CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 700 complaints with NHTSA, including 23 crashes, 4 fires, 17 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (281 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu recalls
Loose Rear Seat Belt Retractor May Fail in a Crash
Some rear seat belt retractors may be installed with loose or missing fasteners, so the retractor may not work properly during a crash.
Missing Transmission Bolts Can Cause Oil Leaks, Fire Risk
Some vehicles may have missing bolts on the start/stop transmission accumulator endcap.
Engine May Stop or Fail to Start From Software Error
A software error in the Engine Control Module can cause the fuel injectors to be disabled.
Rear brake caliper pistons may form gas pockets, reducing braking
The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating.
Passenger Airbag May Deploy Incorrectly in a Crash
Some 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibus may have had a Passenger Presence System installed during servicing that was not calibrated to the vehicle's seat type.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Can Detach, Risking Fuel Leak and Fire
The high-pressure fuel pump in these vehicles may detach from its mounting flange.
Most common 2018 Chevrolet Malibu problems
Problem areas named in the 700 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 281 |
| Electrical System | 192 |
| Power Train | 172 |
| Unknown Or Other | 151 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 114 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 84 |
| Service Brakes | 61 |
| Steering | 42 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 21 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 17 |
What owners report
On 10/8/26 My vehicle failed in the middle of traffic as I was driving the car forcefully slowed down. When I proceeded to press the gas the car began driving in reverse putting me in immediate danger causing 2 different car to almost hit me from behind. I put the car in park , turned on my hazard lights and got out of the vehicle . I called my husband immediately luckily I was not far from home, and had him push my car out of the street . Itâs currently still there.
My chevy stopped while driving. The engine light came on and engine power reduced. The brakes locked up and I could not go anywhere. Code P1101, Vacuum Pump Failure and ECM came up. Financing this vehicle. Have not been able to drive it in 3 weeks.
I was driving in town through a stoplight when I noticed my brakes stopped working. Also when I had stopped the car still in drive and the car had shut off completely in the middle of the road and was not able to turn back on. The car would keep trying start but none were successful. My car also stated that there was reduced power to the engine and the car would hesitate to gain speed as well. My safety and others were put to risk because my brakes stopped working so I couldâve caused an accident. When we trying to find what was wrong with it through a code reader we had noticed the piece had shattered inside of the engine. No insurance, police or manufacturer has inspected the issue.
Examatory mark appears on the dashboard say that engine speed as reduced
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle while in park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact shifted in and out of park(P) and wiggled the gear shifter several times, but the failure persisted and the vehicle could not be started. The vehicle was diagnosed by three independent mechanics, and it was determined that the failure was associated with the transmission and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was 181,385.
2018 Chevrolet Malibu safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (10.2% rollover risk) |
2018 Chevrolet Malibu questions
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu: Loose Rear Seat Belt Retractor May Fail in a Crash; Missing Transmission Bolts Can Cause Oil Leaks, Fire Risk; Engine May Stop or Fail to Start From Software Error; Rear brake caliper pistons may form gas pockets, reducing braking; Passenger Airbag May Deploy Incorrectly in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
Based on 700 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (281), Electrical System (192), Power Train (172).
How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Chevrolet Malibu has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.