NHTSA Data Explorer
Chevrolet Malibu
Data refreshed August 8, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Chevrolet Malibu.
Complaints
20,533
Active records
Recalls
59
Active records
TSBs
4,400
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
23
Injuries
677
Crashes
828
Fires
185
Top reported issues — Chevrolet Malibu
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Reporting mechanism
Steering behavior
Condition issue
Engine behavior
Lighting behavior
Performance issue
Driver assistance issue
Vibration/harshness
Noise
Starting behavior
Safety restraint issue
Braking behavior
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Electrical issue
Fluid issue
Access/entry issue
Thermal issue
Powering on/off behavior
Safety restraint behavior
HVAC behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Infotainment behavior
Smell
Recent change
Wiper/washer behavior
Communication/network issue
Electrified system issue
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2020 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Aug 5, 2026
My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and found more than a dozen network and chassis‑related diagnostic trouble codes, including: B3979, U0164,…
2024 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Aug 3, 2026
On several occasions in [XXX] and while traveling to [XXX] my vehicle has reported esc codes after starting the vehicle. The ignition light, esc light, parking brake lights come on and do not go off while operating the car until I turn the car off and restart it. When I am at a stop light and try to accelerate on numerous occasions the parking brake release light comes on and it will not release and the car will not accelerate in drive or reverse. It has happened while driving and at stop…
2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Aug 3, 2026
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. …
2025 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Aug 1, 2026
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…
2020 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Jul 31, 2026
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…
2024 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Jul 31, 2026
Power door locks stopped working. Took to local dealer. Left car with them for a week and a 1/2 the first time. Dlr replaced BCM module stating this would fix issue. Picked up car and fix lasted 20 seconds. Took back to dlr they could not resolve issue. So I have been without power door locks for more than a year. No way to manually lock the door. Homeless people have opened the door at a stop light.
2021 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Jul 30, 2026
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…
2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Jul 30, 2026
A software error in 1.5L turbo model disable fuel injectors, preventing the engine from starting or causing a sudden stall while driving. It’s been confirmed to be an previously opened recall that was fixed by previous owner. But, is happening again to me. Yet I’m being told It has been closed and cannot be fixed unless I pay out of pocket. There are warning signs that pop up like reduced speed while I am driving etc. which reduces my speed and is incredibly unsafe.
2022 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The contact was informed that the turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The…
2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU
Filed Jul 29, 2026
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…