2011 Chevrolet Malibu Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 1%of 978 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the visibility of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 1% of the 978 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 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.
“On my wiper system I was traveling in a rainstorm and the wiper transmission separated from the motor assembly at the piece attached to the motor halting the wiper assembly from clearing the window this almost caused a crash do to lack of visibility .this occurred on 2/7/2017 . Very dangerous situation please address this part malfunction, it should never separate”
NHTSA complaint #11071745, filed 2018-02, 145,000 miles“Windshield wiper transmission has quit 2 times in 2 1/2 years. The wiper arms can be moved by hand with no resistance. Both times in heavy rain going over 55mph in the dark leaving me with no way to see the road. I had to stop quick to get on the shoulder of the road. The first time I almost got rear ended. 1st time was 12/3/15 this time was 8/17/18. I had it fixed a GM dealer that just happened to be close for $366 the first time-now again???? The equinox had a recall on this I was told. Its crazy the Malibu was not included.”
NHTSA complaint #11121072, filed 2018-08, 175,000 miles“I was driving at highway speed on I-95 in the rain when the windshield wipers suddenly failed. Fortunately, both the rain and traffic were relatively light and I had sufficient visibility to safely exit the highway at the next interchange. Had it happened one day later during the heavy rain, I would not have been so lucky. The failure was the result of the wiper linkage detaching itself from the wiper motor/transmission assembly due to a failure of the plastic ball joint type connector.”
NHTSA complaint #10586375, filed 2014-05, 87,200 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 driving northbound on I-95 in the right lane and prior to passing the philadelphia international airport my wipers suddenly stopped functioning while they were in use. I was petrified because water was accumulating rapidly on to my windshield and the motorist whom were passing me increased the danger ten fold because their vehicles were splashing water on to my windshield as well. My visibility went down to about ten percent; however, due to the passing motorist that quickly decreased to zero making it virtually impossible to pull over safely. …”
NHTSA complaint #10691828, filed 2015-03, 81,875 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.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10232283Feb 17, 2023This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10230697Dec 15, 2022This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 7 | 1% |
| 2016 | 15 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 5% |
| 2014 | 21 | 6% |
| 2013 | 40 | 5% |
| 2012 | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 24 | 2% |
| 2009 | 23 | 2% |
| 2008 | 8 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 4 | 0% |
| 2005 | 8 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
| 2000 | 11 | 1% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 63 | 6% |
| 1997 | 43 | 10% |
| 1980 | 1 | 20% |
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 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