The Lemon Index2011 Chevrolet Malibu.
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is better than average by owner complaints: 185 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 76, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 20 to 26 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Malibu year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 978 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Malibu year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 52K to 106K miles on the car (731 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 51K–108K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 60K–120K miles
- stability control complaints mostly came at 58K–110K miles
Recalls 4
- airbags 2019
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.
- seat belts 2015
In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle.
- steering 2014
The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.
Show all 4 recalls
- electrical 2014
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1305 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/pontiac/saturn: there may be an intermittent engine hesitation or…
- There may be noise coming from the cylinder head, because of low oil pressure which is caused…
- There may be a short rattle noise from the front of the engine when it is started
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
3 times my sons car has just shut off while driving on freeway.
2011 Chevrolet Malibu owner · NHTSA complaint 10604354
More owner reports
Went out to crank the car. It would not start. Sent in to be fixed. Picked car up today and inside panel is not working neither is the lights. I have to call service again in the a.m.
NHTSA complaint 10496553
While driving on the highway the displayed showed low traction, service esc, reduced power engine. After quickly pulling over to the side the car began violently shaking and pressing the gas pedal resulted in no engine power.
NHTSA complaint 10565903
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 76; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Malibu year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Malibu problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (25%), engine (19%) and stability control (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu get?
20 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Malibu problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 52,000 and 106,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 731 complaints.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Chevrolet Malibu year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2014 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works