How many airbag complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA lists 93 airbag complaints for the 2011 Malibu, which is 10% of the 978 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?

Yes. Recall 19V019000 covers 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles where the driver frontal airbag inflator may explode due to overpressurization during deployment. GM dealers replace the front driver airbag module free of charge.

Did the airbag problems cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to these airbag complaints show 21 crashes and 28 injuries associated with the 2011 Malibu.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for airbag-related complaints on the 2011 Malibu is 60,821.5 miles, though several complaints occurred at much lower mileage during crash events.

Is the airbag complaint rate higher in 2011 than other Malibu years?

The 2011 Malibu's airbag share of complaints is 10%, similar to 2010 (11%) and 2012 (11%), but lower than 2015, which had an 18% share.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 93 airbag complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 10% of all complaints that year, with 21 crashes and 28 injuries. A related recall (19V019000) covers driver airbag inflators that may explode on deployment.

Airbags complaints: 93; 10% of 978
Crashes reported: 21
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 28
Median mileage: 60,822 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners report frontal airbags failing to deploy entirely during moderate-to-high-speed crashes, including rollovers and guardrail impacts.
Some describe airbags deploying but not fully inflating, leading to chest, facial, and rib injuries despite deployment.
Several complaints mention airbags deploying only on one side of the vehicle in a collision, with the other side's airbag not activating.
A few owners report airbag modules physically detaching or falling out of their housing without deploying.
Seat belts are sometimes described failing alongside airbag non-deployment, with belts not properly restraining occupants in rear-end collisions.
One owner reported the airbag sensor module recorded 'no event' despite a rollover crash, showing no fault detected.

When 2011 Chevrolet Malibu airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 12, 2011, latest May 9, 2026.

93 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2014 Q4 (8).

Airbags recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

NHTSA 19V019000Jan 16, 2019Airbags1,145 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Remedy: 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.

Airbags complaints by Malibu model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

2010144 (11%)
201193 (10%)
2012101 (11%)
201359 (7%)
201416 (5%)
201549 (18%)
201618 (2%)
201714 (2%)
201814 (2%)
20196 (3%)
20204 (2%)
20216 (7%)
20224 (4%)
20236 (9%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu have?: NHTSA lists 93 airbag complaints for the 2011 Malibu, which is 10% of the 978 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an airbag recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?: Yes. Recall 19V019000 covers 2010-2011 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles where the driver frontal airbag inflator may explode due to overpressurization during deployment. GM dealers replace the front driver airbag module free of charge.
Did the airbag problems cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to these airbag complaints show 21 crashes and 28 injuries associated with the 2011 Malibu.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for airbag-related complaints on the 2011 Malibu is 60,821.5 miles, though several complaints occurred at much lower mileage during crash events.
Is the airbag complaint rate higher in 2011 than other Malibu years?: The 2011 Malibu's airbag share of complaints is 10%, similar to 2010 (11%) and 2012 (11%), but lower than 2015, which had an 18% share.