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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of Special Coverage Program: 15356; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the program. Additionally, the contact was informed of NHSTA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lightening, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. …
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at various speeds, the traction control and power steering disengaged independently as the "Reduced Engine Power" warning message was displayed and the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. The contact also stated that the brake lights flickered intermittently without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the intake camshaft actuator, mass air flow, and manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The power steering warning light and the ESC warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving to her residence by using physical strength to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 99,401.
Tires go flat really fast. The electrical system is not ready my tires no more and don't show if there's an issue including airbags. The light was on for a month and wen tawau I got his in the front of my car and my airbags didn't not deploy.
I was driving in the highway and my Malibu stopped and appeared the image of traction control off and the motor was shaking and my light of check engine was on and my car did not advance more then 10 miles.
I was driving home from being out of town on 10/15/13 while driving on the freeway while driving about 80mph when out of no where the car started to shake and vibrate then the "traction light ,service ESC,engine power turning off and car went from going 80mph to 10mph on the freeway, while a big diesel truck was behind me in which I was to be able to pull to the side to avoid being rear ended by the diesel, in which I had my ([redacted]) yr old daughter in the car and other family members. On December 23,2014, the same thing occurred while driving the car at 60mph it reduces speed to almost zero MPH,shakes with the "traction sensor light and "service ESC engine power turning off comes on and the car stalls! Leaving me stranded and having the vehicle towed again! …
I was driving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu at about 40 MPH on a fairly busy 2 lane street. Without warning the car lost power. A message appeared in the information screen indicating something like "reduced power to the engine". Also, a message indicated that the engine was operating under reduced power mode because I needed to service ESC, and the engine light was displayed as well on the dashboard. I was fortunately able to get the car pulled off of the road and into a parking lot. I read the owners manual and essentially found out that the vehicle was operating in "limp mode". I took the car to the dealership and found this to be a "common problem" for Chevy Malibu models. My car was, of course, out of warranty and not covered under any sort of recall, so I had to pay about $500 for the repair. My concern is that this is a safety issue as I suddenly and without any warning lost power. …
2011 Chevrolet Malibu has experienced numerous occasions with "hiccups" (temporary loss of power) while driving followed by flashing warning light of traction control then followed with "service ESC... Service ECM... ESC off". Service engine light also came on and stayed on. By the time we took the vehicle to GM service the engine service light was off and they could not duplicate the problem or get a code but recommended a new ECM. Problem occurred again and returned back to GM service with same result and recommendation. My wife commutes 1.5 hours per day and also drives our 3 children to school each day. After having the vehicle continue with these issues, the vehicle finally stalled completely, on 2 separate occasions, in heavy traffic but would eventually start and run again. …
While traveling at a slow speed (betw 10-20 MPH) on 3/20/17, the car started to shake, the service ESC message light turns on, and service traction control light turns on (with message that car will power down). So, if I pull over to the side of the road and shut the car off (before it shuts down on it's own), wait 2 minutes for the computer to reset, then get RPM up quick (so the speed is quickly above the 20 MPH), then it is wouldn't do it and I could get it to the mechanic. When the mechanic went to check it, the battery was dead, so no luck with computer scan. He put in new battery. So I drove it and it did it again. I took it to the mechanic and he checked it and he replaced the gas pedal (computer code indicated a bad sensor). However, it did not take care of the issue. Brand new battery and still draining battery (overnight). …
From 5/2018 until present, multiple occasions upon turning the key to start car have experienced: engine power reduced on message board along w/ ESC light and check engine light illuminated. The car shakes and sputters. Usually can make all symptoms except check engine light disappear by restarting multiple times. Until last week, the problem has only occurred upon first starting the car regardless of the length of time it has set between starts and in any weather (ie cold, warm, rainy). Last Friday, it cranked but did not start the first attempt of starting and then after multiple attempts did start normally but during a two mile drive it reoccurred two more times and took multiple tries each time to get it to start normally. Each time I had to quickly pull off street to avoid traffic as it decreased in power and started shaking. The code it sends is p-2135. …
Traction Control complaints in other Malibu years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA has 181 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 19% of the model year's 978 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Malibu traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to stability & traction control 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.