2011 Chevrolet Malibu

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Chevrolet Malibu
Pictured: Chevrolet Malibu LT (IX, Facelift) – f 02112024. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan FWD I-4 Ls/Lt/Ltz, 4dr Sedan FWD V6 Lt/Ltz
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
Length
191.7 in
Curb weight
3,415–3,649 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints793 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 149 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 192 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,415 lb (4dr Sedan FWD I-4 Ls/Lt/Ltz).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 12% better than the 2011 midsize car average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 793 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2011

  • No hybrid version any more
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG down from 29 to 26

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Malibu →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD I-4 Ls/Lt/Ltz191.7 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,415 lb59/41
4dr Sedan FWD V6 Lt/Ltz191.7 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,649 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Malibu2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+12%$2,600342
Malibu FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+12%$2,600342
Malibu3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-14%$3,350444
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.2 MPG2011 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu.

Similar 2011 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Chevrolet Malibu (this car)26 MPGNot rated3
2011 Ford Mustang23 MPGNot rated4
2011 Honda Accord26 MPGNot rated9
2011 Chevrolet Impala23 MPGNot rated2
2011 Toyota Camry33 MPGNot rated5
2011 Chevrolet Camaro22 MPGNot rated2
2011 Nissan GT-R17 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Jan 16, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V019000 · 1,145 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, the air bag inflator may explode due to being overpressurized.
Risk
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. The recall began February 25, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N182206630.
Seat Belts · May 8, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V269000 · 437,045 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured April 8, 2010, to October 11, 2012. 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. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.
Risk
If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the outboard lap anchor mounting bracket and inspect the flexible steel cable, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 16, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15031.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 14, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · 2,440,524 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. 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.
Risk
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. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

793Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
29Involved a crash
12Involved a fire
31Injuries reported
82,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering190
Electrical System184
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)141
Engine125
Exterior Lighting120
Power Train81
Air Bags67
Vehicle Speed Control61
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/02: 224/03: 124/04: 124/06: 124/08: 224/09: 124/10: 324/11: 324/12: 225/01: 425/02: 325/03: 425/05: 125/08: 125/10: 125/11: 126/01: 126/02: 226/03: 226/04: 126/05: 126/06: 326/08: 126/09: 124/0224/0624/1025/0125/0525/1126/0326/06max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Chevrolet Malibu buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 190 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Electrical System — 184 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 141 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Malibu years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★112
2024 Malibu31193.7 in★★★★★244
2023 Malibu30193.7 in★★★★★272
2022 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★199
2021 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★290
2020 Malibu32193.7 in★★★★★1199
2019 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★1195
2018 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★6711
2017 Malibu46193.7 in★★★★★4726
2016 Malibu46193.7 inNot rated10865
2015 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated3267
2014 Malibu29191.7 inNot rated6330

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →