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.
Steering, Engine, Feb 14, 2025
When I was on auto stop, my car never started back up. The steering wheel and brakes were frozen, and I could barely pull off the road I was on. Turning the key did not help, as the engine wouldn't turn back on.
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!!!
Seats, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 23, 2024
I am filing a complaint regarding a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu that I purchased from a dealership on November 22, 2024. The vehicle was advertised as being in “excellent condition” at the dealership’s site. During the test drive, I raised concerns about potential transmission issues, but the dealership assured me that the vehicle was “clean” and safe to drive. Unfortunately, this assurance turned out to be false, as the vehicle has since displayed significant mechanical failures, including overheating issues, that pose serious safety risks. Within a week of purchase, the vehicle broke down twice: first on November 29, while driving to work, and again on November 30, while on I-10 Katy freeway. The second breakdown created a life-threatening situation as the vehicle suddenly lost power in traffic. I incurred towing costs of $125 to return the vehicle to the dealership. After an attempted repair, the vehicle was returned to me on December 5, 2024. However, it broke down again on December 8, 2024, requiring another tow. Since that time, the vehicle has remained at the dealership, yet no adequate resolution has been provided. Additionally, I have since discovered that the vehicle has persistent overheating issues that were not disclosed at the time of sale. These overheating problems pose a serious safety risk as they could result in a fire or explosion, endangering my life and the lives of others on the road. The dealership’s negligence in addressing these critical safety concerns demonstrates a disregard for consumer safety. I believe the dealership knowingly sold me a defective vehicle with significant mechanical issues that were either hidden or misrepresented. The sudden and repeated breakdowns, particularly in hazardous driving conditions, and the risk of fire or explosion due to overheating, warrant immediate attention from the NHTSA.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 6, 2024
powertrain there is a problem with auto stop restarting then dying. The transmission not engaging after a complete stop like it is neutral this only happens after the car has been driven a bit everything at temp. today stopped for trash service auto stop engaged got ready to go nothing gunning and gunning never died like no power though finally moved no more stops till home a problem sitting in road can not move. have not taken to shop yet money for it now not.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 2, 2024
P0420 code
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2024
Hello. I have a 2014 Malibu. Recently it has been stalling when coming to a stop and yet there are no engine/warning lights on. Took it to numerous mechanics, spoke with people at the dealership service area and yet nothing! Nobody can figure it out at all. I’ve had the throttle body replaced, module piece, and a few other parts by someone who previously worked at the Chevrolet dealership and even they can’t figure it out. This is not only a safety hazard but a very uncomfortable feeling riding a car and having to put it into Neutral when approaching a light or stop sign ! My car will tell me if my turn signal is on for longer than 2-3 minutes so I’m not understanding why it won’t tell me why my car is shutting off. I’m frustrated because I’m paying different mechanics to figure it out and it’s still an unsolved problem! It would be nice if Chevrolet can look at everyone’s vehicle and not charge this time!! I have children so having them ride in a car that stalls is UNACCEPTABLE!
Power train, Service brakes, Sep 10, 2024
The cars automatic start/stop will activate and not restart the car. This has happened at stop signs, stop lights, intersections, hard breaks, etc. There are no warning lights or system failed/malfunction warnings. This has been inspected multiple times with software updates, changing batteries, changing fuses, etc.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Seats, Aug 31, 2024
I have an electrical problem with my car. Driver seat is electrical and the seat has been stuck in one position. The siding of the seat where the buttons are broke. The seatbelt gets stuck from the plastic being broken. I’ve had the car for a year and within 3 months of purchase I had to change brakes and it needs brakes again.
Power train, Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while accelerating between 0 to 20 MPH, the transmission hesitated while shifting into first gear. While driving at speeds above 20 MPH the hesitation was more prominent, causing the vehicle almost stall; however, the vehicle would remain running. The contact stated that the “Transmission Failure” warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V092000 (Power Train). The dealer had not been contacted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V092000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 30, 2024
When Stopping/Coming To A Stop. The Auto Start Feature Kicks In And Causes My Locks To Unlock And Lock Back And The Car To Stall For A Second Or So
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Electrical system, Jun 9, 2024
When coming to a complete stop, the auto stop feature kicks on and then stalls the car and won’t restart. Have seen in many online forms that this is a very common problem with these cars
Engine, Jun 8, 2024
When the Auto Start/Stop engages at a stop sign or light it causes the car to turn off. I have trouble turning it back over. Sometimes it starts. Other times it does not. I have changed the mass airflow sensor, mass air pressure sensor, vvt solenoid. It has been in and out of a couple shops without an answer of why it is doing this. It is readily available for an inspection. There were not any warning lights or messages produced on the dash. This started happening about 3 months ago. My child and myself is in danger every time it dies at a stop light.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 4, 2024
When I come to a stop at a red light & the car is idling the car turns off & I have to put the car in park and turn the car on so over again. This happens in busy intersections
Engine, May 23, 2024
my car which i own shuts down while driving its showing po6dc on code reader
Engine, May 5, 2024
Reduced power and coolant system My safety was put a risk when my car stop on me in the middle of traffic
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
While driving 60 MPH on the highway my car started stuttering then lost all power. It threw 3 codes P0131, P2097 and P0171. I have spent over $1,000.00 and a month later they tell me it was my intake bolts that were loose. They replaced every part PCV valve, MAF sensor, O2 sensor and car still wouldn't run right. PLEASE address this issue as that is UNSAFE for a car to just stop on the highway.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2024
The Auto Stop/Start feature is experiencing issues where the vehicle fails to restart, resulting in significant disruptions during driving scenarios such as heavy city traffic, stop-and-go traffic, and maneuvering through busy intersections. These incidents not only cause traffic jams and congestion but also force detours for other drivers. Particularly, when encountering highway traffic from exit offramps, sudden stops due to overcrowding and tailgaters trigger the Malibu to auto stop without restarting, creating considerable challenges, especially during rush hours in cities like Atlanta. In each of these circumstances, attempts to restart the vehicle prove futile as the engine endlessly turns over without success. While resolving these situations required considerable effort and time, further elaboration is beyond the scope of this discussion, given the valuable time already expended on addressing these issues.
Service brakes, Feb 27, 2024
my vehicle had just fixed by chevy dealership they changed both battery. i drove and pick it up,but its having the same problem it stalled or stops in red lights when i push brake it engaged the autop stop and have to restart the car again. almost got into an accident because i was stucked in the traffic with green lights and im in the middle of the road and my gas pedal wont work/accelerate. i paid 700$ for both battery i need my refund too.
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.
Suspension, Electrical system, Feb 14, 2024
The car tries to start in its own. Even if the key is on the off-position. The car struts and shocks aren’t the best it won’t take a bump without moving the car
Visibility/wiper, Jan 29, 2024
The defrost control does not engage properly causing very poor visual conditions. Has been this way for a long time now and have not been able to get it fixed. If this problem does not get fixed soon I feel it will cause an accident. Thank you for your time.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 31, 2023
6 months ago our car’s auto stop/start feature started to malfunction. The car will stall and sputter on the start after coming to a stop. This is very dangerous! On multiple occasions, the car would not accelerate through a turn on a light stalling out in the intersection. we have also been nearly rear-ended at red lights because the vehicle will not accelerate on a green light. This issue is well discussed on the Internet with many owners reporting the same issue. Chevrolet should be held accountable for this repair. This is not an isolated event with my vehicle.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
Variable valve timing system Rocker arm oil control valve solenoid Need help asap! My car is unsafe!