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: power train
170 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle while in park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact shifted in and out of park(P) and wiggled the gear shifter several times, but the failure persisted and the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was diagnosed by three independent mechanics, and it was determined that the failure was associated with the transmission and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 181,385.
Power train, Engine, Sep 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed on the instrument panel. The gear shifter was shifted back into drive and then back into park to turn off the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, started to lose automotive power, and then continued driving; however, the vehicle operated at reduced power and failed to exceed 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there was an unknown liquid dripping underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 9, 2026
REDUCED ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TICKING NOISE STOPPED 2 TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY REPAIR LOT RAN A DIAGNOSTIC UNABLE TO FIND THE ISSUE CAR IS NOT WORKING FOUND MANY CODES STILLUNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE
Power train, Back over prevention, Jun 8, 2026
The shift to park is a problem it killed my battery because the car stays on and when I was driving the car turned off in the middle of turning causing someone to almost hit me this is the 3rd time that happened to me but the shift to park has been a problem since I got this car and Chevy does nothing about it
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 3, 2026
My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.
Power train, Apr 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the gear shifter was intermittently stuck in park(P). The contact turned the steering wheel, engaged and disengaged the parking brake several times, per the Owner's manual instructions, and the gear shifter was able to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure recurred. The mechanic was able to move the gear shifter out of park(P) after several attempts. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the vehicle and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The contact contacted two dealers, who advised that there was no availability for an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,992.
Power train, Engine, Apr 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 20 minutes of consecutive driving, the vehicle drove sluggishly and lost power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the check engine warning light was reset, but the diagnostic result was not provided. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where a diagnostic test could not be performed because the machine was unable to remain connected to the ECM. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed. The contact stated that an unknown software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that three fuel injectors were weak, there was a crack in the lower oil pan, and that the oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was partially repaired by replacing the oil pan, but the fuel injectors were not replaced. The contact stated that on several occasions during the summer, after turning the vehicle off, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The vehicle was turned on and the shifter was shifted several times and was turned off several times until the correct gear selection was recognized. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an oil leak coming from the engine. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service Stabili-trak" were displayed. Occasionally, the automatic emergency braking activated unexpectedly, and while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle also decelerated and stalled occasionally. Additionally, the volume on the radio was stuck, the steering wheel command controls failed to operate as needed, and the air compressor was recently replaced. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (POWER TRAIN), 19V642000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE), 18V400000(AIR BAGS), and 18V358000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with air compressor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,842.
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2026
In 2020, I received multiple red recall notices in the mail regarding a safety issue. I scheduled an appointment with a Chevrolet dealership in Los Angeles and have a voicemail confirming the appointment. At the time, I did not follow through with ensuring the repair was fully completed, which I take responsibility for. However, the vehicle has continued to experience the same dangerous symptoms. My vehicle continues to display sudden “Engine Power Reduced” warnings while driving at freeway speeds. The car abruptly slows down and limits acceleration, forcing me to pull over and turn the vehicle off and back on to reset it. During these events, the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn, creating a dangerous situation, particularly at high speeds. The vehicle also appears to have ongoing issues with the push-button start/stop system. Although I did not pursue the issue further at the time, I am now seeking to have it properly addressed because the safety risk remains and another family member is currently driving the vehicle. When I recently attempted to verify the recall status, both the Chevrolet website and other sources show no open recalls. However, the symptoms persist exactly as before, I cannot find the little red notices that were sent but I do have a voicemail from someone at Chevy confirming the appointment that I made because of the recall notices. This issue presents a serious safety hazard due to sudden loss of engine power and steering assist on highways. I respectfully request investigation into whether the recall was improperly marked as completed. Furthermore, can you provide me with the full recall and service history on my VIN including closed recalls and warranty repairs? I know recalls do not expire so I’m confused as to why no one wants to help me now. I appreciate your time.
Power train, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a failure near the fuse box. Additionally, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The ECM and PCM were diagnosed, and DTC: P0689 was retrieved. The vehicle was undrivable. An appointment was scheduled; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired due to the cost of the diagnostic test. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who checked the spark plugs, cylinders, and fuses; however, the vehicle still failed to start. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure; however, the contact was placed on hold. The contact disconnected the call because no one returned to the call. The failure mileage was 123,334.
Power train, Feb 11, 2026
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier with approximately 50,000 miles displayed a persistent “Shift to Park” message. The vehicle would not consistently recognize that it was in park, preventing the vehicle from shutting off properly and creating a safety concern. Dealer diagnosed a faulty transmission shifter assembly that was not sending a strong signal to the body control module (BCM). The shifter assembly was replaced at a cost of $611.31. This appears to be a known recurring defect affecting similar model year Malibus. Filing complaint to document safety-related failure.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jan 28, 2026
I've taken my car in now 4 times to Chevy dealers just to be told there was nothing wrong. Turnes out that my torque converter (transmission) is going bad. And I can't get a Chevy dealer to honor my almost expired warranty.
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2026
I was driving along and my car went into a reduced engine power mode. Code came up as the gas pedal sensor.
Power train, Oct 22, 2025
car not recognizing it is in park. Displays "shift to park" on information screen.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 26, 2025
Multiple components and/or system failures/malfunctions, exact cause is unknown. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risks include engine power reduction issues that result in unexpected deceleration, and/or sudden/dangerous loss of power/acceleration. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Vehicle component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, representatives, or any others other than diagnostic trouble code testing at O’Reilly auto parts due to illuminated check engine light. Vehicle displays error messages “engine power reduced,” while driving and/or idle, and “shift to park” when vehicle has already been shifted into park. No obvious symptoms of the problem prior to failure, unknown when first appeared. Vehicle-2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT L4-1.5L 1490cc 91ci GAS DI Turbocharged vin T LFV-4 valve DOHC (Mileage-145000). Primary Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code “P0014 - Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance (Code P0014 indicates that the Bank 1 Exhaust Camshaft Position timing was advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period of time),” with additional Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Codes “P0011 - Intake Camshaft Position System Performance,” and “P1101 - Intake Air Flow System Performance.” Also receiving ABS Diagnostic Trouble Code “U0422-71 - Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module - Invalid Data.” Suggested solutions included “Replace Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoid,” and “Replace Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid.” Believed to be related to NHTSA ID numbers 11643630, 11586483, 11581989, 11569471, 11568501, 11565871, 11564692, 11635526, 11457416, 11420146, 11416774, 11325303, 11561528, 11559451, 11555493, and approximately 30 other related NHTSA ID Numbers for same error message(s), and/or problem code(s), NHTSA Campaign Number 19V642, NHTSA Campaign Number 19V642000, GM Special Coverage Number N182188250, and GM Recall Number N192221960.
Power train, Sep 3, 2025
1. This case refers to a 2018 Chevy Malibu. In October 2021, the (gear shift) transmission control system was found faulty and was replaced with an N-CONTROL in the gear shift. Again, in September 2025, the same issue happened, this time replacing the N-CONTROL again as well as the N-HARNESS. Yes, can be available upon an inspection request. 2. This component directly affects how the car recognizes when it is in Park. When it malfunctions, it can confuse the vehicle’s electronic systems and potentially prevent the car from shutting down properly, engaging the shift lock, or starting safely. This creates a safety risk for both me the driver and others around my vehicle. Since this is a recurring issue as well as other 18 Chevy Malibu's I don’t believe this is normal wear and tear. Having to replace the same system twice in such a short period suggests a recurring failure or a design flaw. 3. Yes, the problem has been confirmed twice by Chevrolet dealerships on both occurrences. 4. Yes, the component was inspected by two Chevrolet dealerships during both occurrences. 5. Had warning message "shift into park" both times in the month the car was taken in to be inspected.
Power train, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked abnormally. On one occasion the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission accumulator sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, May 5, 2025
Micro switch for Park is faulty. “Shit to Park” error message. Vehicle is completely disabled and is not drivable.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 31, 2025
I was going about 75 mph on the express way with one lane open due to construction. My car started losing power.I heard the chime and upon the dashboard were the words power reduced. My car slowed down in a matter of seconds to around 45 mph. A 18 wheeler was trailing behind me. I quickly jumped in the emergency lane to my right and took the next exit while riding the emergency lane. I shut the car off at the gas station, sat there for about 10 minutes, restarting my car helped temporarily. I was 3 hours away from home and had to drive back unknowingly if I will make it or not. I reached out to Chevrolet and was told to bring it in and leave it but they had no loaner cars for anyone at that time. I have replaced 2 sensors and now my start /stop has quit working. I spoke with 5 visitors at Chevrolet and we all were having the same issues. This is something ongoing according to my research on this particular vehicle and should be recalled asap.
Power train, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted into park; however, the message to shift to park was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gear shifter harness. The contact was informed that the gear shifter harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 12, 2025
ENGINE POWER REDUCED light keeps coming on while driving and the car stalls and won't go over 20mph. Several repairs later and it is still happening almost daily. It has nearly caused an accident several times. This needs to be fixed and a recall for the issue needs to be issued by Chevy. With this many people experiencing this problem, why isn't Chevy obligated to address the issue?
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 7, 2024
On 11/2/24, Dashboard was displaying "shift to park" message when car was turned off and in park, ignition button displayed orange. Was advised by service advisor that this is a known Chevrolet issue but no recall issued to date. The fix required a park switch replacement; jumper park switched was installed on 11/7/24.
Power train, Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shifting to park park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. During the failure, the vehicle could not immediately be turned off, and the doors failed to lock. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced for a similar failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, several electrical features remained activated including the radio and the infotainment touchscreen. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that due to the failure, the battery was drained, and the vehicle could not be immediately restarted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 38,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 11, 2024
The pedal assembly is malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to throw an error and suddenly reduce the speed of the vehicle dramatically, often to dangerous levels, i.e. reducing the vehicle speed to below 30MPH suddenly on a highway. The vehicle will randomly experience the malfunction in the pedal assembly with no apparent pattern or reasoning. The issue is remedied by turning the vehicle on and off again. Additionally, the code clears most often within 24 hours.