Other Fuel System Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 1

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).

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

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 🔎.

I was going about 75 mph on the express way with one lane open due to construction. My car started losing power. I heard the chime and upon the dashboard were the words power reduced. My car slowed down in a matter of seconds to around 45 mph. A 18 wheeler was trailing behind me. I quickly jumped in the emergency lane to my right and took the next exit while riding the emergency lane. I shut the car off at the gas station, sat there for about 10 minutes, restarting my car helped temporarily. I was 3 hours away from home and had to drive back unknowingly if I will make it or not. I reached out to Chevrolet and was told to bring it in and leave it but they had no loaner cars for anyone at that time. I have replaced 2 sensors and now my start /stop has quit working. I spoke with 5 visitors at Chevrolet and we all were having the same issues. This is something ongoing according to my research on this particular vehicle and should be recalled ASAP.

One of my first problems with this car is the “shift to park” error message. This message on the dashboard indicating that my gear is not in p (park) when in fact it is . This error will not allow me to turn off my car even though I am parked. My second issue is just recently I have been experiencing from idle noise and small leakage looks as though it’s coming from the fuel injectors and I was stuck on the road at night because my car decided to stop and the “shift to park” message came back up and my car started to loose acceleration in the middle of the road on a busy street with no stop signs visible. (car accident waiting to happen). My steering wheel locked up on me and my car completely stopped. I tried to turn it off and back on but this did not work as I tried to mash on the gas with my car in drive . As I did some research I see recalls on my car that I was not aware of which is very accurate to the issue I’m experiencing. Only having this car for one year now and the first issue started way before a year in. Dealership has not fixed my car and the problem has left my car undrivable.

The fuel line to the engine is leaking an 2 gallons leaked onto my driveway. Also, the vehicle cabin was consumed with fuel fumes which was a hazard and dangerous. The was danger of the vehicle exploding or catching fire. No warning lights appeared. The incident occurred on 2/23/25. The fleet vehicle has been taken to belle tire for repair; however, not inspected by the manufacturer. My husband and my safety were put at risk because car could have exploded when ignition was turned on. Please contact me at 2485609173 by 2/28/25. . . Thank you.

So I found a recall on a twenty twenty two Malibu l t one point five liter turbo, which is exactly what I have, and the recall describes my exact issue to the t. It spits out a code for a bad fuel pump. G d I fuel pump, and a couple other codes that are secondary like the camshaft sensor fuel bank 1, solenoids, which both I had replaced this week? the car barely has a 100000 miles, and despite the reduced engine power message coming on, like I said every symptom, my car showing is lining up with the recall yet, gm says my VIN isn't one that's covered out of the 22 Malibu 1. 5 onliters and the fix is 30 recalibration of ecm. This is not a new issue to g. M. The older models had a similar issue and like I said, the specific 22 model that I have has a recall and tons of people have had issues. The car won't go over forty I get maybe seven or eight miles to the gallon, no power hardly, speeds on the freeway immediately dropped to dangerous speeds nearly causing wreck. How can they say the same identical engine and yr,make,model isnt covered while there's lawsuits abs tons of people with same issue. Through two mechanics, I've ruled out the other two code issues by like I said replacing solenoids and camshaft position sensor. Please help I'm still paying a good amount of money on a lien. For this, vehicle can't afford eleven hundred dollars for them to replace a fuel pump that truly isn't bad abs only vehicle with daughter who's in wheelchair needs safe reliable car.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Fuel leaking from engine.

Engine power abruptly stopped while driving causing drivers behind me to almost rear end me. Dashboard displays ‘engine power is reduced. ’ it has happened since I purchased the vehicle in 2017 but had not done this in a few years. I’m on top of maintenance and did mention this issue to the dealer but no one reached out or offered a solution.

Started car after acceleration, car started shaking , check engine light came on , acceleration decreased and message saying service stabilitrak. 6 hours later started car and message no longer, check engine light off and car not shaking anymore. Chevy dealership diagnosed misfire, fuel injector needs replaced and damaged ecm.

The car will drive but is unable to turn. It's like the steering wheel is locked.

See all problems of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

P0420 code.

Car has "check engine light" mechanic says vapor canister vent solenoid is bad. Part number: 2282618. Also said they have been seeing this a lot on chevy Malibus and other gm cars. Part was not available from chevorlet for oven two months.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

A couple days ago I went to drive my car and it took a second to actually turn on and it was shaking way more than usual and pooped up with a message saying “engine power is reduced” I haven’t drove my car since because I tried and it was moving very slow, and I also didn’t wanna cause further issues. For some time now my car has been shaky. I have taken it in and balanced my tires because of this issue and nothing had helped. I am always scared to drive it because it has been so shaky but now that this message has popped up it’s even worse and it’s during my whole drive. Also every time I park it isn’t connecting and says “shift to park” even though it is shifted into park. I have to shake it and press some button to go all register that it is shifted into park and can shut my vehicle off. I have read every where that this issue has happened to so many 2016/2017 chevy Malibu’s. I have read the dangers and I do not feel safe driving my car like this. I also didn’t have my car when there was a recall on this exact part before. And I’m guessing the dealership who had it before me did not fix it, causing the problems to worsen other parts of my car. I can’t drive this car due to the safety and I believe it should be a recalled. I am not totally sure what is doing it but as of all the other people online, they said it has to do the gas pedal (2k replacement) and fuel pumps and also could have burned wires which my car also has. Thank you.

I started smelling a strong smell of gas while operating the vehicle. Took to a dealership who diagnosed a turbocharger clamp and exhaust failure. From what I understand I am not the only one with a clamp/exhaust/seal problem. A friend of mine who owned a gm product had similar problems to the point her engine failed altogether. Please investigate!.

When parking it says shift to park even when I’m already in park. The dealer says it’s the shifter however after seeing numerous other vehicles with this issue I believe it’s electrical.

My car has the auto shut off and when im driving it sometimes just dies while im driving with no warning and no power steering to pull over. Also when im at a red light and the auto shut off comes on when it starts back up all my head lights turning signals radio everything goes off and comes back on when the car restarts then when u go to take off it will die and everytime I push on the gas it hesitates to go if it dont die. I took my car to an independent car repair shop and they said they have tested everything and I have also replaced the front and back batteries and I was told it is the computer and he has had several of the same car come in with the exact problem.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Purchased a car for financing from barret motors and 2300 lakeview pkwy, rowlett, TX and as soon as I drove it off the lot on [xxx] the engine light popped on. I immediately called and was told to just take it to chevy/GMC for servicing but was not told why, but just because the engine light was on I was told to go. I couldn’t take an appointment ASAP because I just started a new job which they also knew. The car has had a recall since 09-06-19 for an engine control module. Which is a serious issue and this car never had it completed and sold me a car with possible engine issue and did not inform there’s a recall on the vehicle for almost 5 years now. I took the car to get serviced at chevy for the recall on 09/09/2025 and now I am facing multiple issues with the car from it not being done years ago. The recall was n192221960 and it’s major so to sell a car before getting the properly service and I have been financing the vehicle for a year now. Never not once late and I am now being told there’s nothing can be done. I have photos of the car having the engine light pop on the same day u financed this vehicle. Barret knew a serious engine problem was effecting this car for 5 years and still deciding to sell it to me for financing on [xxx]. I need immediate assistance. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The computer was not recognizing my car being in the correct gear shift. It did this for a few days until finally, I couldn't drive it. The car would not recognize any part of the gear being in the correct position. The car would not move forward or reverse, resulting in a tow. The mechanic at reed lallier Chevrolet in fayetteville nc was even able to guess my car make and model from the symptoms I reported (which was later discovered, in my case, the gear shift link had loosened), and confirmed that if this happened while in motion, it would have been very dangerous. He also said they had 3 other cars that same day that had different causes but the same exact faulty gear recognition, with all of them being recent-year Malibu Chevrolet models and the following day when I was doing my follow-up call concerning my car, 2 more were brought in with the faulty gear recognition issue.

Car pauses after stopping at lights and stop signs and in stop-n-go traffic and won't go as soon as gas pedal is pressed. It hesitates then jerks forward once the gas is activated. Check engine warning is for stop/start transmission accumulator sensor! cost to repair over $1300 and seems to be the same issue seen in thousands of 2018 Malibu's that have been recalled??? my car does not show an active recall??? chevy rep andrea at 1-800-222-1020 said sorry no recall for your car and to contact you with complaint? this issue almost caused my wife to have accidents after the car lurched forward after stopping. We were also beeped at many times as cars behind us were frustrated we could not move for 10-20 seconds after stopping! [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] car is being repaired now by belise Chevrolet warwick ri 877-553-0957. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).