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 2011 Chevrolet Malibu owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the weld to the driver's seat fractured. The contact had pulled over to inspect the damage and was where the seat had started to lean. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the entire seat needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The seat belts on this vehicle have some issues. I was involved in a wreck lately and I was hurt really bad from the seat belt on the Chevy . The seat belt dinted into my body causing some really bad pain when the accident occurred.
For sometime now in the past few years when I get into the driver seat it feels like the seat is shifting to the right. The issue was felt but has gotten worse as time went on. I do know that there was a recall on the drivers seat belt and I'm not sure if that's what caused the problem as I after 1-2 years went to the back seat to the rear of the seat and put my hands under the lower right hand side of the seat and lifted. The seat moved! I then called Chevrolet to see if they has problems with the seat or the frame and I was told no. I then talked with mcdermott and I was told the seat would cost me close to $1,000 dollars. I then contacted cna national warranty corporation and I have bumper to bumper coverage through the extended warranty. Cna is refusing to cover the seat frame but would cover the seat track. …
I went to adjust my seat forward using the automated adjuster and heard a snap. The seat will adjust forward but not as much as usual and leans toward the center console. I can feel the back, left hand corner of the seat lift from the actual frame when turning. I imagine this makes for an awful safety hazard if I were in a crash. I'm glad the seat didn't break while I was moving the car. It happened suddenly and most certainly would've caused me to crash. I'm extremely nervous about what will happen if someone happens to collide with me. Will the the rest of the welds onthe seat frame hold? I've read several complaints about this online already. If I'm in a fender bender or (god forbid) worse, will the seat stay in the car? The seat belt is attached to the seat and I'm worried. What's to keep me from going through my windshield?! This shouldn't happen! There needs to be a recall!
The frame attached to the base on the drivers side collapsed while I was driving causing me to swerve but I was able to avoid crashing into anything and brought the vehicle to a stop. The seat is leaning to the right . I got it to the GM dealership and requested them to repair it and filed a report case# 8-3168765111. File notice with GM and I am awaiting a determination on my claim, I am hopeful that GM will honor my claim and investigate production issues that May have lead to this issue. I reviewed carcomplaints.com and noticed that there have been numerous incidents over the years .hopefully NHTSA can investigate this problem,
The driver front seat frame is broke. Upon inspection by myself, it's a weld failure (a manufacturing defect). A Chevrolet dealership confirmed it's broke and the verbiage they used was "seat riser cracking free". In use, the seat belt attaches to the seat, and if the seat frame is broke and not properly fastened to the frame/body in my mind this is a failed occupant restraint system. I'm a little surprised general motors didn't take me seriously about repairing this immediately as I'm thinking they are liable if anything were to happen. There was no accident that caused this as we just noticed it while in use.
After having repairs made at the dealership for drivers seat heater not working. The driver seat heater element was replaced, I had driven approximately 20 miles when the seat started smoking and caught fire. By the time I got the car stopped and pulled to the side of the road the inside of the car was filled with smoke and the drivers seat was completely on fire. With the help of another motorist I was able to get out of the car. I received severe burns to my right leg and hands. By the time the fire department arrived the car was a total loss.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the front driver seat anchor mounting bracket was detached, which prevented the contact from driving safely and legally. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 15V269000(seat belts) and stated that the parts were unavailable. The dealer was uncertain when the parts would become available to service the vehicle under the recall. The manufacturer stated that they would notify the contact on a later date for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
The drivers side seat has broken. It is the right side and it is sitting lower than the left side. I have never had this happen in any vehicle I have owned. The other issue is intermittent problems with the shifting of the transmission. It is very worrisome. When you are sitting at a stop sign/light or anything and you go to take off it feels like car shuts down briefly and then it kicks in. The problem can never seem to be replicated at a dealership imagine that.
I got into my car and the driver seat collapsed on the back-right side. After inspection, I found that the weld broke, causing my car to be extremely unsafe to drive! I have found numerous complaints online and numerous complaints filed with NHTSA for this issue. Why isn't an official investigation being conducted regarding this defect? I feel that this should be considered a safety recall and GM should be responsible for the cost of the repairs!
Seat complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the seats of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 4% of the model year's 978 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › head restraint (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Malibu seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats recall for the 2011 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 2011 Chevrolet Malibu seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 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.