Electrical System Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

Chevrolet Malibu owners have reported 3,031 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.

1 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 12/06/2025

Urgent complaint: no response to demand for rescission - odometer fraud, deceptive practices - banner Ford of monroe, la.

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2 Electrical System problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 12/05/2025

Shift to park light remains on and car will not shut down when it is in park already. This is an existing issue with chevy Malibu but no recall yet.

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3 Electrical System problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 11/30/2025

Last year I started getting the dreaded shift to park issue. Takes usually about 30 seconds to realize its in park, even though the dashboard days its in park. Why is there no recall? I see hundreds of thousands of complaints for this. Plus im constantly getting the p1101 code. I know this is a common issue with this car for the dirty throttle body or maf sensor. Why isnt this under recall? I dont have the money to pay for repairs that the dealership should be recalling. The shift to park issue is so common. This is getting ridiculous. Plus the code. Please fix this ASAP.

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4 Electrical System problem of the 2006 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 11/12/2025

My power steering goes in and out as I'm driving depending on the speed. I have trouble swerving if needed because the power steering is not working correctly all the time.

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5 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 11/06/2025

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 suddenly switches to bluetooth randomly.

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6 Electrical System problem of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 11/03/2025

I lost power steering while driving, making the wheel hard to turn. While the car is idle, the steering wheel shakes. Also “esc” pops on on the dashboard.

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7 Electrical System problem of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 10/17/2025

Vehicle was parked, all windows and doors closed. Key remained out of the vehicle. Car parked for several hours without being touched, when suddenly it began to roll forward on its own. The car continued forward and quickly went down a short hill into a rocky area of a field before coming to a stop.

8 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 10/15/2025

Was driving on the freeway maneuvered over to exit vehicle lost power and engine completely shut off while in motion. Same incident occurred while on surface street as I was approaching a red light vehicle completely shut off while in drive and in motion.

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9 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 10/09/2025

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 (just over one year old), a new ac compressor, and a new drive/serpentine belt. - the defect referenced in the recall (interruption of fuel flow) is reasonably the root cause of these consequential failures (battery stress, accessory drive stress). - I have been without the vehicle for 11 days, have not been provided adequate interim mobility support, and have not received timely resolution from gm under my case #xxx (agent jasmine who has followed her company's protocol while remaining helpful and empathetic; supervisor stephanie called October 17, 2025). Requested relief: 1. That gm be required to pay for the recall work (module replacement) *** reimburse/cover the consequential damage (battery, compressor, belt). 2. Interim remedy: loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement for days without vehicle. 3. Acknowledgment of the safety risk posed by the defect and record of the stall incident. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

10 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 10/06/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact entered the residence; however, upon returning to the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the camshaft, fuel vacuum pump, and camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The oxygen sensors were replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

11 Electrical System problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 10/04/2025

I get a engine power reduced warning and check engine light is on for 3 start cycles and goes away. Auto start/stop after stopping, lights flicker and power is slow to come back on upon auto start and I get a power steering reduced warning. ,.

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12 Electrical System problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 10/02/2025

Every so often I get an indication of engine power reduced, but every time I go in to get it checked it's off. I have recently just learned through research online that the issue is caused by a certain condition that gives false reading to the electronics. I have contacted gm and gm financial about the recalls on my cars of the same year. I have not been in a wreck but I have had the issue of engine reduced power in the middle of traffic. Cox Chevrolet in bradenton has turn me away about the issue gm financial is giving me the runaround neither one mention anything about a recall instead I get a estimate $400 /$808. 50/1900. 41 all to fix ecm as I told the mechanic I was driving with no problem through the day me and the kids at the park when it was time to leave the car sounded like it just didn't have no gas. We was stuck tell 10:45 we waited two hours for the tow truck. I have onstar and get monthly reports on my car. When the check engine light comes on onstar has no indication that's why I believe it is the same ecm. I was told by Chevrolet maher service manager of st pete to get my car off their lot as I said before I got a estimate of 400 that went up to 800 and all I did was ask why.

13 Electrical System problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

Engine power reduced, my car then loses the ability to pickup speed I’ve even had my break tighten up on my in the middle of trying to stop my vehicle.

14 Electrical System problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/25/2025

Brake system failure lost brakes twice, went and got a diagnosis reading and it said brake system module failure. That it lost communication with the module.

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15 Electrical System problem of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/18/2025

Unknown.

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16 Electrical System problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/18/2025

While my daughter has been driving our 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2013, the vehicle continues to experience add loss of electric power. The dashboard display and infortainment system went down black. The problem first began -2019-2020 and continues to recur about once or twice a month. The most recent incident occurred on September 18, 2025, with my daughter behind the wheel. An independentc mechanic confirmed that cause is a manufacturer's defect in the fuse box located near the battery. He stated this is a widespread issue and refused to repair it, advising Chevrolet should address it. Chevrolet waldorf kept my car for over a month but only replaced the battery, could find the issue, which did not resolve the defect. This recurring failure creates a serious safety risk to the driver, passenger, and others on the road because the car can lose power and steering at anytime. This issue was he subject of prior NHTSA complaint I submitted in 2020 (id 11315997), and it has continued despite the report. Everytime this defect occurs with Chevrolet Malibu 2013. . . My family's safety, and the safety of others on the road is placed in jeopardy. Gm must be held accountable to correct this ongoing safety defect beforer more lives are placed at risk, and NHTSA's response wil demonstrate where consumer safety is being prioritized or neglected. The upload pdf shows the name butterflies (is me asking questions) in a Malibu forum date 2021.

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17 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/16/2025

Intermittent shift to park message displayed while vehicle in park. Two states have sued and won to have this safety problem taken care of by gm. (ohio and tenn. ) should be a recall item. Why not. Gm service bulletin 19-na-206, march2024.

18 Electrical System problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/10/2025

Unknown, the ignition switch turns on when off position or restart engine when in off selection on ignition switch and the radio is powered back on if key left in the ignition switch powered off when u leave vehicle.

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19 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/05/2025

After shifting the vehicle into park and then attempting to turn the vehicle off a message displays to shift into park, even though the vehicle is already in park.

20 Electrical System problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

The backup camera for this vehicle is starting to fail and the view is blurry. Additionally, it seems that this also is affecting the rear traffic alert as I almost crashed into someone at a parking lot when trying to back out of a space. I will soon have no rear camera or cross traffic alerts.

21 Electrical System problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

Hello, I own a 2018 chevy Malibu. I previously had the recall repair completed for ecm malfunction. Unfortunately, I am still experiencing the same problem that the recall was for. Since then, the issue has returned, and I am concerned that the original remedy did not resolve the safety concern. Can you please advise me on the next steps to have this issue re-inspected and corrected? thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, rayshonette woods.

22 Electrical System problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/29/2025

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.

23 Electrical System problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/28/2025

Vehicle is registering multiple keys from surrounding like vehicles which causes the anti theft system to activate, disabling the vehicle and/or involuntarily draining battery.

24 Electrical System problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

25 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/25/2025

2016 chevy Malibu is experiencing a “shift to park” issue, where the car does not recognize it is in park even after shifting correctly. This prevents the vehicle from turning off, leaving lights and electronics running, which can drain the battery. A service advisor at autonation Chevrolet orlando confirmed this is a common problem in gm vehicles like the traverse and silverado. She explained the repair—replacing the faulty sensor/shifter assembly—typically costs around $800. Beyond battery drain, there are safety concerns, since the system’s failure to recognize park could risk the car rolling if the brakes disengage. The issue first appeared about four months ago, went away, and has now reoccurred.

26 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/19/2025

The component that failed is the internal microswitch/sensor within the gear shifter assembly. The specific part that requires replacement is often documented in general motors technical service bulletin (TSB) 19-na-206 or 23-na-119. The faulty component is available for inspection if the dealership removes the old part and retains it. My safety and the safety of others are put at risk because the vehicle often fails to register that it is fully in "park," which prevents the vehicle from shutting off properly, potentially leaving it in accessory mode. This could lead to a dead battery, leaving me stranded. More importantly, the failure to confirm the 'park' state introduces a risk of the vehicle not being securely immobilized, creating a roll-away hazard if parked on an incline. The problem has been confirmed by local Chevrolet dealership service centers (receipts available). The issue is identical to the defect that prompted official safety recalls for numerous other gm models, including the 2017-2018 GMC acadia. Furthermore, the symptoms described match those outlined in the active class-action settlement for 2016-2019 Malibu owners (stplawsuit. Com).

27 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/18/2025

Vehicle isn’t recognizing that it’s in park, shift to park keeps coming on dashboard which is also causing my vehicle not to change gears correctly.

28 Electrical System problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/16/2025

Shift to parking message came up on dashboard.

29 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/14/2025

The shifter will not read when the vehicle has been placed in park.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

30 Electrical System problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

Currently I am having issues putting my car in park. Even when it shows that it is parked there is an “action required” that pops up saying “shift to park”. This has been happening all week and as I am able to toggle the shift stick it is no longer allowing me to which leaves my car somewhat on when I leave. I’ve contacted the dealership for repairs since I’ve seen this is a common recall issue with my model vehicle. However, they informed me that it would be an out of pocket expense even though research shows that this should be an expense paid by the dealership since they’ve had many complaints on this issue and can cause certain safety issues for members. I’m getting ready to pcs soon and need to pay out of pocket expenses for my move so trying to pay for something that the dealership should pay for is truly inconvenient.

31 Electrical System problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

The telematics module is having an issue where the onstar safety system in the car does not work this will automatically call emergency services in the case of an accident it also controls wireless carplay and the microphone connected to the radio so you can’t make hand free calls.

32 Electrical System problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/10/2025

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.

33 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/06/2025

Door electrical caught fire and the inside of the vehicle was destroyed. Fire started from the electrical in the driver door.

34 Electrical System problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/04/2025

Vehicle stalls at lights and in traffic because of the start / stop system gm has put in this 2019 Malibu. This is dangerous as the vehicle moves if on incline (sometimes backwards). There is no control. The vehicle then has to be shifted into park and then restarted. This happened July of 2024 and August 2025.

35 Electrical System problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/04/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after driving vehicle and shifting into park(p), there was a dinging alert sounded, with the “shift to park" message displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to turn off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a known issue and was related to NHTSA campaign number: 16v502000 (electrical system, power train). The local dealer was contacted and instructed the contact to shift to neutral and then park. The instruction worked once, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called an independent mechanic who was uncertain of how to repair the vehicle and suggested that the contact check for recalls. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.


Other Common Electrical System related problems of Chevrolet Malibu


Malibu Service Bulletins
Malibu Safety Recalls
Malibu Defect Investigations