2011 Chevrolet Malibu Review: A Midsize Sedan Loaded with Mechanical Issues

Danielle on February 20, 2024

My Malibu has been nothing but worthless. I have been dumping money left and right and the thing still doesn't stay going longer than a day or 2 but now some esc crap came on and now it's a threat to drive and I don't have the money to go buy another car right now!!

Mindy316 on February 21, 2023

My 2011 Chevy Malibu is by far my worst vehicle purchase. At 87,000 miles transmission went out and cost $5,400 to be replaced then again at went out at 105,00 went out again and had to have the replaced transmission replaced thankfully it was still under warranty and didn't cost me. I have never had any transmission problems with any of my vehicles except this one so I know it's not a fault of mine but a major fault of the manufacturer. Vehicle has poor power performance went taking off so be careful before you pull off an interstate exit because it takes much longer to pick up and go in this car putting you in danger of being smashed by oncoming cars. It takes a ovet an hour to replce a headlight bulb due to the design of car and can cost up to $200 to have it done for you! The key fob worked for about a year and has never worked again. The interior is very very poorly made and very cheap. The cup holders are to close together to hold 2 cups at once and not deep enough to hold most large cups so only choice is to hold between your legs. The cup holders in the doors are completely useless as they are shallow and won't fit a cup only a soda can that sits at an angle and liquid gets everywhere while driving. The dash is made cheaply and fades quickly no amount of quality shine spray makes it look better its just dull and can not be revived. The middle console has a pull up accordion curtin type thing that covers the cup holders and it's by far the most flawed design ,all it does is catch dirt in the deep folds and it's useless and very ugly. Front seats are cheap quality and don't recommend sitting for long periods. The back seat is very small and uncomfortable. The ulpostery is the worst and any drop of liquid leaves large water mark and the whole seat needs cleaned because if you try to wipe it, it only makes it worse. When I drive down the road my locks will be locking up and down lock and unlocking by their self. Its so annoying, distracting and imbarassing! When parked if I hit my overhead interior lights my doors lock on their own. My rear speakers don't work but once in a while they kick on sometimes while driving sometimes while parked then go out again. The manufacturer should be ashamed for putting their name on such a poor quality vehicle because I am now Anti-Chevy and I will never waist my hard earned money on anything they offer again!

Samswollest on February 18, 2023

This car's transmission is terrible, needed a rebuild at 80k. Power issues every couple months, steering included. Not a fun or great handling car. Noisy. After around 130k miles things just started failing one by one. After thousands spent on fixing this car over a couple years, the car finally sits with a dead engine at 200k miles. It is going to the junkyard. Absolutely worst experience I've had with a vehicle.

Mark on July 31, 2022

I bought a 2011 w/ 7k miles and now have 163k miles. Very few issues new water pump 5 years ago, 2 brake jobs, synthetic oil changes every 3k miles, replaced windshield wiper motor. Very good vehicle for the $. Buying slightly used saved me $7k.

Roy on June 9, 2022

2011 Chevy Malibu 2.4 liter. Last two headlights $110 apiece. Have to pull the bumper to change. Two water pumps installed. Pump attached to timing chain instead of belt. Money saving for gm. More complicated to repair. Actually have black tape on inside door handle because cut my finger opening door. Carry bandages.Power steering not hydraulic, electrically assisted. Had chip replaced three times. Once actually paid for by gm under recall. Quoted $1700 by Chevy dealer on ford rd in g,c Michigan. My guy, master mechanic fixed for $430. I actually once bought a car from g..c mi dealer. Gm people don’t like me. I don’t like them either. Gas mileage overall lucky to get 20 miles per gallon. Replaced 3 out of 4 tpms sensors. $78 out the door at tire store. Mechanic actually suggested I get a job there since this car is in the shop so often. Can’t check trans fluid, it’s a sealed system. Bought a spare tire donut since no spare came with car. Came off a Saturn aura, came in handy. Rim got cracked from potholes. Alunumim rims don’t hold up against potholes. Bought a tire and rim from junkyard and replaced, lackluster acelertion and well as gas mileage. Take it slow off the line so trans can survive, seat belt broke was recalled and fixed by dealer. Local dealer hates me because I only go in for warranty service, less profitable for them. Second gm car for me. Should I try for a third? Ahh let me think! I am stupid. Third time? Hopefully not. Emphatic NO. If trans blows I will admit defeat. This car was a learning experience. Oil changes $50:to 70, of course in 2011 gm switched to synthetic oil so more costly to change. Of course sun roof leaked. Easy fix though.

Bert Whitehead on April 16, 2022

Bought used in 2013. Now has 302000 miles and runs fantastic. Original engine and transmission. Replace various parts here and there of course but best car I've ever owned.

Efrain Neyra on March 15, 2022

I bought this car with 43,000 miles malibu LT 2.4 engine and as of now it has 102,000 and still runs like new love this car. so far so good no issues gets great fuel economy 33 miles hwy mpg

Stacey on April 2, 2021

I love my new car it drives smooth has great comfort stereo sounds great sunroof mileage is good very sharp looking lots of room for storage

The man on February 6, 2021

Exceed my expectations, big room, good value for your money and good in gas 4 cylinder engine. Highly recommend this car. Common sense - change oil every 3000 miles

RodneyM on January 6, 2021

This is has nearly 150,000 miles but it seems to have been cared for. It drives pretty good and I’m content and it can with a decent warranty that I paid for of course.