FaultScore

Chevrolet Malibu other reported problems

1,290 of the 29,413 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Malibu are about the other systems — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.

1,290

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

28

Crashes

8

Fires

Other & Unspecified complaints by model year

1997 Malibu 13 1.0%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

1998 Malibu 21 1.6%

Median failure at 119,000 miles

1999 Malibu 17 1.3%

Median failure at 65,262 miles

2000 Malibu 16 1.2%

Median failure at 122,500 miles

2001 Malibu 20 1.6%

Median failure at 93,000 miles

2002 Malibu 19 1.5%

Median failure at 72,000 miles

2003 Malibu 16 1.2%

Median failure at 63,000 miles

2004 Malibu 19 1.5%

Median failure at 140,000 miles

2005 Malibu 33 2.6%

Median failure at 93,000 miles

2006 Malibu 24 1.9%

Median failure at 105,000 miles

2007 Malibu 13 1.0%

Median failure at 135,000 miles

2008 Malibu 43 3.3%

Median failure at 109,000 miles

2009 Malibu 53 4.1%

Median failure at 91,550 miles

2010 Malibu 63 4.9%

Median failure at 85,426 miles

2011 Malibu 59 4.6%

Median failure at 86,750 miles

2012 Malibu 51 4.0%

Median failure at 92,000 miles

2013 Malibu 88 6.8%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

2014 Malibu 54 4.2%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2015 Malibu 34 2.6%

Median failure at 47,500 miles

2016 Malibu 173 13.4%

Median failure at 44,842 miles

2017 Malibu 147 11.4%

Median failure at 36,034 miles

2018 Malibu 153 11.9%

Median failure at 37,403 miles

2019 Malibu 36 2.8%

Median failure at 36,800 miles

2020 Malibu 44 3.4%

Median failure at 2,000 miles

2021 Malibu 29 2.2%

Median failure at 5,300 miles

2022 Malibu 28 2.2%
2023 Malibu 13 1.0%
2024 Malibu 7 0.5%
2025 Malibu 4 0.3%

What owners said

2024 Chevrolet Malibu Los Angeles, CA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My vehicle is a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, VIN [XXX]. It is showing recall N262551720 (NHTSA 26V212) concerning the rearview camera. My rearview camera is currently clear and functioning normally, with no distortion or blank screen. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether my specific VIN is actually part of the affected population for this recall and whether the recall should apply to my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11758120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Malibu Jacksonville, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My 2023 Malibu VIN [XXX] has an active backup camera failure due to recall [XXX]. The remedy says unavailable, but the car is currently unsafe. I need to open a corporate case for a dealer loaner vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11757209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Malibu Jacksonville, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My rear view camera is fuzzy and today it went out completely and the screen was black. Sometimes it shows what’s behind the car when I’m backing and then suddenly the screen goes black and I’m unable to see anything. It just started today 6/15/26z . I believe this is a safety hazard and could cause an accident while backing up putting myself and others at risk . There was no warning before this happened, I just noticed the screen was fuzzy on one side, then the fuzziness would go to the other side of the screen . I wasn’t sure what was happening until it completely went black .

NHTSA complaint #11757213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Woodstock, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Failure - B000A-00 Body Control Module Error code - Shift Lever Position not plausible . Safety - This causes the car to upon attempting to turn off the car say "Shift into Park" on the dashboard and the car refuses to turn fully off. This can cause the battery to drain excessively from repeated constant start/stop attempts and leaves the car in an impossible state. You cannot safely leave the car in this state but you have no choice until you get lucky enough to hope an attempt is recognized as parked and shut off normally. This could jeopardize safety in situations you need to turn your car off Official Bulletin Number: GM TSB 23-NA-119 There is no warning prior to failure, and no way to override it

NHTSA complaint #11757048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Malibu Gaithersburg, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My rear view camera went out in the beginning of April. It has been 4 months and I still have not received any notification that the recall is open.

NHTSA complaint #11756774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Pottstown, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased this vehicle in April of 2026, 4 days after bringing it home it began displaying a “Shift To Park” message in the dash, essentially making it so the vehicle will not shut off even when the vehicle is in park. Took it to a shop and they diagnosed it as a common issue across the 2021 Malibus and stated the entire shifter assembly needed replaced. Have not had it replaced yet due to not having the funds to replace the entire assembly, but was informed eventually the problem will progress to a total loss of being able to turn the vehicle off resulting in the vehicle essentially dying and requiring a jump start where the issue will display on the dashboard again until the internal micro switch is replaced. I believe this issue should be brought to GMs attention and a recall should be issued, seeing as they are aware it’s a known issue in malibus. A chevy dealership specifically told me that replacing the entire assembly may likely not even repair the issue itself.

NHTSA complaint #11756187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Starkville, MS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with the warranty replacement engine. At that point, I experienced a sudden loss of braking while driving. My vehicle was again diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, and the vacuum pump was replaced. Approximately one week after the vacuum pump replacement, the warranty replacement engine suffered catastrophic failure. The repair facility diagnosed cylinder #3 scoring and informed me that the engine required replacement. I was told that the engine failure was related to the vacuum pump failure. Because the warranty replacement engine was no longer covered under warranty, General Motors initially declined to cover the repair. Initially, neither General Motors nor the Chevrolet dealership was willing to accept responsibility for the issue. After continued discussions, General Motors ultimately agreed to provide partial financial assistance as a goodwill adjustment. However, I was still left responsible for paying a substantial amount out of pocket to purchase and install a third engine. The cost has created a significant financial burden that I have struggled to afford, especially because the repair involved a component that I was informed has a known history of failure. I was also informed that vacuum pump failures are a known issue with these vehicles and that General Motors is aware of the problem, although no recall has been issued. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced multiple vacuum pump failures, two catastrophic engine failures, and have now required three engines in the same vehicle. This has resulted in significant financial hardship, loss of use of my vehicle, and serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11754547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Chevrolet Malibu Winchester, KY Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown, I parked the vehicle, got out of it, left car running for AC, locked the doors. The car was in park. Locks unlocked door, rear view camera display cut off, AC still running. I am viewing a house, so I walk around house and car still in park, 0-5min. I go in the house, 10-15 later, out of habit hit the lock buttons on car again, because I couldn't see it. When we exit the house the car is gone. Went in reverse and rolled across a road into a fence. When I arrived at the car, the doors were locked and the car was in reverse.

NHTSA complaint #11754124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Malibu Caldwell, ID

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

So while I was driving my car going 60 on the highway it seemed to be having electrical issues all the lights on my dash popped on then popped off and only a few lights actually stayed on I can't remember exactly but the check engine and my abs stayed on and then on my screen it read to me warning power steering fault my headlights were dimming on and off like my car was going to die, so I had to pull over for my safety and other drivers safety, so after I pulled over safely I shut my car completely off and waited about 5 minutes and turned it back on when it turned back on the only light that popped on my dash was the check engine light, but the check engine light had actually been on the dash for a while after I replaced the 21 fuses that were missing that I didn't know were missing when I purchased the vehicle as is from a dealership the only thing that made me decide to check my fuses was because my check engine light was popping on and off and would stay off for a while then come back on a code reader said it was something to do with my turbo that code it was just very odd and the car was shifting weird 3 or 4 months after the purchase date XXX also after I put all the fuses back in a ton of codes popped up others safety and mine were at risk as I didn't really have control of my vehicle when it was doing that and it started breaking itself when I wasn't even hitting the break it was like jolting it's self and stopping slightly. I took my car to AAMCO Total car Care for a free diagnostic test, and then I had recently took my car to a Chevy dealership in Nampa Idaho off garrity boulevard because online it had told me there was recalls for my car and that recall was exactly what I was thinking had started off as the original problem originally leading into the other problems I got told to bring my car in then the fed me information saying pretty much it was a bust and that specific Malibu has no recall I think they just didn't want to work on it

NHTSA complaint #11754086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu New Orleans, LA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am reporting a safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet Malibu that is experiencing a “Shift to Park” failure.The vehicle displays a “Shift to Park” warning message even when the gear selector is fully placed in Park. Because the vehicle incorrectly detects that it is not in Park, it will not allow me to properly turn the vehicle off. This creates a concern because the vehicle may remain powered on when it should be shut down, potentially draining the battery and leaving the vehicle unable to start when needed.This issue appears to be a known problem affecting multiple Chevrolet vehicles, yet owners are still being required to pay out-of-pocket for repairs. My vehicle has just over 54,000 miles, and the repair estimate from Chevrolet is approximately $853.A gear position detection failure is concerning because the vehicle’s ability to recognize Park is an important safety function. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue represents a safety defect and whether additional action is needed to protect vehicle owners.

NHTSA complaint #11753858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Yakima, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my exhaust camshaft and sent metal through out and the timing needs replaced as well. A shop would rather total my car than what it would cost to fix. I’m attempting to fix it myself but have been without my car for months now. This is created such a hardship and the money it’s continues to take as more and more needs to be fixed or replaced as well as all the gaskets and screws that are only one time use as well as parts like my high pressured fuel line I mean this lost keeps going. I and to replace the water pump as well and all due to this vacuum pump that’s been reported and reported and nothing has been done this is outrageous that what’s caused is so much more then just a vacuum pump it can destroy your vehicle miles don’t matter the less or if you have more the pump goes out when it feels like it. Creating more issues then it should and potentially totaling out a vehicle as it’s been said mine should be. So I’m trying to fix my car to prevent losing it and it’s been one thing after another and such a nightmare. The fact that this issue continues to be ignored is unacceptable and a complete disregard to public safety due to the serious safety issue as mine I could barley get my car to stop the breaks were hard and unable to push down without basically standing on them to get into stop at only 7-8 miles per hour I was moving when the vacuum booster went out. Someone should not have to die to have this issue addressed and to be taken seriously and made right! I can’t believe nothing has been done and that it’s not required to have to address this issue with the severity it bring to one’s safety as well as public safety is beyond me. This is a major lawsuit and people’s lives and lovely hood should be taken more seriously and instead nothing is being done. It’s very concerning to think what has to happen for this to be addressed!

NHTSA complaint #11753408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Waukesha, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car states shift to park when vehicle is already in park. It took multiple times to start car again and wiggling of shifter to get car to turn off. Car was repaired by a mechanic by replacing the transmission control and transmission shifter. Chevy is aware of the problem (which can drain the battery if not caught) but has not issued a recall only a Technical Service Bulletin. Cost to me was $569.00 for repair.

NHTSA complaint #11753429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Waukesha, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car states shift to park when vehicle is already in park. It took multiple times to start car again and wiggling of shifter to get car to turn off. Car was repaired by a mechanic by replacing the transmission control and transmission shifter. Chevy is aware of the problem (which can drain the battery if not caught) but has not issued a recall only a Technical Service Bulletin. Cost to me was $569.00 for repair.

NHTSA complaint #11753430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Peachtree Corners, GA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When placed into park and try to turn the car off, the vehicle's dashboard still says "shift to park". It's already in park but not registering. The vehicle will not shut off

NHTSA complaint #11752481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Malibu Wilmington, DE

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

“Steering assist is reduced, drive with care” is showing up for a couple second and disappearing. When that happens my car seems to shut off and the steering wheel stiffens and pull to either the left of right side. All this happens while driving. After the 3rd time of it happening within 10min, my gas fuel level dropped but when back up to the “original” level

NHTSA complaint #11751404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Malibu Florissant, MO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Component: Air Conditioning – A/C Hose Assembly / Refrigerant Discharge Line The air conditioning refrigerant discharge line (A/C hose assembly) appears to have been improperly designed and/or installed during manufacturing. The rubber A/C hose was routed in a manner that caused it to rest against or press against the side of the engine. Over time, the engine heat and constant contact burned a hole through the hose, causing a rapid loss of refrigerant (Freon). As a result of the refrigerant leak, the air conditioning system stopped blowing cold air, and the HVAC system no longer functioned properly. This failure was not caused by normal wear and tear, but by the improper routing and placement of the A/C hose against the engine. The issue was confirmed by Meineke Service Center through a diagnostic inspection and UV dye leak test, which identified the damaged refrigerant discharge line as the source of the leak. A significant safety concern is that simply replacing the hose does not permanently correct the problem if the replacement hose is routed in the same location. Without a manufacturer-provided redesign or long-term repair solution that prevents the hose from contacting the engine, the replacement part is at risk of failing in the same manner. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indications before the failure occurred. The air conditioning stopped blowing cold air after the refrigerant escaped through the damaged hose. I believe this is a manufacturing and/or design defect that could affect other vehicles with the same hose routing configuration. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether a safety recall or manufacturer corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA complaint #11750741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Malibu Youngstown, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

my back up camera stopped working it’s just a black screen now

NHTSA complaint #11749900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Richmond, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

A screen popped up saying “reduced engine power” I was already Omw to the shop to get one thing fixed. When they tried to pull my car in they say they he car wouldn’t drive and it was hard to accelerate and they had to put it in Neutral to get it in the shop. They said they fixed the problem but when I left to go into the main road, my car wouldn’t accelerate to the speed I needed and cars were coming. They were beeping and thank God they were able to slow down because they’ve would’ve hit me. The car does not accelerate and the manias can’t figure out why. Upon doing my research there are 100’s of folks saying the same thing. Right now I am out of a car, I literally just moved on 6/30 and not only do I work DoorDash, I have a day job and an overnight job. My car is how I make my money and this issue is putting a lot of stress and frustration on me because I need to get to and from work to pay bills. I am waiting to hear back from another mechanic which is even more stressful. Waiting, trying to figure out who can fix this issue and what the issue is.

NHTSA complaint #11749779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Green Bay, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Transmission has been slipping since the day I bought the car in 2023 approximately at 90,000 miles, I have been keeping up with the manufactured recommendations on the transmission and march of 2026 I went to move the passenger seat and it no longer moves

NHTSA complaint #11749453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Converse, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When the vehicle is shifted into Park and the ignition button is pressed, the vehicle fails to shut down. The dashboard displays a "Shift to Park" warning message, indicating the vehicle does not recognize that the gear selector is physically in the Park position.To shut the engine off, the driver must repeatedly wiggle, slam, or cycle the gear shifter back and forth into Park until the electrical sensor finally registers the connection. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle can roll away if left unsecured, drains the car battery, and prevents the doors from locking properly.Crucially, this defect traps drivers inside an operational vehicle for extended periods while they repeatedly struggle to force it to shut down. This poses an immediate risk of heat-related illness or death (hyperthermia), especially in high-temperature environments, during heatwaves, or for vulnerable occupants like children and the elderly who cannot exit the vehicle safely until it is off.

NHTSA complaint #11749242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Malibu problems