2018 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 19V642000Sep 6, 2019177,282 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS

  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.

  Risk: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 26, 2026ILBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

   I was driving in town through a stoplight when I noticed my brakes stopped working. Also when I had stopped the car still in drive and the car had shut off completely in the middle of the road and was not able to turn back on. The car would keep trying start but none were successful. My car also stated that there was reduced power to the engine and the car would hesitate to gain speed as well. My safety and others were put to risk because my brakes stopped working so I…

   NHTSA complaint #11767199 · source
2. Filed Jul 30, 2026ILElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   A software error in 1.5L turbo model disable fuel injectors, preventing the engine from starting or causing a sudden stall while driving. It’s been confirmed to be an previously opened recall that was fixed by previous owner. But, is happening again to me. Yet I’m being told It has been closed and cannot be fixed unless I pay out of pocket. There are warning signs that pop up like reduced speed while I am driving etc. which reduces my speed and is incredibly unsafe.

   NHTSA complaint #11753826 · source
3. Filed Jul 19, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   Just bought the car and the car is receiving error: "shift to park". This appear to be a know issue for 2018 chevy malibu hybrid. Car cut off in middle of traffic

   NHTSA complaint #11751389 · source
4. Filed Jun 26, 202698,000 miGAElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 93,000. The contact stated that while attempting to trade the vehicle with the dealer, the dealer declined the trade due to a possible odometer fraud. The dealer discovered from the Carfax report that the mileage was 98,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11746683 · source
5. Filed Jun 9, 2026INElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Reduced engine light came on ticking noise stopped 2 times on the highway repair lot ran a diagnostic unable to find the issue car is not working found many codes stillunable to fix the issue

   NHTSA complaint #11743065 · source
6. Filed Jun 7, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngine

   I went to put my car in park and it was saying "Shift to Park" on my dashboard even though I was already in park. I know that there was a lawsuit that was won for this very defect but my car is not recalled for this and I feel every Malibu should be especially if almost every Malibu is experiencing the same issue Nationwide. It cannot be a coincidence. Also I have been having issues with a knocking noise on the back of the car when I am driving and I'm being told it's also…

   NHTSA complaint #11742533 · source
7. Filed Jun 3, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.

   NHTSA complaint #11741758 · source
8. Filed May 5, 2026RIElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The check engine light keeps coming on and off with a warning that the engine power is being reduced. The dealership's service center can't locate the issue. The car's traction warning went off and the car's speed was reduced while driving. This happened twice in the same day. When you shut the car off and turn it back on the warning goes away and the car drives normal. This is very unsafe. Had this happened on the highway there could have been a serious accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11735731 · source
9. Filed Apr 23, 202675,000 miCAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving and stopped at a traffic light, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that five minutes after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module needed to be replaced. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11733336 · source
10. Filed Apr 10, 2026150,842 miILElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an oil leak coming from the engine. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service Stabili-trak" were displayed. Occasionally, the automatic emergency braking activated unexpectedly, and while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle also decelerated and stalled occasionally. Additionally, the volume on the radio was stuck, the…

    NHTSA complaint #11730437 · source
11. Filed Mar 23, 2026TXElectrical System

    Shift to park indicator comes on after shifting parking gear to park. Car fails to detect that it is in park even when it is.

    NHTSA complaint #11726386 · source
12. Filed Mar 7, 2026TXBody & StructureElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

    The rear camera comes “loose” and does not register all the time. It seems to be a simple electric issue; possibly an electrical short. I believe it can be easily “fixed” (temporarily) by opening the trunk and running fingers over the camera, it should not happen. I purchased my Malibu new and seldomly drive, approximately 25k miles. I maintain proper maintenance and ensure cleanliness to avoid dust or particles inside the camera or electric components. This should not…

    NHTSA complaint #11722672 · 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