2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Common Problems
Ranked from 69 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
10 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
Shift to Park Error Message in Park
23complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe dashboard displays a 'Shift to Park' message when the car is already in park, preventing the car from shutting off.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
15complaintsHigh severityEngineThe vehicle intermittently stalls at idle, especially during stop-start conditions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Loss of Power and Traction Control Issues
15complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe vehicle experiences sudden loss of power and traction control, leading to potential safety hazards.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Brake Pedal Becomes Hard and Inoperable
8complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake pedal becomes extremely hard to depress, reducing the vehicle's ability to stop safely.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Check Engine Light and Warning Lights Illumination
6complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light and other warning lights illuminate unexpectedly, indicating potential electrical system issues.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Inability to Turn Off the Vehicle
5complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle cannot be turned off properly, often requiring multiple attempts and posing a safety risk.
- 7
Random Shutdown While Driving
5complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe vehicle randomly shuts off while driving, causing potential safety risks and inconvenience.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Brake System Failure Causing Loss of Control
4complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake system fails, causing the vehicle to lose control and become extremely difficult to stop, posing a significant safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Electrical System Issues Leading to Dashboard Malfunctions
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalElectrical system failures cause the dashboard to malfunction, including warning lights and speedometer issues.
- 10
Transmission Failure Leading to Gear Shifting Issues
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission fails to shift gears correctly, leading to hard shifts and difficulty in engaging reverse, often requiring repairs.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 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.