2011 Chevrolet Malibu: complete transmission failure

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated while driving, and the transmission shifted abnormally rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was rebuilt. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

Filed Aug 25, 2021 · Transmission · IN

While driving down a highway at 60mph, the transmission failed, at just over 118,000. It started surging without moving forward any faster, and reverse doesn't work at all anymore. My son was in the car, and we were miles from home. I was lucky to be able to get off the highway fairly quickly before we got run over, or hit along the side of the road. This particular transmission failure is a well known issue for GM, it is covered for older vehicles up to 2010, and fixed in newer vehicles in 2012, but dealership (Paul Richard's Peru, IN) said "these things happen" and it could cost $3000-$5000 to replace. They will do nothing to help, because they won't acknowledge that this model year needs extended coverage, too. (Actually a recall!) This is completely unacceptable, I've only put 30,000 miles on this car. I had the fluids lab tested when purchased, and it in no way indicated any failure imminent! In fact, it said everything was in fantastic condition for the mileage. We also flushed and filled the transmission ~25,000 miles ago, as recommended by the maintenance schedule. We shouldn't be on the hook for thousands of dollars, when we in no way caused this failure, especially after it could have killed my son and I. Our old 2005 Malibu has 170,000 miles on the original drivetrain, and it's still going. There is no acceptable reason that our 2011 should only last 118,000 miles before needing major repairs, or the transmission replaced already, 100% on our dime.

Filed Aug 24, 2021 · Transmission · SC

On busy city 3 lane highway transmission failed to engage. I managed to drift right to immediate side street, emergency blinkers on, horns blowing. Turned corner and stopped. No warnings, lights, sounds. 59,908 mileage! Insurance co towed to transmission shop. Mechanic had to completely rebuild $2,132. Insisted not normal problem for such low mileage. I will be contacting Chevy dealer, ect. This car is available for any inspection. I have 0 confidence in the safety of this car. When I picked up the owner of shop pointed out an identical vehicle in his lot, yes, waiting for another transmission replace/repair.

Filed Jan 19, 2021 · Transmission · 79,632 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH on a ramp and attempting to enter highway traffic, the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, the contact also wanted to state that previously the gear shifter failed to engage in reverse. The vehicle was towed to roy robinson chevrolet (6616 35th avenue ne, marysville, wa, 98271, (360) 659-6236) where the dealer performed a diagnostic test and informed the contact that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,632.

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Transmission · 91,963 miles · MD

I bought my car last october with 88505 miles and month after my speaker went out and in november and december my car died on me three times and my grandmother had to force the dealership that the warranty allowed me to get a new battery and in march my car would jump when I shift to reverse. Then I told it to a auto shop they check the transmission fluid . Finally on april 26 'my car would not accelerate or go in reverse . I had it towed to my dealership where they charged me $108 to diagnose it and told me my 3-5-r wave plate was done and I need to replace the transmission. My grandmother did her research md could that between 2009-2010 chevrolet malibu transmission had a defect in the transmission with the 35r wave plate and they had made the change the 2012 models but never did anything with the 2010 models and I did research to an saw that some cars could have parts from older models and be in newer cars. I went to a transmission place and they told me to go to the consumer protection agency with the states attorney. Depending on my VIN I could find out if my 2011 car was made with 2010 parts

Filed May 23, 2018 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · IA

Driving down city street, engine speed increased and vehicle slowed to stop. Would not go forward or reverse. As traffic backed up behind me, shut vehicle off for about a minute and restarted. Vehicle then moved enough to get off roadway then stopped moving again. Towed to chevrolet dealership, they diagnosed with major internal transmission failure, transmission needs replaced. Vehicle has just over 90,000 miles, cost to repair, about $4200

Filed Mar 6, 2018 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. The contact shifted the gear into reverse, but the vehicle did not move. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the gear shifter failed to shift into third gear. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to casper toyota (904 strub rd, sandusky, oh 44870, (888) 864-2057) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact later took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a wave plate was detached and a three five piston failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer opened case number: 8-3962773200 and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2017 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · IL

On november 1, 2017, while driving home on the expressway I hear this loud revving noise, I turn my radio off and realize it is my car making the noise and than the check engine light comes on. When I was able to I pulled over to the shoulder and turned my car off in hopes of the error clearing out. After a few minutes I turned the car back on only to find that the check engine light was still on, when it was save to do so, I pulled back into traffic with my hazard lights as I could not go over 20 to 30 MPH without the RPM going up. I made it home, tried to back into my garage only to find that my car will not go in reverse. I put the car back in drive, pulled around to the front of the house and parked the car. Since it was after midnight, I called chevrolet the next day and the only thing they could help me with was to get in touch with a dealership to schedule an appointment to take the car in for diagnostics as my car was no longer under warranty and there is no recall on this model year although there is a recall for models 2007 thru 2009 for the same issues. My service adviser called me later that day to tell me it was due to transmission failure, they found metal in the transmission and his advice was to replace the transmission. My diagnostic code was p0776( pressure solenoid 2 stuck off), my bill $3946 for car that has 84000 miles on it. A car that I am still paying a car note on. When I purchased it 4 years ago it had just under 30000 miles on it. I have done everything to maintain my car because my biggest fear is being stuck on the side of the road, especially since I am a woman working 2nd shift. I do not have my repair invoice yet as I have not picked my car up yet, its not so easy to come up with nearly $4000.

Filed Oct 30, 2017 · 55,000 miles · MI

Transmission failure at 55,000 miles

Filed Sep 5, 2017 · Transmission · 30,654 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to wymer chevrolet in cumberland, md where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,654.

Filed Mar 20, 2017 · Acceleration, Transmission · 125,000 miles · NC

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.

Filed Oct 6, 2016 · Transmission · 103,000 miles · TX

Transmission went out while driving. Would not shift gears then would not go into reverse to clear traffic suspect wave plate failure in the transmission