2021 Chevrolet Malibu electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 20, 2026OKElectrical SystemEngine

   The Chevy Malibu is displaying a “Shift to Park” message even when the gear selector is physically in the Park position. This indicates that the vehicle’s computer may not be recognizing that the vehicle has been placed in Park, which is commonly associated with a faulty or failing internal park-position sensor/switch. The issue is affecting the vehicle’s ability to shut down properly. It is necessary to turn the vehicle off and back on multiple times before the system will…

   NHTSA complaint #11758225 · source
2. Filed Aug 11, 2026GAAirbagsElectrical System

   I was driving my car my electrical system is throwing all kinds of code.my sftey restrain is coming on to check my seat belt .the car goes blank .it stop in the middle of the road.this car has a lot of issues.can some one help me with this I work at the cardiologist office .

   NHTSA complaint #11756284 · source
3. Filed Aug 11, 2026PAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I purchased this vehicle in April of 2026, 4 days after bringing it home it began displaying a “Shift To Park” message in the dash, essentially making it so the vehicle will not shut off even when the vehicle is in park. Took it to a shop and they diagnosed it as a common issue across the 2021 Malibus and stated the entire shifter assembly needed replaced. Have not had it replaced yet due to not having the funds to replace the entire assembly, but was informed eventually the…

   NHTSA complaint #11756187 · source
4. Filed Aug 6, 2026AZElectrical System

   The car has an issue recognizing that the car is in park when trying to turn off the vehicle. A message on the dash will appear “Shift to Park”. The car has not been inspected for this issue, but it does repeatedly happen, not every time I turn off the car, but it happens pretty frequently. If I am unable to get the shifter to fully engage the computer then it won’t let me completely power down the vehicle and drains the battery. I’ve had to get a battery replaced before due…

   NHTSA complaint #11755166 · source
5. Filed Jul 17, 202672,000 miNYElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated, and the engine started to choke. The Service Vehicle light remained illuminated after the other lights turned off. The engine started choking again and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with an inoperable fuel pump power control module. The mechanic informed the contact about a recall…

   NHTSA complaint #11751019 · source
6. Filed May 18, 2026LAFireElectrical System

   Blower motor area caught fire while sitting in the driveway. Car door was opened about 20 minutes prior to my security camera catching smoke billowing from the vehicle

   NHTSA complaint #11738610 · source
7. Filed Apr 15, 2026MDElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I was driving and car suddenly reduced speed,engine light came on and message came across dash “engine power reduced” and a text was sent to tell me I have a transmission issue. Now car won’t drive past 25-30mph dealership indicated this is a faulty gas pedal which cost over $600 to repair. Did my research and this is apparently a “known” problem common in 2016-2022. Vehicles but is not an official recall. Also dealership said only “certain” vin numbers with this problem are…

   NHTSA complaint #11731460 · source
8. Filed Apr 6, 2026NEElectrical System

   I went to do an errand pulled in to parking spot put car into park shut it off. Car dash repeatedly said put car into park. All dash lights, would go on from left to right and shut off, this included the center console. I tried over and over to start car and shift but it wouldn’t go. It just kept repeating shift into park. It took 95 mins before the car would start. Then the RPMS would rev way past what they should. I lived 30 miles away. I made it home slowly. The next…

   NHTSA complaint #11729503 · source
9. Filed Dec 11, 2025OKElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Vehicle has a repeated issue recognizing that it is in park when trying to turn vehicle off. This causes concern that the vehicle may not actually be in park, will not fully power down therefore draining the battery and leaving driver stranded, or lead to other body control module/shifting problems. This is a known issue with GM spanning multiple years and multiple models. The only official fix is to replace the entire shifter assembly with an updated version which can be a…

   NHTSA complaint #11704551 · source
10. Filed Dec 2, 2025NCDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Transmission failed to engage gear properly after backing up. Grinding sounds heard when vehicle was in drive. Problem has been confirmed and inspected by Chevrolet dealership. Vehicle is available for inspection. Occupants safety was at risk because gears could have locked up during commute causing vehicle to be undriveable, leaving driver and passengers stranded. Blind spot feature is unavailable randomly, which can cause a possible side swipe crash. When radio is playing…

    NHTSA complaint #11702470 · source
11. Filed Oct 22, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Dear NHTSA: I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle, a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN [XXX] ), is included in Emission Recall N252516900 issued by General Motors concerning the Fuel Pump Power Control Module. Despite that inclusion, I have experienced the following: - A prior near-fatal incident in 2023 when the vehicle unexpectedly shut off while stopped at a red light (engine stall) due to the root defect. - The dealer has informed me I now need a new 12-V battery…

    NHTSA complaint #11695082 · source
12. Filed Sep 15, 2025HIElectrical System

    My car has about 82000 miles and while driving it stated that I was shifted to neutral and needed to be restarted. After a few seconds the steering wheel locks up and I can’t press the gas anymore, even though the car is still in drive. This happened about 6 times on the half mile drive home. I haven’t been able to diagnose it yet since the dealership is backed up for a month. I think it’s the neutral safety switch

    NHTSA complaint #11687339 · 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