2021 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The Chevy Malibu is displaying a “Shift to Park” message even when the gear selector is physically in the Park position. This indicates that the vehicle’s computer may not be recognizing that the vehicle has been placed in Park, which is commonly associated with a faulty or failing internal…”
filed Aug 20, 2026
“A screen popped up saying “reduced engine power” I was already Omw to the shop to get one thing fixed. When they tried to pull my car in they say they he car wouldn’t drive and it was hard to accelerate and they had to put it in Neutral to get it in the shop. They said they fixed the problem but…”
filed Jul 11, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Malibu years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Malibu | 3 | 8% |
| 2023 Malibu | 12 | 17% |
| 2022 Malibu | 29 | 30% |
| 2020 Malibu | 59 | 30% |
| 2019 Malibu | 63 | 33% |
| 2018 Malibu | 279 | 40% |
| 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 2021 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.