2010 Chevrolet Malibu Problems
What owners have reported about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 1,363 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, electrical system and stability control.
1,363 complaints 4 recalls, 1 crash risk 2nd worst of 17 Malibu years
Top 2010 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Steering problems
454 complaints (33%) name the steering, most often the column and power steering fluid.
Electrical problems
295 complaints (22%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and speedometer / odometer.
Stability control problems
240 complaints (18%) name the stability control.
Brake problems
199 complaints (15%) name the brakes.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (1,053 of 1,363). The amber line is the middle value, about 84,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Inflator module
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized. If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments may strike the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge.
Recall 19V019000 · Jan 2019Steering shaft joint can fail and cause a crash
Crash riskThe steering shaft's universal joint may wear out early because its yoke does not hold the bearing firmly enough. If the joint separates, the driver can lose all steering control, which greatly raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace the steering shaft or refund the purchase price, and the repair is free of charge.
Recall 14E044000 · Jul 2014Wiring, Brake lights
In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features. Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014.
Recall 14V252000 · May 2014Gear position indication (PRNDL)
On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate. If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge.
Recall 12V460000 · Sep 2012Get an email when your 2010 Chevrolet Malibu gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Malibu years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2010 Chevrolet Malibu problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Malibu. Owners have filed 1,363 complaints with NHTSA, the 2nd most of 17 Malibu model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, electrical system and stability control.
What are the most common 2010 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
Owners most often report problems with the steering, electrical system, stability control and brakes. 454 complaints (33%) name the steering, most often the column and power steering fluid.
At what mileage do 2010 Chevrolet Malibu steering problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 78,000–137,000 miles, with a middle value near 101,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu have?
4. Inflator module (19V019000); Steering shaft joint can fail and cause a crash (14E044000); Wiring, Brake lights (14V252000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2010 Chevrolet Malibu?
Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2021 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.