Electrical System Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

The check engine light keeps coming on and off with a warning that the engine power is being reduced. The dealership's service center can't locate the issue. The car's traction warning went off and the car's speed was reduced while driving. This happened twice in the same day. When you shut the car off and turn it back on the warning goes away and the car drives normal. This is very unsafe. Had this happened on the highway there could have been a serious accident.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

My battery warning light on the dash is illuminated with the notification saying "service battery charging system. " I've researched online and found out that more vehicles of the same year make and model of my vehicle have been recalled for the same issue, but when putting in my VIN number my vehicle does not show up. This issue poses a high risk of danger if not fixed and I would like it to be fixed at dealership for free because I'm a single mother of 2 and can not afford it at the time.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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 contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 19v642000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline, engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

The vehicle was purchased on 04/07 and represented with a mileage of 167,334 at the time of sale. No issues with the odometer or mileage accuracy were disclosed prior to purchase. On 04/08, the vehicle was taken to walmart auto care center for routine service, where it was identified and documented that the odometer/instrument cluster is not functioning and does not display or track mileage. Because the odometer is inoperative, the stated mileage cannot be verified, and the condition existed at the time of sale but was not disclosed. The vehicle was sold in a condition where accurate mileage could not be determined, despite a specific mileage being provided. The failure of the odometer creates a safety concern, as it prevents proper tracking of maintenance intervals, including oil changes, brake servicing, and other critical upkeep. This increases the risk of operating the vehicle with worn or unsafe components, which could lead to mechanical failure while driving. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center, and documentation is available. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. No prior warnings, indicator lights, or disclosures were provided before purchase, and the defect was identified within one day of ownership.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? yes how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the car stalls and/or shuts down while in use has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? yes were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? use purchase date 3/31/2026. First sign of issues 4/3/2026.

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 covered. I have a 2021 and I am not one of them. Not fair. It’s a known problem it should be fixed.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Shift to park indicator comes on after shifting parking gear to park. Car fails to detect that it is in park even when it is.

I am submitting this statement to report a recurring safety and reliability issue with the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle intermittently displays a “shift to park” message when the car is turned off, even though the gear selector is already in the park position. Due to this malfunction, the vehicle’s system does not fully shut down as intended. As a result, electrical components remain active, leading to repeated battery drain and, in some cases, a completely dead battery. This creates an unreliable operating condition and leaves the vehicle unable to start without external assistance. This issue presents both a safety and usability concern. The vehicle may become inoperable without warning due to battery depletion, drivers may be stranded in unsafe or inconvenient locations, the system’s failure to correctly detect the park position raises concerns about the reliability of the transmission interlock and shutdown systems. The problem appears to stem from a fault in the gear position detection or related electronic components, rather than user error. The condition persists despite ensuring the vehicle is properly shifted into park. Given the potential for widespread occurrence and the risk of unexpected vehicle disablement, I respectfully request that this issue be investigated for a possible defect and considered for a recall or service campaign.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Power steering went out.

See all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The backup camera has completely quit working. Only shows a black screen saying “service vision system. ” since it has went out completely about three weeks ago I no longer feel safe backing out of parking spots or driveways, especially when my children are in the car. The car has quite a few blind spots that only the backup camera would show you. The rear vision system started to go in and out about six weeks ago and completely stopped working three weeks ago. I have since taken the car to a gm dealership to have it fixed after finding an open recall on the backup camera. They witnessed the camera malfunction with their own eyes and found the recall themselves, but then relayed to me there was nothing they could do because the recall had not been remedied.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The rear camera comes “loose” and does not register all the time. It seems to be a simple electric issue; possibly an electrical short. I believe it can be easily “fixed” (temporarily) by opening the trunk and running fingers over the camera, it should not happen. I purchased my Malibu new and seldomly drive, approximately 25k miles. I maintain proper maintenance and ensure cleanliness to avoid dust or particles inside the camera or electric components. This should not happen. The wiring should not become loose nor cause the camera to turn off. Chevy dealerships do not acknowledge the issue and expect the car owners to repair the entire electrical system. Definitely should be a recall item!.

I have not been involved in no incident or accident with anybody but my vehicle is installing up and dying in the middle of the road the power steering is locking up the battery is draining and the car is cutting off I had the battery replaced and I'm still losing power in my battery and I can't figure out why I'm not too long after the battery dying and the vehicle starting up and dying it started overheating for no known reason at all shortly after sorting the overheat my navigational system and my radio has started to fail I took it to several places to have it put on machines they can figure out why the check engine light is on or why the battery is dying because it's showing that it has battery the battery life they don't know why it's falling up and down I'm checking till not sound but other than that they're not getting no read out on the machine they put it off of I'll contact the dealership because on certain 2013 chevy Malibu equals they have a recall on the general control module system burger is being defensive but I'm on my specific then there's not a recall online but everything that happens with the defective general control module it sounds like what's going on with my car I'll contact it the dealership and they told me that although they had the recalls on the defective funeral control module if I was to take it to a dealership and it proved to be an effective general control module that I was still going to be liable for out-of-pocket expenses because my car is not covered under the van recall and I'm not understanding how that right or how that's legal when they have all these defects of recalls on these cars and if that's what's going on with mine how is it not the same thing.

The backup camera is malfunctioning and will not display anything behind me. Just a black screen saying “service vision system. ” there are far too many blind spots when it comes to reversing with this car that I feel unsafe when I have to back out of parking spots or driveways. I have taken the vehicle to a gm dealership and they refuse to replace the camera because there is “no remedy” available even though they, themselves seen the camera was inoperable. The camera was going in and out for about three weeks prior to it completely being unusable about three weeks ago.

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LS related to the electronic stability control (esc), traction control, and electric power steering systems. My vehicle is currently experiencing the following problems: * “service esc” warning message * “esc off” displayed * traction control disabled * electric power steering warning * airbag warning light illuminated these issues occur while driving and directly impact the vehicle’s safety systems and handling. I am aware of a prior safety recall issued by general motors under recall number 13036, which involves electrical wiring, the body control module (bcm), and brake assist system (bas). According to the recall, this defect can result in the loss of electronic stability control, traction control, and other critical safety features. My vehicle is experiencing the exact same symptoms described in recall #13036, including the disabling of esc and traction control systems. However, I have been informed that my VIN may not be included in this recall, despite the identical safety-related failures. This presents a significant safety risk because: * electronic stability control and traction control systems are not functioning * steering assist may be compromised * crash avoidance and braking support features may be disabled I am requesting that this issue be investigated and that consideration be given to expanding recall #13036 to include additional affected vehicles like mine, as this appears to be a widespread defect. This condition poses a serious risk to driver and passenger safety, thank you so much you can contact me back via email [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The electrical system has caused the car to stop mid traffic multiple times while driving. Had everything checked and it does it multiple times with my kids in the car. The transmission stalls and when you hit the gas it ramps up but doesn’t move until last minute and jumps causing the car to be unsafe nd jump into traffic . I see it has many recalls for this year and vehicle but yet my con isn’t showing up but it definitely has those issues . It not safe to drive at all. The electrical issue cause the battery to die over night constantly jumping it over and over to start it.

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 weeks since then haven’t had it fixed due to low funds. A couple days ago I was driving with two [xxx] olds in the car and was at a stop light. After about a minute the cars engine turned completely off lost all power including the center screen that displays your settings and radio, all lights, and the screen behind the wheel all with my foot on the break at a stop light. Due to this situation I was unable to turn my hazards on to alert the cars coming up being me at a green light absolutely panicked that we were going to get into an accident. A little while after the car turned back on, but unfortunately when trying to push down on the gas pedal nothing was happening. No revving sound and no movement of the car. Car still in drive. A police officer pulled up behind me to check if we were okay. He stayed to keep us safe until people came to push the car off to the side. During the push the wheel was almost completely locked up as well as the breaks. This is not the first time the breaks have locked up on me. Next day we got the car to a safe area to be parked. A couple days later went to try and turn the car on and immediately the car is shaking violently and making horrible noises. The car is unsafe for me to drive and unsafe for people on the road. This car is completely unable to be driven now also due to the horrible shaking. No recalls were found under my VIN, but all of these signs seem to be a problem for other people. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

My 2023 chevy Malibu has a missing turbocharger screw that randomly came off from under a metal plate on its own, GMC has a recall on 2022 -2023 chey Malibu with turbo charger issues but they wont cover mines because it didnt come from a certian factory although they know a hell of alot of chevy Malibu owners have turbo charger issues and that factories share parts with other factories they say they wont do a recall on all the Malibus unless alot of people report and NHTSA makes GMC reall all chevy Malibus turbocharger ( gm launched a special coverage program for 2022-2023 models with 1. 5l engines due to turbocharger failures leading to "reduced engine power". The program covers, or potentially reimburses, repairs up to 15 years/150,000 miles)but my vehicle VIN isnt covered.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

My car caught on fire under the hood. As I was driving on road I heard a sound and my car started slowing down and smoke started coming from under the hood got out the car not a minute later flames of smoke engulfed the car.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Driving down the interstate I noticed the steering wheel lightly jumping intermittently like it wanted to take control and turn itself. A few minutes later the power steering completely went out and the dash board display esc off, power steering. I had no control of the vehicle. After turning the car off and then back on it would go away but happen later. Tried the recommended disconnect of the battery and hard restart and it would be fine for a little bit but happen again. Fast forward 2 weeks later and now completely out. This is extremely dangerous and a recall was already conducted for this year, make and model, but not on all vins associated. This recall needs to be reinstated covering all vins of this year before someone is seriously hurt or possibly killed.

Gradual battery charge loss, check engine light (mil) illumination, and engine stall or failure to start. Burning/melting odor. Warning lights: "service charging system" or battery light on dash. Electrical failure: vehicle stalled, won't start, has a dead battery. Noise/smell: burning odor, smoke from the trunk, or rattling/squealing noises. Specific eco model issues: the 2013 eco model (eassist) has a known recall for a failing generator control module but for some reason doesn't include my VIN number in the recall even tho I've experienced these same issues.

The power steering went out on the car as I was driving down the highway going 65 mph.

See all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The vehicle shut off in the middle of the street. I had to get it jumped to start again. There was a fuel leak. Car is still smelling like fuel after getting it repaired. The vehicle doesn't alert if your close to a car or anything.

Generator control module, I seen there was recalls on 2013 chevy Malibu eco equipped with eassist. That is what my car is and the gcm is out of it.

The camera intermittently stops working, which makes backing up dangerous—especially since I’m [xxx] [xxx] . I haven’t taken it to the dealer yet because the issue happens unpredictably, and every time I consider going in for repairs, the camera starts working again. I need a reliable solution to fix this problem. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My vehicle sometimes will not start when I press the start button and press the brakes at the same time. The dashboard will light up with a message that says “service esc” followed by “engine power is reduced”. When it does start, I can drive the vehicle for a moment before it does the engine power reduced mode where the car feels like its pulling more. It has done this several times while I’m driving on the highway which often times causes me to have to pull over to the side of the road, or make my way to the slow lane so I can pull into a gas station or somewhere public at the next exit. When the dashboard lights up with “service esc”, all of the hands on my dashboard (I. E the hands for the speedometer, gas, the car temp and the rpm) move radically back and forth while the car is driving. Sometimes the speedometer will say 0mph even tho the car is moving. Sometimes I am able to pull over and turn my car off and back on and the lights will go away, but often times this doesn’t solve the problem. In fact, it feels like it only exacerbates the problem because when I shift it into park and then attempt to turn off the vehicle, it says “shift to park” even though it is parked. In fact, this morning when the vehicle wouldn’t start after I tried to start it with the button, I attempted to turn the vehicle off (because the radio would come on and I can see lights on the dashboard, but the vehicle itself won’t start) and it said “shift to park” even though it is parked and has been since last night. I contacted the nearest chevy dealership and they informed me that they have dealt with plenty of these complaints lately. I have not had an inspection completed by the dealership because my extended warranty is up and I do not have the funds to pay for a diagnostic inspection.

This is my 3rd complaint (ref: previous reports). The vehicle is now a total loss. 1. Unresolved engine/steering (prior complaints): this 2013 Malibu has a documented history of sudden engine stalling and total loss of power steering at highway speeds. Despite reporting this twice to the NHTSA and to gm, the manufacturer failed to provide a remedy. 2. Recent systemic collapse: prior to the car becoming completely undrivable in my driveway, the instrument cluster suffered a total blackout (no speedometer/indicators). This matches gm TSB mc-10181662-9999, proving a known design defect in the electrical system/bcm. 3. Recall discrepancy: in addition to these engine/steering failures, a mandatory federal recall for the rear suspension toe link (20v764), which I was notified of in 2020, has 'vanished' from the system without being performed. 4. Denial of service: the dealer is demanding a $1,900 diagnostic fee to even look at these documented, life-threatening safety defects, including the free federal recall. This is a violation of the maryland implied warranty of merchantability. On January 6, 2026, the check engine light illuminated, followed by a total instrument cluster blackout and electrical failure. The vehicle has been undrivable in my driveway since this total system collapse. This follows years of stalling and steering issues that the manufacturer failed to remedy. ".

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that under previous vehicle ownership, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control (esc); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the rear brake light failed to illuminate as intended; however, when the brake pedal was released, the brake lights would illuminate. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

So just recently I was on my way home from my parents house, and I take a highway to get there from my home. It’s a direct shot, fastest way to get to and from. I was merging right to get in the turn lane to the highway I take, and I heard a click, and my steering wheel felt like it locked up. I look at the dash, and see it says “power steering” and then “esc off”. The turn to merge onto the highway is a pretty sharp turn over a very steep hill. I had to force the steering wheel to the right, and crush on the brakes to get on the side of the road, where I could stop and inspect. I inevitably ended up giving up, because it’s freezing outside and I am not a mechanic. But it didn’t happen the rest of the way to my home. Since then though, it happens every time I drive the car. Turning the car off and on, while moving the steering wheel from left/right seems to temporarily fix the issue. Until the cars is idling again, and then it clicks off. I have a video of my steering wheel shaking and moving on its own, but this website only lets you upload pics or files. This started the next time I drove the car. Which was the day after the incident. I have not had any service done to it, as I can’t afford it. It is available for servicing upon request. I have had an check engine light and abs light on for sometime. But I think that’s because the warning lights weren’t reset after my dad changed my oil, and my brake pads.

Car started shaking in the middle of driving it about 30 mph and all the electrical like door locks were going up and down car wasn’t accelerating and an alert came up for stabilizing wheels I believe. It happened for about a couple seconds and then everything went back to normal and randomly happens while I’m driving. Check engine appeared and went to the mechanic shop I usually go to and found out I had ebcm and ecm modules bad. Do some research on the car and noticed it had a recall back in 2014 for ebcm. The problem has resurfaced.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

When shifting my car into park the vehicle did not recognize that the gear was indeed in park. I would get a message saying “shift to park” and I could not fully turn my car off. This problem made me feel unsafe as I didn’t know what to do when it wouldn’t turn off. My battery could have run down and I would be stranded. In researching this problem gm was sued for the very same problem in earlier models so I am incredulous that they have not fixed this issue or initiated a product recall. I had to have an internal switch replaced at a gm dealer service center at my expense and the car only had 15263 miles on it.

May 7, 2026 national highway traffic safety administration 1200 new jersey avenue se washington, DC 20590 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 (20-25mph), and inconsistent braking behavior. This situation happens without warning, at any given time, even in the flow of traffic. An independent inspection indicated the brake system was in proper condition, suggesting a more complex underlying safety issue. The vehicle was taken to reed-lallier Chevrolet for diagnosis and remained there for approximately five months. During that time, I was not provided documentation confirming completion of a brake system diagnostic or a clear resolution path. Due to the extended delay without diagnosis, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. I am also concerned that prolonged inactivity without proper repair may have worsened the condition and increased risk of failure. Given the nature of the symptoms involving braking and vehicle control, I request review for potential safety-related investigation. Vehicle information: 2020 Chevrolet Malibu VIN: mileage:.

On December 24, 2025, the contact's 2023 Chevrolet Malibu was involved in a severe side-impact collision. The vehicle was struck on the rear passenger side by a full-size pickup truck traveling at high speed (est. 60 mph) that failed to stop at a red light. The impact caused the contact's vehicle to spin approximately 180 degrees and strike a concrete median sideways, generating high lateral g-forces. Failure 1: airbag non-deployment. Despite the severity of the impact and the violent spin into a curb (rollover trip point), the side curtain airbags and front seat-mounted side impact airbags failed to deploy. The failure of the restraint system caused the driver to be thrown against the driver-side door structure, striking their head on the window and b-pillar. The driver sustained a concussion, cervical strain, and lumbar strain. Medical records confirm the injuries are consistent with impact against the vehicle interior due to non-deployment. Failure 2: emergency telematics malfunction. Immediately post-collision, the driver attempted to manually activate the onstar/sos emergency buttons. The system failed to connect to an advisor. Instead, the vehicle's infotainment screen malfunctioned, opening a voice-to-text transcription application. The system then bypassed the vehicle's internal telematics module and attempted to route the emergency call to the owner's personal cell phone, indicating a complete failure of the vehicle's emergency communication hardware. This resulted in a 34-minute delay in coordinating professional assistance. Contact notes; while this vehicle currently shows 0 open recalls, the failure mechanism (sensor non-response during side impact) mimics the defect described in NHTSA campaign 22v923000 (gm recall n222392300), where improper welding of the front impact bar causes crash sensors to fail. The vehicle is available for inspection. Police and medical reports confirm the incident details. No warning lights were illuminated prior to crash.

The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with all gm vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due to this issue and the repair to fix is too much with no assistance from gm for a known defect. My car was almost hit because of the car had to be towed because it’s unable to be moved.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked under a carport in her driveway, she had been warned by neighbors that the rear end of the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that she saw that flames were issuing from both rear light housings. The contact stated that by the time her husband and a neighbor attempted to extinguish the flames with garden hoses, the light housings and the rear bumper were on fire and melting. The fire department and the police were called. The contact stated that by the time emergency services arrived, the flames had been extinguished. The contact stated that the fire department opened the trunk, and the interior of the trunk and the matting were not damaged. The only damage was to the rear light housings and the rear bumper. The fire department had not issued a report, however the police had. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 chevy Malibu hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the capital cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the ebcm with brake pressure modulator valve" and said it would cost over $2800. 00. Upon further research I discovered that the same make model and year was recalled under recall #39440. I also learned the my VIN number was not included in this recall. This is a safety defect that has rendered my car not drivable until I get it fixed. As a senior citizen on a fixed income I am unable to fixed. I would like to know why was my car not included in the recall and if its possible to get it on the recall list so it can be fixed.