2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine 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 Oct 8, 2026NVEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   On 10/8/26 My vehicle failed in the middle of traffic as I was driving the car forcefully slowed down. When I proceeded to press the gas the car began driving in reverse putting me in immediate danger causing 2 different car to almost hit me from behind. I put the car in park , turned on my hazard lights and got out of the vehicle . I called my husband immediately luckily I was not far from home, and had him push my car out of the street . It’s currently still there.

   NHTSA complaint #11770015 · source
2. Filed Sep 2, 2026180,000 miGAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed on the instrument panel. The gear shifter was shifted back into drive and then back into park to turn off the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, started to lose automotive power, and then continued driving; however, the vehicle operated at reduced power and failed to exceed 30…

   NHTSA complaint #11761662 · source
3. Filed Aug 6, 2026169,000 miLAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, requiring the driver to pull over to the side of the road. The message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and…

   NHTSA complaint #11755237 · source
4. Filed Aug 3, 2026MSBrakesEngineOther / Unknown

   I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with the warranty replacement engine. At that point, I experienced a sudden loss of braking while driving. My vehicle was again diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, and the vacuum pump…

   NHTSA complaint #11754547 · source
5. Filed Jul 29, 2026WAEngineOther / Unknown

   I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my exhaust camshaft and sent metal through out and the timing needs replaced as well. A shop would rather total my car than what it would cost to fix. I’m attempting to fix it myself but have been without my car for months now. This is created such a hardship and the money it’s continues to take as more and more needs to be fixed or replaced…

   NHTSA complaint #11753408 · source
6. 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
7. Filed Jul 16, 2026KSBrakesEngine

   While coming down McClure pass in Colorado my brakes failed. The the car went to engine power reduced mode. After getting the car to an independent mechanic I was told that the vacuum pump failed and exploded the parts into the camshaft. After 2 days of repairs I was finally able to get my car back to working order. This could have been a fatal car accident coming down a mountain pass. I was able to get stopped safely because I know the road. I had just driven 700 miles over…

   NHTSA complaint #11750766 · source
8. Filed Jun 9, 2026150,000 miFLTowedBrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving on the interstate and attempting to exit the ramp at 40-45 MPH, the brakes failed. After restarting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…

   NHTSA complaint #11742983 · source
9. 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
10. 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
11. Filed May 10, 2026WAEngine

    The vacuum break booster went out. My check engine light came on and it said power reduced I’m not sure exactly. Because my power didn’t reduce but my car seems to be misfiring. Luckily I was going to be turning at a light and there was a few cars in front of me so I wasn’t going fast. As I got closer to the car in front of me I applied my breaks. They would not move and were hard and I gave it all I had to try to get my car to stop and thank god it did. Then my car stalled.…

    NHTSA complaint #11736822 · source
12. 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

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