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2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 310.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

230 reports with mileage · 121 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 125 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports8 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

351 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2023
Electrical System

No incident has occurred, thankfully. Car was purchased used in January 2018. It is now approximately about 9 years old. This issue happens intermittently but the electrical systems seem to be misfiring. Basically, it gives false negatives/positives. (1) The check engine comes on and off all the time even after servicing the veh…

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No incident has occurred, thankfully. Car was purchased used in January 2018. It is now approximately about 9 years old. This issue happens intermittently but the electrical systems seem to be misfiring. Basically, it gives false negatives/positives. (1) The check engine comes on and off all the time even after servicing the vehicle with the mechanic. (2) The passenger seat has front airbags that get activated when someone sits in the seat. Lately, the seatbelt alert goes off while nothing heavy is in the seat. I have to latch the seatbelt to get that alert to stop. (3) The automatic lights that come on when you open the door sometimes don't turn on and the auto lights indicator is on. (4) Lately, when I have turned off the engine and opened the door, the radio won't turn off even after I have removed the keys. Electrical malfunctions could be happening due to the wrong wires being installed or something and may cause the car not to work any longer. I'm not sure but I don't want to encounter issues while I'm driving.

NHTSA ODI #11555405

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2023
Electrical System

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ODI #11551610

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

When I stop my auto stop kicks in and when I take my foot off the brake my car rolls up a little and ends up dying. I have to turn it off and start it up giving it gas to get it going. There have been a couple instances when making a left turn I have almost gotten hit. I am no longer comfortable driving my car. There are several…

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When I stop my auto stop kicks in and when I take my foot off the brake my car rolls up a little and ends up dying. I have to turn it off and start it up giving it gas to get it going. There have been a couple instances when making a left turn I have almost gotten hit. I am no longer comfortable driving my car. There are several people posting about it online but no reason or fix for it as far as I know of. I have called the dealer and if course they want me to bring it in but I have no money for someone to go on a wild goose chase with my car. I think this should be something Chevrolet needs to figure out.

NHTSA ODI #11545855

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

The automatic start and stop function does not work properly. When the car comes to a stop and auto stops, the vehicle shuts off and does not power up when you hit the gas. My safety is put at risk due to the car shutting off and the possibility of someone hitting me. The vehicle has been inspected countless times. I was told it…

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The automatic start and stop function does not work properly. When the car comes to a stop and auto stops, the vehicle shuts off and does not power up when you hit the gas. My safety is put at risk due to the car shutting off and the possibility of someone hitting me. The vehicle has been inspected countless times. I was told it was an electrical issue. Then told it was the battery. Brand new battery and issue isn’t fixed. The car cut off once and all the lights came on. Now no lights comes on it just cuts off.

NHTSA ODI #11535754

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Auto Start Stop Function (ASSF) malfunction. When releasing foot off brake when (ASSF) was engaged, engine failed to restart. After putting car in park and restarting the engine, it took multiple attempts for car to restart. This has happened numerous times, all of which have been while city driving (i.e. stopping at stop light…

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Auto Start Stop Function (ASSF) malfunction. When releasing foot off brake when (ASSF) was engaged, engine failed to restart. After putting car in park and restarting the engine, it took multiple attempts for car to restart. This has happened numerous times, all of which have been while city driving (i.e. stopping at stop lights, waiting to turn in turn lane, stopped at stop sign) High safety concern for me and for other drivers on roadway. vehicle has been looked at by automotive shop, no definitive answer for the cause. no warning lights or messages appear before/during/ or after malfunction.

NHTSA ODI #11523461

31,000 miles · May 18, 2023
Latches/locks/linkages

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after returning to the parked vehicle, it was discovered that the rear trunk lid had erroneously opened. The contacted indicated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer …

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The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after returning to the parked vehicle, it was discovered that the rear trunk lid had erroneously opened. The contacted indicated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ODI #11522710

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2023
Electrical System

THE AUTO STOP SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS SHUTS OFF AT RED LIGHTS AND DOES NOT ENGAGE WHEN BRAKE RELEASED AND GAS PEDAL PUSHED. THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AND HAS TO BE PUT IN PARK AND RESTARTED IN TRAFFIC WHICH CAN BE DEADLY. THERE'S NO WAY TO DISENGAGE THIS IS NOT A GOOD FEATURE.

NHTSA ODI #11522260

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and started jerking. The contact stated that on one occasion the contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure persisted and self-c…

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The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and started jerking. The contact stated that on one occasion the contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure persisted and self-corrected while driving. The check engine warning light illuminated on one occasion but independently reset before taking the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11513053

75,000 miles · Mar 16, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the in…

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The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the intake cam shift solenoid control circuit and the variable valve solenoid intake and the variable valve solenoid exhaust were faulty and needed to be replaced. The intake cam shift solenoid control circuit, variable valve solenoid intake, and variable valve solenoid exhaust were replaced but the failure recurred with the cold start engine rattling noise and loss of power failure persisting. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #11512123

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2023
Engine

My 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has been shutting off quite frequently in traffic. Causing danger to my family and to other motorist by this malfunction. I have taken it to my local GM dealership for this to be resolve but to no success and charge for the service. I have also spoken with GM corporation but to no avail. I have research…

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My 2014 Chevrolet Malibu has been shutting off quite frequently in traffic. Causing danger to my family and to other motorist by this malfunction. I have taken it to my local GM dealership for this to be resolve but to no success and charge for the service. I have also spoken with GM corporation but to no avail. I have researched this problem with compliance with this make and model this seem like an issue that GM should investigate. But I would like to keep driving my vehicle. Who can help me with this problem this is our transportation for now until we can afford another. Thanking you in advance. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11507165

Official recalls

6

16V502000 · Electrical System:ignition; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jul 5, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

15V164000 · Visibility:sun/moon Roof Assembly

Mar 23, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.

14V247000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

May 14, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through May 2, 2014, and equipped with a 2.5L engine with the auto stop/start option. The affected vehicles may experience a complete loss of brake vacuum assist, disabling the hydraulic boost assist. As such, these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance. Both of these effects increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic brake control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020. General Motors number for this recall is 14201.

14V240000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc

May 8, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors. The affected vehicles may have had brake rotors intended for the rear of the car accidentally installed on the front. The rear rotors, while the same diameter, are thinner and may result in a front brake pad detaching from the caliper.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14128.

14V092000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Feb 21, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

13V567000 · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System; Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element

Nov 13, 2013

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13380.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:windshield:electrical Heating Element

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Consequence: The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13380.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

Consequence: The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13380.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.