2018 Chevrolet Malibu service brakes problems
60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu — 9% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. At approximately 57,000 miles, the original engine experienced a vacuum pump failure that resulted in catastrophic engine damage. The engine was replaced by General Motors under the vehicle's warranty. I then drove the vehicle for approximately another 52,000 miles with…”
filed Aug 3, 2026
“While coming down McClure pass in Colorado my brakes failed. The the car went to engine power reduced mode. After getting the car to an independent mechanic I was told that the vacuum pump failed and exploded the parts into the camshaft. After 2 days of repairs I was finally able to get my car back…”
filed Jul 16, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form…Campaign 18V576000 · Aug 30, 2018
Service Brakes problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 Malibu | 2 | 4% |
| 2022 Malibu | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 Malibu | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 Malibu | 41 | 21% |
| 2019 Malibu | 20 | 11% |
| 2017 Malibu | 66 | 9% |
| 2016 Malibu | 94 | 11% |
| 2015 Malibu | 15 | 6% |
| 2014 Malibu | 42 | 12% |
| 2013 Malibu | 44 | 5% |
| 2012 Malibu | 65 | 7% |
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.