Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
840–25K
8425–50K
8150–75K
3275–100K
17100–150K
9150K+
307 reports with mileage · 388 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 279 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 191 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 169 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
23 crash reports4 fire reports14 injury reports
What owners actually said
695 reports
35,000 miles · Jul 14, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 80 mph, the vehicle stalled. Another time while driving approximately 50 mph the vehicle stalled. …
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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 80 mph, the vehicle stalled. Another time while driving approximately 50 mph the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was slow to start and several attempts were made before the vehicle started. The contact stated while stopped, the vehicle was slow to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The accelerator pedal and system update were performed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #11424798
20,000 miles · Jul 14, 2021
EngineFire
The contact's mother owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light while depressing the accelerator pedal to move forward, the vehicle began to hesitate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact stated…
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The contact's mother owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light while depressing the accelerator pedal to move forward, the vehicle began to hesitate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact stated a month later after she had an oil change performed on the vehicle, she saw smoke exiting from the rear vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland (8455 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143:(305) 669-2709) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to a third local dealer Bomnin Chevrolet West Kendall (11701 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177:(305) 964-3099) and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to a fourth local dealer Ed Morse Sawgrass Chevrolet Service Center (14401 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33323:(888) 366-8808) and the mechanic was also unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced at Ed Morse Sawgrass Chevrolet Service Center, she began to experience failure with the gear shifter, the auto start, the steering gear, the suspension, and the brakes. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to Ed Morse Sawgrass Chevrolet Service Center and had the gear shifter, the auto start, the steering gear, the suspension, and brakes replaced. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure and the vehicle was not operable. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA ODI #11424788
130,000 miles · Jul 14, 2021
EngineService Brakes
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up. Additionally, the brake pedal was applied but was hard to depress. The engine power reduced message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where NHTSA Campaign Numbe…
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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up. Additionally, the brake pedal was applied but was hard to depress. The engine power reduced message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, engine) was completed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11424740
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2021
Unknown Or Other
Shifter wouldn’t shift to park position, so car wouldn’t turn off. Sometimes took over a half hour of trying to get this to work. Used part 84687729 control and 84733196 harness. Also have had problem with leak in rear area where antenna is attached which caused water to pour into back right rear seat. When replaced the person …
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Shifter wouldn’t shift to park position, so car wouldn’t turn off. Sometimes took over a half hour of trying to get this to work. Used part 84687729 control and 84733196 harness. Also have had problem with leak in rear area where antenna is attached which caused water to pour into back right rear seat. When replaced the person said the screws were not tightened down fully which caused the leak.
NHTSA ODI #11424145
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
I just went and picked up my car after having the recall cone.. Vin#[XXX].The car stalled on me when trying to trying to accelerate I almost got hit because of this...This has happen way to many times. This repair was supposedly done on 07/07/2021. Also this car had the same issue and a recall was done back in 2019. This car is …
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I just went and picked up my car after having the recall cone.. Vin#[XXX].The car stalled on me when trying to trying to accelerate I almost got hit because of this...This has happen way to many times. This repair was supposedly done on 07/07/2021. Also this car had the same issue and a recall was done back in 2019. This car is totally not safe. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11423779
Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2021
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
When car restarts after being in Auto stop start mode the steering wheel jerks uncontrollably. The car obviously has a suspension problem. Dealership failed to repair issue properly after several attempts. Also appears dealer made false diagnosis to prevent repairs under bumper to bumper warranty. GM Dealer also refused to re…
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When car restarts after being in Auto stop start mode the steering wheel jerks uncontrollably. The car obviously has a suspension problem. Dealership failed to repair issue properly after several attempts. Also appears dealer made false diagnosis to prevent repairs under bumper to bumper warranty. GM Dealer also refused to repair issue under Power train warranty. Another dealer wanted $555 just to check issue. A couple of weeks ago I suddenly lost control of the vehicle. I was at a red light. Car went into auto stop start mode. When light changed and car restarted, as I proceeded to take off the steering wheel jerked away from my hands, and I lost control of the wheel and car. Luckily it was a single turning lane and no other vehicle was next to me turning. I pulled off side of the road in shock. I drove about half mile and warning light displayed on dash. Warning Message States STEERING ASSIST REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE" what was a brand new 2018 Chevrolet Malibu purchased in 2019 is now unsafe and inoperable. This steering component issue along with several others were brought to dealerships attention and were not acknowledged and were dismissed. After several other failed attempts this dealership purposely ignored this issue months ago while car was still under bumper to bumper warranty. Dealership also refused to repair this issue under powertrain warranty. 2018 Chevy Malibu has had 5 recalls to my knowledge. This has been spontaneously producing white smoke from underneath the hood on several occasions. I have video and witnesses. This car was sold as a brand new car. This car had recalls at the time of purchase and never disclosed the recall information. Also be advised that I cranked the car today just to keep the battery in tack because car has been sitting since June 10. The car choked, head lights went flickering, car could barely stay on. it appears to be an engine issue. These cars should not be on the road. They are not safe.
NHTSA ODI #11422076
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2021
Engine
Several times I have had the engine light come on and a warning of Engine Power Reduced. I have had it checked several times and some it was not able to be diagnosed but others the various modules were replaced - but the issue is not fixed. What is it going to take to have this brought to NHTSA attention as well as GM to get thi…
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Several times I have had the engine light come on and a warning of Engine Power Reduced. I have had it checked several times and some it was not able to be diagnosed but others the various modules were replaced - but the issue is not fixed. What is it going to take to have this brought to NHTSA attention as well as GM to get this corrected on a recall? I have almost been hit by 18 wheelers on the freeway due to my car dropping from 75 MPH to 30 MPH and there is nothing you can do when you are on a busy freeway in a construction zone but pray. I have read SEVERAL statements and reports of this happening over and over with other owners. I will definitely loan my car to an investigator at NHTSA or Mary Barra, President of GM, and let them see how safe they feel in a situation when this happens, especially when you have grandchildren or your own children in the car. It has been reoccurring since I purchased the car in 2018 with only 4 miles on the odometer so the information gathered below is only a fraction of the information that is needed. Maybe a selection on the "Was there a crash" and "Was there an injury or fatality?" should be "ALMOST, BU THANK GOD, NO"
NHTSA ODI #11420146
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2021
Electrical System
whenever i put my car in park, i get a warning message to put my car in park, even though it is already in park. i have to jiggle the shifter for the warning to go away. sometimes i can't even tell if the car is in park or not
NHTSA ODI #11418867
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
The car doesn't start when I press the starter button. It clicks, turns off, and then factory resets all the dash electronics. It's been doing it ever since I got the car and even when at a stop while the car was on, the fuel saving systems will shut off my car at the light but it won't turn back on when I start to lift my foot …
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The car doesn't start when I press the starter button. It clicks, turns off, and then factory resets all the dash electronics. It's been doing it ever since I got the car and even when at a stop while the car was on, the fuel saving systems will shut off my car at the light but it won't turn back on when I start to lift my foot off brakes.
NHTSA ODI #11418766
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2021
Engine
My car will not start. And it turn off at stop lights and when does the gas saving shut off, it doesn't turn back over. Im pretty sure it's the fuel injectors
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Engine
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Consequence: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
Electrical System:software
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Consequence: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Consequence: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 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 18279.
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.
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.
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.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year