2020 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 8, 2026120,000 miMDTowedBrakes

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond and seized, causing the contact to engage the parking brake. The contact was able to pull over while awaiting tow truck assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that a Lexus engineer retrieved the EDR; however, there was no failure found with the braking system. The failure mileage was 120,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11762742 · source
2. Filed Aug 23, 2026PABrakes

   I have a failed vacuum pump which caused my braking ability to be 100% reliant on my own strength to be able to “safely” stop the car. This is an ongoing and common problem with GM yet they have not recalled or given any solution. This is unsafe and should be illegal. I have now an underwater car loan and still a non-drivable car because not only do i have to repair the vacuum pump but also the camshaft exhaust as well as timing chain. All of these repairs are things GM…

   NHTSA complaint #11758956 · source
3. Filed Aug 5, 2026NCBrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and found more than a dozen network and chassis‑related diagnostic trouble codes,…

   NHTSA complaint #11755071 · source
4. Filed Jul 6, 2026WABrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the brake failure occurred. In January 2024, I reported brake-related concerns to a Chevrolet dealership while the vehicle was under warranty, but the root cause was not diagnosed. In…

   NHTSA complaint #11748641 · source
5. Filed May 7, 2026NCBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control

   May 7, 2026 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 RE: Safety Defect Complaint – Brake System / Vehicle Control Concerns 2020 Chevrolet Malibu Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding persistent braking and vehicle control issues involving my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Prior to December 31, 2025, the vehicle exhibited jerking during braking, all dashboard gauges go to the left, warning lights, reduced power…

   NHTSA complaint #11736449 · source
6. Filed May 5, 2026MOBrakes

   To Whom It May Concern, ​I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. This defect resulted in a life-threatening incident while I was driving on the highway, during which my vehicle failed to stop as required. ​While operating at highway speeds, the brake pedal became extremely hard to depress, making it nearly impossible to decelerate or bring the vehicle to a complete stop. This sudden loss of power assist forced me to manage…

   NHTSA complaint #11735781 · source
7. Filed Apr 27, 2026ALBrakesEngine

   I am writing to report a serious and dangerous issue that occurred with my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu LT on April 27th 2026. While driving on the interstate after work, my vehicle suddenly experienced a failure that made it extremely unsafe to operate. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, and the vehicle did not want to slow down or stop properly. This created a very dangerous situation while I was driving at highway speeds. Additionally, I noticed that nearly all of…

   NHTSA complaint #11734196 · source
8. Filed Mar 24, 2026GABrakesEngine

   While driving the brake pedal became hard to push out of no where. Once the car got to the shop it stopped cranking. The shop is stating that the brake vacuum pump is the cause of the brake pedal messing up, and that it also caused other engine damages estimating $3000.00

   NHTSA complaint #11726626 · source
9. Filed Mar 9, 202685,547 miTXBrakes

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH on the freeway and depressing the brake pedal to slow down, the brake pedal was difficult to depress, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. During the failure, the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence and parked. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of…

   NHTSA complaint #11722906 · source
10. Filed Feb 12, 2026118,000 miOKBrakes

    The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake pedal became inoperable. There was a warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failed to function properly while attempting to stop the vehicle. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact became aware that brake fluid was leaking onto the engine. A mobile independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined…

    NHTSA complaint #11717509 · source
11. Filed Feb 5, 2026CABrakes

    I was unaware that when I purchased this vehicle that when the oil is low, the breaks go out and the break power booster shatters. The beaks have gone out on me 2x already and thankfully I’ve only had to replace the break power booster only once. Now once the oil is changed the breaks go back to normal, there is no grinding of any sort heard, so now going forward I pay real close attention to my engine, I listen and pay attention to the feeling and sound of the breaks, once…

    NHTSA complaint #11716063 · source
12. Filed Jan 13, 2026CABrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

    December 12, 2025 I had to drive 20-30 miles an hour the car would not break I had to use parking break. When I would try to Stop it would continue to roll. The pedal was Hard! This is very dangerous and other cars have crashed There are also class action lawsuits regarding just this! Vehicle vacuum pump The Bill was $5200 I am asking for reimbursement! Vehicle vacuum pump engine light on tire sensor light on Saw there have been more cases

    NHTSA complaint #11710815 · 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