Driving on highway at 65mph,vehicle lost all power. I was almost hit by an 18 wheeler but was able to get to the shoulder in time. No brakes,steering, power at all. Gm dealer diagnosed timing chains need replacement. No recall on this known issue? Endangering lives
2011 Chevrolet Malibu engine complaints
Page 4 of 7: complaints 71 to 100 of 172, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Car when started steering wheel locks up all the lights start flashing, locks start to unlock and lock themselves. Engine lines comes on hard to move forward or backwards.
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.
While driving on the road, my car, out of nowhere, began to shake and the engine suddenly lost power. I immediately looked down and noticed the "ESC is off" indicator was on. I pulled over, put the car in park and begin pressing the gas to keep it from cutting off for fear it may not start up again. I did that for about 3 minutes and began moving again. I had to do this 3 times on my way home. I was about 5 miles from my house at the time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle rattled and vibrated consistently which made the vehicle difficult to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 63,000.
Received messages of: service ESC, service traction, service air bag, eng pwr reduced, engine disabled this morning while driving to work. Engine lost all power, had to pull to side of road to try and turn the engine off and on, until I received the engine disabled message and after that the car would not start. Had to have the car towed to nearest dealership.
First, I had to jump the car to start it. Cold morning but the battery was only 3 months old. Driving from downriver mi area all expressway to grand rapids. Just entered grand rapids area when I had to reduce speed from 75 to 60. Car would not accelerate back to original speed. Cruise control had been engaged. Problem resolved itself but 15 minutes later the car went from 75 to 25 MPH by the time I had exited the freeway and stopped the car. The car would not accelerate and the pedal was to the floor. The traction control light went on as did messages:reduced engine power, service ESC, and the check engine light went on. The engine light stayed on. I was able to turn car back and accelerate but the check engine light stayed on and the engine felt like it chugged a bit. When I stopped at intersections, the car felt as if it wanted to stall. Mileage is 88,258.
Service ESC, service traction, eng pwr reduced. This message has happened to me several times lately, most notably when travelling 70 MPH on the interstate. Engine loses all power no mater how far I press the accelerator.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine stalled and the vehicle shook violently. The traction and service ESC warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle did not restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 05/11/16*lj updated 05/24/18
30 minute drive to work, in rain at approximately 32 degrees, vehicle was running good until I pulled into a parking spot and an error message appeared (reduced engine power). I later left and the service engine light remained on. I then received an error message (service ESC) and later again received the (reduced engine power) while on the highway. It was snowing during this time. I was unable to fully accelerate but it felt as though the acceleration was not running well. I researched this issue and discovered many people/ chevy malibu owners having the same issue with no resolution; even after taking to dealer on many occasions. Gm needs to recognize this issue and discover a resolution.
My 2011 malibu while on the highway through a sensor code for multiple problems the first stating reduced engjne power, then service es, service traction, service airbags etc... Probably 8 codes. At which point on the highway I could no longer accelerate above 40mph creating a very dangerous situation for me. The car was jerking and shaking and the RPM was reving up between 500 and 1500 even after I stopped. I turned the car off fearing damage to the engine and called myhusband. He asked me turn it on again so I did and although it was now idling normally the engine light remained on. He suggested I continue my commute. I pulled back on to the highway and experienced this same dangerous problem 7 yimes between jackson mi and lansing mi. We took it in to a repairshopand they assessedwhat they could stating that it appeared to be a throttle body issue but they would have to take it apart to look at it. The mechanic also statedthat many of the chevy made vehicles have had this problem and he was very surprised that therehad not yet been a recall on the part.
The violently shakes almost as if it is about to die. It doesn't go over 23-30 MPH. The car accelerates while holding the brakes. A message displays saying engine power reducing, service traction, service ESC. The car stalls while driving it on the street and highway. I'm scared of hitting someone while my foot is on the brake! My car is at 103k miles on it. I'm out of a car that I'm paying a note on. Its out of warranty. I haven't even had the car for a while year yet. The check engine light is on as well. The code for the check engine light is c0242. This is a very dangerous electrical problem. This should be a recall! Many chevy malibu owners are having or have had the same issue!
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after some time. In addition, multiple warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times, who diagnosed that the transmission, the battery cable and the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,697.
When starting my vehicle, (stationary) it does a revving thing like when pushing on the gas pedal and the gas pedla is not being pushed. At the same time that is happening the lights inside and out get very bright and then very low. I noticed when this is happening the temperature gauge does not move at all. Even after vehicle is running for a while the temperature gauge still does not move and the vehicle runs harder and louder with a slight shaking. Recently I drove for hours before the temperature gauge moved. Also when it did this recently the heat and defrost did not work well. My vehicle has 55,100 miles on it. When I asked a mechanic about this the mechanic informed me that a vehicle with such low mileage should not behave in this manner. I got my vehicle in july of 2015 and a month or so later it started doing these things. It does not do this all the time but as of lately its doing more frequently.
2011 malibu has been losing engine power showing "service ESC" engine power reduced, and something about traction. This has happened over 8 times twice this week on jan. 5th 2016. The second time I came so close to a crash to start to what not to drive this car. In all situations I was on a highway doing over 60 MPH and in most cases letting off the gas. I had a wire connector to the throttle body replaced this spring for $200 at a dealer and the problem came back this fall. I have had codes about the cam sensor (replaced) then the cam actuators (both replaced). Now I am told it could be the timing chain adjustable sprockets sticking from junk from the chain guides. There was some metal bits on the cam actuatorator when I replaced it. At $1400 (chains, guides, sprockets) I will do it tomorrow myself for $400 in parts just to see what is up myself. I sell auto shop supplies and was a tech. Years ago so I can do it myself with a haynes manual. This is a common vary dangerous electrical problem just as bad as the ignition key switch recall. Fix it now gm. Can anyone say lawsuit, somebody help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that the reduce engine power and the ESC lights remained illuminated. The vehicle could not exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving 65 MPH, the ESC warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The failure recurred in cold weather numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine management and ignition sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
2011 chevrolet malibu. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure and requests reimbursement. *smd the consumer's request for reimbursement was denied., because according to the gm, the repair that was performed, was not covered by the recall. The consumer stated he was stranded, due to loosing engine power. The dealer replaced the throttle body.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The ESC, check engine, and traction control warning lights illuminated. "engine power reduced" was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
On 3/28/15 I purchased a 2011 chevy malibu from rainbow chevrolet in laplace louisiana. When test driving the vehicle, I noticed a very small and hardly noticeable jerk when the car changed into 2nd gear. I was told by the salesman that it was normal and I took his word for it. Almost 7 months later, the issue has gotten 1000 x's worse and the engine light is now on. I know for a fact that this is not normal now. The jerk is violent and it now jerks when putting the car in park, drive and reverse. Pulling off slowly, makes the car jerk very hard. If you apply more gas when taking off,the jerk is not as bad but it's still bad. The car did not come with a warranty but I was ok with that because I was told that car had been inspected thoroughly, that an elderly couple previously owned the car, that there was nothing wrong with the car and I had also just gotten rid of a 2005 malibu that I bought brand new in which I had no serious problems with. I purchased this car for my daughter in college. This car is not safe. I have read hundreds of complaints online and on the chevrolet malibu forum in regards to the same problem as well as other problems. The car currently has 53,803 miles which is not very much in car years and I do not feel that I should have to pay for this problem since there are so many issues documented that I am having. Last but not least, I am unable to fill up the car with gas. It stops at about tank and starts to spill out. This was noticed shortly after I bought the car also. I bought this car for my daughter who is in college and it is definitely not safe to drive. I am a single mother and I do not have the resources to repair a vehicle with issues that should be part of a recall list.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,237.
In february 2015 my chevrolet malibu had an issue with the ignition switch. After taking it to the dealership it was determined that there was a wiring issue. During research it seemed that many people has the same problem with the same year and model. More recently on 09/16/2015 my vehicle had another electronic problem where the engine control module would shutdown causing the engine to shut down while traveling at 40 mpg. This issue had happened in the past that prevented me from starting my car and every electronic device in the car would flash and beep/click out of control. But in this more recent case it happened while driving. Also after more research it looks as if other drivers of the same year and model have had the same issue, some stating that that is the worst year of that model they ever owned and I could not agree more. At the time I had my child in the car with me. I could not stop wondering what would have happened if this incident occurred minutes earlier when I has in a busy highway under az heat with no air conditioning working because the engine would not start. Gm has not have a good reputation with the the quality of their vehicles, specially with electronic components. If the car engine and electronics shut down, would the air bags activate in case of an accident? Codes: p0113, p1668 maf (mass air flow sensor) has been replaced with new once after incident and issues have continued.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently to 5 MPH. The ESC warning light illuminated and the engine power reduced message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While the vehicle was at a stop sign, the engine revved up and failed to start. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,500. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shook violently and the service electronic stability control, service traction, and engine power reduced warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
6/6/2015 car was sitting in parking lot. Upon trying to start the car errors for electronic stability control and reduced engine power showed up. Car was sputtering and running rough. Turned car off. Waited a little while and started car again and no error messages. But the check engine light came on. The error code that came up was p2101. 6/10/2015 same thing happened. Let the car sit for about an hour and tried to start again. Smelled heavily of gas when it started. Check engine light is on.
2011 malibu 2lt 3600 vvt. I have multiple instances of the service ESC, service traction control & engine power reduced messages appearing. The last time, today, almost caused me to be rear ended due to the engine fluctuating between about 200 and 1500 RPM. After the first instance I brought the car to a dealer to have recall #14v252000 addressed. This seemed to solve the issue but after a couple of days it all happened again telling me there's obviously something else wrong. Through on-line research I have found hundreds of complaints about this exact same issue with almost as many supposed causes. There is no warranty left on my car and I can't afford a mechanic to guess. I strongly feel that gm needs to address this issue before someone dies.
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted however, the failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Just got my car back mid february after the timing chain broke. The signs at that time were ck engine light service traction and service ESC. Gm dealership replaced the engine with a brand new one. Its still under the 100,000 mile power train warranty. Forward 1 month. Now all lights come on...engine, service traction, service ESC and engine power low. Car shakes and wont exceed 10 MPH.
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