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2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Malibu years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu are substantially higher than the model-year median of 310.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

397 reports with mileage · 305 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 253 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 161 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 139 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

161 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2025
Electrical System

The shift to park sensor will become stuck and not register that the car is in park causing the battery to drain.

NHTSA ODI #11665172

167,000 miles · May 20, 2025
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while at a red light, the Auto STOP feature engaged and failed to disengage while the brake pedal was no longer depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle w…

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The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while at a red light, the Auto STOP feature engaged and failed to disengage while the brake pedal was no longer depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

NHTSA ODI #11662208

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2025
Electrical System

About 6 months after I bought this car back in 2017 it has been showing shift to park message when it is already in park. When I contacted the dealership about this issue they told me there is nothing they can do about it. I just got a new battery in my car less than a year ago but now it's dead because the car computer system w…

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About 6 months after I bought this car back in 2017 it has been showing shift to park message when it is already in park. When I contacted the dealership about this issue they told me there is nothing they can do about it. I just got a new battery in my car less than a year ago but now it's dead because the car computer system wouldn't shut off. I don't think it's right being sold a car with known issues then being told there did nothing that can be done about it, please help!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11645787

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2025
Electrical SystemPower Train

Every time I shift the car into park, I receive a "shift to park" warning on the informational display. I am unable to turn car off until the car recognizes it. Can sometimes take 10 minutes before I can get car to recognize. This was fixed once before while under warranty and fix lasted 3 years. They cleaned the park switch con…

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Every time I shift the car into park, I receive a "shift to park" warning on the informational display. I am unable to turn car off until the car recognizes it. Can sometimes take 10 minutes before I can get car to recognize. This was fixed once before while under warranty and fix lasted 3 years. They cleaned the park switch contacts and installed an online shifter jumper harness but will not cover the fix now that it is happening out of warranty. It's a known issue that mechanics say is so common a recall should be issued.

NHTSA ODI #11644370

86,000 miles · Jan 24, 2025
Electrical SystemPower Train

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the electrical system was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted, and the con…

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The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the electrical system was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #11638374

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2025
Electrical SystemPower Train

Since buying this car a year and a half ago, I have had to have the pedal position sensor replaced 5 times, my car has been broken down since April due to an oil leak issue and the pedal position sensor.

NHTSA ODI #11634469

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2024
Electrical System

We own a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu plagued with the "Shift to Park" issue. I have read numerous articles regarding this issue and they reference a recall on this problem. However, I have been unsuccessful locating this document. Was a recall actually ever created for this issue; and, if so, where could I find it?

NHTSA ODI #11633394

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that the message "Please Shift to Park" was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle re…

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The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that the message "Please Shift to Park" was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective gear shifter wiring harness, and a battery current sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11621104

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2024
Electrical SystemService Brakes

I am writing to report a persistent issue with my Chevy Malibu, specifically related to the Stabilitrak system. The Stabilitrak light intermittently flickers on and off while driving, which raises significant safety concerns. This malfunction has been ongoing, and despite efforts to diagnose the problem, my local auto mechanic h…

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I am writing to report a persistent issue with my Chevy Malibu, specifically related to the Stabilitrak system. The Stabilitrak light intermittently flickers on and off while driving, which raises significant safety concerns. This malfunction has been ongoing, and despite efforts to diagnose the problem, my local auto mechanic has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause. Services Performed: Initial diagnostic checks were conducted to identify any fault codes related to the Stabilitrak system. The mechanic found no definitive issues but noted that the warning light's behavior indicated a potential underlying problem. Each visit has led to additional uncertainty, with suggestions from the mechanic to proceed through the GM flow chart for further diagnosis. However, this approach may lead to extensive labor costs with no guaranteed resolution. Financial Burden: The recommendation to follow the GM flow chart for diagnosis is concerning, as it may result in significant and unnecessary expenses without a clear outcome. As a consumer, I believe that a properly functioning diagnostic system should provide clarity on such issues without incurring exorbitant costs. The erratic behavior of the Stabilitrak system poses a serious safety risk while driving. This system is critical for maintaining vehicle stability, particularly in adverse conditions, and its failure could lead to loss of control of the vehicle. I have been made aware of other drivers experiencing similar issues with their Chevy Malibu vehicles. It raises the question of whether there is a known defect in the Stabilitrak system that warrants a recall. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further, as it seems that GM has not taken the necessary steps to address these concerns

NHTSA ODI #11616780

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2024
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure

Rear high mount brake light is loose allowing water to leak I. And around the electrical connections, rear speakers in vehicle have moisture around them, potentially causingin a short and fire hazard

NHTSA ODI #11615919

Official recalls

4

21V649000 · Seat Belts:critical Fasteners; Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

Aug 20, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.

Consequence: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.

18V400000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Jun 14, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.

18V358000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 31, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

16V870000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 2, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.

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.