How common are transmission problems in the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?

NHTSA records 112 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Malibu, which is 11% of all 978 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu transmission?

No. The data shows no related recalls tied to Transmission & Powertrain issues for the 2011 Malibu.

At what mileage do 2011 Malibu transmission problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 78,225 miles.

Did the 2011 Malibu transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data links 3 crashes and 2 injuries to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Malibu.

How does 2011 compare to other Malibu years for this problem?

The 2011 Malibu's 11% share of complaints in this area is close to 2010's 10% and 2015's 11%, but lower than later years like 2018 at 24% and 2019 at 35%.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 112 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, 11% of that year's 978 total complaints, with 3 crashes and 2 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 78,225 miles, and there are no related recalls tied to this component.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 112; 11% of 978
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 78,225 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the transmission slipping between 1st and 2nd gear, and again between 2nd and 3rd, with a delay before the correct gear engages.
Some drivers describe the car suddenly losing forward drive while in gear, with the engine revving as if in neutral, leaving reverse as the only option.
Several complaints describe a 'service traction' or 'service esc' warning appearing on the dash along with reduced engine power and a transmission that seems locked into one gear.
Multiple owners report the vehicle becoming stuck in gear or refusing to shift into drive after restarting the car, sometimes forcing them to back up for several blocks.
One complaint describes the front wheels locking up at highway speed as if from a catastrophic transmission failure, resulting in a rear-end collision.

When 2011 Chevrolet Malibu transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 10, 2011, latest Feb 9, 2026.

112 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q1 to 2026 Q1; peak 2015 Q1 (8).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Malibu model year

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

200565 (7%)
200643 (4%)
200747 (5%)
200886 (9%)
2009121 (8%)
2010133 (10%)
2011112 (11%)
201249 (5%)
201353 (6%)
201452 (15%)
201531 (11%)
2016166 (20%)
2017139 (20%)
2018170 (24%)
201966 (35%)
202058 (29%)
202128 (31%)
202223 (24%)
20238 (12%)
20245 (13%)
20251 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu?: NHTSA records 112 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Malibu, which is 11% of all 978 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu transmission?: No. The data shows no related recalls tied to Transmission & Powertrain issues for the 2011 Malibu.
At what mileage do 2011 Malibu transmission problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 78,225 miles.
Did the 2011 Malibu transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data links 3 crashes and 2 injuries to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2011 Malibu.
How does 2011 compare to other Malibu years for this problem?: The 2011 Malibu's 11% share of complaints in this area is close to 2010's 10% and 2015's 11%, but lower than later years like 2018 at 24% and 2019 at 35%.