The EPA has certified this vehicle as among the 20 percent lowest-emitting passenger vehicles for its model year, based on government greenhouse gas and smog ratings.
2010
Chevrolet Malibu
EPA MPG:
26 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
26 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 Malibu to be less reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on the Chevrolet brand score.
The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2010 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Malibu
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Mercury Milan
Mercury Milan
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004*
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007
NA
2008*
NA
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013*
2014
2015
2016*
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
NA
2023
NA
2024
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

AIR BAGS
Jan 16, 2019
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.
What should you do:
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 25, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N182206630.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
19V019000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1145
STEERING
Jul 21, 2014
A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
What should you do:
Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14E044000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
7304
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 14, 2014
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14V252000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
2440524
POWER TRAIN
Sep 18, 2012
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Summary:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
What should you do:
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
For more information:
General Motors safety recall number 12106. Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
12V460000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
426240
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