2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Common Problems
Ranked from 364 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Malfunctioning
226complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe electronic stability control system malfunctions, causing various warning lights to appear and affecting vehicle stability.
Related recall: 19V642000
- 2
Vehicle Speed Control System Failure
165complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle speed control system fails, reducing engine power and causing the car to slow down unexpectedly.
Related recall: 19V642000
- 3
Vehicle Stalling or Random Shutdown
65complaintsHigh severityEngineThe vehicle randomly stalls or shuts off while driving, often without warning, posing a significant safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Check Engine Light and Reduced Speed on Highway
25complaintsSafety riskEngineThe check engine light illuminates and the car's speed is significantly reduced while driving on the highway, often requiring the driver to pull over.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Shift to Park Message When Not in Park
17complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vehicle displays a 'shift to park' message when not in park, preventing the car from turning off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Steering Assistance Failure
17complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering assistance system malfunctions, causing the steering to become unresponsive or erratic, posing a safety risk.
- 7
Dashboard and Electrical System Failures
9complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe dashboard and various electrical systems fail, causing the car to lose functionality and potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions.
Related recall: 19V642000
- 8
Transmission Failure to Recognize Park Position
8complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission fails to recognize the vehicle is in park, requiring multiple attempts to shut off the engine.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V668000
- 9
Transmission Shifter Interlock Failure
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission shifter interlock fails to recognize the car is in park, preventing the vehicle from shutting off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V668000
- 10
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
5complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls or does not accelerate properly when starting or after a cold start.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Engine Power Reduction During Stop-Start
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine power is reduced during stop-start cycles, causing the check engine light to illuminate.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Faulty Gear Shifter Assembly
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe gear shifter assembly malfunctions, displaying 'shift to park' messages and preventing the car from turning off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V668000
- 13
Steering Wheel Shaking at High Speeds
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel randomly shakes at highway speeds, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- 14
Suspension Clunking Noise
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe rear suspension produces a clunking noise, especially at low speeds and when turning, indicating potential wear or failure.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.