2020 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Filed Feb 18, 2026INElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Several things have been going wrong with this car. I have only had it for about 7 months. Minimal driving. Got the car with 84,000 miles and it now has 88,000 miles. About 2 months ago the check engine light came on. Got it into a shop and they said an oil change may possibly help with this. Got the oil change, cleared the code, drove it around and check engine light came back on. Brought it back to the shop and now the entire valve cover needs replaced. It’s been about 2…

   NHTSA complaint #11718928 · source
5. Filed Feb 10, 2026114,000 miNYEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, who associated the failure with TSB: N222372590. An appointment was scheduled with the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified…

   NHTSA complaint #11716956 · source
6. Filed Feb 5, 2026112,000 miCATowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11715939 · source
7. Filed Feb 4, 202680,000 miMIEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the RPM was unexpectedly elevated while driving, and the vehicle was hesitating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. While driving approximately 35-40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered with white smoke coming from the tailpipe. The contact stated that the engine warning light was flashing with…

   NHTSA complaint #11715468 · source
8. Filed Feb 3, 202677,000 miILTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or a stop sign, the failure was more noticeable. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked abnormally and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The RPM fluctuated before the transmission slammed into gear. The vehicle then returned to normal functionality.…

   NHTSA complaint #11715330 · source
9. Filed Dec 16, 2025CAEngine

   Throwing code p1101 for the mass air flow sensor. This is a listed recall amongst other Malibu's but does not include my vin number. Check engine is on.

   NHTSA complaint #11705304 · source
10. Filed Nov 8, 2025ALEngine

    Vacuum pump blew . Causing me to lose brakes on the highway. It led to a series of events. Camshaft broke in the midst of this so my car will not start again.

    NHTSA complaint #11698371 · source
11. Filed Oct 10, 2025FLBrakesEngine

    My car has been malfunctioning it keeps saying shift to park when it’s park and it show esc system issue and then the brakes stop working it has been going on and off took it to Lou bachrodt Chevrolet and they couldn’t fix the issue. I have done research online and it shows the same

    NHTSA complaint #11692539 · source
12. Filed Aug 10, 2025TXBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

    Th e brakes are not working at all. We have to go slow then the brakes are hard to press. Th I s makes it keep driving anc brake pedal doesn't stop it.

    NHTSA complaint #11679673 · 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