2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU Electrical System Problems

The GM Shift to Park recall has been an issue that has affected various General Motors (GM) vehicles. The primarily impacting Chevrolet models like the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. It’s essential to be aware of the problem, its implications on vehicle’s safety, and the steps required to address it. In simple terms, the Shift to Park defect prevents drivers from shutting off and locking their vehicles, even after putting the car in park. This situation poses a potential safety concern, as drivers might mistakenly assume their cars are securely parked and powered off while walking away. The issue has been prevalent enough for the company to issue a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on June 7, 2021. The TSB specifically targets the 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, while also mentioning the Malibu, Traverse, Volt, and other 2016-2019 Chevrolet models. The bulletin provides guidance on diagnosing and addressing the “Shift...

Last year I started getting the dreaded shift to park issue. Takes usually about 30 seconds to realize its in park, even though the dashboard days its in park. WHY is there no recall? I see hundreds of thousands of complaints for this. Plus im constantly getting the P1101 code. I know this is a common issue with this car for the dirty throttle body or MAF sensor. Why isnt this under recall? I dont have the money to pay for repairs that the dealership should be recalling. The shift to park issue is so common. This is getting ridiculous. Plus the code. Please fix this ASAP.

When I accelerate and try to stop brakes goes down to the floor. I’ve had my rotors. Brakes changed and it’s impossible to stop at times. Purchase vehicle. 2018 and the check engine light came on shortly after I purchased it. It’s been on. I’ve got diagnostics. It’s unknown why! Tire sensors has been changed, including with new tires and none of them work and the airbag light is illuminated. I am concerned about my safety in this vehicle. I reported many times and I’m unaware of any recalls. Please help.

Engine Power Reduced, My car then loses the ability to pickup speed I’ve even had my break tighten up on my in the middle of trying to stop my vehicle

Okay so my car had 2 recalls but the they were not repaired the same problem reoccurred . Which was the car engine not turning on and electrical problems etc. I don’t really know how to explain it but yes it’s having the same problems .

Currently I am having issues putting my car in park. Even when it shows that it is parked there is an “Action Required” that pops up saying “Shift to Park”. This has been happening all week and as I am able to toggle the shift stick it is no longer allowing me to which leaves my car somewhat on when I leave. I’ve contacted the dealership for repairs since I’ve seen this is a common recall issue with my model vehicle. However, they informed me that it would be an out of pocket expense even though research shows that this should be an expense paid by the dealership since they’ve had many complaints on this issue and can cause certain safety issues for members. I’m getting ready to PCS soon and need to pay out of pocket expenses for my move so trying to pay for something that the dealership...

The shift to park sensor will become stuck and not register that the car is in park causing the battery to drain.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while at a red light, the Auto STOP feature engaged and failed to disengage while the brake pedal was no longer depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

About 6 months after I bought this car back in 2017 it has been showing shift to park message when it is already in park. When I contacted the dealership about this issue they told me there is nothing they can do about it. I just got a new battery in my car less than a year ago but now it's dead because the car computer system wouldn't shut off. I don't think it's right being sold a car with known issues then being told there did nothing that can be done about it, please help!!!!

Every time I shift the car into park, I receive a "shift to park" warning on the informational display. I am unable to turn car off until the car recognizes it. Can sometimes take 10 minutes before I can get car to recognize. This was fixed once before while under warranty and fix lasted 3 years. They cleaned the park switch contacts and installed an online shifter jumper harness but will not cover the fix now that it is happening out of warranty. It's a known issue that mechanics say is so common a recall should be issued.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the electrical system was inoperable. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Since buying this car a year and a half ago, I have had to have the pedal position sensor replaced 5 times, my car has been broken down since April due to an oil leak issue and the pedal position sensor.

We own a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu plagued with the "Shift to Park" issue. I have read numerous articles regarding this issue and they reference a recall on this problem. However, I have been unsuccessful locating this document. Was a recall actually ever created for this issue; and, if so, where could I find it?

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The contact stated that the message "Please Shift to Park" was displayed and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a defective gear shifter wiring harness, and a battery current sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

I am writing to report a persistent issue with my Chevy Malibu, specifically related to the Stabilitrak system. The Stabilitrak light intermittently flickers on and off while driving, which raises significant safety concerns. This malfunction has been ongoing, and despite efforts to diagnose the problem, my local auto mechanic has been unable to pinpoint the exact cause. Services Performed: Initial diagnostic checks were conducted to identify any fault codes related to the Stabilitrak system. The mechanic found no definitive issues but noted that the warning light's behavior indicated a potential underlying problem. Each visit has led to additional uncertainty, with suggestions from the mechanic to proceed through the GM flow chart for further diagnosis. However, this approach may lead to extensive labor costs with no guaranteed resolution. Financial Burden: The recommendation to follow the GM flow chart for diagnosis is concerning, as it may result in significant and unnecessary expenses...

Rear high mount brake light is loose allowing water to leak I. And around the electrical connections, rear speakers in vehicle have moisture around them, potentially causingin a short and fire hazard

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon arriving to her destination and shifting into park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact stated that the "Please Shift to Park" message was displayed. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the gear shifter wiring harness and battery current sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Vehicle shut down completely while at intersection with no warning including no dash board warnings, recently had vehicle repaired at dealership computer was replaced, injectors cleaned, fuel system flushed. This car is unpredictable at times and not safe if turning off with no warning, if I did get a warning it's after the vehicle shut down then started back up with "Stabil break" code and reduced steering. I have kept up with the maintence on this vehicle since purchase had no wrecks and it's money gone down the drain. I'm not understanding why there hasn't been a recall on this cars electrical component's there seems to be some time of communication issue between the computer & parts causing the car to completely shut down.

Shift to park replaced 2 times problem still happening. Car says not in park when in park.

The infotainment system cycles and will change the radio, activate the gps anything that can be controlled through the infotainment system, it also changes the instrument cluster at times; the lane detection, distance alarm all the features, even the language and MPH to KPH. This can cause a sudden shock and safety issue as you are now unaware of the vehicle speed and even cause eratic driving as this can be a shock and take you by suprise.

When powering off car, shift to park message is displayed even though the car is in park. The vehicle will not power all the way down, and the battery will drain.

Unknown. Original owner.24,000 miles. When car turned off, shift to park message occurs. Required 10 on off cycles to turn car off. Dangerous since could be draining battery.

On numerous occasions while driving on highway my dashboard will display reduced engine power and engine light comes on. My traction control light also comes on. Car loses power quickly and will not accelerate. I’ve had to pull over numerous times almost being hit by cars behind me. Took it to get repaired and had to have fuel pump replaced as wires had melted to side of pump. Three months later same problem happened. This car is scary to drive

Ice and sludge accumulated and froze causing the CAC system to fail resulting in engine issues, performance loss this was caused from GM poor design of a shield that they are aware of. GM knows that this can happen and have now designed a new shield to prevent this from happening but it is at the owner’s expense to fix. If GM knows that this will happen they should fix the issue I am now out of pocket 3,000.00 shame on them

Gas pedal locked up can’t accelerate

Upon turning off car, throws shift to park error driver message. Have to restart the car, then shift to various conditions - R, D, L several times then P then turnoff car again. Repeat unto message no longer appears. Sometimes I cannot restart the car because it’s not sending the ke fob. I read online several complaints. Took car to dealership - they confirm that this problem exists in both older and several new Chevy model. My costs will be around $1k by replacing the gear shifter which I find scary. What if this car had jumped out of gear. What is the life of the replacement shifter? Why isn’t GM doing anything when this condition exist in brand new vehicles?

The car continues to say "shift to park" when the car is already in park and its becoming a severe problem. Something is wrong with the shift stick

Intermittent Shift to Park Message Displayed While Vehicle in Park. Frequently when I shift the car into park and turn off the engine, a "Shift to Park" display appears on the driver dashboard. The "Shift to Park" display doesn't clear unless turning the car back on and turning it off again.

Shift to park warning continues to come on daily when I go to put my car in park. I have to fidget with the shifter to get the computer to recognize that my car is in park and the car will then shut off. Recently I was stopped at a red light, tried to accelerate at the green light and my car completely shut off, while I was still in drive. I could not accelerate and had to place my car in park. Then my stabilitrak sensor came on, along with a notice that my battery saver was on. I had to call a police offer to help me off the road. The car was then able to turn on and I drove it home but this is not safe.

The day I bought the vehicle in 2019 the engine light came on, I took the car back to the dealership and was told they couldn’t do anything. I took it to them and the shop here in town and I was told by both shops on multiple occasions they could not fix any of the issues. They treated me like I’m just a paycheck for them. My car for 3+ years now shuts completely off when I slow down or stop, including on highways. “Engine speed reduced” message comes up every time I drive. Now I am being told my brakes are going to go out and nobody can help me. I have to step on my gas after I start the car or it just sputters.

Driver door will not unlock from outside of car when car is sitting out in the heat and sun. Yes car Is available for inspection If I need to get in car while out somewhere I can’t in a hurry. I went to dealership in November 2022 when it happened 3 times it was hot outside. No warning message or symptoms before failure. Hot weather when sitting in sun lock will not work. Now that it is very hot lock is not working again June12, 2023 happened 2 times today

Reduce Power Engine appears on the dash board. The car starts slowing down, I can’t speed up, I Have to park on the side of the heavy traffic in the Highway. I have to wait around 5 minutes and then drive. I still have the engine symbol on. This happens regularly like 2 to 3 times a week.

Back left door will not open, from inside or outside. Has happen before and then will open a few days later. this time it’s been a week. Black paint also needs to be recalled.

Battery charging system is faulty. Drains battery and alternator shuts off. Car and other components shut off. Third brake light brakes when car is lifted or jacked, causes safety issue and concern. Worst part is cause expensive property damage to interior of vehicle from water leaking in.

Engine light comes on, reduced engine power message displays. Have had numerous issues with this. Replaced gas pedal, was fine for a year. The issue is back. Why has'nt NHTSA acted on this well known issue? Car goes from 70 to 40 on the highway. GM has done nothing to fix the problem! First started around 10,000 Miles.

After coming to a complete stop and moving the shifter into Park, a message on screen in my car displays SHIFT TO PARK, while the icon in the bottom right of the screen clearly displays the car is already in park. This has been happening consistently over the last few days. I have learned that if I get a bit more aggressive (jam the shifter into Park) it tends to work although I'm not sure how long that will last without causing additional issues. If I can't get my car into Park, it may roll and cause injury/damage/death. I have not yet taken it in for inspection as it just began this week.

Driving down highway slowed down brake assist kicked in for no reason I was stuck in traffic not moving but maybe 2 mph brakes locked up got super hard codes read brake booster and vacuum pump. Screen went black “parking assist off” came on dashboard earlier that morning but nothing seemed to be wrong with the car. Thank God I wasn’t going faster I could have died!

Engine shuts off while driving and sometimes will not restart. This is not the regular start/stop functionality. My car shuts of when it should not and creates a crash hazard.

ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH DECREASED ENGINE POWER LIGHT. FELT THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTING. SPEED WENT FROM 50 DOWN TO 20 WHILE ON AN EXPRESSWAY AND I HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND SHUT IT DOWN. WAITED AWHILE, TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT CONTINUED SEVERAL TIMES TO DOWNSHIFT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, HAD TO WAIT A FEW WEEKS FOR THE PART AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THANK GOD I WAS NOT IN THE PASSING LANE OR THERE WOULD 'VE BEEN A VERY BAD ACCIDENT.

I have a 2017 Malibu and have gotten a message on my MFD (Multi-Function Display) screen on the dash that said Steering Assist Reduce, drive with care. It happens while driving city streets and at a complete stop. Now the doors are unlocking when the message pops up at stops. Also the care is losing power at the stops now and coming back on. It does not allow me to accelerate. This is very dangerous. I took my car into the dealership a couple months ago for the same error message but they blew it off saying I needed some type of fluid (if I remember correctly). Now, I have the same issue amplified. It wrecks lemon! I filed another complaint months ago, but I’m filing again due to scheduling yet another service appointment at the Chevrolet dealership. (Hence why I put todays date of the incident).

Since purchasing this vehicle I have had to take to repair shop several times due to the automatic shut off when at a stop light but car cuts out completely and sometimes will not start back up. I have had to be towed to the shop I have had to replace the battery once already because of this and looks like will have to replace battery again because it has started doing the same thing again. I have only had this car a year and am ready to give it back to the dealership.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the automatic START/STOP feature intermittently failed to operate as needed and the vehicle would shut off while at a complete stop. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. During the most recent failure, the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. A fellow motorist assisted her in jump-starting the vehicle and the contact was able to resume normal driving. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where it remained in their possession while awaiting a diagnostic test. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

shift to park warning stays on and will not shut off when shifter is in park dealer replaced shifter assembly $800.00 when car electrical will not shut off that is a safety issue

Car looses power randomly “engine power reduced” comes up on the dash screen have to pull over shit car off and then turn back on to reset.

I have had this issue 3 times since purchasing new in 2017. Power completly turns off while driving. No warning no nothing just turns off. I had my pistons and all that replaced back in 2019, I have also had the battery replaced 3 times since getting this vehicle as that Is what gm recommended. Nothing is helping. It now tells me to service stabilitrack. Tells me my power steering is out. It’s not safe to drive. It sits in my driveway and I am waiting money monthly paying on it. It also gives me a shift to park error while it’s already in park. This is a dangerous car and do not recommend it. Chevy was so gracious to tell me they’ll give me half of what my vehicle loan is. So nice. Ya right what a joke. I have pulled up these issues from other buyers of this...

Since purchase from dealer at 40,000 miles I have complained numerous times. Dealer can not reproduce and refuses to do anything about it. When driving vehicle with and sometimes with out AC on. The vehicle doesn't want to go. I could have the gas peddle to the floor and it won't accelerate. Does is whenever it wants to seems as if when AC is on it does it the most. This past week the vehicle has thrown a warning steering asist reduced please drive with care. It quickly comes on and then goes back off. The vehicle is also stalling out of no where. I come to a stop light it goes to auto stop then I go to start accelerating and the vehicle will shut down engine light comes on and vehicle will not start back up for a min or 2. Once engine shuts off I put in...

Engine light continues to come on repeatedly. Resetting does not fix the problem. Engine shuts off while driving. Then suddenly the engine comes back on at an accelerated speed. Engine shuts off at traffic light when my foot is on the brake. When I remove my foot from the brake and press the accelerator the car jerks into gear. Sometimes the STABIL TRACK appears on my dash board. Also, STEERING REDUCE BE CAREFUL appears on my dash board. Sometime the driver side window will not go up or down. I have CAR SHIELD but I can not find a mechanic to accept it. They all say that CAR SHIELD is a rip-off.

So basically when I'm driving it automatically I don't know where says engine power reduce which cuts the power down when you're on the highway and see if you're doing 70 miles per hour and all of a sudden that light comes on your check engine light comes on and it reduces the strength of the vehicle so ithe vehicle so we can cause multiple accidents

I have Taken my car back and forth to the dealer so many times since ive had the 2017 Chevy malibu LT my car lost power once before and now it feels like it wants to lose power again my engine make this off noise it rides rough I have no warning lights on They told me it could be a computer problem and they could not fix it and the all of a sudden it was okay then my gas is running out quick and engine oil and i have a burning smell but they keep saying nothing is wrong it jerks when i shift gears sometimes and it makes a loud noise and no hazards light are on I feel like they are clearing codes and trying to sell me a new car because they keep telling me to trade it in they will buy it back Ive...

After stopping and shifting to park and pushing the "Ignition Button". The button indicator light shows car is not in "park". The dash indicator also states "Shift To Park" even though it is in park. This can be resolved by many pushes on the shift stick lever. It is obvious to be a shabby mechanism inside the shift box that isn't connecting the circuit to show that the vehicle is actually in park. This problem began about a week ago and it seems to be somewhat worse as time goes on. When it first happened, I did not know what to do. Thank god for google that showed me how to "jerry-rig" a fix each time to show it actually in park (flipping the shift stick button). If left alone, I would possibly drain the battery. Also google comments and post indicated this is a complaint by many and should...