Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician informed that the front brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the brake system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician informed that the rear brakes, the rear rotors and the rear passenger side caliper needed to be replaced. …
Back in April of 2013, the wiper stopped working during heavy rain and heavy winds. Took car to lou fusz Chevrolet of st. Peters, mo (which is where the car was first bought in June 2010). My wife and I were advised that wiper transmission/module loose at motor. The wiper module assembly was replaced. On 6/30/14, due to rain on the interstate highway, the wiper stopped working again, but due to this occurred over a year ago and 12,000 warranty expired, my wife and were told it had to be replaced again and we had to pay for it (mileage 92284). On 6/19/15, wiper again goes out due to heavy rain on the interstate highway (mileage 113245). However, phone service rep said to have the fuse box replaced because of internal short on power side of wiper motor on signal circuit. After the fuse box was replaced, the problem still existed. Yet, we still had to pay for the fuse box replacement! …
While driving 65 miles per hour in a severe thunderstorm on the i94 tollway headed to chicago the wipers came to a sudden stop. I was completely blinded and in the 3rd lane to the left. I immediately put on my blinkers and started beeping my horn. My daughter had to stick her head out the window to guide me to the right side of the road to pull over. We were struggling through heavy traffic and scared out of our minds! After we finally made it to the side, with my 18 month old granddaughter in the car we had to sit there for more than 2 hours to wait for the rain to stop. After researching the Chevy forum website I realized this is a common problem on Chevy Malibu's of various years and a major safety issue! It appears there was a recall on previous years of Chevy Malibu windshield wipers and I believe there should be a recall on this before someone is seriously injured or worse!
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. While driving various speeds in the rain, the windshield wipers failed to function. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and waited until the rain stopped to resume driving. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (lou fusz Chevrolet located on 5120 n service rd, st peters, mo, 63376) where it was diagnosed that the wiper motor was working, but the wiper transmission module detached and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer did not offer further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000. Updated 07/27/17
During a torrential downpour, I switched on my windshield wipers. I was traveling at 65 miles per hour on the highway. After slowing my speed, I switched the windshield wipers to the highest speed. After about 30 seconds, I heard a loud bang, and the wipers completely stopped working. The entire wiper assembly needed to be replaced. The car has only 66,000 miles on it. I'm lucky to be alive. I was able to pull to the side of the road, but it could have ended in tragedy. This is not a problem with the wiper motor, but the part that connects the motor to the wiper blades.
Wiper motor transmission just went out for the 3rd time yesterday, 1st occuranc was jan 2013 an dstopped unexpectedly going down highway. Replaced at a cost to me of $325. Second occurance was sept 2014 and occured on expressway going 70mph. GM would not cover as I was over miles and dealership woudl only guarantee part for 1 year. I again had to replace at a cost of $350. 3rd occurance was last night with my son! Going 55-65 MPH on ohio turnpike in the pouring rain. Appointment tomorow. Everyone denies responsibility
In 2015 wiper trans failed at heavy rain and new one was installed by bob bell Chevrolet dealer. In August 2017, on rainy day on I-95 toward wdc wipers stopped working and with life treating I drove the car to another dealership - pohanka Chevrolet that said that wiper trans failed. I got failed trans - looked as a new, but it is life threatening situation when on freeway driver looses visibility completely. Looks like that is persistently failing GM part needed to be recalled in order to keep us drivers safe.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to turn on the rear defogger system it failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was caused by the fuse for defogger located in the trunk, which had burnt and melted. The fuse was replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 33,000.
On 6/30/14, due to rain on the interstate highway, the wiper stopped working again, but due to this occurred over a year ago and 12,000 warranty expired, my wife and were told it had to be replaced again and we had to pay for it (mileage 92284). This has also been filed under this website under 10735008 and 10992948. This is a safety hazard and it needs to at least be thoroughly investigated.
Tl* the contact owns a Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while parked, she activated the defroster and approximately fifteen minutes later the rear glass shattered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated the defroster wiring melted. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, 2% of the model year's 1,363 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Malibu window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.