2017 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026TXBrakes

   I was driving on the tollway at 75 mph when I saw stopped traffic ahead of me, and when I tried to apply the brakes, they went from soft to hard and completely stopped working; I had to swerve across lanes into the grass to avoid a massive accident and to save my life, as well as the lives of my passengers and the people who would have been involved. The vacuum pump had completely blown up, causing the brakes to fail, and it also destroyed my camshaft, so I lost engine power…

   NHTSA complaint #11769492 · source
2. Filed Aug 15, 2026IABrakes

   While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Malibu LT equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, the brake vacuum pump failed due to the pump’s mechanical drive/tang shearing. The failure resulted in loss of vacuum assistance to the power brakes, creating a significantly harder brake pedal and a serious safety concern because braking assistance can be reduced and stopping may require substantially more effort. After removing the failed pump, I found that part of the pump’s drive…

   NHTSA complaint #11757192 · source
3. Filed Jul 7, 2026ILBrakes

   I have a 2017 Chevy Malibu 2.0 T. The incident involved the braking system. I was driving and as traffic came to a stop, I pressed the brake to stop and my brakes gave out. I immediately lifted my foot and press extremely hard on my brake pedal and was able to stop though the stopping distance was much further and nearly caused an accident. I have now taken the vehicle to a Chevy certified dealer and it has been identified as a brake vacuum pump failure. GM has had many…

   NHTSA complaint #11748825 · source
4. Filed Jul 3, 2026LABrakesEngine

   I was driving back home and stopped at a red light. When the light turned green I started driving, but my car was jerking a little too much. I pulled over and turned my car off. When I cut my car back on my brake became very hard to the point I had to push down extra hard to stop my car. I started back driving home once I realized my car needs to be turned completely off and sit. While I'm driving I see a message on my dashboard saying "Engine power reduced." Luckily I made…

   NHTSA complaint #11748133 · source
5. Filed Feb 16, 2026GABrakesOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   In the last 6 months I’ve had to put 3 Brake Boosters on my 2017 Chevy Malibu and it’s NOT cheap…. I don’t know what else to do.

   NHTSA complaint #11718196 · source
6. Filed Jan 28, 2026NYBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   The GM Shift to Park recall has been an issue that has affected various General Motors (GM) vehicles. The primarily impacting Chevrolet models like the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. It’s essential to be aware of the problem, its implications on vehicle’s safety, and the steps required to address it. In simple terms, the Shift to Park defect prevents drivers from shutting off and locking their vehicles, even after putting the car in park. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11713855 · source
7. Filed Dec 14, 2025OHCrashBrakesOther / UnknownSteering

   Was driving on highway and starting to exit and my engine light came on and it alerted reduced engine power. I had to slam on my brakes but they were very hard to press and almost non existent and steering was also difficult. Managed to get car to side of road but due to very hard to non existent brakes I did graze a truck and damaged my rear drivers side fender. I am very lucky I didn’t get injured and was able to mostly miss the cars stopped in front of me. I also have the…

   NHTSA complaint #11704980 · source
8. Filed Nov 13, 2025NCAirbagsBrakesElectrical System

   When I accelerate and try to stop brakes goes down to the floor. I’ve had my rotors. Brakes changed and it’s impossible to stop at times. Purchase vehicle. 2018 and the check engine light came on shortly after I purchased it. It’s been on. I’ve got diagnostics. It’s unknown why! Tire sensors has been changed, including with new tires and none of them work and the airbag light is illuminated. I am concerned about my safety in this vehicle. I reported many times and I’m…

   NHTSA complaint #11699188 · source
9. Filed Sep 8, 2025OHBrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   I was driving my car on the highway doing 65 mph when all of a sudden my car started rapidly jerking losing the power to accelerate and entering “limp mode“ there was multiple cars behind me when my car lost the power to accelerate. I was in the far left lane and couldn’t even go higher than 7 miles an hour and had to cross across three lanes at 7 mph on a 65mph highway to pull over. I had my children in the car and almost caused a huge accident dude to this issue. The issue…

   NHTSA complaint #11685667 · source
10. Filed Sep 5, 2025WIBrakesOther / Unknown

    Shift to park issue. While is in park after driving. I turn vehicle off and action required message pops up on dash stating shift to park but it’s in park.

    NHTSA complaint #11685198 · source
11. Filed Apr 14, 2025ALBrakes

    Yes, my brakes have failed twice with my children in my car both coming to a stop sign almost causing us injury or death. I have contacted Chevrolet several times about this issue. It has happened again costing me close to $4000 in repairs.

    NHTSA complaint #11654403 · source
12. Filed Mar 11, 2025CABrakesEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    I was driving in my neighborhood I tried to park at my house and my car wouldn’t stop I had to step down on my break hard for it to finally stop my vacuum pump broke into pieces and made my timing chain break

    NHTSA complaint #11647738 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology