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
363 reports, newest first.
Visibility, Oct 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED GLASS WAS ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (GARRETT MOTORS IN COOLIDGE, AZ, 520-723-5401) AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNUSUAL, AND THAT SOMETHING MUST HAVE CAUSED THE EXPLOSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Oct 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS AND CHECK ENGINE SENSOR INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE "SERVICE STABILITRAC" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW DOWN, THE VEHICLE WOULD SKID AND SLIDE BEFORE STOPPING, WHICH CAUSED THE STOPPING DISTANCE TO INCREASE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (ROD HATFIELD CHEVROLET IN LEXINGTON, KY) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. *LN UPDATED 7/25/18*JB
Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 9, 2017
ITS A COMMON PROBLEM I HAVE SEEN THAT HAPPENED TO ME 2 MONTHS AFTER BUYING THIS CAR. THE REAR WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY IN BOTH WHEELS HAVE GONE BAD AND IT CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT TO COME AND REPAIRS COST OVER 700 DOLLARS. THIS PROBLEM IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND HAPPENS TYPICALLY AROUND 50,000 TO 60,000 MILES. I AM NOT HAPPY AT ALL SEEING AS THIS IS MY FIRST BIG CAR PURCHASE AND FIRST CHEVY PURCHASE. IF THIS ISNT COVERED BY RECALL SOON OR BY CHEVY THEN THIS WILL BE THE LAST AND ONLY TIME I EVER GET A CHEVY ANDITS SAD BECAUSE I ACTUALLY WORK FOR A DEALERSHIP AND STILL GOT SCREWED. PROBLEM STARTED WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND WAS SET ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 70 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON SO I HAD OUR MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT AND THATS WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM
Suspension, Aug 26, 2017
BAD WHEEL BARRING AT 22560 MILES I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 8000 DEALER SAYS THINGS GO BAD YOU DO THE MATH. THIS SHOULD NOT BE GOING. AD TILL MAYBE 90,000
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 14, 2017
I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 14 MALIBU EVERY SINCE I BOUGHT IT CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM THE DEALER. THE CAR RPM WILL GET STUCK AROUND 3000 IF I'M CRUISING AND PRESS THE BRAKES TO DECELERATE WHICH HAS CAUSED ME SEVERAL TIME TO HAVE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF OFF THE ROAD SO THAT I DON'T HIT ANYTHING. IN ORDER TO MAKE IT STOP I HAVE TO PRESS BRAKES THEN PRESS THE GAS TO MAKE THE RPM ACT RIGHT. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD A BAD JERK WHEN I AM DRIVING AND THE CAR RPM IS NEAR OR AT A STEADY 2000 IT WOULD JERK UNTIL I SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES AND PAID FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC AND STILL THERE WAS NO GOOD NEW ALL BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T MAKE THE ISSUE REOCCUR. MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH THESE ISSUES WAS ABOUT A MONTH AFTER BUYING THE CAR AND HAS HAPPENED EVERY SINCE WITH MY LAST OCCURRENCE BEING 08/13/2017. I AM ABOUT READY TO GIVE UP ON CHEVY AND CHANGE MAKES BECAUSE THEY SEEM TO NOT WANT TO HELP AT ALL WITH THE ISSUES I'M HAVING.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 10, 2017
I HAVE A 2014 MALIBU THAT HAS AROUND 86000 AND AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED JERKING AND MY POWER LOCKS WERE GOING UP AND DOWN CONTINUOUSLY ALONG WITH A MESSAGE THAT SAYS "SERVICE POWER STEERING, DRIVE WITH CARE." AFTER I CAME TO A STOP, PULLED OVER TO TUN OFF THE IGNITION, MY RADIO WAS STILL ON EVEN AFTER I OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE KEYS OUT OF THE INGNITION. I AM EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED WITH THIS PROBLEM AND I ATTACHED AN IMAGE OF THE MESSAGE. I REALLY HOPE THAT GM HAS A RESOLUTION FOR THIS.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONED. AFTER SHIFTING GEARS TO EITHER THE REVERSE OR DRIVE POSITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION IN THE DIRECTION OF WHICH GEAR WAS ENGAGED. LANGDALE CHEVROLET IN SYLVESTER, GEORGIA WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE AUTO STOP FEATURE MALFUNCTIONING AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION. PRINCE CHEVROLET IN ALBANY, GEORGIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE AUTO STOP FEATURE, AND THE TRANSMISSION HAD MALFUNCTIONED. PARKER CHEVROLET IN ASHBURN, GEORGIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SERIES OF FAILURES ON MAY 8, 2017 AND STATED THAT THE FAILURES COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,785. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ *JS *CN UPDATED 10/5/18*JB
Steering, Jun 27, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE DROVE INTO A NEARBY DITCH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A COLLISION CENTER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 18, 2017
THE ABS LIGHT SHOWED ON THE MESSAGE CENTER WHEN I STARTED MY CAR TO LEAVE FOR WORK ON A MONDAY MORNING SO I TOOK MY CAR TO GREEN CHEVROLET IN DERIDDER LA. THE MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAID THE SENSOR WAS BAD SO THEY ORDERED ANOTHER. AFTER REPLACING IT THE LIGHT DID NOT GO OFF SO THEY SCHEDULED ANOTHER APPOINTMENT TO CHECK INTO THE PROBLEM AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A SENSOR AND WOULD BE CLOSE TO $ 400 TO REPLACE IT. I PAID $200 THE FIRST TIME. SO I CALLED GM TO ASK ABOUT THE RECALL THAT WAS IN PLACE ON THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL AS MY CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT WHILE THE RECALL WAS ACTIVE, IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY CAR BECAUSE IT CAME FROM A DIFFERENT PLANT. SO GM WORKED WITH THE REPAIR SHOP TO LOWER THE COST FOR THE SECOND REPAIR. I PAID $115. THAT AS IN FEBRUARY 2017. THE MECHANIC AT THE SERVICE CENTER SAID THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PART BEING REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE RECALLED. IN APRIL 2017 I WAS ON MY WAY TO MISSOURI FOR A FUNERAL AND MY ABS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I CALLED THE SERVICE CENTER AND WAS TOLD TO BRING MY CAR IN WHEN I RETURNED HOME. I CALLED GM AGAIN TO COMPLAIN THAT IT WAS ON AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR BACK INTO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM BUT A DIFFERENT WHEEL. AGAIN THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE RECALLED. SO NOW I HAVE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED AND PAY MORE MONEY. I AM WRITING TO ASK WHY THE PART HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED FOR ALL 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBUS. I AM PAYING FOR A PROBLEM THAT A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON WHILE OTHERS OWNERS ARE NOT. MY CAR HAS 47,000 MILES . IT IS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE. HOW MANY TIMES AM I GOING TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM? PLEASE EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE MORE VEHICLES. OBVIOUSLY IT IS NOT HAPPENING TO CARS FROM JUST ONE AREA. THANK YOU
Service brakes, Mar 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V247000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT, BUT MADE NO MENTION AS TO WHY THE REPAIR WAS NOT COMPLETED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2017
WHEN CAR IS ROLING ,THE STERING HAS TO BE IN A WORD [ YANKED] TO REDIRECT YOUR CENTER OF YOUR [ ONE] LANE !!!!!! 80%ON HIGHWAY DRIVING...NOTE,ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN CHECKED AND RECHECKED THREE TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 11, 2017
THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS BECAUSE I BELIEVE CHEVROLET HAS DEFECTIVE ABS SENSOR EMBEDDED IN THE WHEEL HUB OF THIS VEHICLE. WE PURCHASED TWO OF THESE CHEVROLET MALIBU CARS A COUPLE MONTHS APART AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH EACH. ONE OF OUR VEHICLES WAS OUT OF WARRANTY (VIN [XXX]) AND REPAIRS COME AT A COST OF $450.00 PLUS PER OCCURRENCE WITH UNDER 65 THOUSAND MILES. WE HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME FAILURE TWICE WITH THE OUT OF WARRANTY VEHICLE LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AND 3 THOUSAND MILES APART. AFTER DOING MINIMAL RESEARCH AND COMMENTS MADE BY THE MECHANIC AT OUR SMALL DEALER I BELIEVE THIS IS A MUCH LARGER PROBLEM THAN A COINCIDENCE. PEOPLE PURCHASE THESE VEHICLES WITH THE ABS - TRACTION CONTROL AND EXPECT THEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WITHOUT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS AS REGULAR MAINTENANCE. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER. AS OF TODAY THERE ARE NO RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT. I HAVE OPENED A SERVICE REQUEST WITH GM [XXX] THIS VEHICLE HAD A SENSOR FAILURE WHICH IS EMBEDDED IN THE HUB ASSEMBLY. THE SENSOR FAILURE DISABLES THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE HUB ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS FAILURE HAPPENED WITHIN THE CHEVROLET BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY PERIOD CONSEQUENTLY IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Engine, Jan 9, 2017
SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD ISSUE AFTER ISSUE WITH TRIM, ABS, STABILITY TRACK, HEATING SYSTEM, TRANSMISSION, AND WHEEL BEARINGS. I HAVE HAD THE STABILITY TRACK FIXED TWICE, TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING (COVERED UNDER A RECALL). WHEEL BEARINGS IN REAR BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BEFORE 80000 MILES. WIRING HARNESS TO WHEELS, THE DEALER SHIP HAD TO SPLICE ( I STILL CANT SEE HOW WIRING HARNESS IS NOT A COVERED COMPONENT. FOR A MANUFACTURE BASED OUT OF A STATE THAT HAS SNOW, AND TO PROVIDE A VEHICLE THAT HAS A STABILITY SENSOR THAT GETS DIRTY BECAUSE OF SALT THAT WILL ERROR IS BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION. SAME FOR THE DEFAULT WHEEL BEARINGS ONE WINTER IN MICHIGAN AND THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED (ALSO NOT A COVERED FEATURE). TRIM THAT BLOWS OFF ON THE EXPRESS WAY. I LOST MY WINDOW TRIM AND THE FRONT BLACK COVER. FUNNY HOW THE 2015 MODELS HAVE A SCREW IN THEM BUT NOTHING FOR US POOR 2014 OWNERS THAT HAD AN ISSUE. I CAN PURCHASE A NEW ONE AT 60.00 (REALLY ITS PLASTIC). ABS COMES ON EVERY TIME I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE STABILITY TRACK, WHICH IS EVERY WINTER IT GETS DIRTY. ENGINE LIGHT ON NOW SO I CANT AUTO START THE CAR, MORE THAN LIKELY THAT WILL BE CAUSED BY THE GLAMOROUS AUX BATTERY THAT WAS ENGINEERED FOR THE LOVEY AUTO STOP FEATURE THAT I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER. HAVE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP TO BE RIPPED OFF SOME MORE.
Seat belts, Service brakes, Dec 28, 2016
BRAKING BEFORE POTENTIAL COLLISION, ESPECIALLY SMOOTH BRAKING, REVEALS THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR HAS AN INHERENTLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY UNSAFE DESIGN. *TR THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT HAS DELAYED AND INCONSISTENT LOCKING, OFTEN NOT LOCKING IN BRAKING OR LOCKING LATE. EVEN WHEN IT DOES LOCK EARLIER, IT ALLOWS TOO MUCH TRAVEL, I.E. 1/3 DISTANCE TO WHEEL. UNDER MODERATE BRAKING, BEFORE ENOUGH DECELERATION OCCURS TO LOCK THE BELT, THE DRIVER CAN TRAVEL VERY FAR FORWARD AND IT'S HARD TO HOLD ONESELF BACK. EVEN WHEN READY FOR THAT, THE FORCE NEEDED IS A DISTRACTION FROM WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE ROAD AND MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER. ALSO, EXPERTS HAVE SAID THAT BEING TENSE DURING A COLLISION MAKES INJURIES WORSE OR MORE LIKELY. THE COMPLAINANT HAS TESTED THIS MANY TIMES UNDER STRAIGHT BRAKING ON 25-45 MPH ROADS WITH THE SEAT AS FAR BACK AS IS DRIVABLE AND THE WHEEL AS FAR AWAY AS PRACTICAL FOR A SLIGHTLY BELOW AVERAGE SIZE GUY. UNDER MODERATE BRAKING, THE BELT LOCKED WITH MY HEAD 1 INCH FROM THE WHEEL. IF A COLLISION FOLLOWED, MY HEAD WOULD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAG WOULD DEPLOY AT NEARLY POINT-BLANK RANGE TO HEAD AND CHEST. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAS AN ALTERNATE MODE ACTIVATED BY PULLING THE BELT ALL THE WAY OUT, WHICH ACTIVATES A RETRACT-ONLY RATCHET SO IT WILL HOLD THE PASSENGER CLOSE TO THE SEAT UNTIL RELEASED. THE DRIVER'S BELT DOES NOT HAVE THAT FEATURE. SUGGEST CRASH TESTING WITH BRAKING FROM 70 TO 40 MPH JUST PRIOR TO COLLISION RATHER THAN CRUISING INTO THE BARRIER AT STEADY 40. WITH THE 2014 MALIBU'S RESTRAINTS, THE DUMMY COULD EASILY BE 1/3 TO FULLY AGAINST THE WHEEL AT MOMENT OF COLLISION. THE PERSON SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT DOES NOT FEEL AT ALL SAFE WHILE DRIVING WITH THIS DEFECT IN THE PRIMARY DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THIS IS A 3-YEAR-OLD CAR THAT HAS NOT BEEN IN A COLLISION, GOING BY RECORDS AND PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2016
THE "AUTO STOP" HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT IS SUPPOSE TO SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AFTER A COMPLETE STOP TO CONSERVE FUEL HOWEVER THE TACHOMETER INDICATES THAT THE ENGINE IS STILL RUNNING AND DOES NOT DROP TO "AUTO STOP" AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TACHOMETER. THIS DOES NOT SAVE ANY FUEL AND IT COMPLETELY WORTHLESS.
Wheels, Oct 5, 2016
WHEEL BEARINGS OR HUBS GOING BAD ON NUMEROUS MALIBU'S. MANY REPORTED BELOW 30K MILES. MY CAR IS AT 53K AND 2 &1/2 YEARS OLD AND JUST HAD MY FIRST WHEEL HUB GO! THE DEALER PAID BASICALLY FOR THE LABOR AND I PAID FOR THE FACTORY PART THAT WILL GO BAD AGAIN. THE PART BY ACDELCO HAS ONLY 1 SEAL AND THAT MAYBE GOOD FOR THE SOUTHERN HALF OF THE COUNTRY BUT THE NORTHERN HALF OF THE COUNTRY USES SALT WHICH WE AS CONSUMERS CAN NOT CONTROL. I WASH AND CLEAN MY CAR REGULARLY TO KEEP SALT OFF IN WINTER.BUT THE SEAL IS STILL CORRODING WITH NO BACKUP PROTECTION. MOOG PROVIDES A WHEEL HUB AND USES 4 SEALS! HOW ARE WE AS CONSUMERS SUPPOSED TO BE ABLE TO KNOW EXACTLY WHEN THE WHEEL HUB IS GOING TO GO. THE WHEEL HUB IS GETTING WATER AND DIRT INSIDE MEANING THAT 1 SEAL IS FAILING! ITS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. HELP US STOP THAT FROM HAPPENING. IF MY VEHICLE WAS 7 YEARS OR HAD 100K MILES ON IT AND A WHEEL HUB WENT BAD THEN I WOULD REPLACE ALL 4 TO BE PROACTIVE, BUT AT 50K MILES I OR WE AS CONSUMERS (HOWEVER YOU WANT TO LOOK AT IT) SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE THAT PROACTIVE TO KEEP THE WHEELS ON THE CAR! ALSO WHEN I CONTACTED 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND ASKED THEM FOR A REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB AND TOLD THEM IT WAS FOR A 2014 MALIBU, EACH ONE OF THEM RESPONDED BY SAYING "THAT'S NOT SURPRISING, WE GET A TON OF PART REQUESTS FOR THAT PARTICULAR PART ON THAT VEHICLE." 2 OF THEM EVEN CHUCKLED BECAUSE THEY KNOW WE WILL NEED 3 MORE AND THEY KNOW THE PROCESS WILL CONTINUE TO START ALL OVER AGAIN. LUCKILY FOR ME I DO MY RESEARCH AND WON'T BE PUTTING ANYMORE WHEEL HUBS BY GM OR ACDELCO ON MY VEHICLE. I WILL BE PUTTING ON MOOG! SADLY OTHER PEOPLE WON'T RESEARCH LIKE I DID AND WILL GET TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF AND IF THEY TRADE THEIRS CARS IN ALL THEY ARE DOING IS EVENTUALLY PASSING ON THEIR PROBLEM TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS UNSUSPECTING. THE BEARING SOUNDED LIKE EXTRA LOUD ROAD NOISE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 16, 2016
ON CLOUDLESS DAYS WHEN THE SUN IS ABOUT 30 DEGREES OR LOWER IN THE SKY THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND THE VEHICLE DIMS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT IS TOO BRIGHT OUTSIDE TO DRIVE WITHOUT SUNGLASSES AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE DIMMED GAUGES. MY OTHER VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON WHEN IT IS SO BRIGHT OUTSIDE.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 13, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO A FAULTY SEAL IN THE TRUNK, THE VEHICLE FLOODED IN FEBRUARY OF 2014. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED FORWARD OR IN REVERSE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CERVICAL NECK STRAIN THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Suspension, Sep 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A CONTINUOUS NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,509. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Structure, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2016, crash
A LADY RAN A RED LIGHT AND T-BONED MY CHEVY MALIBU ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AS I WAS PROCEEDING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY HEAD SLAMMED IN TO THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAS SMASHED IN. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BECAUSE IT COULDN'T BE DRIVEN. I HAVE A CONCUSSION THAT'S LASTED FOR 2 WEEKS AND BODY PAIN FROM THE ACCIDENT. SHOULDN'T THE AIRBAGS HAVE DEPLOYED?
Suspension, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 19, 2016
I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY CAR CUTS OFF FREQUENTLY AT STOP LIGHTS ALSO MY CAR ACCELERATES SLOW WHEN ENTERING ONTO HIGHWAY... I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT 7/18/16 IN WHICH MY AIRBAGS ON STEERING WHEEL PARTIALLU DEPLOYED WHILE THE OTHERS DID NOT IN RESULT LEAVING ME WITH A FRACTURED FINGER.
Wheels, Jul 12, 2016
I JUST BOUGHT MY VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER AND NOTICE CHUNKS OFF RUBBER COMING OF THE TIRE AND THE CAR ITSELF HAS LOW MILES 40,000 WANT TO KNOW IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIX ISSUE
Power train, Service brakes, Jun 3, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE UPGRADED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTING FROM THE SHIFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, May 26, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE POWER SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND PCM WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,065. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
Electrical system, May 16, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" WHEN MY WIFE GOT INTO CAR AND TURNED IT ON SHE TURNED A/C ON AND IT WAS ONLY BLOWING HOT AIR. THEN SHE NOTICED ALL DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES WERE NOT WORKING AS WELL. IT ALSO GAVE HER LOTS OF PROMPTS SAYING SERVICE AIR BAGS AND OIL. SHE TRIED DRIVING IT DOWN THE STREET AND SHE NOTICED ODOMETER, SPEEDOMETER, AND GAS GAUGES WERE NOT WORKING AS WELL. SHE ALSO SAID THE TOUCHSCREEN FOR RADIO WAS TOTALLY BLACK AND RADIO WAS NOT WORKING. SO SHE BROUGHT IT BACK HOME AND TURNED IT OFF AND RADIO CAME ON AND DID NOT WANT TO TURN OFF EVEN WHILE CAR WAS OFF AND DOORS WERE OPEN. SO I CAME HOME AND TURNED CAR BACK ON AND NOW EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. WE DONT KNOW IF THIS IS AN EARLY SIGN OF SOMETHING GOING OUT OR IS GOING TO BE OUT IN THE FUTURE BUT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE YOU CAN BE DRIVING AND WHAT IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN......