2011 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 112about this part
- Share
- 11%of 978 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,225miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 112 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of the 978 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,225 miles. 3 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.
“Car quit shifting into 3rd, 4th or 5th gear and reverse. Exiting the highway when it downshifted very suddenly and very hard. From there stopped at red light. Went to take off and it slipped in 2nd gear. From there progressively got worse. Next time I tried reverse it would not go at all. Leads me to believe it's the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11350042, filed 2020-08, 90,000 miles“I have a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu with 91963 that hasnt moved since april 26 2018. There is a known defect in the 3-5-r wave plate in chevy malibus from 2009-10 that they fix in 2012 but did nothing for 2011. Mulitple repair shops have told me they have seen alot of 2011 malibus with the same problem. Gm will not aknowledge this defect. I need help.”
NHTSA complaint #11100172, filed 2018-06, 91,963 miles“Takata recall*** at 80000 miles I was driving and then my car would not move tried reverse with no luck ended up having to call tow company to get me out of traffic with almost being hit several times . With research found out this is common and GM refuses to fix problem witch is not right should be held responsible for making and putting faulty transmission in 2010 and 2011 Malibu's”
NHTSA complaint #11196774, filed 2019-04, 80,000 miles“I bought my 2011 chevy Malibu in march of 2017. Only put 30k miles and it's april of 2020. My car won't crank up sometimes or when I'm idle, it'll start to shake and I haven't drove my car in a week but when I put the key in and try to turn it, nothing comes on. No lights or anything”
NHTSA complaint #11320878, filed 2020-04, 140,000 miles“I'm driving along the highway and all of a sudden my power steering and ESC are lost! The car's monitors alert me but I have trouble controlling the vehicle! I finally get the vehicle to the dealer, they inform me I have to pay $1400 to fix the problem! It's not a wear and tear issue to me. My car isn't 3 years old yet! I later learned many owners have this same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10566737, filed 2014-03, 113,305 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 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…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 8 | 11% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 28 | 31% |
| 2020 | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 | 68 | 35% |
| 2018 | 171 | 24% |
| 2017 | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 | 54 | 6% |
| 2012 | 49 | 5% |
| 2011 | 112 | 11% |
| 2010 | 133 | 10% |
| 2009 | 121 | 8% |
| 2008 | 86 | 9% |
| 2007 | 47 | 5% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 65 | 7% |
| 2004 | 64 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 2% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 18 | 3% |
| 2000 | 26 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 50 | 5% |
| 1997 | 9 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
235 complaintsSteering
214 complaintsElectronic stability control
174 complaintsEngine
160 complaintsExterior lighting
130 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 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