NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel had become very difficult to turn to the left or right. The contact stated her son was able to pull off the road and stop the vehicle. The steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering failure was intermittent, but eventually became constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 15356 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,643.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and made abnormal sounds. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while the contact was steering to the left, the vehicle was going in the opposite direction. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number- 10058788-9690 (Electric Power Steering Assist). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,269.
The electronic power stearing and electronic stability control shut down while driving but would restart after key was cycled off. Dashboard would blink service esc and power stearing and the vehicle became very hard to turn and control. No there were no symptoms or warning messages prior to the incident. Yes it has been reproduced. My safety and the safety of everyone around me is put at risk becuase the car becomes almost impossible to controland stear. The car has not been inspected by anyone.
When I turn on car Steering wheels locks in place unable to turn ,I hasn’t been inspected, and the dash says power steering.
steering failed. No power assist and steering wheel shaking. warning light for service power steering came on. Steering sensor torque? code c0545 ? The vehicle will suddenly lose power steering. Happens especially upon start up then have to turn vehicle off and sometimes power will come back on. Steering wheel visible shakes. Putting vehicle in shop for further evaluation. GM has a known issue with steering on these vechiles and there was a recall done but not for my year yet it is being widely reported online that there is an issue with other years as well.
Brake lights come on as soon as you start the car.Go off when press the brake pedal.Its like they are reversed or something.
Just Replaced Fuel Pump, Passenger Headlight Randomly Goes Out, Top Break Light Randomly Goes Out, Had To Replace Wiper Motor, & Fuel Pump Relay Wire Faulty. Wiring To Fuse Boxes Seem To Be Loose. Dealership or Any Other Certified Tech Will Listen or Touch To Fix The Car When Everything Is Working.
The power steering goes out while I am driving, and I find out I cannot make turns when the road curves or even to get off the road and be safe. Yes, the vehicle can be inspected anytime. This puts myself in danger of going off the road and others in danger if I cannot make a turn when going through an intersection. This is very dangerous in Michigan on the winter roads where I live. I have had to stop 1/2 through intersections almost in the ditch and then just wait for all cars to be gone to back up & finish the turn. A message appears on dash but it doesn't stay on. I had the steering torque sensor and motor replaced per warranty about July 2020 (at about 98,000 miles)and now the car is doing the same thing again! I haven't taken it in because I am afraid of what it will cost. They said it would have been about $1000.00 in 2020 if I had to pay for it. I called the dealership who fixed it to see if warranty would cover it the 2nd time and they said no. What good is it if they replace a faulty part with another faulty part?? The car has155,000 miles now as I am self employed doing food deliveries. Thank you.
I drive down the road and the brake lights come on I hit the brake then they go off. Randomly when I drive service esc service traction come on but as soon as I turn the car off and back on it is gone. Cruise control stopped working as well.
The power steering system stops working. There are no warning signs prior to it malfunctioning, the power steering will just disappear, you have to stop shut it off and turn it back on. Does not matter how fast you are going, it just does it. This is unsafe because there is no warning, and it comes and goes with no consistency. I could drive for 30 minutes without a problem and then it stops working. This could easily cause an accident, if it would go out on the highway.
The contact's mother owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was common and referred him to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the failure and provided the contact with an estimate for the repair. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The power steering system stops working when it’s cold. There are no warning signs prior to it malfunctioning. When I get it towed to be seen or bring an mechanic to check out the problem it is always resolved before they can inspect it. This is unsafe because there is no warning and it comes and goes with no consistency. I could drive for 30 minutes without a problem and then it stops working or I could get in the car and it stops working within 5 minutes.This could easily cause an accident.
DEALER NOT ASSISTING IN RECALL REPAIRS THAT WEREN’T CORRECTED.
I was driving the car safely as always and within the speed limits and an officer was heading the same direction, The brake lights got me cited for mechanical repairs. I have noticed the brake lights work yet they do not work with light pressure on the brake pedal. The officer gave a warning about brake lights and it has to be repaired ASAP. What explanation might there be for the brake light? What should I ask the mechanic to look for?
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while idling at a stop light and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering torque failed and an unknown piece from the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty was expired and to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 236, 574.
My 2010 Chevy MALIBU with 112,000 miles started having power steering failure while driving with my 9 yr old. At 55 miles an hour it was almost impossible to control the car and get pulled to the shoulder. I shut it off and when I turned the key on again I had power steering so I went ahead and drove home. The next day I start it and it has power steering but then I drive it for several miles or more and it dings and a message appears on the instrument panel saying power steering, esc/traction control and the steering almost completely seizes. I took it to have it looked at and of course it does not do it when the mechanic drives nor does it throw any codes. I told him that it happens at random so he needs to drive it until it does it again, and sure enough it does it again but still does not throw a code. I am told my only option is to replace the power steering motor for $800. It seems to me that if it was the motor it would not be working some times and then seize to work at random.
THE BRAKES ARE DOING THE SAME THING THAT WAS RECALLED AND REPAIRED BACK IN 2014. THEY ARE ILLUMINATING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND TURN OFF WHILE I HIT THE BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED WITHOUT GETTING THIS CORRECTED. I HAVE BOUGHT SEVERAL PARTS TRYING TO REPAIR THIS BUT THE PARTS ARE NOT CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. CRUISE CONTROL, STABILITY CONTROL AND SEVER OTHER FUNCTIONS ARE NOT WORKING EITHER ALL OF THEM ARE RELATED TO THE SAME RECALL ISSUED BACK IN 2014. IS THERE ANY KIND OF WARRANTY ON THE RECALL THAT WAS REPAIRED?
The issue is that there are times when the brake lights kick on when I’m not braking and they stay on and when I brake they turn off. I’m at risk and so are the people who drive in back of me. The lights kick on and they don’t know when I’m actively braking. I took it to the Merle stone a year ago now and they “fixed it” but it still occurred. No warning lamps/lights. It was my moms car before it became mine and she’s told me that when she drove it, it was already happening before it was gifted to me so I can’t pinpoint exactly when it started happening. I’ve searched the internet and I’ve came upon stories of other people with this same make and model have the same issue. I currently don’t that the invoice of when they “fixed” the issue but I could always contact the Merle stone and get a copy emailed (hopefully) if needed.
My vehicle lost power steering 3 months after buying it . Along with esc and traction controll . However there have been spraratic times when it works just fine . I have been driving the vehicle for 4 years with no power steering because the dealership has told me my rack and pinion is shot and that is not true I cannot afford to fix something that is not broke . That being said they also refuse to look deeper into the issue . So I am stuck driving a very unsafe vehicle until someone decide to do the right thing and admit this is a manufacturer issue and not and owner issue
MY CAR AIR PASSENGER DONT DETECT MY SEATBELT SAYS IM NOT BUCKLE AND I AM DONT KNOW IF ITS A WIRE MY LIGHTING INSIDE GOES ON AND OFF AND MY CAR SMELLS TOO MUCH GASOLINE
The car shut off while driving down the street. Lost all control over steering and braking components. After the car shut itself off was not able to get it to turn back on after several hours. Turned it back on but when attempted to drive it home, it shit itself off again. Still could not control steering wheel
When I bought the car in December of 2018 the car only had 42,000 miles on it. I had two incidences where the anti theft system went off locking me out of the car. The second time the vehicle had to be towed back to the dealership. Fast forward to 2022 and the car only has 77,000 miles on it and in the past three months the anti theft system has gone off in this car more than ten times. I recently went to a Chevrolet dealership and had them recut keys from the vin number.
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING BACK FROM SCHOOL IN A VERY BUSY ROAD AND A MESSAGE CAME UP ON THE DASH BOARD THAT SAID ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND SPEED DROPED TO 5 MPH. I TOLD HER TO PARK SOMEWHERE AND TURN OFF CAR FOR LIKE 15 MINUTES AND TURN IT BACK ON AND CAR STILL DIDNT ACCELERATE. HAD TO GO GET HER AND LEAVE CAR THERE. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON NOVEMBER 2021.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into reverse as needed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed and was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
Car will not start. There is a recall for this, but my car seems not to be included. Turn the key over and over....battery is good....will not start.....after 50 or so tries, occasionally it will start, but when you get to your destination, you have to pray it will start again. Sometimes it will....most times it won't. This is a problem with a recall. Dealership will not fix it under the recall without the car being on the list. A little help from y'all would certainly help me. I'm 73, retired, on fixed income. Cannot afford to pay a Dealership to fix this when it is a known problem. Please help....
Air bag light randomly pop on . Electrical system is so bad that I only have 1 head light and it’s very dangerous driving at night like that .
The steering wheel has started freezing to where it is difficult if not impossible to turn. When this issue occurs I will see the STEERING ESC light notification appear with a chime. Stopping the vehicle and turning the engine off then on clears the issue for the moment but will occur again, almost daily. In doing research I encountered GM Service Bulletin No.15356 which identifies this as a known issue. My car currently has 174,000 miles on it so it is outside the range specified in the bulletin. Being as this is a known safety issue why was a safety recall not issued. This seems to be a very serious issue yet not being handled as such.
I purchased the car for my mother on 10/20/2015 from Mike Savoie Chevrolet in Troy, MI. At the time I had a concern because there was a message being displayed on the car “Service ESC”, I was informed by the dealer that it was a false message and there was no issue with the car, we should just disregard but if we had any problems to let him know moving forward. At that time we did not have issues with anything else. There was about 80,000 miles on the odometer when we bought it, there are only about 95,300 now. Recently the brake lights have been coming on when the brakes are not applied, we have taken the car to a mechanic three times for this issue but he has been unable to duplicate it, as a result he felt that the brake pedal sensor was at fault and replaced it, but the issue still exists, a wasted $200! My 17 year old grandson is now using the car, the issue occurred again today and I discovered that this issue may be associated with a recall which also includes the “Service ESC” message which has been on the car since I bought it. However, when I enter the VIN it shows no open recalls. Apparently it was not fixed and the dealer should have fixed it before I bought it or I should have been notified of the recall. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT MY GRANDSON’S SAFETY AND WILL NEED TO SWITCH MY CAR WITH HIM SO THAT HE CAN BE AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE! Not only do the brake lights come on when not applied, but you need to tap the brake to turn them off at that point other drivers are not aware that the brake is being applied. Taking the car back to the repairman today. Please help. Thank you very much for your time and attention to this matter.
Was driving. My speed was about 60mph car swerved into left lane slightly when I went to move back into my lane I had no power steering and I think lights on dash stated power steering esc. Pulled over at gas station and read a forum about this. It stated if I turned off car and restarted car i would have power steering again. It did. Next day started car at home and didn't have power steering again. Shut it off restarted car and again steering was back.
While driving home from work on a busy parkway my daughter lost control of her 2010 Chevy Malibu (due to loss of power steering), after almost getting hit by another car she struggled to steer the car to the side of the parkway but turning the steering wheel was extremely difficult. She called me and I was able to drive it home but the power steering worked on and off. A warning message flashed [ Service Power Steering - ESC off ] My daughter doesn't recall seeing the warning light before the incident. I took the car to my mechanic, he said I was better off going to the dealer because it was a big electronic problem with power steering but he wasn't sure how to troubleshoot it. This could have ended a nightmare.. And, I am very upset after doing research on the Electronic Power Steering Assist problems and recalls for the Chevy Malibu and other GM vehicles over the past 10 yrs it is quite troubling and what really angers me is they don't have a recall for her car which is ridiculous after you spend a little time researching the 2010 Malibu customer complaints due to the power steering failure.
Electrical power steering went out on highway. Loss partial control of the wheel!
While driving the power steering goes out and a warning message pops up that says ‘Service ESC’ and ‘ESC Off’. It is near impossible to turn the wheel when this happens. I was able to turn the car off and back on, and the power steering returns/messages go away, but the same problem happens on and off.
“Engine Power Reduced” comes on suddenly, alongside numerous other lights (check engine, service traction, ESC, etc). This causes the vehicle to reduce speed in traffic, increasing risk of collision. Other models of Chevy Malibu have been recalled for this same issue (faulty throttle sensor).
While driving and making a left turn the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to steer. Power Steering and Service ESC warnings showed up on dash. Able to pull off the road and turned off engine. When restarted, message cleared and power steering returned. Drove back home and problem occurred several more times. Parked car in driveway. Unable to drive due to this safety issue.
Lost power steering and increasing the risk of a crash. There is a recall on several Malibu just not the 2010 LTZ. I am wondering why this vehicle does not a recall when the 2004 to 2006 on the electric power steering has a recall???
The ESC and engine light came on and then the stability track light came on for a matter of a min and then all the lights just went off. I seen there are recalls on these issues but not for my vin number.
Lost Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist while driving during a turn. The dashboard Information Display acknowledged a failure in the Power Steering. The dealer found code C0545 which relates to power steering torque sensor assembly. GM issued a Safety Recall in October, 2014, Bulletin #16146B, for the Malibu 2009 model but not the 2010 model. The bulletin directs the dealer to replace P/S torque sensor module. The dealer replaced the torque sensor module and the P/S assist motor (remanufactured) at the customer cost of $989.63.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would intermittently fail to operate as needed with the power steering assist fault message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to operate the vehicle during the failure. Occasionally, the power steering assist functionality would return upon restart. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
My 3rd brake light works intermittently. I have bought my car just over a year ago from a pre-owned dealership.
Power steering loss 3 times within last 2 months. ESC steering error. Probably an unprotected voltage surge of power steering torque sensor. The first time this happened I almost hit the wall.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the power steering functionality was restored. The vehicle was driven back to the residence and had not been driven since. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E044000 (Steering) as a possible solution however, the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the power steering would fail intermittently without warning. The contact would have to shut the vehicle off and restart the vehicle to regain power steering abilities. The failure had occurred a total of two times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Had test drove the vehicle everything was fine, picked the vehicle up and drove it home everything was fine, parked in the back of my house the car sat over night I go to pull it out the drive way, the power steering has gotten stuck and I mean it was STUCK!, the “power steering” light came on the dash so I tried my best to turn to just pull it back in the driveway. It was so hard to turn I thought I would brake the steering wheel. Another thing whenever I ride over a bump my radio changes stations or turns off.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the steering wheel felt abnormal including when making small turns. After continuing to drive, a few minutes later the power steering failed and the “power assist esp” warning message illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle however the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the service control for the steering which is a function of the steering control module would needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,439.
Service electronic stability control light comes on and brake light comes on and off at times
brake lights sometimes they work sometimes they don't yes but they say the recall is 500 miles out of the recall miliage none of these have inspected it since i owned car yes service esc service transaction
I was driving and the service traction control came across my car the the engine powering down notification appeared, and the check engine light. I took it to advance auto and they hooked up the machine which gave them the code DTC P2138. I took it to a mechanic who said the accelerator pedal sensor needed to be replaced. I replaced it and I'm still having the same issue. This time when it came on the pedal completely lost power until I turned the car off and restarted it.
The component that has malfunctioned or failed is the pigtail for the low beam headlight on the driver side. The safety issue is that I am driving with one headlight reducing the visibility of the road. The problem has been reproduced because this is the second time that I had to change the headlights. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or Insurance representative because the price would have been more than $300. There are no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to failure. It occurred two years ago. And once again this year.
I received a reduced power error,my car slowed to very low speed...I reserched the error message but it only have 2016-18 models with this problem...apparently 2010's have it as well,but there are no recalls or anything concerning the 2010 chevy malibu LTZ.
The airbag don’t work, I just payed 1200$ to replace the computer pc because the car wouldn’t start and that didn’t solve the problem the check engine light is always on, the car have electrical problems; if I run the Ac it blows hot and then the car go to engine power reduces within 4 minutes. If I drive the car it will go on engine power reduce after 6 minutes because the fan is not working due to the fact that that car has electrical problems and the fan is not getting enough power to warm the car up and the engine gets real hot and it go to making a loud rumbling noise and growling and I can only drive 10 mph and 40 mph the fastest but then the car go to shaking and wen I try to park the car it’s shaking Nd rumbling which can cause an accident