Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
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 driver's seat bracket broke causing the seat to sag to the right and for the back of the seat to rise up. Pictures were taken and are attached. Available for inspection until fixed. The view is from the front. My finger points to the failed weld. In an accident, the seat might break off causing the driver to sustain serious injury. The sudden shift in the seat could cause the driver to panic resulting in an accident. I have not yet taken it into the dealer for review. This problem has been reported to your website as well as RepairPal and The Center for Auto Safety websites. No one has, as of now, inspected this failure. There are no warning lights or other sources avaliable to inform of this danger.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle with the driver side heating seat activated, there suddenly was a burning odor. The driver discovered at burnt hole in the back area of the driver seat. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 05/11/16
My wife had turned on the seat heater. After a period of time she felt the back of the seat getting very hot and then smelled something burning and saw smoke inside the car.. She leaned forward and then turned off the switch to the seat heater. I examined the seat and discovered a dime sized burn through hole in the seat. The burn trough is approximately shoulder high on the seat.
While driving my vehicle, the power assisted front seat moved forward approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch on the right portion of the seat. This also happened when turning the vehicle as well, e.g. If to the left the right portion of the seat would move forward, if the turn was to the right the right portion of the seat would move back. Eventually the driver's seat sloped downward to the right. This created a hazardous situation while driving. I have owned many cars and never once have I had a seat break like this. Apparently this is a problem with GM vehicles from what I have been able to read. GM refused to admit that this is their fault and I am out almost a $1,000.00 to have there problem fixed ...updated 09/22/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving approximately 17 MPH, a vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The police reported to the scene and a police report was filed. The contact suffered a concussion. The front passenger side seat dislodged from the track rail and fractured, causing the passenger to strike the dashboard. The passenger sustained a fractured back. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop and was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 1,680. Updated 01/29/13
Faulty passenger presence module , airbag warning fault light on. . The dealership recommended the replacement of the module at my own expense of $800. I feel that my family and my safety is at risk due to a faulty design that GM is aware of with its airbag components. Airbags should be working for the life of the vehicle, and if they are failing the manufacturer should replace those faulty designed parts at no expense to the owners.
Stopped behind traffic and the vehicle behind me did not. Not sure how fast they were going, but fast enough to hit the rear of my car 2 times and push me into the vehicle in front of me. The problem is-- my air bags did not deploy. I am having issues with back and neck since the seat belt did not hold me in place. The drivers seat broke, but the passengers seat belt held, but no air bags.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact entered the parked vehicle and noticed a burn mark on the driver's side seat back rest. The defect was caused by a high voltage of heat that penetrated through the seat overnight. The heated seat had been activated when the vehicle was in operation prior to the failure. There were wires visible in the burned hole that was in the back rest. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000. Updated 4/1/14 the dealer inspected the vehicle, and acknowledged the wires had shorted and burned out. Updated 04/23/14
Support bar underneath the driver's seat severed and the result was that the seat came off of the right bracket. The seat was resting on only the left bracket. General motors would not cover under any warranty even though car was undriveable due to serious safety concern. General motors stated that I somehow had caused the support bar to break. It cost me $750 for a new seat and the labor to replace. I am in possession of the seat and to me it looks like a faulty weld or a defective support bar. I find it impossible that I some how broke a thick steel bar just by getting in and out of the vehicle.
When driving it the transmission don't kick in until you get pass 30 miles and then it's doing everything that you have a recall on some of the other 2010 Chevy Malibu just trying to see why my VIN number hasn't been recall.I have to put my emergency lights own sometime so I won't be in a reck getting my grandkids to and from school I fear for our safety but this is my only transportation so if you can pleas check and see if I have a recall on my VIN number it would please be appreciate sign a caring grandmother trying to keep her family safe 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Seat complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the seats of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the model year's 1,363 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › head restraint (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Malibu seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats 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 seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to seats 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.