2011 Chevrolet Malibu: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · 85,000 miles · FL · fire

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under a carport in her driveway, she had been warned by neighbors that the rear end of the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that she saw that flames were issuing from both rear light housings. The contact stated that by the time her husband and a neighbor attempted to extinguish the flames with garden hoses, the light housings and the rear bumper were on fire and melting. The fire department and the police were called. The contact stated that by the time emergency services arrived, the flames had been extinguished. The contact stated that the fire department opened the trunk, and the interior of the trunk and the matting were not damaged. The only damage was to the rear light housings and the rear bumper. The fire department had not issued a report, however the police had. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Electrical · 125 miles · KY

The fuse for my rear defroster got so hot in the fuse box it melted the panel-the fuse box is in the trunk-I took to dealer and they want over 500.00 to repair- I feel like this is a safety issue and hazard for drivers as it could have caught fire if it was that hot- I do not feel like this is my fault and more a manufacture issue-if I don't get this fixed I will never buy another chevy again and I am looking to purchase a car within the end of this year. Why try and make drivers pay for something that is manufacture? Shady business! Also now my radio display is going in and out-thinking maybe another fuse issue or electrical.

Filed Aug 27, 2018 · Engine · 55,661 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle made a popping sound and stopped. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Also, while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to approximately 20 MPH and the steering lost power. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact noticed smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to the contact's house. The dealer was not called and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 55,661.

Filed May 15, 2017 · Electrical · 162,000 miles · SC · fire

Car seat (heat warmer) caught on fire

Filed Oct 19, 2015 · Electrical, Seat belts · 119,000 miles · IN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed that there was smoke coming from the vehicle and then the vehicle caught fire. The contact mentioned that the fire initiated on the trunk near the fuse box. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was also included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 15v269000 (seat belts) and 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) but the remedy was not available for several months. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2015 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · VA

My son noticed smoke coming from under the seat in the car and the AC stopped working. I called gm and got a case number 71-1497728137 and was told since it was a safety issue they would make an appointment and try to offset some of the cost. I told them the exact miles at the time, someone from gm called me and was working on the case, told me he would cordinate with the dealership. Well I got all done, no help. The blower motor relay had melted along with some of the wires under the dash and were repaced by royal chevrolet. The cost was 473.98 for the repair and of course after the repair was completed gm told me they could not do anything and royal chevrolet called and said there were to many miles for them to do anything with the cost. I told gm that was disclosed up front when I first explained the issue and got assigned a case number. It is very deceptive on there end, this should have just been said on the initial call.

Filed Oct 6, 2014 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · AR · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 35 MPH, burning fumes were present inside the vehicle and smoke appeared out of the front bumper. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the battery cable caught fire. The contact extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Electrical · 66,000 miles · OK · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 35 MPH, the contact smelled smoke inside the vehicle and an unknown warning sensor illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed flames on the driver's side. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The cause of the fire was unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000. Updated 10/17/2014*lj updated 4/1/15

Filed Mar 26, 2014 · Seats · 35,190 miles · VA · fire · 1 injury

After having repairs made at the dealership for drivers seat heater not working. The driver seat heater element was replaced, I had driven approximately 20 miles when the seat started smoking and caught fire. By the time I got the car stopped and pulled to the side of the road the inside of the car was filled with smoke and the drivers seat was completely on fire. With the help of another motorist I was able to get out of the car. I received severe burns to my right leg and hands. By the time the fire department arrived the car was a total loss.