Received messages of: service esc, service traction, service air bag, eng pwr reduced, engine disabled this morning while driving to work. engine lost all power, had to pull to side of road to try and turn the engine off and on, until i received the engine disabled message and after that the car would not start. had to have the car towed to nearest dealership.
While driving on the road, my car, out of nowhere, began to shake and the engine suddenly lost power. i immediately looked down and noticed the "esc is off" indicator was on. i pulled over, put the car in park and begin pressing the gas to keep it from cutting off for fear it may not start up again. i did that for about 3 minutes and began moving again. i had to do this 3 times on my way home. i was about 5 miles from my house at the time.
First, i had to jump the car to start it. cold morning but the battery was only 3 months old. driving from downriver mi area all expressway to grand rapids. just entered grand rapids area when i had to reduce speed from 75 to 60. car would not accelerate back to original speed. cruise control had been engaged. problem resolved itself but 15 minutes later the car went from 75 to 25 mph by the time i had exited the freeway and stopped the car. the car would not accelerate and the pedal was to the floor. the traction control light went on as did messages:reduced engine power, service esc, and the check engine light went on. the engine light stayed on. i was able to turn car back and accelerate but the check engine light stayed on and the engine felt like it chugged a bit. when i stopped at intersections, the car felt as if it wanted to stall. mileage is 88,258.
Service esc, service traction, eng pwr reduced. this message has happened to me several times lately, most notably when travelling 70 mph on the interstate. engine loses all power no mater how far i press the accelerator.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 45 mph, the engine stalled and the vehicle shook violently. the traction and service esc warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle did not restart. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 123,000. the vin was unavailable. updated 05/11/16*lj updated 05/24/18*jb
30 minute drive to work, in rain at approximately 32 degrees, vehicle was running good until i pulled into a parking spot and an error message appeared (reduced engine power). i later left and the service engine light remained on. i then received an error message (service esc) and later again received the (reduced engine power) while on the highway. it was snowing during this time. i was unable to fully accelerate but it felt as though the acceleration was not running well. i researched this issue and discovered many people/ chevy malibu owners having the same issue with no resolution; even after taking to dealer on many occasions. gm needs to recognize this issue and discover a resolution.
My 2011 malibu while on the highway through a sensor code for multiple problems the first stating reduced engjne power, then service es, service traction, service airbags etc... probably 8 codes. at which point on the highway i could no longer accelerate above 40mph creating a very dangerous situation for me. the car was jerking and shaking and the rpm was reving up between 500 and 1500 even after i stopped. i turned the car off fearing damage to the engine and called myhusband. he asked me turn it on again so i did and although it was now idling normally the engine light remained on. he suggested i continue my commute. i pulled back on to the highway and experienced this same dangerous problem 7 yimes between jackson mi and lansing mi. we took it in to a repairshopand they assessedwhat they could stating that it appeared to be a throttle body issue but they would have to take it apart to look at it. the mechanic also statedthat many of the chevy made vehicles have had this problem and he was very surprised that therehad not yet been a recall on the part.
The violently shakes almost as if it is about to die. it doesn't go over 23-30 mph. the car accelerates while holding the brakes. a message displays saying engine power reducing, service traction, service esc. the car stalls while driving it on the street and highway. i'm scared of hitting someone while my foot is on the brake! my car is at 103k miles on it. i'm out of a car that i'm paying a note on. its out of warranty. i haven't even had the car for a while year yet. the check engine light is on as well. the code for the check engine light is c0242. this is a very dangerous electrical problem. this should be a recall! many chevy malibu owners are having or have had the same issue!
When starting my vehicle, (stationary) it does a revving thing like when pushing on the gas pedal and the gas pedla is not being pushed. at the same time that is happening the lights inside and out get very bright and then very low. i noticed when this is happening the temperature gauge does not move at all. even after vehicle is running for a while the temperature gauge still does not move and the vehicle runs harder and louder with a slight shaking. recently i drove for hours before the temperature gauge moved. also when it did this recently the heat and defrost did not work well. my vehicle has 55,100 miles on it. when i asked a mechanic about this the mechanic informed me that a vehicle with such low mileage should not behave in this manner. i got my vehicle in july of 2015 and a month or so later it started doing these things. it does not do this all the time but as of lately its doing more frequently.
2011 malibu has been losing engine power showing "service esc" engine power reduced, and something about traction. this has happened over 8 times twice this week on jan. 5th 2016. the second time i came so close to a crash to start to what not to drive this car. in all situations i was on a highway doing over 60 mph and in most cases letting off the gas. i had a wire connector to the throttle body replaced this spring for $200 at a dealer and the problem came back this fall. i have had codes about the cam sensor (replaced) then the cam actuators (both replaced). now i am told it could be the timing chain adjustable sprockets sticking from junk from the chain guides. there was some metal bits on the cam actuatorator when i replaced it. at $1400 (chains, guides, sprockets) i will do it tomorrow myself for $400 in parts just to see what is up myself. i sell auto shop supplies and was a tech. years ago so i can do it myself with a haynes manual. this is a common vary dangerous electrical problem just as bad as the ignition key switch recall. fix it now gm. can anyone say lawsuit, somebody help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that the reduce engine power and the esc lights remained illuminated. the vehicle could not exceed 20 mph. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 123,000.
My service esc, service traction, service engine lights came on. took my car to dealership where they couldn't duprivate the issue. $240. problem came bk the next day. took my car bk to shop with light on and they said i needed an engine flush. 180.00. problem still came back.took my car to another shop, bc i felt i was getting taken advantage of after being charged 180.00 just for diagnostic. this shop changed spark plugs and checked wires. 100.00. problem came back. got in touch w gm. no recall. no assistance until i took my car back to dealership. they kept my car for 4 days and finally told me i need a new motor! it's a 2011, with 110k miles and i need a new motor?? that it would be 4000.00 i left with my car, because i don't have that kind of money just laying around in hopes that it might fix the problem. driving a car that scares me bc the lights are constantly flashing at me all of the time now, car sputtering out while at low speeds or idle, co engine flashing, and my car acting like it's gonna die any minute! not to mention the gas it's consuming on top of the almost 700 i'm already out. this is dangerous and quite disheartening to but a car from chevrolet, it only be 5 yrs old and have this many issues with no resolve. seeing all of the other complaints similar to mine, someone is going to get hurt. please help
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle accelerated without warning. the vehicle shook violently and the reduced engine service and traction warning indicators illuminated, in addition to a few other unidentified warning indicators. the contact pulled the vehicle over and shut it off. the contact restarted the vehicle after a while and attempted to drive home; however, the failure recurred. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer stated it was a common failure with the vehicle and referred the contact to nhtsa. the vin was invalid. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving 25 mph, the vehicle rattled and vibrated consistently which made the vehicle difficult to drive. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 63,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact was able to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 63,237.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the vehicle stalled. the contact was able to restart the vehicle after some time. in addition, multiple warning lights illuminated. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times, who diagnosed that the transmission, the battery cable and the alternator needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. however, the failure recurred. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 80,697.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while the vehicle was at a stop sign, the engine revved up and failed to start. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 100,500. the vin was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle shook violently and the service electronic stability control, service traction, and engine power reduced warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 109,000.
6/6/2015 car was sitting in parking lot. upon trying to start the car errors for electronic stability control and reduced engine power showed up. car was sputtering and running rough. turned car off. waited a little while and started car again and no error messages. but the check engine light came on. the error code that came up was p2101. 6/10/2015 same thing happened. let the car sit for about an hour and tried to start again. smelled heavily of gas when it started. check engine light is on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle decelerated independently to 5 mph. the esc warning light illuminated and the engine power reduced message appeared on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
2011 malibu 2lt 3600 vvt. i have multiple instances of the service esc, service traction control & engine power reduced messages appearing. the last time, today, almost caused me to be rear ended due to the engine fluctuating between about 200 and 1500 rpm. after the first instance i brought the car to a dealer to have recall #14v252000 addressed. this seemed to solve the issue but after a couple of days it all happened again telling me there's obviously something else wrong. through on-line research i have found hundreds of complaints about this exact same issue with almost as many supposed causes. there is no warranty left on my car and i can't afford a mechanic to guess. i strongly feel that gm needs to address this issue before someone dies. *tr
On 3/28/15 i purchased a 2011 chevy malibu from rainbow chevrolet in laplace louisiana. when test driving the vehicle, i noticed a very small and hardly noticeable jerk when the car changed into 2nd gear. i was told by the salesman that it was normal and i took his word for it. almost 7 months later, the issue has gotten 1000 x's worse and the engine light is now on. i know for a fact that this is not normal now. the jerk is violent and it now jerks when putting the car in park, drive and reverse. pulling off slowly, makes the car jerk very hard. if you apply more gas when taking off,the jerk is not as bad but it's still bad. the car did not come with a warranty but i was ok with that because i was told that car had been inspected thoroughly, that an elderly couple previously owned the car, that there was nothing wrong with the car and i had also just gotten rid of a 2005 malibu that i bought brand new in which i had no serious problems with. i purchased this car for my daughter in college. this car is not safe. i have read hundreds of complaints online and on the chevrolet malibu forum in regards to the same problem as well as other problems. the car currently has 53,803 miles which is not very much in car years and i do not feel that i should have to pay for this problem since there are so many issues documented that i am having. last but not least, i am unable to fill up the car with gas. it stops at about tank and starts to spill out. this was noticed shortly after i bought the car also. i bought this car for my daughter who is in college and it is definitely not safe to drive. i am a single mother and i do not have the resources to repair a vehicle with issues that should be part of a recall list.
Just got my car back mid february after the timing chain broke. the signs at that time were ck engine light service traction and service esc. gm dealership replaced the engine with a brand new one. its still under the 100,000 mile power train warranty. forward 1 month. now all lights come on...engine, service traction, service esc and engine power low. car shakes and wont exceed 10 mph. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle jerked and stalled. the contact also stated that reduced engine power was displayed across the message board and the traction control warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 92,000. the vin was unavailable.
I was driving my 2011 chevrolet malibu at about 40 mph on a fairly busy 2 lane street. without warning the car lost power. a message appeared in the information screen indicating something like "reduced power to the engine". also, a message indicated that the engine was operating under reduced power mode because i needed to service esc, and the engine light was displayed as well on the dashboard. i was fortunately able to get the car pulled off of the road and into a parking lot. i read the owners manual and essentially found out that the vehicle was operating in "limp mode". i took the car to the dealership and found this to be a "common problem" for chevy malibu models. my car was, of course, out of warranty and not covered under any sort of recall, so i had to pay about $500 for the repair. my concern is that this is a safety issue as i suddenly and without any warning lost power. had this occurred when trying to pull across a heavy intersection or merging into traffic this could have caused a serious injury. further, i see reports all over the internet about this issue and i am reporting this as a serious safety concern - had this situation happened under different circumstances it very easily could have caused an accident and serious injury to someone. i since followed up with chevrolet service and they essentially told me that they are "aware" of the issue but there are no recalls etc... *tr
I was on the way to work when my car started to jump, sputter and then stopped completely, was going on to the expressway. the engine reduced power light came on, engine stability control light came on as did many other lights. tried to turn the car back on but did not start, waited a bit and finally got the car running. took to my auto mechanic and stated it was the ecs and throttle body that needs to be replaced. i have looked and there are many complaints about same issue. i was driving today at 70rpm with the lights came back on and was lucky enough for get off the highway prior to car completely stopping. if this is a known issue why is chevrolet waiting until someone is injury or worst yet killed before a recall is done. *tr
While driving approximately 35 mph on city street, car lost power. warning lights flashed, reduced engine power and esc warnings. car jerked violently, slowed to 5 mph max. pulled over. turned off car for about a minute. restarted car, seemed fine. since i happened to be only about a mile from the dealership, i decided to try and make it. at stoplight, car did same thing, violent shaking, all warning lights. thankfully, i made it into dealer lot. turned car off. had to re-start to pull to service door. again, did fine. waiting to hear from dealer. very dangerous issue to suddenly lose engine power. agree with other complainants...if this happens mid-intersection or on the interstate lives are at risk. *tr
Driving 2011 chevy malibu ltz light came on.got message saying engine powering down.car began to shake and speed dropped to about 20 miles per hour.pulled into cvs pharmacy lot.turned car off and re-started.drove around lot for 1 minute.just as i was about to pull off lot and enter expressway.car shut down completely.unable to re-start.waited 2 hour's for tow on star road side service.plan to have car towed monday morning.will check for esc recall on this car. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, it shook and the traction, the esc and the engine power reduce warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure occurred on five occasions. the approximate failure mileage was 48,000. the vin was not available.
On my way to work, i noticed the engine light on. car got me to work fine. checked gas cap just to be sure that wasn't the problem. off work engine light still on, but car running fine. did some running for about an hour. got in the car to go home the light wasn't on, so im thinking maybe a senor bad. driving home which was about a 30 minute drive. about half mile from my exit on the highway and engine light pops on, esc light pops on, reduced engine speed follows. thankfully i mad it home. pressured on star for an on demand diagnostic check and its my throttle control system. its an 2011 malibu, next month makes a year that ive had it. also the third time its going to the shop. first time was the intermediate shaft, the u joint dislocated lost all power to steer, thank god it happened in my parking lot at home fresh off the highway. chevy only paid half and after a month battle with them, kicker was it was a recall for that but my vin number wasn't included. second time was for leaking transmission. so disappointed with chevy and past fed up. *tr
In february 2015 my chevrolet malibu had an issue with the ignition switch. after taking it to the dealership it was determined that there was a wiring issue. during research it seemed that many people has the same problem with the same year and model. more recently on 09/16/2015 my vehicle had another electronic problem where the engine control module would shutdown causing the engine to shut down while traveling at 40 mpg. this issue had happened in the past that prevented me from starting my car and every electronic device in the car would flash and beep/click out of control. but in this more recent case it happened while driving. also after more research it looks as if other drivers of the same year and model have had the same issue, some stating that that is the worst year of that model they ever owned and i could not agree more. at the time i had my child in the car with me. i could not stop wondering what would have happened if this incident occurred minutes earlier when i has in a busy highway under az heat with no air conditioning working because the engine would not start. gm has not have a good reputation with the the quality of their vehicles, specially with electronic components. if the car engine and electronics shut down, would the air bags activate in case of an accident? codes: p0113, p1668 maf (mass air flow sensor) has been replaced with new once after incident and issues have continued.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle started to shake rapidly and the traction and engine warning lights illuminated. the failure recurred twice. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 72,533.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle decelerated, shook, and the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. when the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, it drove normally. the failure recurred on one other occasion. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the throttle body was faulty. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 80,200.
While driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle lost acceleration and the esc, traction control, and reduced power warning lights came on. *tr
While driving through a school zone at approx 25 mph, all of the dash warning lights came on and the dash said "loss of engine power" the abs and traction control lights came an the vehicle sputtered and would not go more than 5 mph. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving approximately 65 mph, the engine shook violently, the "reduced engine power" message appeared, and the vehicle would not accelerate. the failure recurred on multiple occasions. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000. the vin was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. while driving at 20 mph, the vehicle lost power. the esc, check engine, and traction control warning lights illuminated. "engine power reduced" was displayed across the message board. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the throttle body assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body assembly needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet mailbu. while driving at approximately 55 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate. the vehicle was restarted and operated as normal. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine throttle needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Was idling at a drive thru window and the car dash lights started coming on. ecs off notification, transaction system off warning light . car engine was stuttering, than revving up to faster speed. had car brake on, tried putting it into neutral and it still did the slow down/speed up engine speed. very dangerous, turned car off and turned it back on. ecs off light is now dark but engine light is still lit up. *tr
Two issues exist: 1. the throttle body prematurely wore out and caused various symptoms including but not limited to immediate loss of power, instability in the braking system due to the engine revving up when the vehicle was stopped or slowed, and various warning indicators including traction control and ecs indicators. steering also was difficult while the symptoms persisted. 2. the connector to the electronic control module (ecm/ecu) that is the vehicle's computer was not completely sealed which allowed water to get inside which started to corrode the pins of the connector. this caused instability in the electrical system of the vehicle. *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine decelerated independently and stalled. the contact laos stated that the check engine, the traction control, the abs and the esc warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 69,000.
Check engine light came on. diagnosed as faulty cam solenoids. *tr
Check engine light came on, reduced engine speed, low traction lights came on, and could go over 40 mph. we stopped and let it sit for appx 5 minutes, and were able to drive it home. my son has an automotive computer we were able to hook up and it read the mass air flow sensor. we removed it and cleaned it with mass air flow sensor cleaner and replaced it. as soon as we started the car up, the check engine light went off. the car drove fine until 2-7-2015 where the exact same thing happened at appx 74,700 miles. we took it in to the dealership (coughlin automotive in circleville) on 2-14-15. they tested it and it showed the code p2135 #pip2019 they checked connectors for corrosion & damage , but found nothing. they ran the throttle sweep test. it tested ok. they cleared the code & drove & couldn't get it to do it again. they said they just can't replace parts because they cost too much, not knowing exactly what the issue is. they said if it happens again, to bring it in. my wife drives this car every day to columbus ohio during rush hour, on state highways. i'm scared this is going to happen again during rush hour and something bad is going to happen like a serious accident and or loss of life to someone. so, does gm think parts cost more than a loss of life because of this issue?????? *tr
I was driving home from being out of town on 10/15/13 while driving on the freeway while driving about 80mph when out of no where the car started to shake and vibrate then the "traction light ,service esc,engine power turning off and car went from going 80mph to 10mph on the freeway, while a big diesel truck was behind me in which i was to be able to pull to the side to avoid being rear ended by the diesel, in which i had my (xxx) yr old daughter in the car and other family members. on december 23,2014, the same thing occurred while driving the car at 60mph it reduces speed to almost zero mph,shakes with the "traction sensor light and "service esc engine power turning off comes on and the car stalls! leaving me stranded and having the vehicle towed again! the first time this occurred the dealership told me since the engine light wasn't on anymore it would be difficult to diagnose!? i continued to drive the car until the second incident! i called 2 chevrolet dealers in fresno,ca i was told they haven't heard any complaints, which is astounding because after reading the numerous complaints on this website of others having the same issue with the same car is unbelievable until there's a law suit! *trparts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle lost acceleration and the esc, traction control, and reduced power speed warning lights illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 59,000.
2011 chevrolet malibu. consumer writes in regards to engine failure and requests reimbursement. *smd the consumer's request for reimbursement was denied., because according to the gm, the repair that was performed, was not covered by the recall. the consumer stated he was stranded, due to loosing engine power. the dealer replaced the throttle body. *jb
2011 chevy malibu with 30,000 miles. several times in the past week, i was at a red light or stop sign and the car just quit! this is a safety danger. someone is going to get badly hurt or killed. the dealership doesn't find anything wrong. this is a huge safety issue!!
Cannot pass inspection! short circuit fault - camshaft position actuator solenoid fault. open or short circuit detection condition in the solenoid. this is a known issue and defect with chevy malibu and other models and my vin has not had one recall issued on it - though there have been several recalls already on other malibu 2011 models. need to have dateline nbc or an attorney investigate vin fraud for not having my vin # assigned these recalls for which the manufacturer would pay for all repairs related to these known safety defects. *tr
I was driving my vehicle on at 50 mph and vehicle reduced to a unsafe speed with the error messages "service traction" "esc off" and "eng pwr reduced". the unsafe drop in speed almost caused a car to hit me in the back. this is a very scary problem and if i was on the expressway and this occurred something very bad could have happen. a recall on the vehicle or the throttle body need to be made public before someone is seriously injure due to this flaw! *tr
While driving down the highway, my power engine warning came on and the same as warning lights for esc and traction warning. i just recently took my car into the dealer for fixing the recent recall problem and i wonder if it made my car worse?? will be stopping by monday morning...if i make it home ok after i've had to stop and pull over twice to fix the problem. *tr