2011 Chevrolet Malibu Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 1%of 978 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,005miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 978 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,005 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2011 Malibu, I changed my tires out on my car and tire pressure low light came on, then 3 days later service ESC light came on, an I instantly felt like I was in a wrong gear, power and speed reduced, thankfully I wasn't in heavy traffic, I'm under the 5 year warranty can I get service, and is it dangerous for me to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10413254, filed 2011-07, 19,800 miles“I have a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu and had to replace the heating core and now the HVAC system is leaking and damaged all the carpets. I am also hearing a thumping noise in the rear of the car. I have recently brought it back to the dealership and I have to wait for my carpets to dry and we have been having rain showers for days. The only way the dealer is able to dry the carpets is to place them outside. I now have to pay for a rental because my bumper to bumper warranty is expired.”
NHTSA complaint #10524585, filed 2013-07, 20,000 miles“I was slowing down at a very busy intersection, traveling at about 10mph. Suddenly the car started to shake violently and when I pressed on the gas as traffic started to move again, the car would barely crawl forward. The reduced engine power light and traction control light came on. I managed to pull into a parking lot and turned the engine off. I turned it back on and the same problem occurred. Again, I turned the engine off and on and this time the car seemed to drive as normal, however the check engine light remained on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10683390, filed 2015-02, 35,600 miles“I was accelerating from the entry lane of a mostly empty (thankfully) ruralhighway when suddenly a warning message service traction engine power reduced service ESC appeared on the dash monitor.. I lost power and could not get above 45 MPH. The transmission appeared to be locked into a gear level. I contacted chey and they told me it is a safety feature. Here's the problem, if I had been doing a high speed merge on a major highway the power loss could have caused an accident not to mention getting me killed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10382326, filed 2011-02, 18,210 miles“I was driving and when I went over a small hill the car seemed to lose power. The service /ESC message came on. I was barely able to get to the side of the road the car was running but would not move at all. It had no power whatsoever. When I called onstar they said to shut it off for a minute and turn it back on to see if the code would clear. It didn't so I called a tow truck to tow it to banks Chevrolet (nh). After sitting in the car for about an hour with the engine running (it was february and very cold out) the tow operator arrived. …”
NHTSA complaint #10413498, filed 2011-07, 1,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250503Feb 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10247192Dec 8, 2023This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 10246483Nov 29, 2023This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for…
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 | 6% |
| 2022 | 10 | 10% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 0% |
| 2011 | 12 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 1% |
| 2008 | 12 | 1% |
| 2007 | 7 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 20 | 2% |
| 2003 | 41 | 7% |
| 2002 | 63 | 11% |
| 2001 | 149 | 21% |
| 2000 | 174 | 19% |
| 1999 | 138 | 17% |
| 1998 | 144 | 15% |
| 1997 | 60 | 14% |
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 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsSeats
38 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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