Complaint volume
679 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Chevrolet Malibu Complaints
679 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, grouped by component category.
679 Total complaints
23 Crash reports
4 Fire reports
14 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, unknown or other, power train. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 23 crash reports, 4 fire reports, 14 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 303 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 47,477 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, unknown or other, power train?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu complaints?
23 Crash
4 Fire
14 Injury
0 Fatality
32 Towed
10 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Malibu complaint categories?
ENGINE 74
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 70
POWER TRAIN 57
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 30
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 18
STEERING 17
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 17
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 16
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 16
679 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My car just stopped in the middle of the road , and would not start again for a few minutes. Then is was in low power mode , no brakes either after that , found that problem to be a bad Vaccum pump , which G M didn’t even have , and a faulty Accelerator Pedal sensor ! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | ENGINE | I was driving app. 41 miles per hour in heavy Friday traffic on 10/7/2022 and the check engine light lit up and the car dropped to about 20 miles per hour and would not pick up speed. The rpm was staying on about 3000. I pulled over and called my husband. We set for awhile and restarted the car and the light went off and it drove as normal | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | My car will stop and have no power now the heat shut off and won’t come back on it’s just doing some crazy stuff I looked up all the recalls for 2018 Malibu and it was a lot so why mines isn’t listed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2022 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, causing the power steering and power brake functionality to become inoperable. The contact stated he was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact had managed to coast off to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle and he was able to drive the vehicle to his destination. The contact stated that the failure started off as an intermittent failure, but gradually had become a constant failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred and the vehicle had to be towed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer on several occasions to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the radio would randomly switch through the preselected stations. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 75 |
| Oct 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | I received a recall letter in 2019 for N192221960. The engine control module software needed to be updated. I have taken my car to the Moran chevy dealership on Gratiot perhaps 3 times before. I was driving yesterday, Oct 4th and my car did the same thing again: Reduced engine power while I was on the freeway. It would not allow me to accelerate past 40 mph very dangerous. They informed me that the repair would not be covered, which was surprising to me, because I thought with that frequency it would be. Each time they told me it was something different. This time I am being told that the price is $862 ECM needed work, and oxygen sensor and fuel injector services. I then received a call letting me know that the price was reduced to $693 and that the ECM was updated already (after I had called letting them know I called GM direct about the recall and was waiting to hear back). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | On 9/22/22 I drove 2018 Chevy Malibu about 3 blocks and low fuel light displayed. The gas needle went past E. I had about a quarter tank when I last drove it. I drove about 2 miles, going 50 MPH and it began to sputter and reduced speed to 20 MPH. Very dangerous situation, but I pulled off on side of road. When tow arrived driver got in car and the gas needle moved back up to almost qtr tank and no low fuel lights or warning sound was generated, engine turned over but it would not start. Had it towed to gas station and put gas in it, still would not start. It was not out of gas. The reading was incorrect. Towed to dealership and they still have not found the problem over a week later. Stated it could be an electrical problem. Electrical service repair tech is checking it. I have seen similar scenarios reported on this site. GMC/Chevrolet needs to do a recall. This is a dangerous situation. Luckily I wasn't on a very busy road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | POWER TRAIN | When I put my 2018 Chevy Malibu in Park i receive Shift to Park' error message. I have to keep pushing on the gear shift to get it to go into park mode. It happens frequently. I have seen numerous reports of this same problem. The last time it happened was around 9/19/22, but it has occurred since I purchased the car in 2019. It began when the car only had around 40,000. There should be a recall from GMC/Chevrolet. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was driving around 50 MPH and the car began to sputter and it wasn't getting in gas. It slowed down to 20 MPH and I had to stop on side of road. It behaved as if it were out of gas, but it had a qtr tank of gas. It would not start after I stopped it. I took it dealership and they still do not have an answer. There should be a recall on this. Numerous reports that are similar to my scenario. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My car constantly gives an error saying the power is being reduced to the engine. It was repair 3 months after I bought it but it didn't fix the issue. These cars a danger to everyone around us. They reduce speeds to very low numbers even on the freeway, when yielding to turn left the car won't go but will drift into oncoming traffic, and many times the car won't shut off. It says it's not in park but it is. The seatbelts look like they're secured but with one good tug they'll come apart. And I slide when braking even without snow or rain. Mine I'd always broke down and no one will help me. I pay 475 a month for a car that doesn't work and is dangerous to me and my special needs child and everyone around us. Please do something. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | SUSPENSION | My Malibu makes a knocking sound in the rear of vehicle. Feel like something is going to snap off, also driving on reverse sound really bad, check my trunk if something was loose and nothing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The stability track system comes on the vehicle slows down and stops in traffic. Then it says shift to park and will not start. The computer often displays reduce engine power. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle shifted into Limp Mode. The contact stated that she pulled over and when the gear was shifted to park (P), the brake vacuum pump failed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to her residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic went to her residence and diagnosed the vehicle. The independent mechanic retrieved DTC: P0365 for the camshaft position sensor. Additionally, the contact was informed that shattered pieces of the brake vacuum pump dispersed into the camshaft. The contact stated that pieces were also found in the oil lines. The contact stated that the brake vacuum pump was repaired; however, the camshaft sensor was not yet replaced due to the part not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 83,000 |
| Sep 2022 | AIR BAGS | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the driver’s side air bag in the steering wheel had fractured near the lower part of the steering wheel. The contact contacted the dealer and was referred to the manufacturer with assistance to have the air bag replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. A case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 63,250. | Crash: No Fire: No | 63,250 |
| Sep 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Malibu would not recognize shift into park. This happened multiple intermittent times. Had to take it to dealership to be repaired on 9/6/22. While waiting for my Malibu to be repaired I was talking with a gentleman who had his Malibu in for the SAME problem. He stated his friend had the same thing happen on his Malibu. I came home and looked up information on this problem and found it isn't just Malibu's and I learned that there is litigation about this problem in Michigan. Why has there not been a recall for this problem? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN | Shift to park light comes on when it was already put in park and shut car off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the "Shift to Park" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The contact attempted multiple maneuvers to turn off the vehicle and was eventually successful. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for service. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 25,000 |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was driving 35 mph when the message "reduced engine power" and it noticably slowed down. The check engine light is still on. I researched recalls/problems with the 2018 Chevy Malibu and this is one major one I found. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES | 8 months ago brakes failed, you could stop but they were hard and stretched stopping distance, vacuum pump failure was the cause, when it failed it broke apart and sent parts into the engine, (valve cover ). Replaced vacuum pump removed valve cover and fished out the broken pieces, was lucky on this occasion, fast forward 8 months later , the mother of my kids was on freeway and car completely died,, got it to dealer and was informed, vacuum pump failed again sending metal fragments into the valve cover but this time pieces destroyed the cam and caused the reluctor to slip thus causing ecm to shut down engine. I’m concerned with there not being some sort of housing inside the valve cover cupping the side of cam that meets vacuum pump to shield engine components from metal pieces incase vac pump broke into pieces since vacuum pump isn’t part of the engine itself and the torque of cam shaft up against the gear on vac pump is very high, the expectation of parts braking off is highly likely, and there nothing protecting your engine from those fragments.. I’m not the smartest but I would not think a $100 external part could destroy and engine and take your braking function without any warning. I guess if I happen once I wouldn’t think to much into it but for the third time and being extreamly lucky on the first two occasions and taking responsibility for repairs are totally uncalled for , so now I have to replace and engine, WOW... I hope this can be addressed before someone actually gets hurt, I’m so lucky that my kids mother was able to coast off the highway b/c it could have been bad.. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | When I come to a complete stop and take back off, my car flashes a warning " steering assist reduced. Drive with care" this just started 4 days ago. Within those 4 days, every time it starts back up all lights flash on then back off. My check engine light has not gone back off since 1 day ago. I have done research and I have realized that this is a common problem for this make and model car. Most complaints regard power steering control. I'm wondering what can be done, because there has not yet been a recall for this issue and it is a complete safety hazard, especially with children in the car. I would hate for any lawsuits to come from something that could have been avoided. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I was leaving the gas station and when I got ready to pull off into traffic the car stalled. Flashed a message saying the automatic steering was disabled or something drive with care. I go out this morning and it won't start at all. It cranks but won't turn. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated the vehicle's reduce engine warning light would illuminate at various speeds. The contact would pull over unlock then lock the vehicle in order for the vehicle's warning light to no longer illuminate and to regain proper function. While driving 75 mph when the engine warning light stating reduced speed illuminated. The mph dropped to about 25 mph. The vehicle's OnStar displayed a message stating that the antilock brake system was detected and the vehicle powered off shortly after. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that their vehicle was not included in any recall. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the brake pedal depressed and it traveled to the floorboard as the vehicle failed to stop without warning. After the failure occurred, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart upon parking the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they discovered that both the vacuum pump and camshaft sensor were defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 79,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 79,000 |
| Aug 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | When going to shut off the vehicle the display comes on "shift to park" and will not allow the engine to shut down. Must turn car back on, place into a gear, place into park and turn off power again. This has occurred multiple times over the past few days. It will also take 3 or 4 cycles to finally get the car to shut down completely. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Something draining my battery done put a new battery in it no lights or anything on when I get out been going on for bout 3 months now | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2022 | POWER TRAIN | When I get to a destination and put car in park it says " shift to park" like it's not in park. I have to wiggle my gear shift around for it to go away. Or when I park, I have to give it a forceful push to park. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |