2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
279 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu — 40% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed on the instrument panel. The gear shifter was shifted back into drive and then back into park to turn off the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving…”
filed Sep 2, 2026
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond, requiring the…”
filed Aug 6, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An error in the Engine Control Module (ECM) software may result in the fuel injectors…Campaign 19V642000 · Sep 6, 2019
Engine problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 3 | 8% |
| 2023 Malibu | 12 | 17% |
| 2022 Malibu | 29 | 30% |
| 2021 Malibu | 14 | 16% |
| 2020 Malibu | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 Malibu | 63 | 33% |
| 2017 Malibu | 253 | 36% |
| 2016 Malibu | 302 | 36% |
| 2015 Malibu | 70 | 26% |
| 2014 Malibu | 125 | 36% |
| 2013 Malibu | 204 | 24% |
| 2012 Malibu | 99 | 11% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.