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
698 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2022
On 9/22/22 I drove 2018 Chevy Malibu about 3 blocks and low fuel light displayed. The gas needle went past E. I had about a quarter tank when I last drove it. I drove about 2 miles, going 50 MPH and it began to sputter and reduced speed to 20 MPH. Very dangerous situation, but I pulled off on side of road. When tow arrived driver got in car and the gas needle moved back up to almost qtr tank and no low fuel lights or warning sound was generated, engine turned over but it would not start. Had it towed to gas station and put gas in it, still would not start. It was not out of gas. The reading was incorrect. Towed to dealership and they still have not found the problem over a week later. Stated it could be an electrical problem. Electrical service repair tech is checking it. I have seen similar scenarios reported on this site. GMC/Chevrolet needs to do a recall. This is a dangerous situation. Luckily I wasn't on a very busy road.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2022
I was driving around 50 MPH and the car began to sputter and it wasn't getting in gas. It slowed down to 20 MPH and I had to stop on side of road. It behaved as if it were out of gas, but it had a qtr tank of gas. It would not start after I stopped it. I took it dealership and they still do not have an answer. There should be a recall on this. Numerous reports that are similar to my scenario.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 27, 2022
My car constantly gives an error saying the power is being reduced to the engine. It was repair 3 months after I bought it but it didn't fix the issue. These cars a danger to everyone around us. They reduce speeds to very low numbers even on the freeway, when yielding to turn left the car won't go but will drift into oncoming traffic, and many times the car won't shut off. It says it's not in park but it is. The seatbelts look like they're secured but with one good tug they'll come apart. And I slide when braking even without snow or rain. Mine I'd always broke down and no one will help me. I pay 475 a month for a car that doesn't work and is dangerous to me and my special needs child and everyone around us. Please do something.
Suspension, Sep 25, 2022
My Malibu makes a knocking sound in the rear of vehicle. Feel like something is going to snap off, also driving on reverse sound really bad, check my trunk if something was loose and nothing.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 24, 2022
The stability track system comes on the vehicle slows down and stops in traffic. Then it says shift to park and will not start. The computer often displays reduce engine power.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle shifted into Limp Mode. The contact stated that she pulled over and when the gear was shifted to park (P), the brake vacuum pump failed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to her residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic went to her residence and diagnosed the vehicle. The independent mechanic retrieved DTC: P0365 for the camshaft position sensor. Additionally, the contact was informed that shattered pieces of the brake vacuum pump dispersed into the camshaft. The contact stated that pieces were also found in the oil lines. The contact stated that the brake vacuum pump was repaired; however, the camshaft sensor was not yet replaced due to the part not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Air bags, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag in the steering wheel had fractured near the lower part of the steering wheel. The contact contacted the dealer and was referred to the manufacturer with assistance to have the air bag replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. A case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 63,250.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2022
Malibu would not recognize shift into park. This happened multiple intermittent times. Had to take it to dealership to be repaired on 9/6/22. While waiting for my Malibu to be repaired I was talking with a gentleman who had his Malibu in for the SAME problem. He stated his friend had the same thing happen on his Malibu. I came home and looked up information on this problem and found it isn't just Malibu's and I learned that there is litigation about this problem in Michigan. Why has there not been a recall for this problem?
Power train, Aug 31, 2022
Shift to park light comes on when it was already put in park and shut car off.
Power train, Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the "Shift to Park" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The contact attempted multiple maneuvers to turn off the vehicle and was eventually successful. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for service. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2022
I was driving 35 mph when the message "reduced engine power" and it noticably slowed down. The check engine light is still on. I researched recalls/problems with the 2018 Chevy Malibu and this is one major one I found.
Service brakes, Aug 26, 2022
8 months ago brakes failed, you could stop but they were hard and stretched stopping distance, vacuum pump failure was the cause, when it failed it broke apart and sent parts into the engine, (valve cover ). Replaced vacuum pump removed valve cover and fished out the broken pieces, was lucky on this occasion, fast forward 8 months later , the mother of my kids was on freeway and car completely died,, got it to dealer and was informed, vacuum pump failed again sending metal fragments into the valve cover but this time pieces destroyed the cam and caused the reluctor to slip thus causing ecm to shut down engine. I’m concerned with there not being some sort of housing inside the valve cover cupping the side of cam that meets vacuum pump to shield engine components from metal pieces incase vac pump broke into pieces since vacuum pump isn’t part of the engine itself and the torque of cam shaft up against the gear on vac pump is very high, the expectation of parts braking off is highly likely, and there nothing protecting your engine from those fragments.. I’m not the smartest but I would not think a $100 external part could destroy and engine and take your braking function without any warning. I guess if I happen once I wouldn’t think to much into it but for the third time and being extreamly lucky on the first two occasions and taking responsibility for repairs are totally uncalled for , so now I have to replace and engine, WOW... I hope this can be addressed before someone actually gets hurt, I’m so lucky that my kids mother was able to coast off the highway b/c it could have been bad..
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2022
When I come to a complete stop and take back off, my car flashes a warning " steering assist reduced. Drive with care" this just started 4 days ago. Within those 4 days, every time it starts back up all lights flash on then back off. My check engine light has not gone back off since 1 day ago. I have done research and I have realized that this is a common problem for this make and model car. Most complaints regard power steering control. I'm wondering what can be done, because there has not yet been a recall for this issue and it is a complete safety hazard, especially with children in the car. I would hate for any lawsuits to come from something that could have been avoided.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 13, 2022
I was leaving the gas station and when I got ready to pull off into traffic the car stalled. Flashed a message saying the automatic steering was disabled or something drive with care. I go out this morning and it won't start at all. It cranks but won't turn.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal depressed and it traveled to the floorboard as the vehicle failed to stop without warning. After the failure occurred, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart upon parking the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they discovered that both the vacuum pump and camshaft sensor were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Engine, Aug 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the vehicle's reduce engine warning light would illuminate at various speeds. The contact would pull over unlock then lock the vehicle in order for the vehicle's warning light to no longer illuminate and to regain proper function. While driving 75 mph when the engine warning light stating reduced speed illuminated. The mph dropped to about 25 mph. The vehicle's OnStar displayed a message stating that the antilock brake system was detected and the vehicle powered off shortly after. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that their vehicle was not included in any recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2022
When going to shut off the vehicle the display comes on "shift to park" and will not allow the engine to shut down. Must turn car back on, place into a gear, place into park and turn off power again. This has occurred multiple times over the past few days. It will also take 3 or 4 cycles to finally get the car to shut down completely.
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2022
Something draining my battery done put a new battery in it no lights or anything on when I get out been going on for bout 3 months now
Power train, Jul 27, 2022
When I get to a destination and put car in park it says " shift to park" like it's not in park. I have to wiggle my gear shift around for it to go away. Or when I park, I have to give it a forceful push to park.
Power train, Jul 22, 2022
Most the time I park now, the vehicle does NOT recognize when I shift the vehicle into PARK. The transmission control (the "stick") is positioned correctly, but the vehicle chimes and warns vehicle cannot be turned off until vehicle is in PARK regardless. I am not sure if the vehicle is literally not in PARK, or if the vehicle's system sensors simply are NOT functioning correctly. Usually some jiggling of the stick causes the car to eventually recognize the PARK is engaged, but it is never certain. So far this issue has mostly resulted in inconvenience and annoyance, so no police reports or mechanic investigations yet. But whatever the nature of this malfunctioning PARK, under the right circumstances, this issue could conceivably lead to accidents and deaths if not addressed and repaired soon. I am reminded of Anton Yelchin's SUV crushing him to death after he thought his vehicle was in PARK but the system wasn't working correctly. My vehicle is 4 years old now and this problem only began manifesting recently, perhaps 3-6 months ago. I have searched online and I have found at least two other owners of this same make and model and year have experienced the exact same problem. I suspect this issue could lead to catastrophic problems in the future if not fixed early. Please investigate before things get out of hand.
Power train, Jul 21, 2022
I shift my car into park and try to turn off the car, the car stays on and tells me to shift the car to park even though it is already in park. Car is having continuous transmission and emission issues that cannot be resolved by the Chevrolet dealership, resulting in paying lots of money and the engine light and emails from OnStar still appear.
Engine, Jul 19, 2022
On 3 occasions, my vehicle has displayed the message “Engine Power is Reduced.” It has 83, 990 miles. I took it to the dealership to have them check it out, but I was told they couldn’t check it because the check engine light was no longer on. This is a problem because the warning will come on, then the check engine light turns off after the car has been turn off. The Chevy dealership says there is a three day wait for them to conduct a diagnostic, but what are the chances the check engine light will remain on? After having gone through this process on three separate occasions, the check engine light hasn’t appeared the next day. I have read about how others may be experiencing this problem and they do not have some resolution to this kind of problem. My wife generally drives this car, so I fear for her as she travels to and from work.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 12, 2022
Engine power reduced notification came on the dashboard and car deaccelerated down to less than 25 miles an hour on the highway on multiple occasions. On the last occasion about 2 months ago the notification came on again, the car stalled and would not start up again. This was in ongoing traffic and I could have been seriously injured if people behind me were unable to stop in time. I sat in the middle of traffic for 45 minutes until fire and rescue came and pushed my car out of the road and onto the shoulder until the tow truck came.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2022
This vehicle was involved in a crash on the driver side door and now the problem is with the airbag pop up and the HAVC isn’t wanting to work either.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 12, 2022
While im driving the stabilitrack warning will pop on then the engine light & immediately after my car will jerk to a almost stop. Then when I try to press on the gas peddle it will go slow but my peddle power goes to a 4. The dealership said it was my tire speed sensors so I got them replaced all to STILL have the same problem. It will also read power stirring not available & shift to park even tho I’m already in park.