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.
Service brakes, Nov 17, 2025
The vacuum pump for the brake assist is made from bad metal which can break and screw up the camshaft, chevy knows of this problem they have a recall for the 2017 model but not the 2018 which they both have the same exact problem, they need to take care of this it is a major safety issue, I have no brakes and it could potentially ruin my engine.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Tires, Engine, Nov 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was difficult to turn over. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the fuel injectors were leaking. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,074.
Steering, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,605.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 6, 2025
The back up camera cuts out while backing up. The lines vanish and leave only the picture. The check engine light comes on with the throttle body being the culprit.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 28, 2025
When putting the car in park it and powering the car off it will say shift to park but car is already in Park. Then it will real stalibark and my wheel will sometimes lock.
Power train, Oct 22, 2025
car not recognizing it is in park. Displays "shift to park" on information screen.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Oct 14, 2025
The backup camera for this vehicle is starting to fail and the view is blurry. Additionally, it seems that this also is affecting the rear traffic alert as I almost crashed into someone at a parking lot when trying to back out of a space. I will soon have no rear camera or cross traffic alerts.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2025
Every so often I get an indication of engine power reduced, but every time I go in to get it checked it's off. I have recently just learned through research online that the issue is caused by a certain condition that gives false reading to the electronics. I have contacted GM and GM financial about the recalls on my cars of the same year. I have not been in a wreck but I have had the issue of engine reduced power in the middle of traffic. Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton has turn me away about the issue GM financial is giving me the runaround neither one mention anything about a recall instead I get a estimate $400 /$808.50/1900.41 all to fix ECM as I told the mechanic I was driving with no problem through the day me and the kids at the park when it was time to leave the car sounded like it just didn't have no gas. We was stuck tell 10:45 we waited two hours for the tow truck. I have OnStar and get monthly reports on my car. When the check engine light comes on OnStar has no indication that's why I believe it is the same ECM. I was told by Chevrolet Maher service manager of St Pete to get my car off their lot as I said before I got a estimate of 400 that went up to 800 and all I did was ask why
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 7, 2025
SHIFT TO PARK
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 6, 2025
I get a engine power reduced warning and check engine light is on for 3 start cycles and goes away. Auto Start/Stop after stopping, lights flicker and power is slow to come back on upon auto start and I get a power steering reduced warning.,
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 4, 2025
The rear knuckles on these cars are constantly going bad and the parts are expensive and so is the labor. So we have to pay a fortune to fix a common issue that GM should be recalling and fixing for the people who buy these vehicles. It's crazy how common this issue is and it's still not recalled. If you hear a clunking/rattling noise coming from the back of your car then it's almost certainly a knuckle problem.
Suspension, Oct 4, 2025
I keep hearing a clunking noise in the rear of my car and it gets louder at low speeds and when I turn when stopped. I have been doing research to try to see what it could be and I am seeing that this is a common issue with this car and there's no recall. The parts alone are $200+ and then you have to pay for labor. This is ridiculous for a faulty assembly problem due to GM.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2025
Purchased a car for financing from Barret Motors and 2300 Lakeview PKWY, Rowlett, TX and as soon as I drove it off the lot on [XXX] the engine light popped on. I immediately called and was told to just take it to Chevy/GMC for servicing but was not told why, but just because the engine light was on I was told to go. I couldn’t take an appointment asap because I just started a new job which they also knew. The car has had a recall since 09-06-19 for an engine control module. Which is a serious issue and this car never had it completed and sold me a car with possible engine issue and did not inform there’s a recall on the vehicle for almost 5 years now. I took the car to get serviced at Chevy for the recall on 09/09/2025 and now I am facing multiple issues with the car from it not being done years ago. The recall was N192221960 and it’s major so to sell a car before getting the properly service and I have been financing the vehicle for a year now. Never not once late and I am now being told there’s nothing can be done. I have photos of the car having the engine light pop on the same day u financed this vehicle. Barret knew a serious engine problem was effecting this car for 5 years and still deciding to sell it to me for financing on [XXX]. I need immediate assistance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2025
SHIFT TO PARK ISSUE
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2025
Hello, I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. I previously had the recall repair completed for ECM Malfunction. Unfortunately, I am still experiencing the same problem that the recall was for. Since then, the issue has returned, and I am concerned that the original remedy did not resolve the safety concern. Can you please advise me on the next steps to have this issue re-inspected and corrected? Thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2025
The car is saying “shift to park” on the dash panel as if the car is not in park. Sometimes this continues to read to the point it will not let you shut the car off and then you can’t get out of the car. This is a safety concern as well as an issue with the car wanting to continuously run.
Steering, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2025
Steering asst warning came on. This happened in 2022 when I got the vehicle and it’s now happening again. When stopped with foot on brake and auto stop engaged , you take foot off brake steering wheel jerks and steering asst warning comes on. There is also a problem with shift to park. Vehicle shifted into park vehicle doesn’t recognize that it in park and vehicle can’t be shut off until it recognizes that it’s actually in park. Chevy knows this is an issue and will cover it under bumper to bumper warranty but will not fix it under a recall or outside of bumper to bumper warranty. Vehicle has a p1101 code that comes and goes. Engine filter has been replaced, throttle body has been cleaned, MAF sensor has been replaced, and the issue continues to persist. There is no know way to fix this. Rear seat belt doesn’t work. Vehicle came like that. Vehicle has had multiple issues. Contacted Chevy they want me to pay for a diagnostic out of pocket and submit to them and possibly they will then help. These are all known issues that they are not addressing.
Engine, Aug 4, 2025
Engine Reduced Power Light on dash. Vehicle stalling
Engine, Aug 2, 2025
!Engine Power is Reduced
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2025
The mechanic discovered that the Battery Control Module harness had been damaged by water intrusion inside the vehicle. This damage prevented the vehicle from powering on, rendering it completely non-responsive.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2025
the dashboard displays “shift to park” when i try to turn off my car even though it’s in park
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure of the battery and fuel pump. The contact was informed that the ground wire and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact about a recall on the malfunctioning ECM. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,206.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 28, 2025
I was informed the vacuum pump went bad and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle would lose acceleration, shut off during auto stop and caused me to block traffic. The brakes also locked up, which almost caused me to crash in a residential neighborhood. I tried to see if there was a recall on this but I was told the recalls were handled in January of 2020 but I started driving the vehicle between July and August of 2020. This incident I'm reporting just happend 3 weeks ago. I realized there are many other issues regarding this matter and need this addressed because this almost caused bodily harm. The dealership wants me to pay for repairs on a vehicle that seem to have defective parts that jeopardise customer safety and is not being rectified.