2017 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 724 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 17 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seat belts, critical fastenersAug 20, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
Campaign 21V649000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationJun 14, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
Campaign 18V400000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMay 31, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Campaign 18V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowDec 2, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on November 10, 2016. The right-hand rear side air bag inflator manifold may have insufficient welds.
Insufficient welds could cause the inflator to separate and propel air bag debris into the cabin during a crash. Also, the inflator could fail to inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear side air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 16146.
Campaign 16V870000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
71 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact was able to get to the side of the road but ended up in a ditch which stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brakes had failed and that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, due to the manufacturing of the braking system, the damages was extensive, and the vehicle was undrivable. The contact stated that additional parts were needed to fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
Service brakes, May 16, 2023
Brake failure, turning into my parents driveway I had to swerve to miss a truck and drove in the yard because of it. It has been diagnosed a faulty brake vacuum pump that caused this failure. I am getting it looked at by a mechanic of Friday and hope that this issue didn't cause further problems with the engine/camshaft. From doing research it seems that many other people have experienced the same issue with the same year vehicle (2017 Chevrolet Malibu). I have also in the past had to get my car fixed by a GM mechanic for the issue of the car giving the "reduced power mode" and basically shutting off while driving down the street. That has now been fixed but was also an issue GM was aware of but I never received a letter or anything about the issue or that there was a recall on it.
Power train, Service brakes, Jan 24, 2023
When parking car we place the shifter in park, and psh the button to turn off car it states to “Put shifter in Park” after wiggling the shifter that is clearly in park the car will shut off. Also the breaks will pulsate at slower speeds like the ABS is kicking in, but is not the case. Along with the pulsating there are loud thumping noises. Car today when driving did same thing the said “reducing engine power” almost made it home then completely died on me in middle of road. Was told it could be because of bad vacuum pump, brake booster sensor, and brake booster by my mechanic. He said in newer cars this would prevent the car from starting.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 19, 2023
Driving down highway slowed down brake assist kicked in for no reason I was stuck in traffic not moving but maybe 2 mph brakes locked up got super hard codes read brake booster and vacuum pump. Screen went black “parking assist off” came on dashboard earlier that morning but nothing seemed to be wrong with the car. Thank God I wasn’t going faster I could have died!
Service brakes, Dec 28, 2022
While driving on 12/28/2022, my brakes suddenly became very difficult to apply pressure- almost causing a cramp in my calf because I had to press down so hard. Took the car to a repair shop, only for them to tell me my brake pads are fine. It turns out the problem is with the vacuum pump associated with that part of the car. Looked online to see if this was a common problem and as it turns out, there's a class action lawsuit in litigation about this very issue.
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while pulling into a gas station the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact stated that she was informed to top off the fuel and the vehicle was able to restart and drive with no further issues. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart several hours later. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic test or repair. The contact stated that recently while driving approximately 20 MPH, the brakes locked up as the brake pedal was depressed and an abnormal noise was heard. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped as the brake pedal traveled to the floor. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic that diagnosed the failure as a defective brake vacuum pump that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 20, 2022
My vehicle has become harder to bake almost to the point that the brake doesn’t work took my car to have it accessed and was told my brake booster is damaged and causing my car to barely brake it is extremely dangerous can cause harm to myself or my family
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 29, 2022
Small trip to Georgia granddaughter’s birthday. Vehicle just went in limp mode. Lost power brakes. My brothers code reader showed P0 014, P0 017, P1101, P0016. I’m pulling up and showing on NHTSH for open recalls and one complaint. I’m trying to make a complaint. The car we turn off. Wouldn’t crank back. Sometime when you wiggle the wire by the throttle it would crank. No power breaking. No engine pole to go up hills. No speed. On Google and YouTube I have found recalls of powertrain automatic transmission six recalls on the website. CHEVY MALIBU vacuum pump recalls. I’m having a vacuum leak you can hear it when the car does turn off the engine fan runs for ever. I’m showing problems with CHEVY MALIBU vacuum Val cover gasket recalls. Problems with CHEVY MALIBU brake vacuum pump recalls. Problems with CHEVY MALIBU 2013 through 2022 booster vacuum pump recall the defect. Problem showing GM 1.5 L POO14 Dash P0017 exhaust camshaft timing. Somethings gone major wrong and I’m showing recalls and I am looking for GM to fix this car I have a A lot of money in it and still owe a lot of money on it.!
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 25, 2022
Vacuum pump has stopped working properly causing it very difficult to brake. Autostop feature has stopped working properly due to this problem. This is the second time I have had issues with the vacuum pump.
Power train, Service brakes, Jul 8, 2022
First incident, vehicle in motion moving about 45 MPH approached red light vehicle started making loud tick noise when to start to slow down and break pedal was solid not able to slow the vehicle down. Panicked, 3 children in my car in fear for their safety. Was able to put both feet and press as hard as I could to attempt to stop the car. Car thankfully came to a stop and was able to pull over exit the car and have towed to dealership. Dealership inspected vehicle and decided that the vacuum pump had locked up and the case and gear had broken apart. Replaced part and everything was working. Second incident, noticed fluid on driveway, took car to dealership and they stated the vacuum pump was leaking, changed gasket. Third incident, driving car down the highway, vehicle lost speed (jumped) and check engine light came on. Exited highway and car shut off and breaks were again solid had to again use two feet to press as hard as I could in order to not blow through an intersection. Was able to get off road call tow truck and tow to closest shop. They inspected vehicle and found the vacuum pump locked up again and broken pieces where sent into the engine and destroyed the cam shaft.
Service brakes, Jun 30, 2022
As I was driving in a 45 MPH two-lane road, the car in front of me wanted to turn left and when I stepped on the brake pedal, it was stiff. The car wouldn't slow down. So, I quickly stepped on the parking brake which helped and possibly saved my life and the life/lives of those I could have hit. One can only imagine the fear I had. The check engine light came on right after. When tested it reported P0556 - Brake Pressure Sensor; something that has to do with the Brake Booster Vacuum Pump. When I talked to a mechanic, he recommended I report this issue here because this should not happen.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 26, 2022
This vehicle has been in the shop multiple times for the vacuum pump brakes to be replaced by the dealership. This is the 3rd time that the time the car will be taken to the dealership for the car to have the vacuum pump replaced, due to almost being in a major accident the 2nd time in the middle of a 4 way intersection because the brakes went out and the vehicle had to be towed. The brakes continues to lock up and is a danger to our safety. This car has been reported to General Motors to made as a recall. This car is consider a LEMON at this point and I would like for someone to contact me at [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Service brakes, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 8, 2022
Component: Vacuum pump, booster which caused engine damage (cam shaft) Safety: Unable to stop which could cause a collision Confirmation: Chevrolet dealer confirmed the booster caused the vacuum pump to fail which also caused engine damage Inspection: GEICO is sending an inspector and Chevrolet also confirmed damage Warning Lights: No warning lights,
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 2, 2022
Vehicle check engine light came on. Then a warning saying reduced engine power came on. I then lost most of my accelerator and slowed me down from 65 mph to about 30 right in the middle of the highway. As I was pulling off to the emergency shoulder my brakes became very stiff and started pulsating rapidly. I could hardly press the pedal enough to make the vehicle come to a stop safely.
Service brakes, Apr 30, 2022
Breaks suddenly failed I have researched this problem and it is a ongoing problem with the vacuum pump and Chevy knows this
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 6, 2022
Start and stop function at a stop failed car turns off but when releasing the brakes car doesn't turn back on everything is intermittent and can't reproduce check engine code when car goes in to fix the problem when I put it on L gear so the start and stop function won't try to engage but it doesn't sense its on L gear also back up camera not longer work as well as a.c blower or heater doesn't kick on a lot of electrical problems like if the brain is slowly dropping everything it knows and forgetting how to function also engine reduce and abs light as well as a lot of oil cusumption with no leaks a lot of complaints on these cars and you tube videos why hasn't this been recalled please investigate in an honest investigation please.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but felt rigid, causing the contact to almost stand up and forcefully depress the pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal responded. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle at a slower speed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 19, 2021
While pulling into a parking lot, the brake pedal failed to push down, making me to have to exert force on the brake pedal to stop the car. I had been hearing a "grinding" sound but thought it was from the brake pads needing to be replaced and this was incident was from the calipers being over extended. After replacing the brake pads with the new ones (the old ones were only half the size of the new ones and did not need replacing) the brake pedal still did not push easily. I took the vehicle to the repair shop I always use and they affirmed there was a problem and gave the price for the parts (908.37 for the brake vacuum pump and 107.98 for the Brake Fluid Exchange with ABS). There is visible damage to the end of the camshaft from the pump freezing and being torn apart by the camshaft as a result. The total cost of the repairs was $3409.96, which was unexpected. I was quoted $1134 and change originally for parts and labor at the beginning of the problem being addressed.
Service brakes, Aug 25, 2021
While pulling out of my driveway in my 2017 Chevy Malibu, my brake pedal pulsed a few times and the pedal would not fully compress. Granted, I was barely moving but the issue made be very nervous. By the time I reached my stop sign, approximately 100ft, the brakes worked normally. This same issue has happened at least a dozen times and, thank fully, never while I was driving at posted speed limits. My OnStar has sent me email notifications acknowledging an ABS issue was detected. After the 3rd time this incident occurred, I did some research and found quite a few owners experiencing this exact issue and some whose brakes failed while driving at speed causing accidents! I have complained to GM, but they are sticking to not knowing anything about this problem and not covering any portion of the repairs. I got the standard canned response that GM will notify owners if and/or when a recall is issued. I am hopeful additional owners will complain so GM has to do something about this.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Aug 18, 2021
There needs to be a recall on the third brake light on the Chevy Malibu. Everyone that I speak with that has a Malibu has had to replace the third brake light because of it breaking and when it rains water leaks into the car.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed going downhill, the brakes failed to engage when the brake pedal was depressed, almost causing a collision. The vehicle struck a curb however, the driver was able to maneuver the steering wheel to go uphill and park the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact to not take the vehicle in for diagnosis. The dealer instead referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be contacted after reviewing the information that was provided. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Service brakes, Air bags, Jul 7, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds, without warning as the brake pedal was depressed the vehicle accelerated forward independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal again the vehicle failed to stop causing, the vehicle to crash into the other vehicle in front. No airbag deployed. No police report was filed. The contact and the passenger sustained severe whiplash, 1 week later the contact and his wife sought medical attention and checked in a hospital. The insurance company was contacted and towed the vehicle to the collision shop where it was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the other vehicle was totaled as well. The dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000. The VIN was not available.
Service brakes, Jun 22, 2021
Brak Vacuum pump broke when on freeway making pedal very hard to push I am 200 hundred pounds and took alot to get the car to stop warning light did not come on tell I pumped the brakes .took pump off to find something that looked like Carbon build-up in the oil Screen on the pump took pump apart to find the inside Is broken in many places and the out side gear or shaft broken too I do
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, May 11, 2021
THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT AND POSSIBLY THE LAST, IN MY FIRST COMPLAINT I REPORTED THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AFTER SHOWING A STABILITY TRACK WARNING LIGHT THEN SLOWING TO A 20 MPH VELOCITY IN A SNOW STORM , THEN MY ADVENTURE WITH THE VACUUM PUMP SHATTERING , THUS NO VACUUM, NO BRAKES, ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 70 MPH. AFTER THAT SCARE , IT HAD A CRANK NO START PROBLEM. THAT'S WHERE I ENDED MY FIRST COMPLAINT . PART 2, I COLLECTED MY STIMULUS MONEY AND HAD MY 2017 CHEVY MALIBU LS TOWED TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. AFTER THE SERVICE MANAGER ASKED ME FOR THE SPARE FOB, I ASKED HIM COULD THAT BE THE PROBLEM THE BATTERIES WENT LOW AND THE FOB KEYS HAD TO BE RE-PROGRAMED. HE STATED PROBABLY, I WENT HOME HOPING IT WOULD BE SOMETHING MINOR. 3 WEEKS LATER I GET A CALL FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT HE WANTED TO GO THROUGH THE DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION RESULTS WITH ME, I ASK HIM WAS IT SOMETHING MINOR, HE SAID WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO WORK ON THE CRANK, NO START PROBLEM CAUSE YOU HAVE LOW COMPRESSION ON ONE OF YOU ENGINE CYLINDERS YOU NEED A NEW ENGINE, THAT'S NOT MINOR 72,365 MILES, NEW ENGINE , ESTIMATE $8,224.80. STILL PAYING THE BANK FOR IT..THIS GENERATION MALIBU'S ARE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO GOOD. I OWN A 1994 CHEVROLET SILVERADO WITH 135,000 MILES BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW, RUNS GREAT, THE COST CUTTING IS BEING SACRIFICED FOR QUALITY, AND US CONSUMERS ARE GETTING THE LOW END.
Service brakes, Mar 19, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE 2016 - 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU DUE TO REDUCED POWER FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE'S POWER WAS REDUCED TO 20 - 25 MPH. THE "KEY NOT DETECTED" LIGHT ILLUMINATED, HOWEVER THE KEY WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES LOCKED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WERE APPLIED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND REAR-ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS SOUGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT INFORMED PARKS CHEVROLET RICHMOND ( 4502 W BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23230) OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.