general problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

56 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the 2015 Malibu.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/30/2025

The car continues to die when I come to a stop. The error code for the engine light is p305f. I have changed both batteries along with several different sensors and spent thousands of dollars in repairs at a couple different shops and still can’t find the problem with this error code. I have fixed everything that this error code points to. The car will not pass inspection with the check engine code on. This should have been recalled as this is a very common problem.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2025

I was coming home from school pickup, and the light said the engine power was reducing. Then the screen said that I couldn't go past 25 miles per hour. The skid sign came on also. The car started slowing down on its own. The car then stopped. I had to put on emergency lights quickly. I had my daughter and grandaughter in the car. Thank god we didn't get rear ended. I turned off the car and waited. I turned it back on and went home a half a mile away thankfully. I looked up for a recall and google said that there was a potential for the same thing. The check engine light came on too. This has never happened the whole time that I've had it.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2024

My car has the auto shut off and when im driving it sometimes just dies while im driving with no warning and no power steering to pull over. Also when im at a red light and the auto shut off comes on when it starts back up all my head lights turning signals radio everything goes off and comes back on when the car restarts then when u go to take off it will die and everytime I push on the gas it hesitates to go if it dont die. I took my car to an independent car repair shop and they said they have tested everything and I have also replaced the front and back batteries and I was told it is the computer and he has had several of the same car come in with the exact problem.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/24/2024

Wheel hubs causes car to think that it’s going faster(200mph) causing car to drop speed, locks steering wheel making it impossible to turn away from traffic and drive it’s an accident waiting to happen not sure why there isn’t a recall. Also batteries causes the battery system warning to be a major problem even if alternator is good. I’m not sure if the two batteries is a good idea. The stop/start feature can cause radio issues it’s like cutting the car off and turn it back on when brake is released radio comes back on.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/27/2024

Have a 2015 chevy Malibu that is randomly trying to start itself. The key fob is the original when I bought it. It has the auto start on the fob but is the kind that requires the key in the ignition to drive. Car completely off (not in aux) but the key is in ignition, could be for 2 minutes or hours, and randomly it will try and start, but not fully turn the engine and actually start, just that little half second of a start and then go right back off. Today it did it 3 times in a row. Obviously I won’t be leaving my key in the ignition any longer as it does seem to require that,.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2023

When turning off engine, multiple times had "shift to park" warnings and car does not shut down. Sometimes goes away after 10 - 20 seconds. Other times must restart car, place transmission back into park, open drivers' door and then turn off. Told by dealer that it is a known problem for multiple model years and vehicle models with multiple technical bulletins issued but no recall. Please review and require a recall if appropriate.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2023

There is an electrical issue with the vehicle, causing bad computer readings related to the O2 sensor, vvt valve/rocker arm solenoid. It causes shaking and bad acceleration. These parts were already replaced and within days of the “repair”, I am still having issues. If driving and I start to accelerate, it gets shaky and almost stalls the vehicle completely. If that were to happen while driving in the middle of the road then that could easily cause a wreck.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/18/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the auto start/stop feature. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle would shut off completely, causing the electronical features to stop working and the instruments panel lights to turn off. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to gm TSB number: 10-00-89-005. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/11/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front and rear batteries, and the alternator were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred within a month. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a recall had not been issued for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2022

I bought my 2015 chevy Malibu in 2016 at 36k miles. No wrecks, 1 owner before myself. No warning lights on when driving from the lot and the car was just what I wanted… tho always a little doubtful because it was pre owned 1) there was always this random, unusual, indescribable smell from the vents where I couldn’t breathe but no one else could smell or experience it. I just kept getting sick. 2) I thought “my” first 30k miles or so was rolling too fast and 3-5 months in, the engine light popped on. Immediately took it to chevy who said my engine light was on due to an “airbag” but wouldn’t tell me which unless I paid 70$. 3) still, driving was not affected so I kept taking it to the chevy dealer every 3-6 months for the proper maintenance. About 2 years in I go for an oil change at chevy: one guy pours radiator fluid in my oil compartment during the oil change. Just before he realizes it’s the wrong thing and looks to see if I saw, I alert the manager who immediately drains the oil and says it won’t be affected. . And assures me everything is fine. ??????? 4) 4 years ownership, the service stability track message started appearing and the engine power reduced speed limited to 25 mph starts popping up on the screen and simultaneously the car dangerously goes from highway speed to 25mph. Only jesus mercy! that’s a death trap in itself. Still no recalls and no help. Temp fix (get to safety, turn off vehicle, wait 30 sec-1 min and restart) 5) at 150k miles, I returned to get transmission flush. Change. Check whatever the best procedure was. Chevy says, I wouldn’t because it doesn’t have to be serviced on these vehicle. Yet they send me coupons for trans services. 6)just put on new tires, oil, oil cabin, and engine filters changed. Car riding smoothly then 4 days later I start it and up pops a message about service power steering: drive with care! no gearshift lights. And it’s an eps system! something is wrong with these cars. 7) paint defects along pass. Side.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/04/2022

"service power steering" message suddenly appeared while driving on the freeway and the car started to loose power and nearly shut off while driving. Through forums, I learned that this is an ongoing issue with Malibus.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/27/2022

I have a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. I was driving in traffic and stopped. The auto stop engaged. When I put my foot on the gas peddle to continue on in traffic, the engine would not start. I had to set there for 5 minutes before the car would restart.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/09/2022

The transmission and engine fails repeatedly. The vehicle repeatedly stalls while accelerating at all speeds, simultaneously, the gear shift lights,dash lights, radio, etc restarts. Issue also happens when shifting gears. Issue happens at every stop light and stop sign, when the vehicle is engaged in ‘auto stop’. The vehicle has been in and out of the repair shop since 2022 for tcm/ecm failure. The vehicle has been inspected by Chevrolet twice and other repair shops. Problem persists and the vehicle is not safe to drive. The vehicle has to be jumped daily in order for it to work even after purchasing several batteries and alternators. Warranty company, silverrock, denied claim. When shifting gears, the warning message states ‘power steering’ and all of the car lights disappear and the vehicle stalls. These issues appeared 31 days after purchase in may of 2022.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/31/2022

During the automatic start/stop function, the car stalls out after it stops itself. For example, I exited an interstate and came to a red stoplight. The car engaged the fuel saving system and shut down the engine. However, after I tried to press the gas to get the car to reengage, the car completely shut down requiring me to put the car in park on an exit ramp and re crank the car to get it to start again. Batteries were tested and no one can figure out what the problem is.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/20/2022

The trunk will not open and if you force it open it will not close back. This has happened several times now and I’m not able to get into my trunk.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2021

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light and the message "dual battery" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel saving battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced however, the failure persisted. The mechanic then diagnosed that the fuse block was faulty. The fuse block was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/21/2021

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while his wife was approaching an intersection and depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver shifted the vehicle to park, restarted the vehicle, and drove to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,700.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2021

This 2015 chevy Malibu has been serviced over 10 ten times for a stalling/check engine issue(s). Sometimes the check engine light will activate after stalling and other times it will not. This vehicle has only had 1 owner since the initial purchase with on-star showing all the times/dates that a problem was detected and reported via email (on star). The dealership has had ample attempts to fix the issues with the vehicle, as well as private ase certified mechanic/shop after the issues continued with this problem vehicle. This vehicle is a lemon, it is not dependable, and the stalling issues seem to be an on-going issue with gm chevy Malibu. On 05/15/2021 while in natick massachusetts, I was almost rear-ended after my vehicle stalled in traffic and I could not get to the bdl. As quickly as the vehicle stopped working, I was able to restart the vehicle and move it out of the road. This problem can not be ignored or downplayed, someone will eventual get hurt or killed because their vehicle stalls without reason or warning. I need a dependable vehicle and do not have the luxury to run to the dealership multiple times for an on-going problem.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2021

I was pulling out of parking lot when my car gears started to jerk then a "service power steering" icon flashed on the dashboard. My engine light read a p305f code which only told me it was a problem with the dual battery control module (dbcm) I then took the vehicle back to my local dealership and there diagnostics just said to replace the main battery. However I replaced both batteries and car still had the same problem. I did my personal research and I ended up replacing the battery module yet car still had same issue. I've already been to the dealership twice and can't afford to keep spending money on diagnostic test. I also noticed that this was a common issue for this vehicle and that multiple people had filed complaints about this particular problem. This problem happens to me at random times while driving or while pulling out of parking lot and is a major hazard if driving on busy street or highway. When it does the auto stop at a red light the car jerks and sometimes gears will lock up and transmission will experience problems as well. Other times the car just jerks and a service power steering icon will display on the dashboard.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/03/2020

The vehicle was in motion on a city street and the whole radio console cut off for about 5 seconds and came back on. The engine light then popped on. It did this twice in a matter of 10 mins. This issued has happened twice sporadically 3 times but never consecutive on the same day. Both batteries were tested and they are good. Got the code p305f. Performed a check on all wires and harnesses and they were secure. The main battery was replaced with a new ac delco on February 22, 2020. My car also cut off on September 30 while it was in motion and I was switiching gears to reverse.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/16/2020

I was at a red light on a major highway no warning what so ever. Light turned green took foot off brake check engine light came on then car completely shut off. Had power but I guess not enough to turn on the hazard lights. Almost got hit in the rear because they thought I was getting ready to move because there where no lights on in the rear. Had to push it off to the side of the road that was hard due to there was no power steering at all. Got my son to come get me but first we wanted to see if the car would start with a jump start and it did but called for a tow truck because I was scared it was going to shut off again. There was no warning or even warning signs prior to the incident. Beside the check engine light coming on right before the car shut off that was not a very good warning. So I bought a battery for the car and everything has been fine. I really think that put me in a dangerous situation not being able to put my hazard lights on being on a major highway and trying to push it to the side with no power steering.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2020

The car stalls out while in traffic and/or immediately reduce speed flashing-engine reduce code on the dash, mines in particular has flashed service traction and reduce engine power on the dash, diagnostic testing is not giving any codes for a specific reason for this issue, seem to be something up with the sensors and electrical system on this car- causing multiple issues to happen all at one time. Chevy dealer not very help- suggesting to fix random parts and the issue continues. Decided not to drive on the highway, but did drive on a busy street in baltimore county.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2020

Runs ruff and dies at stops (red lights) it's happened 6 times.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2020

I own a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu ltz and I can be driving down the highway and the �service stabilitrack� light will come on, then it will say �reduced engine power�. I will have to pull over, turn car off, and let it sit for a minute or two, then crank back up and those lights will go off, but the service engine light will come on. Sometimes I have to do this every 5-10 miles, depending on the distance of my destination, which poses a safety issue for me, especially if I'm traveling at night. This mostly happens when I'm driving on the highway.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2020

I went thru a drive thru carwash , now my back up camera only shows guidelines , no image , the back up camera is not workimg properly.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/29/2020

My auto stop came on while at a stop sign and when I released the brake my car shut off and won't start I tried jumping car it still won't work. The tow company that towed my car has told me about a recall on auto stop.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/09/2019

Tl-the contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the sunroof was open he was closing his driver window and the vehicle sunroof closed without warning while he was closing the driver side window. The dealer roger dean Chevrolet 101 sw pine island rd, cape coral, FL 33991 (239) 574-3326 was contacted about the issues and request that the contact bring the vehicle in for a diagnose test. The vehicle was not repaired. However, the failure recurred multiple time. The contact mentioned NHTSA campaign: 15v164000 (visibility) as a possible solution to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle is out of warranties and no recall wewre shown under the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. Ck.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2019

Tl- the contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various mph the vehicles varialbe timing oil control sensor automatically malfunctions and won't allow the vehicle to restart. The contact has to manually disable the battery to restart the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer(neil huffman Chevrolet Buick GMC of frankfort 1220 versailles rd #102, frankfort, ky 40601) for a diagnostic exam. The diagnosis was faulty control oil sensor which is back ordered until mid 2021. Therefor the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of this failure and confirmed the information the dealer stated. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000 tp.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/27/2019

Auto stop which comes standard in 2015 Malibu's with 2. 5l engines will not engage. It used to work flawlessly, but it will not engage. Multiple forms that I have read have people stating they have the same issue.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/05/2019

This has occurred on more than one occasion but most recently it scared me most because I was in the middle of a busy highway ! as the car came to a stop it when into power save mode (automatic shutoff) however once took my foot off the brakes it didn't not start the car went completely dead at the middle off a busy highway . I tried repeatedly to crank but it would not start after 3-5 mins it's finally cranked up . Now I've noticed that if in coming to a stop I have to keep the car from going into auto shutoff mode by letting off the brake a little before it actually comes to a complete stop . Also I was at the drive thru window of a restaurant when it shut off on me the last time it finally gave a "service stabilizer" message luckily I had a portable booster in the trunk and just connected it to the battery and the car cranked right up . So for my safety and my children's safety I keep the portable booster in the trunk because idk when it'll just cut off . Also I have use my warranty to have the car serviced however after getting beaten out of so much money for diagnostics and being told they can't find anything wrong with the vehicle idk what else to do . It does not happen everyday but it's beginning to happen more frequently now. Also when I put the car in reverse it takes a few seconds for the backup camera to come on . I noticed before I had the major problem with it shutting down completely a couples times when I would put the car in reverse the radio /screen would go completely black and once I put it back into dive then it would come back on.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/27/2019

The sensor light for my airbags stays on. The car has less than 50,000 miles on it, and the sensor does not work.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2019

Car was parked in a parking lot for over an hour when an electrical fire started by the battery and fuse panel. There have been no modifications made to the car at all. Standard maintenance only has been done including new tires about a year ago. There is no reason a parked cool car should catch on fire. There were no oil leaks at all on the car.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/14/2019

With 2015 Malibu stationary, overnight experienced loss of battery charge and wold not start. Upon recharge, it will now start. However, the hvac control is now inoperative. The hvac system still runs with the last settings it had. This is very similar to recall 13v567000 (Chevrolet 13380) that applied to 2014 model Chevrolets. It is a safety issue because one can no longer set the windshield to defrost for winter driving. Furthermore, this belongs to a chain of electrical issues the car has had - loss of battery charge on 4 occasions, engine stoppage after hard braking on two occasions with warning message to check abs system, intermittent loss of center console display panel. Obviously, if the engine stops in the middle of traffic after hard braking, this is also a safety issue. Dealer has replaced both rear battery and forward battery, however, the problem diagnosis has clearly not been done.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2019

Air bag sensor has been malfunctioning, misreading that there is a passenger in my car when there is not anybody present and the seat is clear. Check airbag light on dash is lit. The the screen display shows a blank green screen when put in reverse and has to be put in park to correct green screen. The auto shut off for the engine when the brake pedal is engaged turns the car completely off; including head lights, interior lights, and all capacities of the vehicle.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/24/2018

A/c control does not turn on. It happens randomly and has occurred multiple times. In the past I had two incidents where I was not able to defrost my windshield.



Malibu Service Bulletins
Malibu Safety Recalls
Malibu Defect Investigations