2020 Chevrolet Malibu power train problems
58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu — 29% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The vehicle's transmission shifter mechanism has failed for a second time, preventing the vehicle's computer from communicating with the gear shifter. When shifting the physical gear lever forward into the "Park" position and attempting to shut off the engine, a warning message reading "Action…”
filed Sep 8, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the vehicle into park, the transmission failed to shift into park after several attempts. The contact referenced TSB: 19-NA-206; as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the…”
filed Jul 24, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 5 | 13% |
| 2023 Malibu | 8 | 12% |
| 2022 Malibu | 23 | 24% |
| 2021 Malibu | 28 | 32% |
| 2019 Malibu | 66 | 35% |
| 2018 Malibu | 169 | 24% |
| 2017 Malibu | 139 | 20% |
| 2016 Malibu | 166 | 20% |
| 2015 Malibu | 31 | 11% |
| 2014 Malibu | 52 | 15% |
| 2013 Malibu | 53 | 6% |
| 2012 Malibu | 49 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 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.