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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the "Reduced Engine Power," message was displayed before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 48,000 |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | this is a known issue with the 2018 Chevy malibu and other GM vehicles, where the vehicle is in park, but the car does not register that it is in park, and will not shut off. this has been happening in my malibu, and Is a large safety concern for me | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | My car keeps saying please put in park, even after the car is parked. If I don’t turn on and off the car multiple times shifting from park to reverse to get it to not say put in park, my lights in my car stay on and the battery will eventually die. Seems electrical, and afraid of it says please put in park, is it really in park if it says that? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Regular electrical issues that cause the steering assistance to become disable while driving. Faulty sensors that the Chevrolet certified service center cannot resolve, engine light has been on for over 6 months. faulty mass airflow sensor Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control See attachment for additional codes over 2 years. I have contacted as many people as possible in order to understand the issue and find a resolution. Began having electrical issues since May 2022. Dyer Chevrolet in Lake Wales Florida has all the records. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | Engine power reduced indicated on dash and engine light came on while i was driving | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | SHIFT TO PARK COMING ON EVERY TIME THAT I AM TRYING TO PARK... AND I HAVE TO START AND STOP ABOUT 4 OR MORE TIMES BEFORE IT WILL GO OFF ... | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed and the vehicle would not properly accelerate above 30 MPH. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop, and the pedal was firm when depressed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving my check engine light comes on and then I have a warning come on my screen on the dashboard that my car is shutting down power. So while I’m driving, at any point in time my car shuts down the power and I have to quickly pull over wherever I am so that I do t get into an accident Then shut my car off and wait a little bit and then turn it back on and keep driving. I looked into my car and my car was part of a recall in 2019. Supposedly the recall was completed BUT my car is doing the exact same thing again with the ECM that was supposed to be fixed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Sunroof…I was driving down the road on march 12,2024 at 2pm and was doing 35 mph and had my sunroof open and all of sudden the glass cracked and broke a little at me a little going into my eyes while driving I was the only one on road and nothing was around nothing flew and hit it it just broke and was like what the hell.. I’ve had sunroofs in all my cars and never shattered at me..so I’m filling this app out to see for answers because that just don’t do that out of nowhere.. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power with an unknown engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine power was reduced. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 15 MPH and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact attempted several times to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The contact stated there was an abnormally strong odor of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood, and the odor of gasoline was very strong. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and saw gasoline in a puddle underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had not informed the manufacturer of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 50,000 |
| Feb 2024 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Bulb - Third Brake Light Assembly: replace the third brake lamp asm. its broken. Common issue with Chevy malibus 2016-2018. The bulb in the back of the rear window which is an added indicator that the vehicle is braking. Cars are almost crashing my car when i break to turn. I have a young son in the car and this is dangerous especially if this is a common issue amount chevy malibu drivers. There is a GM forum where numerous people are complaining about being given $400-$700 repair estimates when it should be a recall from the manufacturer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | Saturday morning this is now the 3rd time it's been fixed and safe to drive. Once by the dealership in Baltimore Towson area. Check engine light came on I ran diagnostic I bought at the store to get the codes come to find out class actions for wrongful death because company knew about it. As I also see hundreds of he same complaints here. My wife on [XXX] Baltimore MD at the merge. She went from 60mph to 35mph. Then the car shut off with zero control of steering. Once in neutral she slightly touch the brakes which let it start up. Thank God no one was killed we have 2 beautiful 6 n 7 yr old girls what would I tell them. This needs addressed it happens after the batt needs changed I know 4 other owners 1 had just got one that's what triggered his same codes problems. Im I've Googled it but not one person solves it. It's gotta do w the start stop system INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | I was driving down the highway and took the exit and went to hit the brake pedal and it was hard to push down. Took it into a shop for diagnosis/repair. Mechanic found that vacuum pump for brakes came apart. There is currently metal in the engine that I cannot afford to fix after already paying $500 for the new vacuum pump. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | I was driving my small child to school and my car had a service message pop up that said engine power reduced and then my brake pedal became stiff to the point where I could not push it down at all to stop at a red light. Luckily by quick thinking I push down my emergency brake to avoid from hitting other cars. From doing research this is not the only complaint about this same similar situation on this car (2018 Chevy Malibu LS) It's ridiculous. It's going to cost me over $2000 for parts and for labor. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE | Engine Power Reduced Defect in Chevy Malibu Vehicles. Had the "engine power reduced" message show up countless times. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | I put the car in park and got a message shift to park. I then wasn’t able to shut my car off. The car is only 6 years old! This should not be happening!!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On Jan 22,2024 while driving on the interstate the speed was unexpectedly instantly reduced, the car would not accelerate over 60 mph and the service engine light came on, the car was safely driven off the highway then towed to the dealership. My safety as well as the safety of other drivers on the highway was at risk when the car suddenly decreased to 60 mph from 75 mph which could have caused a collision. The inspection at the dealership confirmed that the issue was the intercooler for turbo found moisture/oil frozen in charge air cooler causing restriction in induction system, and the part design has been updated to help prevent the issue from happening again. My issue is that if the part has been updated that means that GM is aware of the issue and should be responsible for the cost of the part or there should have been a recall on the part. The consumer should not have to be responsible for the cost of the part or the repair to the vehicle. It is unknown if the part was inspected by an insurance representative but it was inspected by the dealership where the car was purchased. There were no prior warnings, lights or lamps occurring before the date of the incident. I feel like Gm should cover the cost of the repair, the total cost should no fall on the consumer and the vehicle manufacturer should take responsibility for the defective part. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE | Check Engine Light constantly comes on . Pedal position sensor is faulty. engine power reduced pops up | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The car's Reduced Engine Power light comes on and the engine drops power. It just happens at any time while driving. I've had oil changes done, engine cleanings done but nothing changes. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | SUSPENSION,WHEELS | The Vehicle wobbled when at 70 MPH. I have new tires but the wobble won't stop. I have visited a mechanical specialist was refer to this site. Also, the Radio Display touch screen is not working. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | While driving on highway, check engine light came on as well as message saying "Engine power reduced". Car immediately decelerated on the highway and brakes pedal became rock hard and unable to press. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I was driving my car and my entire car’s dashboard went out and the cars speed dropped I tried braking but they kept slipping. It was a very scary event for me as I was driving on highway 59 when this happened to me. The TCM is s a problem for this vehicle please recall this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MHP, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed and the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speed would no longer exceed 30 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure had also previously occurred but after taking the vehicle to the local dealer no cause of the failure was found. The failure mileage was 110,653. | Crash: No Fire: No | 110,653 |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Vehicle will not stay started will stop when ever even while driving. I haven’t driven the car in 8 months because it’s not safe. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and exiting a ramp to get on to a major highway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated she depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the engine power reduced warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and was almost rear-ended by an oncoming vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been consistent for several weeks. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure could be caused due to a failed unknown sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 167,000 |