2017 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 29, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle is experiencing an apparent fuel-system malfunction. The vehicle has a very strong raw gasoline odor, significant difficulty starting, and appears to be consuming fuel at an abnormally high rate. After filling the fuel tank completely, I drove approximately 20 miles at most and the fuel gauge decreased by approximately one-quarter of a tank. The engine oil also has a strong gasoline odor, indicating that fuel may be entering the engine oil. The exact failed…

   NHTSA complaint #11760675 · source
2. Filed Jul 9, 2026TXElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   When the vehicle is shifted into Park and the ignition button is pressed, the vehicle fails to shut down. The dashboard displays a "Shift to Park" warning message, indicating the vehicle does not recognize that the gear selector is physically in the Park position.To shut the engine off, the driver must repeatedly wiggle, slam, or cycle the gear shifter back and forth into Park until the electrical sensor finally registers the connection. This creates a severe safety hazard,…

   NHTSA complaint #11749242 · source
3. Filed Jun 7, 2026AZElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   Shift to park error on dash. GM is aware of this issue and won't do anything about it. This causes stress and can cause battery drain. The issue lies within the microswitch that reads that the shifter is in park. The metal arm that activates the switch wears down or the wiring is faulty. Several Malibus, as well as other models have this issue and Chevy dealerships want hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix this. If it's a known, repetitive issue on several models, it…

   NHTSA complaint #11742521 · source
4. 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
5. Filed Nov 30, 2025ILElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Last year I started getting the dreaded shift to park issue. Takes usually about 30 seconds to realize its in park, even though the dashboard days its in park. WHY is there no recall? I see hundreds of thousands of complaints for this. Plus im constantly getting the P1101 code. I know this is a common issue with this car for the dirty throttle body or MAF sensor. Why isnt this under recall? I dont have the money to pay for repairs that the dealership should be recalling. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11702122 · source
6. 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
7. Filed Nov 6, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngine

   Engine Power Reduced, My car then loses the ability to pickup speed I’ve even had my break tighten up on my in the middle of trying to stop my vehicle

   NHTSA complaint #11697859 · source
8. Filed Aug 30, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   Okay so my car had 2 recalls but the they were not repaired the same problem reoccurred . Which was the car engine not turning on and electrical problems etc. I don’t really know how to explain it but yes it’s having the same problems .

   NHTSA complaint #11684084 · source
9. Filed Aug 16, 2025WAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Currently I am having issues putting my car in park. Even when it shows that it is parked there is an “Action Required” that pops up saying “Shift to Park”. This has been happening all week and as I am able to toggle the shift stick it is no longer allowing me to which leaves my car somewhat on when I leave. I’ve contacted the dealership for repairs since I’ve seen this is a common recall issue with my model vehicle. However, they informed me that it would be an out of…

   NHTSA complaint #11681107 · source
10. Filed Jul 16, 202575,000 miNCTowedElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the message to depress the brake pedal and shift to park(P) was displayed. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11673917 · source
11. Filed May 20, 2025167,000 miCAElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while at a red light, the Auto STOP feature engaged and failed to disengage while the brake pedal was no longer depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed…

    NHTSA complaint #11662208 · source
12. Filed Mar 2, 2025PAElectrical System

    About 6 months after I bought this car back in 2017 it has been showing shift to park message when it is already in park. When I contacted the dealership about this issue they told me there is nothing they can do about it. I just got a new battery in my car less than a year ago but now it's dead because the car computer system wouldn't shut off. I don't think it's right being sold a car with known issues then being told there did nothing that can be done about it, please…

    NHTSA complaint #11645787 · 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