The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu can be found used from $6,630 to $10,537. It is safe, but aside from that it doesn’t have much going for it. The 2011 Malibu is unreliable and feels very dated, making it a car to avoid.
- More spacious than other midsize sedans.
- Quick for its class with the optional V6 engine.
- Quieter cabin than other vehicles at its price point.
- Engine problems are common, leading to reduced power and stalling.
- Transmission gears are fragile and break easily.
- Build quality and interior materials are below average.
2011 Chevrolet Malibu: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2011 model year include Chevy making the six-speed automatic transmission standard. Overall, the Malibu scores below average in reliability.
- Two engines are available for the Malibu. An underpowered four-cylinder and a responsive and fun-to-drive V6.
- Malibu ranks 9th out of 13 midsize cars in fuel economy with a combined rating of up to 26 miles per gallon. Comfort is average, but it is roomy compared to other sedans.
- In government crash test ratings, the Malibu is very safe, earning a four-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also awards it a Top Safety Pick.
- The 2011 Malibu ranks near the bottom of the list of midsize sedans. It is a car that is cheap to buy used, but expensive to own because of all of the repairs it will need. There are better midsize sedans on the market.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Have?
The 2011 Chevy Malibu has many problems. The most severe are error messages on the dash saying “Service ESC”, “Service Traction”, and “Engine Power Reduced”. No definitive solution to this problem exists, but owners report it sometimes is a throttle position sensor error. Chevrolet has never fully addressed the issue, or found a solution. Transmission problems are also very common, with complete failures happening around 90,000 miles. Owners also report losing power steering while driving, increasing the risk of an accident.
There are four recalls affecting the Malibu which is average for a car from 2011. Including brake lights failing, steering shaft support u-joints breaking, seat belt anchor cables tearing, and the airbag inflator recalls found on most cars. The most serious recall is for the u-joints, if one breaks it can lead to a loss of steering which increases the chance of an accident.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu trims include budget-friendly LS and luxury-lite XLT. The 2011 Chevy Malibu can be found used from $6,630 to $10,537 depending on the model and condition. New, it had a list price of $21,975 to $27,165. It depreciates fast for its class, losing 50% of its value in the first five years.
- The base model is the LS. Standard features include basic cloth seats, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a power driver seat, remote keyless entry, a CD player with MP3 capability, and OnStar.
- Above that is the 1LT. Adding cruise and audio controls to the steering wheel, 17-inch bright wheels, remote start, and an upgraded stereo with a USB input.
- Next in the lineup is the 2LT Features include 17-inch chrome wheels, seats with UltraLux vinyl seating, heated driver and passenger seats, and an eight-speaker Bose stereo.
- The flagship is the LTZ model, which has leather seating, 18-inch chrome wheels, automatic climate control, and heated exterior mirrors.
How Long Will the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Last?
Based on ownership data, a 2011 Malibu should last over 150,000 miles with proper care, which is significantly lower than average. Transmission failures are expensive to fix, and are the main reason they are mechanically totaled. It happens when a transmission replacement costs more than the car is worth. Repair Pal estimates it will cost $550 per year to maintain, average for a midsize car.
It has been a reliable car for me. My only real complaint (or perceived problem) is in the design of the vehicle. I have had to replace a headlamp two/three times and the engineering design requires me to take it to the dealership, because the entire front grill must be removed to place such a small part.
It is reliable although I have had some concerns and expense with it in the past years such as brakes etc.
I think it is a very reliable vehicle and I have been fortunate to have no problems thus far with my car.
For the most part mines has been very reliable. The only problems that I am currently having are with the tire pressure sensors not reading and a few small wiring problems.
Yes it is a very reliable car have had it for almost 10 years, only thing is sometimes codes pop up but there is nothing wrong. So maybe a little glitch, with normal car maintenance 10 years and it is still in good shape.
It is very reliable, and usually doesn't have any problems. Gas mileage has been my only issue compared to other vehicles of the same size and weight.
Yes I have issues with it fixed power steering pump a few sensors and water pump has been fixed. My radio went out along with defroster in back window.
I did have an issues with the headlight going out almost once every year for the past 4 years that needed to be replaced.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology is basic in the 2011 Malibu, and it feels dated compared to other cars from this year.
- Standard technology is simple and includes a stereo with a CD player, Bluetooth, and OnStar.
- Upgraded technology includes a higher-fidelity eight-speaker Bose stereo and a USB input.
- For safety, there is a standard backup camera, six airbags, and traction control.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2011 Chevy Malibu is not a high-performance car, but it is quicker than other midsize sedans. Going from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds with the V6, beating many of its opponents.
- The base engine is a 2.4L four-cylinder with 169 horsepower, below average for a car this size.
- An upgraded 3.6L V6 produces 252 horsepower, which is a good amount for a front-wheel-drive car.
What Colors Options are Available?
How Big is the Malibu?
The 2011 Malibu is bigger than other midsize sedans. The cabin is spacious for passengers, but the seats have unsupportive cushions. It comes with 15.1 cu. ft. of room in the trunk, and it has a small opening that can be awkward to load. This is less cargo room than average, but it can still fit three to four full-size suitcases.
How Does the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Compare to Other Cars?
The 2011 Chevy Malibu ranks 9th out of 13 in the midsize car class based on owner reviews, putting it near the bottom of the pack. A close competitor is the Hyundai Sonata. It has a better interior, and more attractive styling than the Chevy. Neither sedan is reliable, but the Malibu’s transmission problems are less expensive to fix than the engine failures in the Hyundai. Both are bad sedans, and we do not recommend either choice for shoppers.
Another competitor is the Toyota Camry. It is more reliable, has better fit and finishes throughout, and is more comfortable to drive. The Chevy has more room for passengers, but the space doesn’t matter when the transmission fails or it winds up in limp mode. The Toyota is clearly the winner between the two cars since it is significantly more reliable.
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu a Good Car?
No, the 2011 Chevy Malibu is not a good car. It has a few things going for it, including good safety ratings, and a roomy cabin. There are just too many mechanical problems to make this a car worth recommending. It is a headache to own, with cars commonly getting serious error messages and transmission failures. The Malibu is a used car you should avoid since it is likely to have an expensive problem to repair at some point.
