2014 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 363 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 18th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 19 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 17 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, sun/moon roof assemblyMar 23, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles October 24, 2011, to March 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Slide or Tilt switch for the roof panel may not be adequately recessed to prevent the switch from inadvertently being pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 118, "Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems."
The Slide or Tilt roof panel switch may inadvertently be pressed and the roof panel may auto-close unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a pinch injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the Body Control Module (BCM) software to remove auto-close feature for certain switch positions, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15176.
Campaign 15V164000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumMay 14, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through May 2, 2014, and equipped with a 2.5L engine with the auto stop/start option. The affected vehicles may experience a complete loss of brake vacuum assist, disabling the hydraulic boost assist. As such, these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance. Both of these effects increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic brake control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020. General Motors number for this recall is 14201.
Campaign 14V247000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, discMay 8, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors. The affected vehicles may have had brake rotors intended for the rear of the car accidentally installed on the front. The rear rotors, while the same diameter, are thinner and may result in a front brake pad detaching from the caliper.
If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14128.
Campaign 14V240000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionFeb 21, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.
Campaign 14V092000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, defroster/defogger/hvac systemNov 13, 2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through November 5, 2013. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control in these vehicles may intermittently become inoperable when the vehicle is started, preventing the windshield defroster from working. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
The inability to turn on the windshield defroster may decrease the driver's visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic climate control module software, free of charge. The recall began during December 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13380.
Campaign 13V567000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
57 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2025
have a 2014 Malibu with 132,000 miles. . It stalls in traffic, at intersections and stop signs, which is a dangerous safety issue. The Auto Stop will engage and when I put my foot on the accelerator, it stalls out. Also does it right when I start the engine at times.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2025
Unknown, The ignition switch turns on when off position or restart engine when in off selection on ignition switch And the radio is powered back on if key left in the ignition switch powered off When u leave vehicle
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2025
I receive a message on my screen stated to shift to park when it is already in park. I have to wiggle the shifter as well as try multiple times before the screen clears. I looked at information stating this is a problem but not to the level of recall but fixed by the dealership. I was told my vehicle did not qualify for the free repair. Wondering why?
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2025
Cant pass smog due to code P2646
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2025
Car rolls backwards when stopped on an incline until the brakes are pumped two to three times
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2025
I have to change sensor for the oil every year. Small battery in the back I have to replace it every year
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2025
I am uncertain of what’s causing this major issue to happen. I see a lot of forums of other customers having the same exact issue and it is a HUGE SAFETY RISK in my personal opinion from experience. For the last maybe 9 months I’ve been dealing with the auto stop feature coming on, then once you let off the break the car doesn’t crank back up. This is very scary in traffic and stoplights much less everywhere!!! I have to turn the key to off and place it back in park, then proceed to crank back up. Only nearly EVERY SINGLE TIME it also will not crank up manually. Also, this issue is not showing ANY check engine codes, so diagnosing this issue has not been resolved. I’ve been stuck waiting 20 minutes or so. Please PLEASE recall whatever is causing this issue for so many of us customers!!!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2024
The Auto Stop/Start feature is experiencing issues where the vehicle fails to restart, resulting in significant disruptions during driving scenarios such as heavy city traffic, stop-and-go traffic, and maneuvering through busy intersections. These incidents not only cause traffic jams and congestion but also force detours for other drivers. Particularly, when encountering highway traffic from exit offramps, sudden stops due to overcrowding and tailgaters trigger the Malibu to auto stop without restarting, creating considerable challenges, especially during rush hours in cities like Atlanta. In each of these circumstances, attempts to restart the vehicle prove futile as the engine endlessly turns over without success. While resolving these situations required considerable effort and time, further elaboration is beyond the scope of this discussion, given the valuable time already expended on addressing these issues.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 26, 2024
I bought the car back in 2022 and since then the stop/start started malfunctioning. At first it would stop then be hesitant to start back up then 6 months later it completely would stall at lights and stop signs. Now the aux battery is draining my main battery and I’ve had to tow my car 3 times because I’ve been left stranded. I’m now in that same predicament and it’s 2/26/24
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2024
I have a 2014 Malibu with 87,450 miles. It has worked perfectly up until 6 months ago. It started stalling in traffic intersections and at stop signs, which is a dangerous safety issue. The Auto Stop would engage and then when I put my foot on the accelerator, it stalled out. I would turn the vehicle off and restart it. I took it to countless mechanics who could not figure out what was causing the problem because the Check Engine light did not come on and no codes were triggered. The problem became worse over time and once the vehicle stalled, it would not immediately restart. I took it to my Chevy Dealer and they were baffled as well. They uploaded new software which included the Auto Stop feature, but it continued to stall. They replaced the front battery and checked the one in the trunk. It still stalled. The Dealer said that since the Check Engine light did not come on, they were shooting in the dark. I asked them to disconnect the Auto Stop function, but they said that they couldn't. Unlike other models, there was no disconnection method. I have looked at many on-line chats on the 2014 Chevy Malibu and this defect in the Auto Stop function seems pretty prevalent. No one has come up with a workable solution. I filed a Notice of Claim with Chevrolet corporate and asked them to provide a fix. Does anyone have any ideas of either how to fix the Auto Stop or to disable it? Right now I am shifting into neutral at all traffic signals and stop signs, so that the Auto Stop function does not engage, but that seems like a poor fix to the problem.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 21, 2023
When I stop my auto stop kicks in and when I take my foot off the brake my car rolls up a little and ends up dying. I have to turn it off and start it up giving it gas to get it going. There have been a couple instances when making a left turn I have almost gotten hit. I am no longer comfortable driving my car. There are several people posting about it online but no reason or fix for it as far as I know of. I have called the dealer and if course they want me to bring it in but I have no money for someone to go on a wild goose chase with my car. I think this should be something Chevrolet needs to figure out.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2023
Auto Start Stop Function (ASSF) malfunction. When releasing foot off brake when (ASSF) was engaged, engine failed to restart. After putting car in park and restarting the engine, it took multiple attempts for car to restart. This has happened numerous times, all of which have been while city driving (i.e. stopping at stop lights, waiting to turn in turn lane, stopped at stop sign) High safety concern for me and for other drivers on roadway. vehicle has been looked at by automotive shop, no definitive answer for the cause. no warning lights or messages appear before/during/ or after malfunction.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 2, 2023
The AutoStop/Start feature malfunctioned while at a busy intersection. The AutoStop engaged but failed to start the engine, once pressure was released from the brake pedal. This has been an issue for about a year now. I have replaced both batteries, both VVT sensors, and the oil pressure sensor in the last year, thinking this would solve the issue. This vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic, just scanned with a handheld scanner at a parts store, every time there is a check engine indicator light on. There are no dash indicators when this malfunctions, I just have to turn the vehicle completely off, or pump the accelerator in order for it to start.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2022
It did not cause a wreck/collision but almost has in several instances. The Start/Stop function will activate but then when it's time for the car to start again it will not and my car will go into traffic and then completely turn off to the point I have to hard start my vehicle. This is making the cars engine light stay illuminated and I've replaced several parts and nothing seems to fix the problem. Every person I've spoke with that has the same year vehicle is having the same issue.08
Other or unspecified, Jun 24, 2022
There seems to be problems with the auto stop that can’t be fixed and is not being addressed by Chevy. When your car gets over 100,000 the problems starts. When your car auto stops when it try’s to switch back to running the car shuts off. You have to turn your car off and restart it. Sometimes it takes more than one try to get your car started. Just recently my car stopped and would not restart til the next day. Luckily I was just at a drive thru and the workers had to push me out. I been doing research and this seems to be happening to a lot of people. It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt. This problem needs to be fixed. Chevy needs to look into this and find a fix it.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2021
My car shut down while behind someone at a traffic light, I had to park car, take key out ignition and but back in then drive. The dealership said I needed new batteries in less than 24hrs and less than 30 miles driven car was doing the same thing. Now sane dealership is saying need a transmission without explanation on what is actually going on. After reading several messages boards it appears this is not an uncommon thing in Chevrolet vehicles with the stop start feature enabled
Other or unspecified, Nov 19, 2021
I’ve had 2 warning messages appear and disappear I now they have been on permanently for the last two days.They messsges are reduced engine power and Service stabilitrac. My car does not seem to want to drive over 40 mph
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 3, 2021
THIS CAR HAS THE AUTO/STOP FUNCTION. THERE IS NO WAY TO CUT THIS OFF ACCORDING THE THE OWNERS MANUAL OR ONLINE RESEARCH. NOT EVERYTIME BUT IT HAPPENS ALOT. BE DRIVING STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THE AUTO STOP KICKS IN. WHEN THE LIGHT TURN GREEN, STEP ON GAS CAR IS SUPPOSE TO START, DOES NOT START. YOU HAVE TO PUT IN PARK, TURN KEY OFF, ATTEMPT TO CRANK AGAIN BEFORE YOU CAN GO. MEANWHILE PEOPLE ARE AVOIDING HITTING YOU IN THE REAR NOT KNOWING YOU ARE NOT MOVING ETC. ON THE MALIBU FORUM YOU WILL SEE MULIPLE COMPLIANTS FROM MALIBU OWNERS 2014-2016 WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT! I CALLED GM NO RESPONSE . ITS GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE GETTING KILLED OR INJURED FOR GM TO DO A RECALL. THIS IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE- PEOPLE COULD REAR END ME , SITTING IN MIDDLE OF A ROAD NOT MOVING!! THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 6 TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. THERE IS NOTHING IN OWNERS MANUAL TELLING HOW TO DISABLE THIS FUNCTION.. ITS USELESS.. DEATH TRAP! PLEASE FORCE GM TO HAVE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES BEFORE THERE ARE LAWSUITS INVOLVING DEATHS!!! I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT!!
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 7, 2021
Front defroster does not work. Started to function improperly at intermittent intervals but is completely non functional now. Makes driving hazardous as windshield fogs up while driving during cold temperatures and no way to clear it.
Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2021
WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP... AND THE START STOP IS BEING ACTIVATED IT COMPLETELY SHUTS THE VEHICLE OFF AND IT IS HARD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE... MOST OF THE TIME I HAVE TO GET SOMEBODY TO JUMP START MY VEHICLE IN ORDER TO GET IT BACK IN MOTION... I FEEL THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF I AM AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THERE IS ONGOING TRAFFIC OR IF I HAVE TO SLAM ON BRAKES OR IF THERE IS A EMERGENCY
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 6, 2021
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AFTER WORK AROUND 12 AM & REDUCED ENGINE POWER APPEARS ON SCREEN, CAR SLOWS DOWN & I COULDN'T ACCELERATE MORE THAN 10MPH & HAD TO KEEP PULLING OVER TO TURN ENGINE ON & OFF. TERRIFYING! READ OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS JUST NOW & NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR WORSE ESPECIALLY DRIVING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE/HIGHWAY
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2020
KEY CONSISTING BECOMES STUCK IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER OF MY 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OFF DUE TO THE KEY BEING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS PREVENTS THE DOORS FROM BEING LOCKED AND INCREASING THE CHANCE OF THE VEHICLE BEING STOLEN. THERE ARE A MULTITUDE OF VIDEOS FOR THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND ALL ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CHEVROLET VEHICLES. THIS IS A REOCCURRING ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE OF VEHICLES.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 17, 2020, crash
MY AUTO STOP AND START HAS NOT WORKED IN 6 MONTHS AND NOW THE STABILITRAK LIGHT COMES ON AND MY CAR STALLS AS I AM DRIVING SO MANY PARTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AND NOW NO ONE KNOWS WHAT TO DO ITS BEEN IN THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 14, 2020
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS STARTING A MONTH AGO MY CAR WHEN STOPPED SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF WHEN I DISENGAGE AUTO STOP, AND THEN IT STALLS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 4, 2020
THE CARS STOP START FUNCTION IS MALFUNCTIONING AND WILL COMPLETELY TURN THE CAR OFF WHEN ENGAGED. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED TWICE IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS DUE TO THIS. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THE FUNCTION IS ENGAGED. I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR MARCH 17,2020