2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 198 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 26 Malibu model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 10 involved a crash. 7 people were injured and 1 person died.
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
Representative owner complaints
198 reports, newest first.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2023
Vehicle through a "service engine" and lost partial power. The vehicle slowed considerably and was not able to accelerate as expected. Fortunately, this was rush hour traffic and it was slow. Normally, the traffic moves at 60 MPH plus or minus 5 MPH. The loss of power on I10 can be extremely unsafe. The dealer revealed that our car had a scan code P0299. They cleaned the Thottle Body and stated it was the likely problem. However, they said they tested the crank case pressure and it was at 0 PSI, instead of the expected vacuum. There was no indication, that crank case pressure or the PCV was the root problem. I pointed out that crank case should be measured in INH2O. I think they mis diaganosed and were trying to lead me to replace the PCV, and ultimately the turbocharger itself. I think it is probably a sensor or perhaps another component. I took my car away from the lot and will report any other incidents or findings.
Power train, Feb 27, 2023
I put the car in park and it says a message that says shift to park but I am in park already and now my battery keeps draining and the lights on shifter blink continuously when I’m in park if I click shift button the message goes away but I don’t think it should be doing this and I’m not the only person from what I have read.
Power train, Jan 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved loudly while coming to a stop. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle performed as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 21-NA-004 (Continuously Variable Transmission). The failure mileage was 27,344.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2022
Shift to Park Alarm will not stop beeping. Looked into it on the internet found it to be a known issue with GM. Can prevent the doors from unlocking and would drain battery and annoyance. Replaced shifter assembly at a cost of $567.28 I believe GM knows of the issue and should recall the defective parts. I am making this complaint on behalf of my 85 year old Mother that purchased the 2020 Malibu with the remaining 3 year/36000 miles warranty. In November of 2022 she had the Alarm Shift to Park come up and would not stop. I return the car to the shop where she purchased it, expecting the issue to be covered by warranty. I found out the car was put in service in August of 2019 making the warranty expired. The mechanic that replaced the shifting assembly explained the problem to me and gave me the defective part. When researching the problem I found that GM it aware of the issue and should recall and fix the problem. I have contacted GM but they refuse to reemburse me. I filed a complaint with the BBB and I see that there is a class action lawsuit over this issue. I have my complaint on file in hope that GM will voluntarily recall or be forced to if enough people complain.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 17, 2022
Shift to park error, No power to car, reduced engine power, camshaft positioning error, brakes failed (completely went hard unable to press) almost causing crash.
Steering, Traction control system, Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the service ESC warning light and the steering assist reduced warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the traction control warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu E2. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the stop sign, the auto START/STOP mode engaged, however the vehicle failed to restart upon releasing the brake pedal. The message "Engine Reduced Power" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had failed and the camshaft reluctor was in improper position. The dealer diagnosed that the vacuum pump and camshaft needed to be replaced. The parts were replaced. However, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated while driving at 80 MPH and merging lanes, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and the message "Engine Reduced Power" was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Vandergriff Chevrolet (1200 W Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76017), who informed the contact that he would need to tow the vehicle to the first dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle back to first dealer for additional diagnostic tests. The failure mileage was approximately 55,634.
Service brakes, Engine, Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the oil change service light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the vacuum pump and engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Power train, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the odometer and tachometer readings were incorrect. The Services ESC, power steering, power steering assist, and check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restated and operated normally; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became stiff and the vehicle lost power brakes functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2022
This car is a rental. After driving the car, I parked it at my final destination, shifted it into park, and attempted to turn the vehicle off. The vehicle would not turn off and flashed a warning on the instrument panel instructing me to shift into park even though the car was already in park. The car would only finally turn off after several attempts at shifting in and out of park.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 7, 2022
Sometimes when I drive my car it loses power especially when I’m turning into on coming traffic it will lose speed and I’ve almost been hit on numerous occasions. I’ve taking the car to Chevy dealership 4 times already the last time they discovered transmission issues they repaired it. They tell me they don’t see anything else wrong. I have read reviews from other owners and they are experiencing the same exact problem
Power train, Jul 14, 2022
A few days ago, when I put the car in park and turned it off, there was a message on the screen saying "Shift to Park." It was in park. I could not get out of the car because it was still getting power. If I tried to lock the doors, it sounded the alarm. I had to turn the car on and off multiple times to get it to go away. It would've drained the battery if I'd left it. Who knows if it was really in park either. It's been doing it ever since. I called the dealer and they want $350 to fix it. The guy told me they've been seeing this on Malibu's and "now it's happening on the Traverse models, too." I've been reading online how this has been happening since at least 2016, but there is no recall. Why NOT?? This is dangerous and they're aware of the problem. They've issued service bulletins on how to fix it!
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle was jerking and then inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle immediately; however, eventually, the vehicle restarted and was driven to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Jun 20, 2022
The shifter gear control/ shifter assembly keeps failing on and off. It’ll give me a warning shift to park. It did this while drive on a major highway then my car loss all power as I was in the second lane causing so much safety concerns. It is also alerting me when I’m in park now that I need to shift to park more frequently. Extreme issue.
Electrical system, Jun 19, 2022
My car would completely shut off in the middle of traffics and restart right away. The lights would completely restart, the driver panel, the radio screen, and ESC service light would come on interchangeably with the service engine light. When I would park my car overnight then start it up, the engine won’t start. Then the batter saver mode gets turned on, I’d wait 10 minutes then turn on the car and it works.
Power train, Engine, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently hesitate and stall with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. Once the vehicle stalled, the contact had to wait a few minutes before successfully restarting the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer on multiple occasions however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The contact had the pistons, battery terminal, transmission, and wiring harness replaced; however, the failure persisted after each repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, May 14, 2022
Reduce engine power warming lamp. Cars just suddenly loses power when driving at high rate of speed. Car slows abs f won’t go over 2ph causing hazardous situations and endangering occupants and other drivers. This issue has been repaired twice abs is now the third time.
Service brakes, Air, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS message was displayed, and the ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the mechanic performed an oil change and tire rotation; however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure due to the warning lights no longer being illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,300. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP RESOLVED THE ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2022
while driving down a mountain in monterey tenessee from visiting a friend the car started blowing white smoke and all dash lights flickered before car shut off no brakes or steering while coasting down mountain almost got rear ended by pickup this was around 9pm it was dark i coasted into a gas station after a few attempts to start car . i called roadside assistance that night and got towed to dave kirk chevy dealer next town over after having issues with car i encountered issues with manager of dealer ship and roadside assistance neither could help til i started raising my voice i was stranded there in town for 2 days my friends felt bad the paid for my motel since i was so stressed out they didnt want to look at my car that manager said he knew nothing about after diagnosing my car they found a bad fuel injector that he said was open 100 percent so after 2 days i was on my way back to florida bad experience all the way around
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 20, 2022
I was at a stop light ready to take off while driving for lyft with a passenger in back and the car just quit running as i took off when light turned green no warning whatsoever no dash lights no brakes no steering i had to wait til car stopped rolling so i put car in park then i couldnt put in neutral to push car out of traffic lane. so while i was trying to call a friend for help about 5 minutes passed and i tried the ignition i had a reading on dash that said batterry saver on so i waited and tried again after 5 minutes and car started with battery saver on not knowing how that really works i called nearest chevy dealer about issue they said it was out of warranty for them to look at so i drove to autozone a local parts store to get car checked out for car not starting and the guy found battery was good and charging system ok so there was no code or nothing after getting it looked at to this date of report i had no issues so far but im worried and hoping it wont happen while im driving on highway and get rear ended if it quits running on me again i heard and read about a sotware issue on chevy malibu so im puzzled and afraid to drive this car that i bought new on january of 2021
Engine, Apr 1, 2022
Vehicle lost power after trying to go around a truck on the highway. Car will decline in power and traction light and engine light blinks for a period of 60 minutes some times longer. While in traffic you can not press the gas to go, leaving your car to decline in speed on the highway. Please recall the 2020 Malibu before someone get seriously hurt. Dealerships are aware. Do i need to get the news people involved? Mine has been happing since my purchase. ( New car purchase) service departments dont understand it either. Had my first cylinder and injectors replaced February 2022 , Second Cylinder and all injectors replaced April 1st. 2022. Horrible car
Power train, Mar 16, 2022
I need my pistons and rings replaced. My car only has 57,000 miles. My car has been diagnosed with excessive piston blowby from 2 different independent service centers. Both times I have been to Chevy to get it fixed under warranty, they’ve charged me $200 for diagnostics each time and told me it is my PCV valve that needs fixed. I had them fix my PCV valve and I still have excessive piston blowby. Chevy just wants to keep bringing my car back in for more diagnostics. I have spoken with GM customer service 2 times and somehow every single time I give them my VIN they hang up. My car is a 2020 with only 57,000 miles on it. There’s absolutely no reason why I should need all new pistons and rings and why Chevy service centers won’t just get it done! I have diagnostic reports, receipts, and videos of everything.
Engine, Mar 13, 2022
Engine loses power while driving. This happened the first time on 8/24/21 I was on the NJ Parkway in highspeed traffic . The vehicle would not drive over 25 miles an hour putting all occupants in the car at risk. The dealership repaired the vehicle The same loss of engine power re-occurred on 3/12/22 while driving at over 50 miles an hour. the car just slowed without warning, and I was unable to increase speed on a busy roadway
Engine, Mar 13, 2022
Engine loses power while driving. This happened the first time on 8/24/2. I was on the NJ Parkway in highspeed traffic . The vehicle would not drive over 25 miles an hour putting all occupants in the car at risk. The dealership repaired the vehicle The same loss of engine power re-occurred on 3/12/22 while driving at over 50 miles an hour. the car just slowed without warning, and I was unable to increase speed on a busy roadway
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2022
Shift to park error