VehicleVerdict

2010 Chevrolet Malibu transmission problems

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has 133 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

133

Transmission complaints

6%

Share of year

3

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

12V460000TransmissionSeptember 18, 2012 · 426,240 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Consequence

If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu have?

NHTSA has 133 complaints about the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu transmission — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 12V460000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.