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2015 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2015 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

160 reports with mileage · 110 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 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

18 crash reports9 fire reports10 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

68 reports
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98,000 miles · May 11, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front and rear batteries, and the alternator were replaced; however,…

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The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front and rear batteries, and the alternator were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred within a month. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a recall had not been issued for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #11521553

Mileage unknown · Apr 4, 2023
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

There is an electrical issue with the vehicle, causing bad computer readings related to the O2 sensor, VVT valve/rocker arm solenoid. It causes shaking and bad acceleration. These parts were already replaced and within days of the “repair”, I am still having issues. If driving and I start to accelerate, it gets shaky and almost …

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There is an electrical issue with the vehicle, causing bad computer readings related to the O2 sensor, VVT valve/rocker arm solenoid. It causes shaking and bad acceleration. These parts were already replaced and within days of the “repair”, I am still having issues. If driving and I start to accelerate, it gets shaky and almost stalls the vehicle completely. If that were to happen while driving in the middle of the road then that could easily cause a wreck.

NHTSA ODI #11515402

67,000 miles · Mar 24, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the Auto START/STOP feature. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle turned off, causing the electrical features to cease and the instrument panel lights to turn off. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The ve…

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The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the Auto START/STOP feature. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle turned off, causing the electrical features to cease and the instrument panel lights to turn off. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 10-00-89-005. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #11513658

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

I bought my 2015 Chevy Malibu in 2016 at 36k miles. No wrecks, 1 owner before myself. No warning lights on when driving from the lot and the car was just what I wanted… tho always a little doubtful because it was pre owned 1) there was always this random, unusual, indescribable smell from the vents where I couldn’t breathe but …

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I bought my 2015 Chevy Malibu in 2016 at 36k miles. No wrecks, 1 owner before myself. No warning lights on when driving from the lot and the car was just what I wanted… tho always a little doubtful because it was pre owned 1) there was always this random, unusual, indescribable smell from the vents where I couldn’t breathe but no one else could smell or experience it. I just kept getting sick. 2) I thought “MY” first 30k miles or so was rolling too fast and 3-5 months in, the ENGINE light popped on. Immediately took it to Chevy who said my engine light was on due to an “airbag” but wouldn’t tell me which unless I paid 70$. 3) Still, driving was not affected so I kept taking it to the Chevy dealer every 3-6 months for the proper maintenance. About 2 years in I go for an oil change at CHEVY: one guy pours RADIATOR fluid in my OIL compartment during the oil change. Just before he realizes it’s the wrong thing and looks to see if I saw, I alert the manager who immediately drains the oil and says it won’t be affected.. and assures me everything is fine. 🤷🏽‍♀️ 4) 4 years ownership, the service stability track message started appearing and the ENGINE POWER REDUCED SPEED LIMITED TO 25 MPH starts popping up on the screen and simultaneously the car DANGEROUSLY goes from highway speed to 25mph. ONLY Jesus mercy! That’s a death trap in itself. Still no recalls and no help. Temp fix (get to safety, turn off vehicle, wait 30 sec-1 min and restart) 5) At 150k miles, I returned to get transmission flush.change.check whatever the best procedure was. Chevy says, I wouldn’t because it doesn’t have to be serviced on these vehicle. yet they send me coupons for trans services. 6)JUST put on new tires, oil, oil cabin, and engine filters changed. Car riding smoothly then 4 days later I start it and up pops a message about SERVICE POWER STEERING: drive with care! No Gearshift lights. And it’s an EPS system! Something is WRONG with these cars. 7) Paint defects along pass. side

NHTSA ODI #11493257

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2022
Electrical SystemSteering

"Service Power Steering" message suddenly appeared while driving on the freeway and the car started to loose power and nearly shut off while driving. Through forums, I learned that this is an ongoing issue with Malibus.

NHTSA ODI #11492340

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2022
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine

Air bag sensor has been malfunctioning, misreading that there is a passenger in my car when there is not anybody present and the seat is clear. Check airbag light on dash is lit. The the screen display shows a blank green screen when put in reverse and has to be put in park to correct green screen. The auto shut off for the en…

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Air bag sensor has been malfunctioning, misreading that there is a passenger in my car when there is not anybody present and the seat is clear. Check airbag light on dash is lit. The the screen display shows a blank green screen when put in reverse and has to be put in park to correct green screen. The auto shut off for the engine when the brake pedal is engaged turns the car completely off; including head lights, interior lights, and all capacities of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11487771

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

I have a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. I was driving in traffic and stopped. The auto stop engaged. When I put my foot on the gas peddle to continue on in traffic, the engine would not start. I had to set there for 5 minutes before the car would restart.

NHTSA ODI #11476369

127,000 miles · Apr 21, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light and the message "dual battery" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel saving battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery was replace…

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The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light and the message "dual battery" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel saving battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced however, the failure persisted. The mechanic then diagnosed that the fuse block was faulty. The fuse block was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ODI #11461599

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2022
Electrical System

The trunk will not open and if you force it open it will not close back. This has happened several times now and I’m not able to get into my trunk.

NHTSA ODI #11450005

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

During the automatic start/stop function, the car stalls out after it stops itself. For example, I exited an interstate and came to a red stoplight. The car engaged the fuel saving system and shut down the engine. However, after I tried to press the gas to get the car to reengage, the car completely shut down requiring me to put…

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During the automatic start/stop function, the car stalls out after it stops itself. For example, I exited an interstate and came to a red stoplight. The car engaged the fuel saving system and shut down the engine. However, after I tried to press the gas to get the car to reengage, the car completely shut down requiring me to put the car in park on an exit ramp and re crank the car to get it to start again. Batteries were tested and no one can figure out what the problem is.

NHTSA ODI #11449639

Official recalls

3

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.

15V666000 · Air Bags:side/window

Oct 16, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.

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.

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.