I have a 2011 chevy malibu ltz with 44,589 miles and I have an issue with my screens reading that my ESC system is bad and will reduce my engine power, I took it in to airport chevrolet in medford, oregon and they pluged my car in and told me he has seen this issue countless times, and has seen people have to replace things as simple as a sensor all the way to it being an issue in the wiring harness and people will bring their car in and do the small repairs first ( economically makes sense) and it will not fix the problem.. Until they fix this huge expensive issue all because. Chevy has an issue with a system they put into a car that doesn't work properly! I have read other reviews very similar to mine where people have been hit in traffic . Now luckily I caught mine before a wreck. This needs to be fixed!
2011 Chevrolet Malibu acceleration complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 87, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The ABS, ESC, and service traction lights came on while I was on the interstate suddenly my cruise control stopped working. I exited the highway and as my car came to a complete stop it started rolling backwards and the breaks locked up so I couldnt stop. It only stopped rolling after putting the car in park, hitting the emergency break, and quickly getting the key out before hitting the family behind me. I tried to turn on my hazards and they wouldnt come on. I restarted the car, and the whole dash was flickering. After trying this 3 times it started, but when I tried to accelerate the car went to 7/8 RPM and did nothing. Then it started to roll backwards again before I could put it in park I was thrusted forward into the center of a roundabout. After that it began to drive. I was less than 5 minutes from a family members home so I tried to make it. I was able to get the car going 30 MPH for less than 5 minutes before the speed immediately dropped to zero, and the car began to roll backwards again. My face hit the steering wheel because of the jolt which resulted in facial bruises. The air bags did not deploy. When this issue happened all of the electric in the car started going crazy. I was on a backroad, and luckily a good samaritan stopped to help me. I called my uncle who is a mechanic who towed me back to the house. This isnt the first time ive had issue with these warnings coming up and then I have to suddenly start fighting to survive being trapped in a car trying to kill me. Since this last incident I have not tried to drive the car. After seeing multiple mechanics they confirmed this was a common issue in this year make and model of the vehicle. No one seems to know what has been causing this. This kind of issue could kill someone. It needs to be investigated, and gm needs to be held responsible for selling unreliable, unsafe, death traps to consumers.
Vehicle lights dim, loss of power, ESC, traction control, illuminates on dash. Car sputters with no acceleration. Car is unable to turn. This happened as I began to leave my subdivision, luckily I was able to push it back. I have a new battery no car will not crank unless I have a jump.
I recently obtained my 2011 malibu lt from superior auto in bedford, in. It is a truly outstanding machine. I was pleased with the entire ecotec 2.4 engine and fuel economy. The drivetrain is a little different topic. I was looking forward to trying the new push button shift setup. It was smooth for the first 3 weeks or so. Oh by the way it barely turned 105,000 on the odometer. It started with 3rd shifting late and hard. Then it was reverse not catching once shifter was engaged, making me use my brake to stop the vehicle. All of a sudden it completely stopped pulling forward or reverse. Initially I assumed transmission just burned out. Waited until the next morning, trying again and it engaged gear. It was ultimately short lived, once transmission warms it starts to fail completely. I'm very disgruntled and disappointed in the car company I was raised on. As well as my family for generations. Not to mention, this my very first chevy buying on my own. Please return my concerns please. I purchased the malibu from a local buy here pay here. This leaves me on a most aggravated note, due to me being absolutely hustled into paying for a operationaless motor vehicle from what I once thought was 2nd to none, chevrolet and gm in general. I am very disappointed and will most definitely never buy this brand again, as well as my family of 80+ years of business. Gm, has lowered itself to an all time low! Please return my submission asap. I need transportation for my union career I drive a very large amount for as well. Minds blown by the utter laziness of this massive auto titan. Disgusted!!
My check engine light has been coming on lately. So I took it to a place so they could check it. The results states that the camshaft position sensor needs to be replaced. My lights are dimming, the bright headlights symbol comes on if I am sitting under a viaduct, the radio is disappearing on the dashboard, and my heating system is on when it's off. Then the car is jerking erratically when I proceed to drive after a stop. My vehicle is under 50,000 miles. It's at 48342 now. I need to know if there are any recalls because 3 years ago I,was under 35000 miles and had to pay for a new engine that should have been covered under the emissions act, and I had to pay $800 for that, plus getting disrespected by the manager at the dealership. Please let me know if anything comes up concerning this matter. Thank you
I was driving straight on the interstate when the cruise control deactivated itself. The seat belt light stays lit most of the time. It says service air bag and traction system. Traction system light goes off and on, but the air bag light stays on. Doesnt reset even when unhooking the battery and rehooking it up. Car makes rattling noise from front end. Pulls hard to the right.
Update on complaint #'s 1144041 & 11172602. On 2/8/19, I was 2 blocks from work when messages displayed for (service ecs, reduced engine power, check engine light). I drove right from work to the dealership, which was 9 miles away, with my hazards on and at a max speed of 25 MPH. I drove it into the bay and told a service advisor that I was told to bring it back while the problem we keep trying to fix was actually happening. He tried to get someone to come hook up the code reader to it but was unable to so he turned off my car. I received a voicemail mid-day monday 2/11/19 to say that because my battery had been out of my car too long, they had to relearn the throttle body assembly. I left a message to specifically say that the last time the battery had been out of my car to my knowledge was 3/2018. When they called back, their conclusion was that the battery had not been installed or secured properly which caused them to have to relearn the throttle body assembly. On 2/19/2019, it happened again but they could not read a code when I brought it in, so was again sent to come back when it was occurring so they could hook up the code reader while it was happening. On 3/5 I drove my car to them while it was displaying the messages and running rough. They again tried to put the blame on the battery. Even though the codes where p2176 and p2135, the recommended fix was new battery and battery cables ($733). I still had warranty for that battery as it was installed nearly a year ago after the first incidence, so I went back to that auto shop. He did not find anything associated to battery but did find gm bulletin from 2012 (pip5019). He re-crimped throttle body circuit pins after doing a pen out test at ecu. It is now 3/25 and no other issues! Hoping we have found root of the problem. No thanks to dealer or chevy customer care...
Code p2135
This is an update on the federal safety agency complaint #11144041. I brought it to dealer early november 2018, but they did not find anything wrong as there were no codes. Last week tuesday(1/22/19), it happened again(reduced engine power, service ESC, check engine light, traction control light) while driving on my way to work. I was about 2 miles from home slowing down from 45 MPH to stop at light , I had my husband bring it in to check codes when dealership opened. They replaced accelerator pedal assembly and put a new pigtail on throttle body. It happened again on saturday (1/26/19)when I was 4 miles from home on a city street at 45 MPH. I drove it the last two miles to work w/ hazard light on and slowly as I could only get speed up to 25-30 MPH. I tried several times to turn off and restart car to "reset" to normal. Today the dealer is replacing the throttle body assembly. This will be the third one in 7 months at a cost of over $1000 in repairs. Dealer will not look at any other options until it has cleared this code. Seems to me, there must be a wire, fuse or something else electrical wrong that keeps tripping this code. I have receipts of all work done to date.
From 5/2018 until present, multiple occasions upon turning the key to start car have experienced: engine power reduced on message board along w/ ESC light and check engine light illuminated. The car shakes and sputters. Usually can make all symptoms except check engine light disappear by restarting multiple times. Until last week, the problem has only occurred upon first starting the car regardless of the length of time it has set between starts and in any weather (ie cold, warm, rainy). Last friday, it cranked but did not start the first attempt of starting and then after multiple attempts did start normally but during a two mile drive it reoccurred two more times and took multiple tries each time to get it to start normally. Each time I had to quickly pull off street to avoid traffic as it decreased in power and started shaking. The code it sends is p-2135. The first time back in may, I drove it the 6 miles to work but had to tow it as it resulted in dead battery. The code it sends is p-2135, so we have since replaced the throttle body assembly twice to make sure it was not a defective part. Otherwise after many hours waiting at my mechanics, there seems to be no actual diagnosis that we can find that seems to truly fix this issue. Have emailed chevy and do have a service request # and will be calling today to set up appointment w/ local dealer asap in regards to bulletin 15-08-45-001 to see if they will cover this and pray that it may actually once and for all fix this annoying problem. My current mileage is 39,000.
While driving, the car surged forward and the driver could not stop the car.. Brakes didn't work; struck another vehicle when driver tried to make a turn.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power and decelerated to 5 MPH. The esp, ABS, and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the failure was diagnosed as the throttle body. The contact was referred to ballas buick in toledo, ohio (419‑386‑0187). The dealer was contacted by phone and a diagnostic appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The car hesitates on a dry straight road going 55 miles per hour, but also on wet roads going 30 too. The cruise control randomly does not disengage. Most concerning for me is when I am at a complete stop and press on the gas to move forward the car randomly slows and shuts down without warning.
My son was driving his vehicle and the computer assisted power steering went out. Fixed at doug chevrolet 1-12-2018. Now (after the warranty repair of a steering shaft torque sensor) when driving four days later he lost power, vehicle flashed service traction and reduced power and slowed immediately from 45 to 5 MPH and he was able to limp it home. The loss of power while driving was immediate and drastic and cars behind him were able to slow down but it could have caused a severe accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, the "reduce power" electronic stability control warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle began to shake. Jack winegardner chevrolet (11001 indian head highway, fort washington, md 20744) was made aware of the failure and stated that the throttle body needed to be replaced. In addition, the dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the throttle body warranty extension and special coverage number: [xxx]. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,659. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 20 MPH, a warning indicator illuminated that the acceleration would began to decrease to approximately 5-10 MPH. The vehicle began to shake and the contact depressed the brake pedal. When attempting to apply the brakes, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over and place it in park to turn off the vehicle. The contact noticed the warning indicator illuminated again, indicating the traction control, engine, and ESC failed and needed servicing. The contact diagnosed the vehicle at home and received error code p-2135, which indicated that the throttle sensor position needed repairing. The vehicle had not been to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power and failed to accelerate. The failure occurred on another occasion, while driving at 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was scanned for a code but there was no failure code. The contact called heritage chevrolet buick owings mills dealer located at 11234 reisterstown rd, owings mills, md 21117 and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic testing at the contacts expense. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly violently accelerated independently. The brake pedal was aggressively depressed which decreased slightly the speed of the vehicle but did not completely stop the vehicle. A chime sounded but it was unknown if a warning light illuminated. As a result, the vehicle went over the curb and crashed into a building. There was front end damage. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The manufacturer called the contact and informed her to not bring the vehicle in for the diagnostic testing but to take photos and send them to an e-mail address provided by the representative. The case number for the conversation with the manufacturer representative was 8-3068861818. The contact was concerned that the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control), 14e44000 (steering), and 15v269000 (seat belts) were related to the failures experienced. The vehicle was no longer being driven due to the contact being concerned for her safety. The failure mileage was approximately 106,807.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle independently decelerated while being operated at 80 MPH. The check engine, the traction control, the service ESC, and the engine power reduced warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v252000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control) as a possible solution however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
My engine light has been on since I purchased the car back in 2014 the dealership said it was no big deal that the light would evenually go out. Upon purchase it had 51,000 miles on it, because they had it for a few weeks due to it having hail damage the finance company wouldn't approve the loan because of problems. The car was riding ok up until a few montha ago I noticed I was loosing power it was driving slower, I started feeling it tugging when I wanted to pick up speed. Then 3 days ago it just wouldn't go in reverse, when I tried to switch back to driving it wouldn't go into drive ultimately I had to have the car towed because the tranmission went out on it. The car only has 71,000 miles on it. I barely drive it anywhere. The engine to look at it is very clean. I looked up all the recalls on my car and none of them I was notified for and there are many. So why am I not getting a letter about this transmission that has obviously gone out. Up until now I was in love with this chevrolet malibu and was a devoted customer advising people this was a good car, now I'm not so sure. Looking at all these recalls are alarming.
Speed slow down on a 55 MPH highway to 10 MPH and wouldnt get no speed and it throttle and shake until I came to a stop the most scary thing to ever happen to me I went from a ford to chevy the most stupid idea I could've ever done and ever light on dash board is on and blinking to brake light,traction light,etc light, radio and clock lights the speed door and window lights its to much to deal with im afraid that this car is gonna take my life from me but noone can find no problem with this car I've got an oil change to spark plugs and so much more done on this car and nothing has changed this the fourth time this car has put me down in the six mths of me having this car somebody please help I love the car but its not a safe car to have and I can even exchange it out for another one at least thats what the people at the car lot says.
The incident happened twice thus far. Once while waiting at a light and another time while driving. The car began to shake and the engine light, as well as the stability control lights flashed on. The car began to rev erratically and actually caused the car to move forward. Some messages began to come up on the dashboard display and the message that remained was engine power reduced. Trying to take off from the light to find a place to pull over the car was jerking and I could barely accelerate. While driving this slowdown and jerking happened suddenly and almost caused a collision with another car. After pulling over and shutting off the car the problem disappears for while before happening again. Once parked, opening the hood showed a violently shaking engine. A simple google search revealed that this is a frequent occurrence with malibu around that time and the mileage I have on the car (66500). The culprit appears to be a faulty throttle body, from the experiences of other drivers.
Reactor gear broke, blowing into all parts of the transmission. Broke with no warning while driving on a city street, wasn't able to speed up or move out of first gear. Also was not able to reverse. Resulted in a need for a total new transmission.
I was driving in the highway and my malibu stopped and appeared the image of traction control off and the motor was shaking and my light of check engine was on and my car did not advance more then 10 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The vehicle shook violently and the reduced engine service and traction warning indicators illuminated, in addition to a few other unidentified warning indicators. The contact pulled the vehicle over and shut it off. The contact restarted the vehicle after a while and attempted to drive home; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated it was a common failure with the vehicle and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate and the ESC indicator illuminated. The dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 70 MPH, the reduced power warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle slowed down independently. The contact stated that cycling the engine off and on remedied the failure; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to decrease in speed when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle shook violently and all the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure occurred once. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH and the engine power reduced warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The engine power reduction, the traction control and the ESC warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not available.
1/26/2016 I got my camshaft solenoid fixed due to my check engine light coming on. When it started to shake real bad with the dash lights stating that my engine power was reduced, loss of traction (something to that effect) I instantly put it in the shop. Then last week 3/4/2016 I was driving up to erie, pa from ohio, which is about 4.5 hours away. I say a good 40 minutes from my destination it happens again right on the highway. Engine light comes on and the dash says that my engine power has been reduced and loss of traction (?). Thankfully there was an exit near that I could get off at and as soon as I put my car in park it started to shake real bad. So I did what I did before and turned the car off to let it reset and then started it back up. It ran fine for the remainder of my stay until it came time for me to leave to go back home. This time I only got 20 minutes away from erie before it started acting up again, but it kept doing it. Talk about being frustrated 4.5 hours away from home in your car. Especially since I just got it fixed not too long ago. This needs to be on the recall list, because this is ridiculous.
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