Other Fuel System Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

On 04/28/2026, when diagnosing a reoccurring check engine light on the vehicle at a chevy certified service, the mechanic "borescoped cylinder 4 and found significant scuffs on the cylinder wall which along with the misfires indicate a cracked piston. The big picture appears to be the piston cracked which caused excessive oil consumption and misfires. The excess oil and unburned fuel overloaded the converter causing it to fail. The engine and converter will need to be replaced. " in 2017, a recall was issued by gm to mitigate stochastic pre-ignition (spi) causing cracked piston (17019). Between the initial purchase of the vehicle (11/2016) and performed service required by this recall (03/10/2017), there were approximately 5000 miles driven. No engine diagnosis was performed or recommended. After the 17019 was addressed, the engine misfires continued along with reoccurring cel. C. S. P. N182195660 predictive monitoring for stochastic pre-ignition (spi) released in 2019 states the 1. 5 l lfv engines in certain 2016 and 2017 model year Chevrolet Malibu vehicles may have a preignition condition that requires immediate repair. This condition may cause the engine to perform poorly, misfire, run rough, and/or excessively consume oil. It may also illuminate the vehicle’s service engine light. Over time, if not repaired, the condition can damage the vehicle’s pistons and engine. The VIN for this Malibu was not attached to this notice despite it having spi recall history. On 06/2023 (after the n182195660 program ended), at 80k miles a diagnosis revealed a potential cracked cylinder with no mention of the pre-ignition condition that could cause the crack, and the only way to fix is to replace the entire engine (as per dealer recomendation). Since vehicle was out of warranty, the repair est. Was nearly $10k. I firmly believe my 2016 Malibu has suffered the consequences of poor mismanagement on this recall, and am demanding mitigation from gm to fix this issue.

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Took my car for an oil change 4/17/2026 dealership stated I had a recall on the 21 chevy Malibu for fuel injection module, they could not do the recall repair because they did not have the part. So the lady called me. 4/21/2026 to make appointment for recall for 4/23/2026. But later that day on 4/21 my engine light came out and my car started having problems. When ran a diagnostic it gave a code for the fuel injection.

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My car stalls, jerks, and shuts off when in drive. More specifically when I turn it on, shift it in reverse, reverse, shift into drive. I press on the gas and nothing. Car doesn't move. I put it back in park sometimes it'll shut off most of the time it'll jerks and jerk while I tap on the gas, then make a big stutter like power is low gas doesn't seem to be working with the pedal then it makes a huge jerk before it goes into drive. This has become an everyday thing. Car has shut off when auto off is on while at a stop. There's a huge creaking coming from the under body. Almost feels like something is going to fall out from under me. Every turn, bump, speed bump sometimes just at a stop then going into drive will create the loudest sound. Also sometimes it says I need to shift into park when I am in fact in park. When looking up common potential recalls my car checks almost every box that were stated online.

Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! and no wouldn't help me fix any of them. They ignore me. Wasn't no crash. The car lot has been devious and I'm not happy bc that has to do with my safety. My life. My vehicle. Im royally pissed.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

I was driving on the highway and the check engine light came on. The car slowed down due to lack of power. I got off at the nearest exit and the car stalled. I tried to start it but it kept clicking rapidly. The car died at a dangerous intersection so I put my hazard lights on and called 911. The police arrived and asked me to put the car in neutral, but it wouldn't shift. The officer was able to start the car, and I drove it to a mechanic. He ran a diagnostic and the fault code is p023f, fuel pump secondary circuit/open. There are no open recalls on the vehicle, but this is a major safety issue. If I hadn't been able to get off the highway it could have caused a major accident. Also, when I put the car in park and turn it off, the dashboard tells me shift to park even though the car is already in park.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu LS eco , has a start/stop system that will shut off the engine at a traffic light or stop sign upon reaching a full stop and when the brake pedal is firmly pressed. Upon releasing the brake pedal the engine should immediately restart and driver can proceed. Randomly and intermittently the engine will fail to restart, recently it occurred while in heavy traffic with many traffic lights. Problem not noticeable in rural driving. Have not contacted a dealer, no recall found for my VIN. No check engine light or mil is illuminated. Can be unnerving when it happens, people are beeping their horns behind me while I have to shift into park, turn off ignition and restart. Engine restarts normally. 2014 model appears to not have a method of disabling this feature. Car has approximately 111,000 miles on it. Problem first occurred last year 1 or 2 times. Yesterday 2/13 was first time it occurred multiple times in one trip. I have not brought the vehicle to anyone at this point for evaluation. This problem appears in many areas on the internet with other owners of this vehicle type. I am not the first to experience it. What can be done?.

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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.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I have had experience with the "shift to park" error and I have had the "reduced engine power" error message resulting in an uneeded $2200 dollar repair only for it to break down 2 months later, same message this time with fuel spraying under the hood. I nearly blew myself up trying to start my car! how is it that I cant find this dangerous defect on the recall list when I easily found the recurrent problem online? help.

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December 12, 2025 I had to drive 20-30 miles an hour the car would not break I had to use parking break. When I would try to stop it would continue to roll. The pedal was hard! this is very dangerous and other cars have crashed there are also class action lawsuits regarding just this! vehicle vacuum pump the bill was $5200 I am asking for reimbursement! vehicle vacuum pump engine light on tire sensor light on saw there have been more cases.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Unknown fuel leak needs added to recall list . It is currently at the chevy dealership in van buren arkansas getting looked at on the fuel leakage. I'm going to upload some documents for y'all to look at and consider. Everything that has been stated in these recall is exactly what my car is doing and has wrong with it. I'm just asking for it to be added on this recall list because it needs to be y'all will be able to get all the information at the chevy dealership on the fuel leakage it is currently up there right now getting looked at in van buren arkansas. I appreciate y'all and everything y'all do.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Purchased the car February 14 2025 with 102,664 miles on it. About 2 weeks ago I was merging on a highway and it went into limp mode and I almost get rear-ended. It felt like it lost all power. The check engine light came on and I drove it to auto zone to have it scanned and code p0299 was the code, turbo underboost. I then went to o'reilly's for a second opinion and their scanner also said turbo underboost. I have replaced all sensors that interact with the turbo thinking maybe it was a sensor but negative. Turbo failure.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

Engine light is on, message pops up stating "engine power is reduced" and pedal acceleration is limited. I received a message from onstar stating there is a recall on some GMC vehicles regarding this issue, however my VIN is not part of the recall, but it should be, as all the elements stated in the recall are the exact issues in my vehicle.

I was traveling down I-25 at 75 mph because that is what the speed limit here in colorado. I was traveling south heading to colorado springs to visit family and I was entering near castle rock and my vechile would not go at all forward and it seemed as if I lost power to acceleration and I believe it was 2 or 3 lanes to exit off an off ramp as cars pasted me by honking their horns it was very scary as I pulled over to the side of the road letting it glide or coast to a stop very slowly I finally came to a stop. . As I have been reading some recalls due too a transmission issues for these types of vechiles I really hope I'm going about it right and someone reaches out to me about what it is that might be going on because even though my car does not have it listed by a VIN number I still believe that my 2019 chevy Malibu has been subject to recalls for issues including a faulty rear seat belt retractor and a transmission problem that could lead to a loss of propulsion. The rear seat belt recall involves improperly secured retractors, and the transmission recall is due to a start-stop accumulator endcap with missing bolts, which could cause a leak and a loss of propulsion or a fire risk. And would like to have this addressed and or hits the right people concerning this not only for myself but safety for other people traveling at high speeds like myself that night. . . I was 5 days past my dealership warranty when I purchased the vechile from them and made it 6 days because I could get ahold of anyone on the 5 day when this incident occurred and then I called gm because I believe it would of fell under a drive train warranty but they said which was only 5 years warranty on this vechile from the day it was purchased its first time my vechile only has 82000 miles on it and I got it from a dealership here in colorado with 64 or 62000 miles and since then I'm paying on a vechile that is no longer in service parked sincerely and hopefully this reaches the right person. . .

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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).

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.

The car smells strongly of gas. And has a problem accelerating. Check engine light came on and I got a code p1101 which is a code for the maf sensor. This is not the first time that this has happened. It happened less than a year ago maybe 9-10 months ago. I don’t drive the car in fear of it catching a fire. The car has stalled before in the middle of a turn. I had to turn the car off and turn it back on. I called onstar who have no idea what was wrong with it.

The high-pressure fuel pump detached from the cylinder head. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code p228c and reported that one mounting bolt was missing and another bolt was broken off inside the cylinder head, causing the pump to come loose and fail. The damaged parts were replaced at my expense and the components are available for inspection if needed. This failure caused loss of engine power and unsafe drivability, putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. The problem was confirmed and documented by a Chevrolet dealer service center. General motors has inspected the issue through their dealer network but has denied coverage because the vehicle’s VIN was not included in recall 18v-18v-358, even though the failure matches that recall description. Warning symptoms included weeks of engine misfires, loss of performance, and eventually complete power loss while driving. These symptoms first appeared shortly before the failure occurred.

My 2016 Chevrolet Malibu limited (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced sudden loss of power while driving on 9/11/2025 and set code p228c. The dealership diagnosed the problem as the bolts coming loose from the high-pressure fuel pump, which caused the pump to detach from the cylinder head and become damaged, requiring replacement. This failure directly matches the defect described in NHTSA recall 18v-358 (gm campaign 18188/18268). That recall explains that the high-pressure fuel pump can detach from its mounting due to a weld failure, leading to oscillation, damage to the fuel system, and an increased risk of fire. Although the dealer phrased it as “bolts came loose,” the result is identical: the pump detached from the cylinder head and damaged the fuel system. Despite this, my VIN does not show an open recall. Gm customer assistance told me the repair would not be covered because of the vehicle’s age and mileage (current mileage 129264), even though recalls are federal safety obligations that are not limited by warranty coverage. I am requesting that NHTSA review this exclusion and ensure recall 18v-358 coverage applies to my vehicle. This defect creates a serious safety risk of fuel leaks and fire. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving when coming to a stop, my brakes became stiff causing me to almost hit the vehicle in front of me. Also, the car has been stopping while I am driving and on busy roads when I am at a stop light and press the accelerator to proceed, the vehicle just stop and cuts off completely leaving me stranded while trying to restart the vehicle. Also the vehicle has a long crank before it starts. I have been without my vehicle for a month now and it’s very inconvenient due to these issues. It has been to the dealership where they quoted me over 8,000 to fix the problem.

Engine to power is reduced. Poor fuel efficiency. Rough idling while parked. Poor acceleration. Trouble starting up. Burning smell at times.

Vehicle experiences a loss a power will driving. A lawsuit for defective throttle control and pedal position sensor was filed but eventually dismissed. Gm is aware of the issue but has done nothing to fix it.

Throttlebody hose pops off of the throttlebody due to a missing gasket ring as well as the retention clip/spring clip. The plastic pieces on the spring clip have popped off since the issue has been presented. Cannot accelerate past 3 1/2 rpms without throttlebody hose popping off from the pressure produced by the turbo charger.

My 2019 Chevrolet Malibu has severe safety defects involving the engine, powertrain, and speed control. The vehicle will sometimes accelerate on its own with my foot off the gas, and other times it loses all power while pulling into traffic. This creates an immediate risk of a crash. Multiple diagnostic codes appear repeatedly, including p0299 (turbo underboost), p0101 (mass air flow performance), p1101 (intake airflow performance), and p0506 (idle control rpm too low). The charge-air hose repeatedly blows off the throttle body while driving, causing sudden loss of power. The vehicle was sold to me by a dealer as safe and reliable, but these defects appeared shortly after purchase. The unintended acceleration and sudden loss of power make the car dangerous to drive. This appears to be a serious mechanical and safety-related defect that could cause an accident.

The fuel pressure system is faulty and shutting the engine down and reducing speed.

Fuel is leaking and it is messing up my emissions. I had the emissions fixed for my safety inspection. But soon after 2 days later fuel keeps leaking and the smell of gas is so strong in my car. This is a safety hazard of not only becoming inflammable but also the smell is toxic to my health and my grandchildren. I have asthma and all of the following I have experienced headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems, and long-term like asthma exacerbation that is flaring up my asthma and I am afraid it will cause potential cancer.

Shift to park issue and fluid mixing in with engine.

Getting engine power reduced messsge in shop 4th time now in 3 weeks, 2 service bulletins, now they want to put new engine, found over 800 complaints about same issue on car complaint. Com website and more on reddit of same issue . Car wouldn’t go more than 5mph extremely traumatic on highway my son won’t get back in the car he is too scared.

At 40,000 miles, check engine light illuminated. Code reader stated p023f fuel pump secondary circuit open. When trying to take 2023 Malibu to dealership for repairs car would not start. Had to have car towed to dealership. Dealership confirmed same fuel pump error code. Confirmed no recall. Car is currently being repaired by dealership at my expense as dealership & gm says fuel pump is not covered by powertrain warranty. Cost is over $1500! fuel pump should last longer than 40,000 miles! please research this faulty fuel pump!.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Cant pass smog due to code p2646.

I have searched the prior recalls and I’m having the same problem that were said to be fixed. I would like the car check again for the recalls that said to be fixed and checked for all reacalls . The car turns of unexpected without warning . At random times the low power mode is always on and when I push down in the pedal it doesn’t respond well at all . I have invested countless money into fixing issues with this car .

Car was running fine then next day wont turn over. Code reader said fuel injectors weren’t injecting fuel. And ecm failed.

It says that my engine had a problem. It told me to press my brake to start my car. But then it just kept shaking like it was trying to start. I have also had a notification saying to put my car in park when it already was. Today my car just stopped in the middle of the road in heavy traffic. We could have been hit getting out of the car or someone could have hit my car. It was towed to the local Chevrolet dealership to get checked out to see if it could be a recall. I don’t know what is wrong with it yet. There were no warning lamps prior to the failure. They appeared right when it happened.

Car started to loose power and wanted to cut off had to drive with both feet put in the shop a few times but couldn't find any wrong finally stopped driving it and then I started back to driving it and still doing the same thing, finally the motor went out. Have notice more Malibu's in this area and surroundings area having problems with the motor.

See all problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.