Service Brakes Problems of Chevrolet Malibu - part 2

The vacuum pump continues to go out causes code p1101. I have replaced it 4 times and people just in my town are fighting this code for dear life like me! it causes our brakes to barely work and make it completely unsafe to drive as the check engine light goes in and out for maf sensor. It’s not safe. It needs to be recalled. It doesn’t matter if I buy the most cheapest part or expensive part. It has happened on multiple occasions where I replace it and within 2 months, its back on and does reduced power in the middle of me driving on busy roads. I’ve been almost hit and almost caused multiple accidents because I have to pull over.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

May 7, 2026 national highway traffic safety administration 1200 new jersey avenue se washington, DC 20590 safety defect complaint – brake system / vehicle control concerns 2020 Chevrolet Malibu dear NHTSA, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding persistent braking and vehicle control issues involving my 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Prior to December 31, 2025, the vehicle exhibited jerking during braking, all dashboard gauges go to the left, warning lights, reduced power (20-25mph), and inconsistent braking behavior. This situation happens without warning, at any given time, even in the flow of traffic. An independent inspection indicated the brake system was in proper condition, suggesting a more complex underlying safety issue. The vehicle was taken to reed-lallier Chevrolet for diagnosis and remained there for approximately five months. During that time, I was not provided documentation confirming completion of a brake system diagnostic or a clear resolution path. Due to the extended delay without diagnosis, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. I am also concerned that prolonged inactivity without proper repair may have worsened the condition and increased risk of failure. Given the nature of the symptoms involving braking and vehicle control, I request review for potential safety-related investigation. Vehicle information: 2020 Chevrolet Malibu VIN: mileage:.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Antilock braking system.

The vehicle went into shift to park and will not turn off. This is a known problem with all gm vehicles that hasn’t been fixed or offered a warranty for. It’s dangerous and causes the car not to move shut off in traffic and drains the battery. My car currently isn’t working due to this issue and the repair to fix is too much with no assistance from gm for a known defect. My car was almost hit because of the car had to be towed because it’s unable to be moved.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I was unaware that when I purchased this vehicle that when the oil is low, the breaks go out and the break power booster shatters. The beaks have gone out on me 2x already and thankfully I’ve only had to replace the break power booster only once. Now once the oil is changed the breaks go back to normal, there is no grinding of any sort heard, so now going forward I pay real close attention to my engine, I listen and pay attention to the feeling and sound of the breaks, once the oil begins to become low knowing it’s time for an oil change around 40% is when I start to feel a bit of the difference in the breaks and I can feel a little bit of grinding, no oil light has come on at this time nor has the oil light or any type of signal has ever come on at anytime to let me know that it was time for an oil change. I’ve checked for recalls, I’ve checked message boards, mechanics have no clue about this problem, but at least my mechanic does now!.

On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 chevy Malibu hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the capital cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the ebcm with brake pressure modulator valve" and said it would cost over $2800. 00. Upon further research I discovered that the same make model and year was recalled under recall #39440. I also learned the my VIN number was not included in this recall. This is a safety defect that has rendered my car not drivable until I get it fixed. As a senior citizen on a fixed income I am unable to fixed. I would like to know why was my car not included in the recall and if its possible to get it on the recall list so it can be fixed.

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.

My 2016 Malibu has a severe ebcm-related safety defect causing all four brakes to drag and overheat (reaching 240°f), leading to unstable handling. This condition mirrors the 2016 Malibu ebcm recall (gm recall 39440). I sought help from gm. A gm-certified dealer-monken in centralia, IL performed a “diagnostic scan” which documented the core hydraulic failure: a constant, uncommanded 6. 839 psi residual brake line pressure when the pedal was released. (a healthy system should be near 0 psi) this 6. 839 psi is actively forcing the brakes to drag. The dealer ignored their own scientific data and submitted a fraudulent diagnosis of ("rust buildup") to gm, which gm used to deny the claim based on mileage. “rust buildup” doesn’t create hydraulic pressure. Gm is aware of this specific, documented, quantifiable safety defect (the 6. 839 psi pressure) and is refusing to investigate it further. I stressed to gm that the vehicle wasn’t safe to drive and that I have a small child who has to ride in the car with me. Gm dismissed my concerns by stating the dealership won’t release my car unless its safe to drive. I then had to drive the car 22 miles back home with all 4 brakes dragging. I requested the full diagnostic scan report (that the mechanic confirmed he could provide me with when I dropped my car off there) numerous times and never did I get one. I informed them that I would be filing a complaint hadn’t I received it by a certain time. The new kid in service then did send me screenshots of a generic obdii scanner where I saw the 6. 839 psi. I knew what the issue was prior to taking my car to monken. I had an independent scan done prior. I only took the car there to comply with gm’s protocol to be eligible for assistance. I am requesting NHTSA investigate gm for failure to address a documented hydraulic control safety defect that causes brake dragging and overheating, which is non-compliant with safety standards. I can give further info please call me for further details.

Was driving on highway and starting to exit and my engine light came on and it alerted reduced engine power. I had to slam on my brakes but they were very hard to press and almost non existent and steering was also difficult. Managed to get car to side of road but due to very hard to non existent brakes I did graze a truck and damaged my rear drivers side fender. I am very lucky I didn’t get injured and was able to mostly miss the cars stopped in front of me. I also have the shift to park issue happen at least 4 times a week.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The brake booster unit, vacuum pump , brake light switch failed and malfunctioned and it is available. My safety and others on the road was at risk due to brakes being stiff and hard as a brick. Possibly nearly hit an other vehicles on the road. No warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the failure.

The vacuum pump for the brake assist is made from bad metal which can break and screw up the camshaft, chevy knows of this problem they have a recall for the 2017 model but not the 2018 which they both have the same exact problem, they need to take care of this it is a major safety issue, I have no brakes and it could potentially ruin my engine.

While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the brake failure occurred. In January 2024, I reported brake-related concerns to a Chevrolet dealership while the vehicle was under warranty, but the root cause was not diagnosed. In November 2025, after the brake pedal became hard, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined the brake problem was caused by a failing engine vacuum pump. They advised that the vehicle be repaired by a Chevrolet dealership. By January 2026, the brake condition had worsened to the point that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive and had to be towed. A Chevrolet dealership later confirmed that the engine vacuum pump had seized and damaged the camshaft, requiring replacement of both components. The vehicle remains inoperable. The failed vacuum pump caused loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and an increased risk of a crash. I believe this represents a serious safety defect because failure of the vacuum pump significantly impairs the driver’s ability to stop the vehicle safely. I understand gm has issued service information regarding vacuum pump failures on this engine, and I am submitting this complaint because I believe other drivers may experience the same dangerous brake failure.

While driving the cars speedometer and all gages will stop working, or they will constantly move up and down on their own, it will also not accelerate to speed limit in a timely manner. . When stopping the car it will brake extremely hard on its own and throw me forward it will also give a warning message on the dash that the power steering isn’t working and to drive with caution. When parking the car and it is in park a message on the dash will appear saying shift to park.

Car suddenly stopped dead cold while driving on a highly driven road. No power. Several attempts were made to get off the main road and drive to a close neighborhood. Finally started and at every stop sign the car grinded during stopping and threw me backwards in driver's seat. Needed a tow. .

My car has been malfunctioning it keeps saying shift to park when it’s park and it show esc system issue and then the brakes stop working it has been going on and off took it to lou bachrodt Chevrolet and they couldn’t fix the issue. I have done research online and it shows the same.

Vehicle vacuum pump failed I have changed it 4 times now. Saw there have been more cases.

My 2016 chevy Malibu limited is experiencing electronic brake control module (ebcm) failure symptoms that match recall 39440, even though my VIN is not listed in the recall. Details of the problem: -the brakes would randomly feel like they were sticking and the car being held back -brake lights would remain on -car would float all over the road -abs and stabilitrak warning lights illuminated in the dash once. -abs and esc functions stop working, leaving only based braking available. -these failures occur intermittently but increased to everytime. -all 4 brakes are dragging, pulsing (no lights illuminated), reaching 240 degrees -confirmed by mechanic ebcm this is a safety hazard. The vehicle becomes more difficult to control in adverse conditions without abs/esc. I transport my special-needs child in this vehicle, and I am deeply concerned for our safety. Why I believe recall expansion is needed: gm has acknowledged this exact defect in recall 39440 (affecting other 2016 Malibus built during specific production dates). My vehicle is showing the same failure, and I request NHTSA investigate whether the recall population should be expanded to include additional vins.

I own a 2018 chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by general motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with the warranty replacement engine. At that point, I experienced a sudden loss of braking while driving. My vehicle was again diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, and the vacuum pump was replaced. Approximately one week after the vacuum pump replacement, the warranty replacement engine suffered catastrophic failure. The repair facility diagnosed cylinder #3 scoring and informed me that the engine required replacement. I was told that the engine failure was related to the vacuum pump failure. Because the warranty replacement engine was no longer covered under warranty, general motors initially declined to cover the repair. Initially, neither general motors nor the Chevrolet dealership was willing to accept responsibility for the issue. After continued discussions, general motors ultimately agreed to provide partial financial assistance as a goodwill adjustment. However, I was still left responsible for paying a substantial amount out of pocket to purchase and install a third engine. The cost has created a significant financial burden that I have struggled to afford, especially because the repair involved a component that I was informed has a known history of failure. I was also informed that vacuum pump failures are a known issue with these vehicles and that general motors is aware of the problem, although no recall has been issued. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced multiple vacuum pump failures, two catastrophic engine failures, and have now required three engines in the same vehicle. This has resulted in significant financial hardship, loss of use of my vehicle, and serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

The rear knuckles on these cars are constantly going bad and the parts are expensive and so is the labor. So we have to pay a fortune to fix a common issue that gm should be recalling and fixing for the people who buy these vehicles. It's crazy how common this issue is and it's still not recalled. If you hear a clunking/rattling noise coming from the back of your car then it's almost certainly a knuckle problem.

Shift to park. Im not able to park my car. W low miles. Chevy dealer stated not under warranty. Will cost 800+ to repair. Previous known problem (17-19). It was repaired my last Malibu & was repaired under recall. Now a TSB has been issued by chevy for my 20 so they are aware. If they know it is a problem why is there not a recall? this happens often. Each time I park, I have to fight my gear shift & pray it eventually sticks. It does not seem safe. This is a new car & is unacceptable knowing the history. I can provide pictures or send estimate if needed.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

I was driving my car on the highway doing 65 mph when all of a sudden my car started rapidly jerking losing the power to accelerate and entering “limp mode“ there was multiple cars behind me when my car lost the power to accelerate. I was in the far left lane and couldn’t even go higher than 7 miles an hour and had to cross across three lanes at 7 mph on a 65mph highway to pull over. I had my children in the car and almost caused a huge accident dude to this issue. The issue in hand is the vacuum pump. It completely shattered in my engine, causing severe engine damage. And it caused my brake pedal to become hard as a rock. I couldn’t break without using my emergency break. I had no brake power at all. My car had to be towed.

Shift to parking message came up on dashboard.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

Shift to park issue. While is in park after driving. I turn vehicle off and action required message pops up on dash stating shift to park but it’s in park.

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.

A liadjustmentght came on my dashboard. State power engine reduce period then it stalls when I press my foot down on the accelerator not giving it any power to go period then when I try to break it actually pushes my foot back off and it's hard to break period and when I press the start button to turn the engine on. It turns right back off after about. Maybe four or five seconds and no I just had to have a towed to my home. The special coverage adjustment code in 182188250 is what my vehicle would apply to, but that code only covers the 2016 and 2018 models. What can I do now? because it is under that code. But the dealerships won't cover it because they're saying my model is not but twenty twenty I need help please. I have 132k miles. Good condition. Why wouldn't letter models be covered under the same act?what would make it stop if it's doing the same thing?it did for those twenty sixteen and twenty eighteen models.

When I was driving my car with my child in it my break tightened up and I couldn’t apply them to stop I had to let my foot off the gas and let my car slow its self down safely. When I got my car home my husband looked at it and found out that my vaccum pump had went out and part of it broke off in the engine. This is very unsafe and this needs to be investigated because people can’t know when the vacuum pump is going to go bad this issue lays on gm and chevy to make sure the parts they are using will hold up and be safe.

I was informed the vacuum pump went bad and rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle would lose acceleration, shut off during auto stop and caused me to block traffic. The brakes also locked up, which almost caused me to crash in a residential neighborhood. I tried to see if there was a recall on this but I was told the recalls were handled in January of 2020 but I started driving the vehicle between July and August of 2020. This incident I'm reporting just happend 3 weeks ago. I realized there are many other issues regarding this matter and need this addressed because this almost caused bodily harm. The dealership wants me to pay for repairs on a vehicle that seem to have defective parts that jeopardise customer safety and is not being rectified.

[xxx] , hard brake vacuum pump something’s wrong car won’t push down break information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Brake pedal sticks. I took to Chevrolet dealership because I saw a recall describing this exact scenario. That it was binding due to a faulty brake pedal assembly the technician diagnosed this to be the exact issue in the recall but refused to repair stating my VIN was not covered and I would have to contact your organization due to this being a safety issue to get the VIN added.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.

In the last 6 months I’ve had to put 3 brake boosters on my 2017 chevy Malibu and it’s not cheap…. I don’t know what else to do.

Brake pedal hardened due to vacuum pump.

Vacuum pump stopped working and shattered into my engine. Breaks suddenly stopped working while driving.

The vacuum pump has a tendency of breaking and when it does it affects the exhaust camshaft making the car completely inoperable. When this happened my vehicle lost all brakes and power and would not start. This happened suddenly with no warning and left me stranded in the middle of lanes of travel. This is a well known issue with the chevy 1. 5 l and is documented in the TSB bulletin #21-na-268. The vehicle was inspected following the TSB number provided and diagnosing via the information provided.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu 🔎.