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    GREEN CHOICE

    Chevrolet Malibu

    EPA MPG: 30 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Malibu is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has been recalled 6 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Chevrolet Malibu owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "Started shortly after purchase - Check Engine lite on intermittently with Error Code P1101. Changed filters, cleaned Throttle Body and all recommended related systems/parts except PCV Valve, (due to cost of labor). Changing/cleaning PCV valve is EXTREMELY expensive and time consuming. Very bad design on CHEVROLET's part for device that is known to need regular service."

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "Intermittent "Shift To Park" error when shutting car off. Replace a micro switch, added connector extension and so far it works OK, (about two months). ALSO, Intermittent Check Camera error message when shifting to reverse. Many attempts to fix but still happens on occasion."

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Inside of windows had condensation"

    Anonymous A., IL (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""A small part of the cooling system failed and caused all the antifreeze to leak out, causing the engine to overheat. So far, I've waited for 6 weeks to get the part. So the car cannot be driven. I consider it a SEVERE problem.""

    Anonymous A., VA (2018 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Car could not communicate with the starter"

    Anonymous, WI (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "When the vehicle is parked on an incline with thew hood higher than the trunk in a heavy rain water leaks into the front passenger compartment"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT Unsure)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaking

    "Pads were wore on the rear passenger side"

    Anonymous A., NC (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LS 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The black plastic trim pieces behind the driver's door is flaking off"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT Unsure)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Other driveline problem

    "Replacing loose transmission mount had nice side effect of fixing the "shift to park" error."

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT 1.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
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    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SEAT BELTS
    Aug 20, 2021
    An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Chevrolet Malibu and 2019-2021 Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The rear seat belt retractors may be improperly secured with loose or missing fasteners.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and tighten the rear seat belt retractors, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212333380.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V649000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 402
    POWER TRAIN
    Oct 29, 2020
    Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
    What should you do:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V668000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 194105
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Sep 06, 2019
    Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles equipped with 1.5L turbo engines. An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors being disabled.
    What should you do:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192221960.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V642000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 177282
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Aug 30, 2018
    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
    What should you do:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V576000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 210628
    AIR BAGS
    Jun 14, 2018
    In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. During servicing, a Passenger Presence System (PPS) may have been installed that was not correctly calibrated to the vehicle's seat type. As a result, the PPS may not properly identify an adult passenger from a child passenger in the front passenger seat, potentially causing the air bag to not deploy when it should, or causing the air bag to deploy when it shouldn't.
    What should you do:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger PPS seat service kit, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18208.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V400000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 66
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    May 31, 2018
    A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
    What should you do:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V358000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 895
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