Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's mother owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was common and referred him to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the failure and provided the contact with an estimate for the repair. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving over rough roads, the vehicle displayed a Service Traction, Service EFC and EFC Off, and Engine Power Reduced messages. After coming to a complete stop and then the attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started to jerk. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the accelerator pedal twice however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the certified mechanic, and it was determined that water was leaking into the wiring harness and the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 265,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine / it stopped while I was driving / dealer charged me $2000 for a replacement engine, then after that my Power steering gave out , My ESC turns off and on / car jumps while driving my whole dashboard goes crazy How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the car stopped while i was driving multiple times , my kids were in the car for 2 of them, it stops with out warning. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes the Used car dealership i bought it from is well aware and basically not helping at all Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no , no warnings signs came on until after the engine was changed and they go on and off
The airbag don't work, I just payed 1200$ to replace the computer pc because the car wouldn't start and that didn't solve the problem the check engine light is always on, the car have electrical problems; if I run the Ac it blows hot and then the car go to engine power reduces within 4 minutes. If I drive the car it will go on engine power reduce after 6 minutes because the fan is not working due to the fact that that car has electrical problems and the fan is not getting enough power to warm the car up and the engine gets real hot and it go to making a loud rumbling noise and growling and I can only drive 10 mph and 40 mph the fastest but then the car go to shaking and wen I try to park the car it's shaking Nd rumbling which can cause an accident
You can be driving down the road and the car randomly loses speed and all the dash lights come on. Traction Control. Engine power reduced, ABS Brake light comes on. How is this problem not a recall yet? So many people have reported it and nothing has been done about it! Driving down the freeway is TERRIFYING and DANGEROUS! What is Chevrolet waiting for? A few serious accidents first? We already replaced the fuel pump and the timing chain!
The car shut off while driving down the street. Lost all control over steering and braking components. After the car shut itself off was not able to get it to turn back on after several hours. Turned it back on but when attempted to drive it home, it shit itself off again. Still could not control steering wheel
I have replaced my transmission in 2019. Car still has transmission problems. I've replaced my passenger headlight and lamp but the light still won't work. My brake lights or back blinkers don't work even after changing the fuses. Tire pressure light won't go off. I have had this car since 2010..
I received a reduced power error,my car slowed to very low speed...I reserched the error message but it only have 2016-18 models with this problem...apparently 2010's have it as well,but there are no recalls or anything concerning the 2010 chevy malibu LTZ.
Driving down the highway, the car completely shuts down, states engine deactivated, engine power decreased, and traction light on, had to attempt to safely pull over, had to be towed, still trying to figure what's wrong, completely unsafe!
On 9/15/15 I was making a right hand turn from a red light when I heard a loud pop or bang from my front end, when I stepped on the gas the car would not accelerate. My car was out of warranty so after complaining to the dealership and GM they finally had it towed to the dealer (after 2 weeks) to have it fixed or looked at. The check engine light that was on at the time reset it self but the 2codes found in the computer were the p0716 and p0717 transmission codes but since they were historic (which the check engine light has never come on except for the break light issue) the dealership said my car was fine. I picked it up and off I went. 12 days later the vehicle bucked making a left turn, and the vehicle would not accelerate and the check engine light was back on. I was forced to drive to the dealership when the vehicle would not come out of 1st gear. The transmission was shredded. …
Engine complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 126 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, 9% of the model year's 1,363 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.