2011 Chevrolet Malibu: engine failure

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Engine · IL

My car stopped running at 78,500 miles. I had it diagnosed twice and I was told the engine needs to be replaced. Even though I bought the vehicle (brand new) in 2010, how can the engine be bad because on the website it states that if the vehicle has more than 100,000 miles then it's possible for that to happen. I am the only owner of the vehicle. I would like to know if other vehicles like mine are having the same issue and if possible, can I get a warranty, or recall to fix it ( or a Chevy dealer to pay for it, or at least half). I am on a fixed income and I really need my car fixed to get to my doctor's appt. And the first sign I got was when it was ticking, like a bomb and the ESC feature with the tire service and that happened for a couple of months. Then the battery light came on , but my battery was actually good ( had it for 2 years). The ticking became persistent. But previously, my vehicle was involved in an accident in2023. My vehicle was parked and was hit on the driver's side front bumper/fender. The other driver insurance (State Farm) paid for the repairs but my vehicle was riding like sideways (it was pulling to the right). I went back twice to have them to check it because it was still not right. But I believe they only did the cosmetic work on the outside, but didn't check on the inside and that hit may have shifted the engine under the hood. I'm at my wits end because of this and I would truly like to have some much needed help on getting my vehicle fixed.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Driver assistance, Steering · 180,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of Special Coverage Program: 15356; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. Additionally, the contact was informed of NHSTA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lightening, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2024 · Engine · IL

My vehicle battery light came on around 3 weeks ago. I thought my battery was going bad, since I had it for 2 yrs( I bought it from AutoZone 2 yrs ago w/ 2 yrs warranty). But instead it completely stopped and won't start. I had it towed and was told the timing chain broke in the engine and that I need a whole new engine (something I can't afford being on disability). So I am not only seeking if there is a recall with the engine, but if other drivers are having this same issue with their 2011 Malibu. I have about 77,000 miles on it. I'm having a hard time getting to my doctor's appt and picking up my grandkids from school. If nothing shows up, can you please reach out to GM to see if they can give me a discount/rebate to help me get my vehicle fixed. I'm desperate right now. Thank you for your time

Filed Jun 20, 2019 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 48,332 miles · IL

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

Filed Dec 4, 2018 · Body, Electrical · 105,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start upon attempting to turn the key in the ignition. Wood motor company (600 us-62, harrison, ar 72601, (870) 741-8211) indicated that there was an internal electrical and engine failure that required diagnostic testing. The dealer stated that the repair may be extensive. The dealer indicated that the timing chain, gear, belt, and valves within the engine assembly may need to be replaced. The dealer also stated that the pistons had not been firing at the right time and there was an internal meltdown of the dashboard area. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2018 · Engine · 94,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 20 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle was taken to shepherds chevrolet buick (1520 e 9th st, rochester, in 46975, 574‑223‑2136) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to call the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2017 · Steering · 155,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the service traction control and power steering indicators illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off and shook the steering wheel to correct the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2017 · Driver assistance · TN

I have been having an issue with my 2011 chevy malibu since the beginning of the 2017 yr. Every time I slow down (20mph or less) or stop my car starts to shake uncontrollably and the ESC and tracking light comes on as well as the check engine line comes on and starts blinking. Also, the car looks like it is loosing power. Once I try to accelerate, the car will not go fast at all. It is like it has to build power back up. It is now the summer time and I cannot turn on my AC because if I am driving less the 40mph, my car will just cut off. I have replaced everything under my hood except my engine. I took my car to numerous mechanics and one particular one told me I need a new engine. How? When I see too many people with this reoccurring issue. This is a 2011 how could there be a bad engine in all these cars. I tried to take my car to chevy due to a recall that is out for the ESC on these cars and since my VIN number did not match the location in which the recall came from, even though it is for a 2011 chevy malibu, they would not honor the recall. I am afraid I am going to get hit and killed. I am at a stopping point. My car tag expires in dec I need to find a resolution. I don't know what to do anymore.. To beat it all I still am making payments on the car. Fml

Filed May 30, 2017 · Engine · 66,000 miles · MN

Engine light came on while driving on the highway the engine started to lose power going up a hill and then lost all power as we were able to make it off to an exit ramp. Had to have it towed to an auto repair shop since we were in the middle of nowhere driving home. Auto mechanic said the timing chain broke and the entire engine needs to be replaced. Luckily there wasn't much traffic otherwise it could have been worse. No other problems with the car in 6 years and only 66,000 miles. Have heard of this happening on other malibus. Absolutely ridiculous for this to happen on a new car.

Filed Feb 20, 2017 · Engine · 72,000 miles · ND

Timing chain failure in the 4 cyl. Echo tech engine. Took it to the dealer and they told us they have many vehicles with this same engine come in but the malibu has not been recalled even though it's the same engine as the traverse recalls. Not replacing the timing chain and pulleys will result in engine failure.

Filed Aug 26, 2016 · Steering · 60,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering ability seized. The service power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver to the right lane. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the power steering assist motor was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Jul 5, 2016 · Steering · 89,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 60 MPH, the power steering seized. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.