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
140,741 miles · Jun 9, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the turbo charger warning lights illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed…
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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the turbo charger warning lights illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The contact was informed that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was instructed to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing and provided the cost for the diagnostic test. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,741.
NHTSA ODI #11665798
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2025
Unknown Or Other
Ever since 2020 I’ve that shift to park issue. Luckily my car was under warranty the first time and was resolved only for the problem to reoccur again within 2 years. I then I got It fixed again in 2023 only for it to occur again less than a year later. I’ve had to buy a new battery because of this issue. What happens is I turn …
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Ever since 2020 I’ve that shift to park issue. Luckily my car was under warranty the first time and was resolved only for the problem to reoccur again within 2 years. I then I got It fixed again in 2023 only for it to occur again less than a year later. I’ve had to buy a new battery because of this issue. What happens is I turn My car from the drive shift to park shift and push the shut off engine button. A message pops up on my screen stating “shift to park” the is in PARK. After 2-4 minutes of me waiting for he message to go off my battery is being drained. I refuse to pay hundreds of dollars again to get this fixed a third time only for it to return again. Please fix this issue. Myself and others with issue are seeking lawsuits for this defect
NHTSA ODI #11664865
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2025
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern with my 2018 Chevy Malibu related to the brake booster vacuum pump. My vehicle has exhibited dangerous symptoms, including a hard brake pedal and reduced braking power, which I’ve now learned may be connected to a known defect affecting 2013–2022 Malibu models. These issu…
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I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern with my 2018 Chevy Malibu related to the brake booster vacuum pump. My vehicle has exhibited dangerous symptoms, including a hard brake pedal and reduced braking power, which I’ve now learned may be connected to a known defect affecting 2013–2022 Malibu models. These issues have significantly compromised my safety and that of others on the road. I’ve had to deal with sudden braking difficulties, and the repairs have caused financial stress I was not prepared for. I am now aware of the pending class action lawsuit (Johnson v. General Motors LLC) that details this same problem.
NHTSA ODI #11664733
Mileage unknown · May 5, 2025
Power Train
Micro switch for Park is faulty. “Shit to Park” error message. Vehicle is completely disabled and is not drivable.
NHTSA ODI #11658897
Mileage unknown · May 1, 2025
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes
loud knocking or banging noises, the check engine light turning on and/or other driving performance issues, such as reduced propulsion cranksaft
NHTSA ODI #11658307
40 miles · May 1, 2025
Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the messages "Engine Power Reduced", "Shift to Park", and an unknown message were displayed intermittently. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull over to the …
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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the messages "Engine Power Reduced", "Shift to Park", and an unknown message were displayed intermittently. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was pushed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11658212
141,000 miles · Apr 30, 2025
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights were flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was no oil in the vehicle. The contact refuted t…
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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights were flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that there was no oil in the vehicle. The contact refuted the mechanics findings and had the vehicle towed back to the residence. The contact then stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power with the message "Engine Power Reduced" displayed. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and turned off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the failure reoccurred. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there was a warranty on the vehicle that covered the failure; however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
NHTSA ODI #11657909
Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2025
Unknown Or Other
My vehicle will randomly tell me to "shift to park". Happens at least daily. I bought my car in October 2024 I do plan to take it in with my limited warranty. I don't think I should have to cover a rental for however long it will take them to see it happen, diagnose the problem, possibly wait for part(s) to come in them fix it…
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My vehicle will randomly tell me to "shift to park". Happens at least daily. I bought my car in October 2024 I do plan to take it in with my limited warranty. I don't think I should have to cover a rental for however long it will take them to see it happen, diagnose the problem, possibly wait for part(s) to come in them fix it. On top of running the chance it'll happen again in the future and possibly have no warranty as well as rental fees. I think it's very wrong that GM won't recall this and refuses to just fix it all.
NHTSA ODI #11656885
Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2025
Service Brakes
My breaks locked up on me pulling out of my driveway. The break pedal was hard to press down and I had to step on the braks really hard to stop .
NHTSA ODI #11656216
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2025
Fuel/propulsion System
On [XXX] while driving at highway speed on [XXX] in Columbia SC vehicle lost power and shut down. Was able to move to emergency lane. Car would not start. Called AAA for tow back to Chevrolet dealer in York SC. Dealer performed diagnostic test and found fuel pump driver control module had failed. Part was replaced and car return…
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On [XXX] while driving at highway speed on [XXX] in Columbia SC vehicle lost power and shut down. Was able to move to emergency lane. Car would not start. Called AAA for tow back to Chevrolet dealer in York SC. Dealer performed diagnostic test and found fuel pump driver control module had failed. Part was replaced and car returned to service. Car mileage at time of failure 70,949 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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