2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 698 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 23 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 17 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
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 29, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Campaign 20V668000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
Campaign 19V642000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperAug 30, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 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 18279.
Campaign 18V576000 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
Representative owner complaints: engine
284 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2022
Vehicle jerks when accelerating. Loses power. Usually will stop after turning the car off for a few minutes. Different engine codes have came up (camshaft position timer, air intake system) no one can seem to find the problem
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jan 2, 2022
A few days after I got my in October 2018 my car did not start! I pressed the push start and it turned on but wouldn’t “start.” It went back to normal shortly after that but then randomly “steering issues” started happening. THEN my car would LITERALLY STOP at lights and take a minute to turn back on. Or I would be trying to get speed and my CAR WOULD NOT GO. Do you know how unsafe that made me feel especially having a 5 year old and 2 year (when it happen in the last they where obviously 3 and a new born) but it was scary. The check engine light comes on and off. And TODAY MY CAR did what it do a here and there it shut off… and then on a BUSY road WOULD NOT GO. I had to sit and wait until my family could help push my 2 year old car off the busy road with my 2 babies in the car. It was horrible. Im paying so much for a car I CONSISTENTLY have issues with. Im scared to drive my own car. Now im being told my car needs a new battery, a weird part is needing to be replaced. I have had the same issues taken it to the shop and told everything is good. Oil changes kept up etc. everyone I know that has a Malibu has issues with their Malibu’s
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 21, 2021
Driving on I20 in heavy traffic all doing 75MPH the car lost all power.Although I had plenty of gas it did no good pumping the gas pedal .Fortunatly I was in the left lane and coasted to the shoulder before anyone collided with me. If I was in the right lane I am sure a collision would have occured as traffic would not have allowed me to get to the shoulder.After several hours I got towed 70 miles to the dealership.There was absolutely no warning of a problem prior to the incident. According to the dealership the fuel pump sensor shorted out and no gas could get to the engine.The car is still at the dealers as they have not gotten the backlogged part to repair the vehicle
Engine, Dec 20, 2021
Driving at a speed 55-65 engine power being reduced light comes on and vehicle slows to about 40 speed while engine light is on. It goes in and out like this for days then it does it again. Vehicle was repaired at Chevy dealer 3/18/21. Now it’s doing it again.
Engine, Dec 14, 2021
For over two years now I have been getting a reduced engine power when I drive. The car becomes slow and it is very dangerous especially on the highway. I have almost crashed a couple of times due to this issue. Once I turn the car off and on it goes off but off late that no longer works for me. This has been constant and has made my car useless. I can’t even go anywhere with it. A recall needs to me done because this is heartless and painful. Spending much on a car that I can’t even drive anymore.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2021
Vehicle slows way down and loss of power. Engine power reduced. On heads up display. Seems to use alot of gas when this happens. I need to pull over and shut off car. Wait a bit and then restart. And get back on road. It did this 3 times in my commute to work. Also was snowing that morning and was slippery out so very dangerous almost was involved in an accident but luckily not. Seems to do this more in the colder Temps. It has happened however in summer also but not as often. I have read many complaints about this issue. I am not sure why GM has not figured this issue out yet. Very concerned.
Engine, Dec 4, 2021
The check engine light came on and after getting it diagnose I recieved a P1101 code indicating air mass flow problem. After replacing the sensor I later received an engine power reduce on the dashboard. I received that warning while driving on the interstate and my vehicle started reducing speed possibly causing an accident.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 4, 2021
MY VEHICLE ACTS AS IF IT DOESNT WANT TO START AFTER BEING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN WHEN MY FEET IS RELEASED OFF THE BREAK IT TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO START BACK UP. ALSO I HAVE ISSUES WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND THEY RECEIVED A CODE DEALING WITH THE WIRING ON THE BATTERY NOT THE ACTUAL BATTERY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED
Engine, Nov 30, 2021
The second morning in a row my 2018 Chevy Malibu overheated. Early in the morning, the temperature out was about 45-50 degrees, I was driving on the highway about 65-70 mph, I turned on the heater and my cars temperature gage immediately shoots up and the "overheating engine" warning lights start flashing. Confused I pulled over popped the hood there were no signs of smoke or over heating sounds coming from the motor. I got back into the car, turned off the engine, turned it back on, and the temperature gage immediately falls to normal temperature. Happened two mornings in a row now.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 18, 2021
When I push the button car won’t start
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 18, 2021
This has been going on since i got the vehicle, At any moment you could be driving 70MPS and all of a sudden your vehicle drops to 35, and man is it scary especially on the expressway. you are NOT able to accelerate. You have to pull over where you are, shut the vehicle off and restart it to rest it till it does it again, and it does it ALOT. I love this vehicle but this is NOT safe, and i'm tired of paying for this and should NOT have to when its in writing from GM. This will be my 3rd time taking my vehicle in for this same issue. i've read up on this and did my research this has been going on since 2016-2018 Malibu vehicles. I've reached out to GM asked about recalls, they said there is none. I asked how do i file a complaint so this doesn't happen to others. they told me i have to make a complaint with the dealership(that right there told me that calling GM customer support directly they are not willing to help with this safety issue. that is so sad too. what is happening to this world, the kindness and compassion for your customers and quality of items you purchase. I will probably be doing a law suet as well as this complaint. I pray you all are able to do something to help me and others having this issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 10, 2021
My car is showing “ Shift To Park “ error on dash and i can’t properly turn off car . Once since the error on screen the doors were locked and my son and i could not get out of the car . The Also when driving the car ,, it does frequent jerking . The car also was doing it one time when we seen smoke coming from under the hood and we could not get out
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2021
Car suddenly stops and takes several minutes to turn back on. During the time the car is off there is no electrical power. After a few minutes (5-10) electrical power returns and car is able to be started. This has happened everywhere from our driveway to a highway ramp and happens without warning.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 24, 2021
“Engine power reduced” shows on dash after I’ve taken it to the dealership. I’ve been on the highway where the speed slow down drastically cars coming behind me! Very dangerous! Also “shift to park” displays when it is already in park! Have to either wiggle the gear shift or, turn car off/on several times for the message to go away. Also when backing up, there’s a popping noise in the rear. Dealership acknowledged I want the only customer with this issue. Claimed they didn’t find anything wrong. I purchased this vehicle in 2019 and it was only a year old. Issues started almost simultaneously at the end of 2019…Too new for all of these issues.
Engine, Oct 19, 2021
The engine shut down while driving and about caused me to wreck. Luckliy traffic was light. Jack Schmitt Chevrolet said it was a factory defect in the turbo function of the car and Chevrolet would not pay for the repaires. $2290 I was charged. They also said it was not the software issue of the outstanding recall for this same car that was causing this same exact problem.
Engine, Sep 30, 2021
The contact's grandson owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his grandson was driving 65 MPH, the reduced engine power warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to stall. His grandson was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle off the highway. The contact then met his grandson in a parking lot where the vehicle would not restart, and the check engine and reduced engine power warning lights were illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and he was informed that the failure was related to a defective camshaft. The contact did not believe the stated cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 61,030.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 27, 2021
My ‘18 Malibu LT has over 39K miles , and just tonight, i started my car , the engine light and traction control light both came on, followed by a message saying “Engine Power Reduced”. I then decided to drive for a little to see if i notice any problem. After driving for about 4 minutes , my car went from 37mph down to 20mph . It felt like the engine was forcing itself . So i then pulled over to the side of the curb, turn the car off, then back on. i noticed the warning engine light was still there but the traction light weren’t there no more. So i drove back to my place , turned my engine off. Then i plugged my diagnostic device to see what code(s)were they, and 1 code came up and it was P2138. Which is Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor. Oh by the way, I also would like to mention one more thing which is the “Shift to Park” message i started seeing whenever i park my car (putting the gear in park) and this first happened when my car was at 38K Miles (about a month ago).
Engine, Sep 25, 2021
Keep getting a warning on my dashboard saying that the engines power is reduced.
Engine, Sep 21, 2021
2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACCESSORIES STAY ON WHEN TURNING THE ENGINE OFF. THE DASHBOARD READS SHIFT TO PARK EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR IS IN PARK. THE ACCESSORIES THEN TURN OFF AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2021
Car powered down while driving all the lights lite up on the dashboard. When driving it either speeds up on its own or while driving it will just go slower without me letting up off the gas.
Engine, Aug 29, 2021
While driving on the highway my car decelerated from 60 mph to 25 mph in an instant. This almost caused a major fatal crash. My check engine light is on saying engine power reduced.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2021
Water leaking from under the glove box. Has passenger front and back floor soaked. Foul smell Car losing power in fuel injector. Stalling while driving.p0317 and other codes. Has been inspected by Gateway Buick in past, they charged me 200 dollars and the nhtsa issue said they would not. The vehicle is not running and will not crank.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 23, 2021
While driving 70 mph, I get an Alert that stated reducing speed. And my check engine light came on. This is not the first time. Lucky I was able to get off the Highway without getting into an accident. Also my car sometimes will not cut off because it says my car is in shift even though I have it in park. This is dangerous to have a car reduce speed while driving 70 mph to Abruptly go 40 mph. Last time this happen a month ago no codes came up and the check engine light eventually went off. But now my check engine light is back on again.
Engine, Aug 14, 2021
I was driving on the highway when my vacuum pump went out. Lucky I know how to handle a brake less situation. This should have never happened especially with a 2018 chevy malibu. We need a recall on all 2018 vacuum pumps. This will probly happen to more people if you dont.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 11, 2021
The contact's daughter-in-law owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle would shut-off without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would eventually restart after multiple attempts and would resume normal driving operation. As the failure persisted, the EVAP warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) which he linked to the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.