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11342520, filed 2020-07, 85,876 miles“I have gotten my low beam headlights changed on both sides twice, costing me $150 each time due to having to remove the bumper, and they keep going out!!! I work at night in an area heavily populated with deer, among other issues with just needing to have my headlights working regularly. I don't have money to keep replacing them! And I just got it in october.”
NHTSA complaint #11301878, filed 2020-01, 104,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10995785, filed 2017-06, 120,000 miles“My passenger headlight went out on the highway at night. I replaced the light and it went out the next day. I took the car to get serviced and found out that the headlight pigtail was melted.I believe the problem to be the drl relay switch because there are numerous Chevrolet models having this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11233511, filed 2019-07, 142,000 miles“I was driving down troy ave in illinios when my car all of a sudden lost power and said engine reduce and and steering wheel got stiff. I went all the way from 60 to 20 MPH and almost crash and got hit from behind. I have had this problem non stop after fix after fix. But nobody seems to know the problem. Then my head light go in and out on the right side ever since I had it fixed over and over.”
NHTSA complaint #11173231, filed 2019-01, 130,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 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.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11010421Oct 3, 2024This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11007196Sep 6, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11002441Jun 14, 2024This service bulletin provides information for engine oil life monitor operation calculation.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 33% |
| 2024 | 18 | 41% |
| 2023 | 12 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 33% |
| 2021 | 30 | 33% |
| 2020 | 57 | 29% |
| 2019 | 62 | 32% |
| 2018 | 192 | 27% |
| 2017 | 161 | 23% |
| 2016 | 222 | 26% |
| 2015 | 68 | 25% |
| 2014 | 86 | 25% |
| 2013 | 376 | 45% |
| 2012 | 291 | 32% |
| 2011 | 235 | 24% |
| 2010 | 295 | 22% |
| 2009 | 368 | 24% |
| 2008 | 233 | 24% |
| 2007 | 113 | 12% |
| 2006 | 142 | 13% |
| 2005 | 180 | 18% |
| 2004 | 151 | 13% |
| 2003 | 289 | 51% |
| 2002 | 259 | 46% |
| 2001 | 285 | 40% |
| 2000 | 199 | 22% |
| 1999 | 144 | 18% |
| 1998 | 130 | 13% |
| 1997 | 87 | 20% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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 complaintsBrakes
44 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 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