2018 Chevrolet Malibu: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 673 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 673
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes reported
- 22
- 17 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Chevrolet Malibu: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Malibu is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cylGas | FWD | 30 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | FWD | 26 mpg |
| 1.8L 4-cylHybrid | FWD | 46 mpg |
- The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Malibu that averages well under the EPA 26 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Hesitation pulling from stop
3,000–23,000 miles
False Shift to Park message
12,600–50,000 miles
Reduced engine power warnings
28,000–90,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1572 crashes
A false "Shift to Park" message is the most common complaint. The car is in park but will not shut off or lock, and the radio keeps playing. The fault comes and goes. Dealers usually replace the shifter assembly or its wiring harness, and owners report paying $450 to $611.31. The second pattern is lost power. The check engine light comes on, "Engine Power Reduced" appears, and speed drops to 20 to 40 mph, sometimes on the interstate. Others describe 5 to 10 seconds of no acceleration when pulling away from a stop. Two reports involve crashes.
Electrical1201 crash
Sudden power loss at highway speed is the main complaint. The check engine light comes on, "Engine Power Reduced" appears, and the car slows to about 20 mph or quits entirely. In some cases the gauges drop to zero and the car will not restart for up to 10 minutes. Reports range from 7500 to 78,012 miles, and dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. Other reports cite a fuel gauge reading wrong, a failed fuel pump sensor, and "Shift to Park" coming back after a shifter replacement. Two fires burned the front of the car, and one power loss ended in a median crash.
Engine871 crash
Reduced engine power is the main failure. The check engine light comes on and the car drops to 20 to 30 mph, in some cases from 75 mph on a busy freeway. A restart often clears the warning, so the light can be gone by the time a dealer looks. Replacing modules has not always fixed it. Other owners report hesitation when pulling out from a stop, and stalls at stoplights that can leave the car with no electrical power for 5 to 10 minutes. One driver hit a wall while rushing to the shoulder. One fire-related report describes smoke from the rear.
Acceleration and cruise control683 crashes
Power cuts out without warning, usually with the check engine and traction control lights and an "Engine Power Reduced" message. The car will not go past 15 to 30 mph on city streets or highways, and in some cases it stalls. A restart may bring back normal speed. Repairs cited include the accelerator position sensor, throttle body, mass air flow sensor, knock sensor, and ECM. Several owners say the ECM recall work did not fix the problem. Of 68 complaints, 3 involve crashes, including a rear-end collision after a stall and a crash with an injury.
Brakes375 crashes
The brake pedal suddenly goes hard and the car barely stops. Most reports trace this to a failed camshaft-driven vacuum pump. When it fails, brake assist is lost, and metal can get into the engine and damage the camshaft. Reduced engine power and code P1101 often come with it, and one owner replaced the pump 4 times. Some owners cite recall 18V576000, while others say their car was not covered. A warning light rarely comes on first. Of 37 complaints, 5 involve crashes with 3 injuries, mostly after the car failed to stop.
Steering37No crashes
After several miles of straight highway driving, the steering sticks in the straight-ahead position, often worse in cold weather. Turning then takes extra force, and when the wheel breaks free the car jumps toward the next lane. It shows up early, by 18,500 miles in one report, and dealers usually cannot duplicate it. A second pattern is "Steering Assist Reduced" or power steering fault warnings, often when auto stop restarts the engine or the car stalls. Some owners also describe the car jerking left at highway speed. One injury report involves a sudden stop.
Fuel system281 crash
Stalling and power loss lead this small group of complaints. Cars shut down at highway speed or stall at stops, in some cases daily. Diagnosed causes include a failed fuel pump driver control module at 70,949 miles, failed fuel injectors, and an accelerator pedal sensor fault. Some power losses began after the ECM recall reprogramming, and one dealer said the recall fix was not yet available. A vapor canister vent solenoid was on backorder for over two months. Other reports describe auto stop cutting all power and a sharp drop in fuel economy.
Stalling at speed is the main complaint, and many reports tie it to recall 19V642000 for the ECM. Cars lose power, sometimes along with power steering and braking, and may not restart. Some owners were told their car was not part of the recall, and one dealer had no parts. Leaking fuel injectors cause a strong fuel smell and hard starts, with reports at 53,349 and 123,074 miles. One crash involved a car that kept rolling forward with low power mode on.
Airbags107 crashes
Most reports describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash. These include front and side impacts at 25 to 45 mph, and one owner says the air bag warning light was on before the crash. Injuries include a broken collar bone and broken ribs. The 10 complaints include 7 crashes and 10 injuries. Single reports describe a driver air bag deploying at a red light and a cracked steering wheel air bag cover that was not covered by warranty or recall.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Malibu owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Son was driving my 2018 Malibu with 90,000 miles. Check engine light came on and car reduced speed from 75mph to 40mph on interstate! Autozone reading says replace Variable Camshaft Timing Solenoid. Very dangerous situation. Chevy should have to fix this.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
When putting my vehicle in park to turn off the car, a warning light comes on to put vehicle into park. The vehicle is already in park and am unable to turn off the vehicle. In order to turn off the engine I must repeatedly turn it on and off and hit the gear shifter multiple times. This problem is becoming more and more frequent. I see numerous other 2018 Malibus in the complaint section reporting the same issue. Come on Chevrolet fix this problem!
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Cam-driven Brake Booster Vacuum failure without warning. My engine died, my brake pedal and steering wheel stiffened, while in moderate traffic. I had use excessive brake force to slow my vehicle to a stop. Currently have 78,012 miles as it is sitting in the repairs shop. This is the first time it has happened, but I worry it may happen again because upon further research, it is a very common part failure.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2023
Driving at highway speed and the speed decreased to 20 mph engine power reduced along with engine light came on extremely unsafe. Purchased Dec 10, 2018 39,000 miles . Kids and myself could’ve been hurt.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
While driving at 55 miles my vehicle displayed engine speed reduced on the dashboard. My vehicle slowed down to only 20 miles in the middle of traffic And wouldn’t pick of speed.I had to put my hazard’s lights on and get to the side of the road as quickly as possible. I turn the car off than turned it back on same thing on dash engine powered reduced. I haven't took the car to the dealership yet
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
I was driving app. 41 miles per hour in heavy Friday traffic on 10/7/2022 and the check engine light lit up and the car dropped to about 20 miles per hour and would not pick up speed. The rpm was staying on about 3000. I pulled over and called my husband. We set for awhile and restarted the car and the light went off and it drove as normal
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
How the 2018 compares with other Malibu years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Malibu years we cover, about 9.1 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission15722
- Electrical12017
- Engine876
- Acceleration and cruise control682
- Brakes375
- Steering373
Where the 2018 fits in the Malibu's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the third model year of the Malibu's ninth generation (2016 on).
Chevrolet updated the Malibu for 2024, so a 2018 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2024 (not on a 2018)
- Final year of production in the US.
- End of sales in the US.
- No immediate successor announced.
Recalls to confirm (6)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
21V649000Seat beltsAug 2021
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.
Risk: An improperly secured seat belt retractor may not function properly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
20V668000TransmissionOct 2020
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
19V642000ElectricalSep 2019
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.
Risk: Disabled fuel injectors would prevent the engine from starting and may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
18V576000BrakesAug 2018
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.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
18V400000AirbagsJun 2018
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
18V358000Fuel systemMay 2018
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.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Also looking at these instead of a Malibu?
Cars shoppers compare with the Chevrolet Malibu, with their own 2018 checklists.
2018 owner complaints, side by side
- Nissan Altima217
- Kia Optima230
- Hyundai Sonata353
- Ford Fusion429
- 2018 Chevrolet Malibu673
- Toyota Camry708
- Honda Accord1,739
