Equipment Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

Chevrolet Malibu owners have reported 1,373 problems related to equipment (under the equipment 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 Equipment problem of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/20/2026

Power steering assist motor is out and it was under recall in 2011 but it was out of the recall window but it has less than 150000 miles.

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2 Equipment problem of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/19/2026

My vehicle is a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu, VIN [xxx]. It is showing recall n262551720 (NHTSA 26v212) concerning the rearview camera. My rearview camera is currently clear and functioning normally, with no distortion or blank screen. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether my specific VIN is actually part of the affected population for this recall and whether the recall should apply to my vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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3 Equipment problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/15/2026

My 2023 Malibu VIN [xxx] has an active backup camera failure due to recall [xxx]. The remedy says unavailable, but the car is currently unsafe. I need to open a corporate case for a dealer loaner vehicle information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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4 Equipment problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/15/2026

My rear view camera is fuzzy and today it went out completely and the screen was black. Sometimes it shows what’s behind the car when I’m backing and then suddenly the screen goes black and I’m unable to see anything. It just started today 6/15/26z . I believe this is a safety hazard and could cause an accident while backing up putting myself and others at risk . There was no warning before this happened, I just noticed the screen was fuzzy on one side, then the fuzziness would go to the other side of the screen . I wasn’t sure what was happening until it completely went black .

5 Equipment problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/12/2026

The problem with this model is the cvt trasmission thats in the vehicle when put into drive mode it stalls to change gears and want change gears for about 5 min then it kicks in to go it does that very often I have took it to the dealership and spent tremendous mount of money the transmission are crapy and stalls the car when put into drive mode please help im not the only one experiencing this issue there is a Chevrolet Malibu group chat on facebook and other sites these transmission needs to be replaced by the dealership they sell these cars with this existing problems and jack the car prices up these is not right and upon taking it to them they act like they dont know the problem this is a big safety issues and can cause harmful to someone if on the interstate or traffic at a blind spot please investigate the work I got done problem still exists.

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6 Equipment problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/12/2026

Failure - b000a-00 body control module error code - shift lever position not plausible . Safety - this causes the car to upon attempting to turn off the car say "shift into park" on the dashboard and the car refuses to turn fully off. This can cause the battery to drain excessively from repeated constant start/stop attempts and leaves the car in an impossible state. You cannot safely leave the car in this state but you have no choice until you get lucky enough to hope an attempt is recognized as parked and shut off normally. This could jeopardize safety in situations you need to turn your car off official bulletin number: gm TSB 23-na-119 there is no warning prior to failure, and no way to override it.

7 Equipment problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/10/2026

The car started giving warnings on the dash "shift to park" even though the shifter is in park. When it happens you can not shut the car off fully causing the battery to drain, you also can not lock the vehicle. The car only has 19k miles on it and gm refuses to fix because the car is out of the standard warranty period by six months.

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8 Equipment problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 08/02/2026

2016 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid lt 1. 8l - current mileage 147,059 miles the factory exhaust heat exchanger failed internally, leaking engine coolant into the exhaust system. This caused check engine codes p0401 / p26be, loss of cabin heat, coolant loss, and exhaust fumes entering cabin. Gm has released 4 revisions of this part and all fail the same way, indicating known defective design. The part is currently on indefinite national backorder with no eta from gm (order #343585 from gmpartsnow on 08/22/2025 held without ship date). Dealers quote $1,587 and cannot obtain part either. This is a safety and emissions defect: coolant loss risks engine overheating, exhaust leak risks carbon monoxide in cabin, and coolant contaminates catalytic converter. Gm discontinued Malibu hybrid in 2019 without proper fix. This should be recalled. They produced a car, we bought it and now they don’t have the overpriced parts in stock to fix my car and when the parts is backordered, I keep driving it because I can’t work without my car which I very much need, the hybrid battery gets overheated, then they sell battery too and other damages too which will cost thousands to fix. This is a scam!.

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9 Equipment problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/30/2026

I am reporting a safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet Malibu that is experiencing a “shift to park” failure. The vehicle displays a “shift to park” warning message even when the gear selector is fully placed in park. Because the vehicle incorrectly detects that it is not in park, it will not allow me to properly turn the vehicle off. This creates a concern because the vehicle may remain powered on when it should be shut down, potentially draining the battery and leaving the vehicle unable to start when needed. This issue appears to be a known problem affecting multiple Chevrolet vehicles, yet owners are still being required to pay out-of-pocket for repairs. My vehicle has just over 54,000 miles, and the repair estimate from Chevrolet is approximately $853. A gear position detection failure is concerning because the vehicle’s ability to recognize park is an important safety function. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this issue represents a safety defect and whether additional action is needed to protect vehicle owners.

10 Equipment problem of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/30/2026

Unknown, I parked the vehicle, got out of it, left car running for ac, locked the doors. The car was in park. Locks unlocked door, rear view camera display cut off, ac still running. I am viewing a house, so I walk around house and car still in park, 0-5min. I go in the house, 10-15 later, out of habit hit the lock buttons on car again, because I couldn't see it. When we exit the house the car is gone. Went in reverse and rolled across a road into a fence. When I arrived at the car, the doors were locked and the car was in reverse.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

11 Equipment problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/19/2026

“steering assist is reduced, drive with care” is showing up for a couple second and disappearing. When that happens my car seems to shut off and the steering wheel stiffens and pull to either the left of right side. All this happens while driving. After the 3rd time of it happening within 10min, my gas fuel level dropped but when back up to the “original” level.

12 Equipment problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/11/2026

A screen popped up saying “reduced engine power” I was already omw to the shop to get one thing fixed. When they tried to pull my car in they say they he car wouldn’t drive and it was hard to accelerate and they had to put it in neutral to get it in the shop. They said they fixed the problem but when I left to go into the main road, my car wouldn’t accelerate to the speed I needed and cars were coming. They were beeping and thank god they were able to slow down because they’ve would’ve hit me. The car does not accelerate and the manias can’t figure out why. Upon doing my research there are 100’s of folks saying the same thing. Right now I am out of a car, I literally just moved on 6/30 and not only do I work doordash, I have a day job and an overnight job. My car is how I make my money and this issue is putting a lot of stress and frustration on me because I need to get to and from work to pay bills. I am waiting to hear back from another mechanic which is even more stressful. Waiting, trying to figure out who can fix this issue and what the issue is.

13 Equipment problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/09/2026

Component: air conditioning – a/c hose assembly / refrigerant discharge line the air conditioning refrigerant discharge line (a/c hose assembly) appears to have been improperly designed and/or installed during manufacturing. The rubber a/c hose was routed in a manner that caused it to rest against or press against the side of the engine. Over time, the engine heat and constant contact burned a hole through the hose, causing a rapid loss of refrigerant (freon). As a result of the refrigerant leak, the air conditioning system stopped blowing cold air, and the hvac system no longer functioned properly. This failure was not caused by normal wear and tear, but by the improper routing and placement of the a/c hose against the engine. The issue was confirmed by meineke service center through a diagnostic inspection and uv dye leak test, which identified the damaged refrigerant discharge line as the source of the leak. A significant safety concern is that simply replacing the hose does not permanently correct the problem if the replacement hose is routed in the same location. Without a manufacturer-provided redesign or long-term repair solution that prevents the hose from contacting the engine, the replacement part is at risk of failing in the same manner. There were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indications before the failure occurred. The air conditioning stopped blowing cold air after the refrigerant escaped through the damaged hose. I believe this is a manufacturing and/or design defect that could affect other vehicles with the same hose routing configuration. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether a safety recall or manufacturer corrective action is warranted.

14 Equipment problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/08/2026

Transmission misfiring.

15 Equipment problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/06/2026

My back up camera stopped working it’s just a black screen now.

16 Equipment problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 07/02/2026

Car states shift to park when vehicle is already in park. It took multiple times to start car again and wiggling of shifter to get car to turn off. Car was repaired by a mechanic by replacing the transmission control and transmission shifter. Chevy is aware of the problem (which can drain the battery if not caught) but has not issued a recall only a technical service bulletin. Cost to me was $569. 00 for repair.

17 Equipment problem of the 2025 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/30/2026

The car screen blanks in and out while driving. This has happened multiple times, I was only able to catch it on video once. . The video is too long to upload but I do have proof.

18 Equipment problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/29/2026

My back up camera just showing blank screen. It's a recall on my model. I was backing up it went blank. Causing me to hit a pole. I took it to jerry's Chevrolet they said can fix it but out of pocket and reimbursed later. I can't afford that. So, I can't even park between cars . This have become and inconvenience. Chevrolet knows the problem fails to do anything about it.

19 Equipment problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/27/2026

Acceleration issues. Started once put in drive didnt want to accelerate, acceleration issues now at higher speeds while driving.

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20 Equipment problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/22/2026

When the vehicle is shifted into park and the ignition button is pressed, the vehicle fails to shut down. The dashboard displays a "shift to park" warning message, indicating the vehicle does not recognize that the gear selector is physically in the park position. To shut the engine off, the driver must repeatedly wiggle, slam, or cycle the gear shifter back and forth into park until the electrical sensor finally registers the connection. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle can roll away if left unsecured, drains the car battery, and prevents the doors from locking properly. Crucially, this defect traps drivers inside an operational vehicle for extended periods while they repeatedly struggle to force it to shut down. This poses an immediate risk of heat-related illness or death (hyperthermia), especially in high-temperature environments, during heatwaves, or for vulnerable occupants like children and the elderly who cannot exit the vehicle safely until it is off.

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21 Equipment problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/19/2026

Vacuum pump failure causing hard brake pedal which made near to impossible to brake safely and properly that lead to timing chain issues.

22 Equipment problem of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/11/2026

The contact rented a 2024 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact was an uber driver. The contact stated that the VIN was previously included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 26v212000 (back over prevention) and 24v575000 (equipment). The contact believed that the vehicle should not have been rented with the open recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The VIN was not available.

23 Equipment problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/10/2026

Back up camera stopped working, there is a recall that was not completed before buying the car.

24 Equipment problem of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 06/01/2026

Back up camera is under recall with no fix and not working period. Goes to black screen with a message “ service vision system” dealership - dan cummins- refuses to repair due to no fix available.

25 Equipment problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 05/28/2026

The gear shift sometimes does read that it’s in park.

26 Equipment problem of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 05/26/2026

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.

27 Equipment problem of the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 05/25/2026

Telematics module failure.

28 Equipment problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 05/16/2026

While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (2. 5l), I experienced a sudden and severe failure of the braking system. [insert exactly what happened here—for example: 'the brake pedal suddenly went completely to the floor,' 'the brakes unexpectedly locked up,' 'the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking power,' or 'the brake warning lights illuminated right as the brakes failed']. This occurred while traveling at approximately 25 mph on a one-lane road. This total/partial loss of braking power created an immediate safety hazard and a high risk of a crash. The vehicle had to be shifted into manual, then safely coasted to a stop. No prior warning signs or brake issues occurred immediately leading up to this event.

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29 Equipment problem of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 05/07/2026

I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my exhaust camshaft and sent metal through out and the timing needs replaced as well. A shop would rather total my car than what it would cost to fix. I’m attempting to fix it myself but have been without my car for months now. This is created such a hardship and the money it’s continues to take as more and more needs to be fixed or replaced as well as all the gaskets and screws that are only one time use as well as parts like my high pressured fuel line I mean this lost keeps going. I and to replace the water pump as well and all due to this vacuum pump that’s been reported and reported and nothing has been done this is outrageous that what’s caused is so much more then just a vacuum pump it can destroy your vehicle miles don’t matter the less or if you have more the pump goes out when it feels like it. Creating more issues then it should and potentially totaling out a vehicle as it’s been said mine should be. So I’m trying to fix my car to prevent losing it and it’s been one thing after another and such a nightmare. The fact that this issue continues to be ignored is unacceptable and a complete disregard to public safety due to the serious safety issue as mine I could barley get my car to stop the breaks were hard and unable to push down without basically standing on them to get into stop at only 7-8 miles per hour I was moving when the vacuum booster went out. Someone should not have to die to have this issue addressed and to be taken seriously and made right! I can’t believe nothing has been done and that it’s not required to have to address this issue with the severity it bring to one’s safety as well as public safety is beyond me. This is a major lawsuit and people’s lives and lovely hood should be taken more seriously and instead nothing is being done. It’s very concerning to think what has to happen for this to be addressed!.

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30 Equipment problem of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 05/04/2026

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).

31 Equipment problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 05/04/2026

So while I was driving my car going 60 on the highway it seemed to be having electrical issues all the lights on my dash popped on then popped off and only a few lights actually stayed on I can't remember exactly but the check engine and my abs stayed on and then on my screen it read to me warning power steering fault my headlights were dimming on and off like my car was going to die, so I had to pull over for my safety and other drivers safety, so after I pulled over safely I shut my car completely off and waited about 5 minutes and turned it back on when it turned back on the only light that popped on my dash was the check engine light, but the check engine light had actually been on the dash for a while after I replaced the 21 fuses that were missing that I didn't know were missing when I purchased the vehicle as is from a dealership the only thing that made me decide to check my fuses was because my check engine light was popping on and off and would stay off for a while then come back on a code reader said it was something to do with my turbo that code it was just very odd and the car was shifting weird 3 or 4 months after the purchase date 12/13/2025 also after I put all the fuses back in a ton of codes popped up others safety and mine were at risk as I didn't really have control of my vehicle when it was doing that and it started breaking itself when I wasn't even hitting the break it was like jolting it's self and stopping slightly. I took my car to aamco total car care for a free diagnostic test, and then I had recently took my car to a chevy dealership in nampa idaho off garrity boulevard because online it had told me there was recalls for my car and that recall was exactly what I was thinking had started off as the original problem originally leading into the other problems I got told to bring my car in then the fed me information saying pretty much it was a bust and that specific Malibu has no recall I think they just didn't want to work on it.

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32 Equipment problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 04/27/2026

My backup camera is not working properly. I show a large cloudy spot in the view.

33 Equipment problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 04/25/2026

Vehicle stalled/lost power while driving due to auto start/stop system.

34 Equipment problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 04/21/2026

I purchased this vehicle in April of 2026, 4 days after bringing it home it began displaying a “shift to park” message in the dash, essentially making it so the vehicle will not shut off even when the vehicle is in park. Took it to a shop and they diagnosed it as a common issue across the 2021 Malibus and stated the entire shifter assembly needed replaced. Have not had it replaced yet due to not having the funds to replace the entire assembly, but was informed eventually the problem will progress to a total loss of being able to turn the vehicle off resulting in the vehicle essentially dying and requiring a jump start where the issue will display on the dashboard again until the internal micro switch is replaced. I believe this issue should be brought to gms attention and a recall should be issued, seeing as they are aware it’s a known issue in Malibus. A chevy dealership specifically told me that replacing the entire assembly may likely not even repair the issue itself.

35 Equipment problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Failure Date: 04/08/2026

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.



Malibu Service Bulletins
Malibu Safety Recalls
Malibu Defect Investigations