Chevrolet Malibu owners have reported 3,106 problems related to electrical system (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Chevrolet Malibu based on all problems reported for the Malibu.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the esc and traction control warning lights remained illuminated. Additionally, while the cruise control was activated and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was able to be moved without the brake pedal being depressed. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, exterior lighting, vehicle speed control, electronic stability control (esc). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 122,000.
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all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
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I went to put my car in park and it was saying "shift to park" on my dashboard even though I was already in park. I know that there was a lawsuit that was won for this very defect but my car is not recalled for this and I feel every Malibu should be especially if almost every Malibu is experiencing the same issue nationwide. It cannot be a coincidence. Also I have been having issues with a knocking noise on the back of the car when I am driving and I'm being told it's also another common issue with Malibu's known as the knuckles that need replaced which are not cheap. If these are common issues on every Malibu then every Malibu needs to be recalled for the issue to be fixed not just certain ones. My Malibu has not had one recall but has had the same issues that other Malibu's had with multiple recalls done.
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all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
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There have been numerous days that I press brake to start car in which it does not start. I wait until it will. The trunk seems unaligned as there's more gap on right side. Carpet in front floor is not correct as I have to tuck under trim by door constantly. Backup camera seems distorted and has been not correct in lines to park but remains distorted by the unclear view and awkward angle. While driving at times it feels like going into another gear and it's an automatic. The breaking at times is very hard and pushing passengers forward.
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all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu
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Back up camera quit working. Stated intermittently not working for about 2 days then completely stopped working. No warning lights.
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all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu
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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.
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all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu
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Reduced engine light came on ticking noise stopped 2 times on the highway repair lot ran a diagnostic unable to find the issue car is not working found many codes stillunable to fix the issue.
Turned ignition off car computer read car not in park. All lights were on yellow ignition light on and door chime kept ringing. Started car moved car forward then backed up. Shut car off car still not working properly in park same problem. Moved shifter to park and bumped it a few times. Message went off. Tires make a grinder noise.
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all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu
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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.
Hi my name is [xxx] . Jd byrider financed me this car knowing that it had open recalls putting me and my family's lives in danger. The car has had electrical problems since ive had it. Every other day different lights appear on the dashboard service airbags ,service abs and traction esc off are some of the few. The car has been to their service department 14 times since ive owned it each time they said its fixed then its right back in their shop again. I have one daughter with sickle cell disease and one with autism. My kids are afraid to ride in the car and im afraid to drive it. Last Monday while bringing my kids to school every light on the dash board came on then the car shut down on me on the highway. If the car behind me wouldnt have swerved around me and the one behind it didnt jam their brakes my kids and I would have been seriously hurt or possibly killed. I got the car pulled to byrider they claim it was the alternator said it was fixed but soon as I started the car those same lights were on again. So I brought it back and the guy told me that was another problem and I would have to make another appointment. I cant keep putting myself and my kids in danger. I am returning byrider their vehicle today. Please help us. Byrider cant keep taking advantage of poor people like myself. I am surrendering that car today. Please do not let them put that car back on the road. Someone is going to be seriously injured or killed. My name is [xxx] and my phone number is [xxx] . Thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
I keep having the shift to park issue. I had it repaired January 2022 and is beginning to have this issue again.
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.
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all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
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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 rear camera frequently does not work when the vehicle is put into reverse. This creates a major safety concern and makes it difficult for me, especially as an older driver, to safely back out of parking spaces and avoid hitting someone or something. The rear camera is an important safety feature that I rely on daily. I am requesting that the vehicle be properly repaired, or bought back if the issue cannot be permanently fixed.
My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under recall n192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.
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.
Subject: safety complaint and request for assistance – 2023 Chevrolet Malibu backup camera recall to whom it may concern, I am the owner of a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu that has been affected by the backup camera recall. The malfunctioning backup camera creates a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. The backup camera intermittently fails to display properly when the vehicle is placed in reverse. When this occurs, I am unable to clearly see objects, vehicles, or people behind my vehicle as intended by the safety system. This significantly increases the risk of an accident, especially in parking lots, residential areas, and other locations where pedestrians may be present. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that all safety systems would function reliably. The ongoing issue has caused me concern and has reduced my confidence in the vehicle’s ability to operate safely. A backup camera is an important safety feature, and any failure of this system places drivers and the public at unnecessary risk. Given the seriousness of this recall and the inconvenience and safety concerns it has caused, I respectfully request that Chevrolet review my situation and consider available remedies, including replacement of the vehicle, a vehicle trade-in assistance program, or another appropriate resolution that ensures my safety and restores my confidence in the product. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a prompt response regarding the options available to address this safety concern. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] 2023 Chevrolet Malibu information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
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.
Power steering went out.
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all problems of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
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Back up camera has a recall and there has not been a fix for over 3 months. The back up camera shows a black screen.
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.
Shift to park error on dash. Gm is aware of this issue and won't do anything about it. This causes stress and can cause battery drain. The issue lies within the microswitch that reads that the shifter is in park. The metal arm that activates the switch wears down or the wiring is faulty. Several Malibus, as well as other models have this issue and chevy dealerships want hundreds to thousands of dollars to fix this. If it's a known, repetitive issue on several models, it should be a recall. This causes owners to try to fix this issue themselves, which can cause more damage and more money.
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all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
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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).
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).
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all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu
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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.
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.
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all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
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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.
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all problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu
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| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Electrical System problems | |
| Anti-theft Controller problems | |
| Ignition Switch problems | |
| Car Will Not Start problems | |
| Wiring problems | |
| Alternator/generator/regulator problems | |
| Ignition problems | |
| Starter problems | |
| Horn Assembly problems | |
| Battery problems |