2015 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 270 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 18 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 13 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
Air bags, side/windowOct 16, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
Campaign 15V666000 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
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
19 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 24, 2026
Fuel sensors failing, codes obd are not fixing issue, auto stop, shuts radio off when brake is applied, resets all electric components in car. Every time braking at a stop or signal.
Suspension, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2026
Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with MY SAFETY. MY LIFE. MY VEHICLE. IM ROYALLY PISSED
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2025
My car has the auto shut off and when im driving it sometimes just dies while im driving with no warning and no power steering to pull over. Also when im at a red light and the auto shut off comes on when it starts back up all my head lights turning signals radio everything goes off and comes back on when the car restarts then when u go to take off it will die and everytime I push on the gas it hesitates to go if it dont die. I took my car to an independent car repair shop and they said they have tested everything and I have also replaced the front and back batteries and I was told it is the computer and he has had several of the same car come in with the exact problem.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 4, 2023
There is an electrical issue with the vehicle, causing bad computer readings related to the O2 sensor, VVT valve/rocker arm solenoid. It causes shaking and bad acceleration. These parts were already replaced and within days of the “repair”, I am still having issues. If driving and I start to accelerate, it gets shaky and almost stalls the vehicle completely. If that were to happen while driving in the middle of the road then that could easily cause a wreck.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2023
My car keeps cutting out while I'm driving I've taken it to the Chevy dealership and they did a diagnostic test and it comes up with air intake system cat is running to lean
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 12, 2022
2015 malibu which is equipped with auto stop will shudder and die anytime you stop. Car has been taken to multiple shops to try and get it fixed but nothing done has fixed the problem. Car has become a danger to drive. Both batteries have been replaced but did not help.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2021
My 2015 Malibu continues to have problems. I have a constant P Code (P2635) that refers to the fuel pump (Low Performance). The Malibu has the auto stop but at times the vehicle wants to lunge forward. It also at a stop not only goes to the auto stop (engine ) but cut off all the way . Which this result in having to place the car back in park to re-start. I have seen a youtube video of a hotspot (wear) on the wiring harness that is located in the right rear fender well that this blue and white wire was worn and broken possible causing this problem. Other that this issue the vehicle is good and still gets around 35mpg.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 15, 2021
This 2015 Chevy Malibu has been serviced over 10 ten times for a stalling/check engine issue(s). Sometimes the check engine light will activate after stalling and other times it will not. This vehicle has only had 1 owner since the initial purchase with on-star showing all the times/dates that a problem was detected and reported via email (on star). The dealership has had ample attempts to fix the issues with the vehicle, as well as private ASE certified mechanic/shop after the issues continued with this problem vehicle. This vehicle is a lemon, it is not dependable, and the stalling issues seem to be an on-going issue with GM Chevy Malibu. On 05/15/2021 while in Natick Massachusetts, I was almost rear-ended after my vehicle stalled in traffic and I could not get to the BDL. As quickly as the vehicle stopped working, I was able to restart the vehicle and move it out of the road. This problem can not be ignored or downplayed, someone will eventual get hurt or killed because their vehicle stalls without reason or warning. I need a dependable vehicle and do not have the luxury to run to the dealership multiple times for an on-going problem.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2021
2015 CHEVY MALIBU WITH 2.5L ENGINE WITH ROCKER ARM OIL CONTROL VALVE MALFUNCTIONING. CHECK ENGINE CAME ON THURSDAY MAY 6, 2021 AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED MONDAY MAY 10, 2021. 2014'S HAVE A RECALL, BUT 2015S DO NOT AND MY MECHANIC CAN'T EVEN FIND A GM PART TO FIX THIS.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2020
IN AUGUST 2019, MY 2015 CHEVY MALIBU STARTED HAVING WITH THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (VVT) SOLENOID -PART # 12633613 (ABT. 80K MILES). WHEN ACCELERATING INTO PASSING GEAR, THE ENGINE WOULD STEP OUT OF GEAR AND THE RPM'S WOULD REV VERY HIGH WHILE THE CAR SLOWED. I WOULD HAVE TO LET OFF PEDAL UNTIL RPM'S LOWERED, THEN ACCELERATE SLOWLY. MY LOCAL GARAGE DIAGNOSED THE BAD PART AND BEGAN SEARCHING FOR A REPLACEMENT. THEY DISCOVERED THAT (1)-GM IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT MAKES THE PART, (2)-THAT GM DOESN'T HAVE ANY MORE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND (3)-GM IS NOT GOING TO MAKE ANY MORE. THEY DISCOVERED THAT MANY GM DEALERSHIPS HAVE HUNDREDS ON BACK ORDER ALSO. IN DECEMBER I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE; CASE # 9-5698216592 AND CONVERSED WITH VAHMARTA PH.#(866)-790-5600 AND FIELD REP; LOGAN EXT:5916533. THEIR FINAL ANSWER: (1) GM IS THE ONLY COMPANY THAT MAKES THE PART, (2) GM DOESN'T HAVE ANY MORE PARTS AND (3) GM ISN'T GOING TO MAKE ANY MORE PARTS. THEIR FINAL SOLUTIN: THEY OFFERED ME A $2,500 VOUCHER TOWARDS A NEW VEHICLE. GM IS QUITE AWARE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM BUT IS NOT OFFERING A PART TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THOSE AROUND ME ON THE ROAD. THE CAR DOESN'T ACCELERATE OR DECELERATE PROPERLY. WHAT IS A PROPER SOLUTION? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 30, 2020
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE PURCHASED NEW, AND THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT. THE TEST SHOWED THAT THE ROCKER ARM OIL CONTROL VALVE SOLENOID WAS BAD, AND GM DOES NOT MAKE A REPLACEMENT NOR IS A REPLACEMENT AVAILABLE. WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH GM CONCERNING THIS, BUT WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO HAS TOLD US THEIR IS NO REPLACEMENT PART BEING MADE, AND HAVE LEFT US WITH NO OPTIONS, AS THE CAR CANNOT BE USED AS A TRADE IN, DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I'VE BEEN ON THE MALIBU FORUM AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE IN THE SAME SITUATION, AND GM IS GIVEN US ALL THE BACK OF THEIR HAND, WITH NO ANSWERS. WE NOW HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD CAR THAT WE ARE PAYING ON, BUT CANNOT TRADE IN OR SELL UNTIL GM AND THEIR DEALERSHIPS ACT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 10, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE VVT SOLENOID MALFUNCTIONED AND ALL THE OIL SPILLED OUT OF THE CAR RENDERING THE NON OPERABLE. THIS PART CAN NOT BE FOUND ANYWHERE. I WAS TOLD BE THE SEVERAL DEALSHIPS THAT THIS PART HAS BEEN SO BACK ORDER SINCE JUNE 2019 LEAVING ME WITHOUT A CAR AND WITH A CAR NOTE. GM SHOULD OFFER A CREDIT BACK TO THEIR CUSTOMERS!!
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 7, 2019
IT LIKE SHUDDERS OR SHAKES GOING CERTAIN SPEEDS LIKE GAS ISN'T GETTING THROUGH OR SOMETHING ....BEEN HAPPENING BUT GETTING WORSE NOW
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2019
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TURNED OUT IT WAS SOLENOID VENT VALVE, A $36 PART THAT COST ME A TOTAL OF $600 USD TO REPLACE AFTER DIAGNOSTIC FEES AND SHOP FEES. THEY HAD TO DROP THE GAS TANK TO ACCESS IT. THIS IS A PREMATURE FAILURE FOR A FOUR YEAR OLD VEHICLE WITH ONLY 48,000 KM. IF THIS IS A REGULAR MAINTENANCE ITEM THAT REQUIRES FREQUENT REPLACEMENT, GM SHOULD HAVE PUT IT IN A MORE ACCESSIBLE LOCATION SO IT DOESN'T COST $600 TO REPLACE A $36 PART!
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2018
SUNROOF AND GAS FUEL SENSOR AFFECTED
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2018
PURCHASED A NEW 2015 CHEVROLET MALIBU 1LT WITH 8 MILES FROM IMPERIAL CHEVROLET IN MENDON MA. AT 44 MILES THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO IMPERIAL CHEVY. SERVICE FOR A MASSACHUSETTS STATE INSPECTION STICKER. THE BRAND NEW 2015 CHEVY. MALIBU FAILED THE EMISSIONS PORTION OF THE STATE INSPECTION TEST AND I WAS INFORMED BY THE IMPERIAL SERVICE DEPT. THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED THE STATE INSPECTION AND HE (SERVICE DEPT.) DID NOT KNOW WHY THE VEHICLE FAILED BUT I WAS INSTRUCTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AROUND FOR APPROX. 100 MILES AND AFTER THE 100 MILES TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK AND IMPERIAL WOULD RE-TEST THE VEHICLE. AFTER DRIVING AROUND FOR APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE VEHICLE PASSED THE STATE INSPECTION AFTER THE SECOND TEST. AT APPROX. 3,000- 30000 MILES (AT TIMES) THE VEHICLE WOULD INDICATE (VIA INDICATION PANEL) THAT THE GAS CAP OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSE. THE 'TIGHTEN GAS CAP' INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. DURING SEVERAL OIL CHANGES TO THE VEHICLE, I INFORMED THE SERVICE DEPT. OF THE 'TIGHTEN GAS CAP' INDICATION BUT DUE TO THE LIGHT NOT BEING ON DURING THE OIL CHARGES THE SERVICE DEPT. COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. AT APPROX. 33,000 MILES THE "TIGHTEN GAS CAP" INDICATOR STAYED ON AND AFTER A WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO IMPERIAL CHEVY. SERVICE AND THEY FOUND THE "VENT SOLENOID STICKING" "CODE 0455" AND REPLACED THE VENT SOLENOID. AT APPROX. 40,000 MILES THE SAME ISSUE STARTED AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDICATE THAT THE GAS CAP WAS LOOSE, THE MESSAGE WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF. AT 45,000 MILES ONCE AGAIN, THE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ONCE AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO CHEVY FOR SERVICE AND ONCE AGAIN THE VENT SOLENOID WAS FOUND TO BE STICKING AND THE SAME PART (VENT SOLENOID) WAS REPLACED. SAME ISSUE 3 TIMES.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2017
A CAR CAN NOT HAVE TWO BATTERIES CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE AT THE SAME TIME AND BE STREET LEGAL. THAIS CAR HAS THAT AND THEY ARE MISMATCHED BATTERIES AS WELL. MY CAR WAS STOLEN BY TOM LEHOUSKY. HE SOLD IT AT TROPICAL CHEVROLET FOR $15,000 AND KEPT THE MONEY.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 9, 2017
THE CAR WAS STATIONARIED, IT WAS ABOUT 28 DEGREES OUTSIDE. MY CAR WAS ON AND OFF IN BETWEEN AN 8 HOUR PERIOD. AS I AM A LOCAL DRIVER FOR A COMPANY OUT OF AUSTIN, TX. JANUARY 7TH AT ABOUT 12 MIDNIGHT I STARTED FEELING NAUSEOUS, THEN IT QUICKLY WENT TO CRAMPS THINKING I WAS HUNGRY I TRIED TO EAT. MEANWHILE I VAGUELY SMELLED SOMETHING BUT COULDN'T MAKE OUT THE SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AT ABOUT 2AM I WAS REALLY BAD OFF WITH NOW A TERRIBLE HEADACHE THAT WAS BEYOND A NORMAL HEADACHE. I KEPT WORKING TILL 3 AM JAN 8TH. AS I CLOCKED OUT I WAS FEELING DISTANT AND DIZZY. I RETURNED TO THE CAR AND DROVE HOME WITH A FOGGY FEELING. I BARELY MADE IT UP OUR 3 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS AND STOPPED HALFWAY. AS I FELT I WASN'T GETTING ENOUGH OXYGEN. I CAME INSIDE OUR HOME AT 3:15. AND AT THAT TIME EXPLAINED TO MY HUSBAND MY SYMPTOMS I STARTED BREATHING IN AND OUT AS MUCH POSSIBLE ENOUGH AIR COULDN'T COME QUICK ENOUGH. MY BODY WAS TIRED I TOOK MEDS FOR MY HEAD AND DIZZUDLY FELL ASLEEP. MY HUSBAND INFORMED ME THAT HE CHECKED THE CAR AND UNDER THE HOOD HE COULD SMELL AN ODOR AND UPON CHECKING HE COULD HEAR A WHIZZING FROM THE BATTERY." THE BATTERY HAD BEEN RELEASING FUMES BACK INTO THE CAR HE SAID". WHICH WAS CAUSING ME TO INHALE CARBON MONOXIDE POISON. ALL THE SYMPTOMS I WAS FEELING CHECKED OUT AS I RESTED SUNDAY JANUARY 8TH. HE CHECKED MY OXYGEN LEVELS AS I WAS OK NOW! STATING THE OBVIOUS IT COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY I WAS VERY SHAKEN AND BARELY MENTALLY THERE BUT DIDN'T REALIZE IT. AS THIS WAS MORE THAN TRAUMATIZING FOR ME AND OUR FAMILY WE ARE NOW REACHING OUT TO INFORM AND WAIT TO SEE WHAT ARE NEXT STEPS ARE!
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2015
WHILE DRIVING THRU HOUSTON, TEXAS ON INTERSTATE 10 WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE ANALOG INSTRUMENTS SHUT OFF, THE CENTER MY LINK SCREEN SHUT OFF AND THE DIGITAL READOUT ALTERNATED BETWEEN MPH AND MILES TRAVELED READOUT. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, NO RESULT. SHE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST THRU SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC AND SAFELY STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS SHIFTED TO PARK AND STARTED. WE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 200 MILES TO OUR DESTINATION AND TWO DAYS LATER EXCHANGED THE CAR FOR ANOTHER RENTAL. *TR