2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU Electrical System Problems

177 NHTSA complaints on file

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Electrical System Issues in the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU

177 electrical system complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU. Of these, 2 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

177
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Electrical System Complaints

#11711621 |
The vehicle shut off in the middle of the street. I had to get it jumped to start again. There was a fuel leak. Car is still smelling like fuel after getting it repaired. The vehicle doesn't alert if your close to a car or anything
#11695987 |
When putting the car in park it and powering the car off it will say shift to park but car is already in Park. Then it will real stalibark and my wheel will sometimes lock.
#11693251 |
The backup camera for this vehicle is starting to fail and the view is blurry. Additionally, it seems that this also is affecting the rear traffic alert as I almost crashed into someone at a parking lot when trying to back out of a space. I will soon have no rear camera or cross traffic alerts.
#11692209 |
Every so often I get an indication of engine power reduced, but every time I go in to get it checked it's off. I have recently just learned through research online that the issue is caused by a certain condition that gives false reading to the electronics. I have contacted GM and GM financial about the recalls on my cars of the same year. I have not been in a wreck but I have had the issue of engine reduced power in the middle of traffic. Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton has turn me away about the issue GM financial is giving me the runaround neither one mention anything about a recall instead I get a estimate $400 /$808.50/1900.41 all to fix ECM as I told the mechanic I was driving with no problem through the day me and the kids at the park when it was time to leave the...
#11691535 |
I get a engine power reduced warning and check engine light is on for 3 start cycles and goes away. Auto Start/Stop after stopping, lights flicker and power is slow to come back on upon auto start and I get a power steering reduced warning.,
#11691347 |
Purchased a car for financing from Barret Motors and 2300 Lakeview PKWY, Rowlett, TX and as soon as I drove it off the lot on [XXX] the engine light popped on. I immediately called and was told to just take it to Chevy/GMC for servicing but was not told why, but just because the engine light was on I was told to go. I couldn’t take an appointment asap because I just started a new job which they also knew. The car has had a recall since 09-06-19 for an engine control module. Which is a serious issue and this car never had it completed and sold me a car with possible engine issue and did not inform there’s a recall on the vehicle for almost 5 years now. I took the car to get serviced at Chevy for the recall on 09/09/2025 and now I am facing multiple issues...
#11690374 |
Hello, I own a 2018 Chevy Malibu. I previously had the recall repair completed for ECM Malfunction. Unfortunately, I am still experiencing the same problem that the recall was for. Since then, the issue has returned, and I am concerned that the original remedy did not resolve the safety concern. Can you please advise me on the next steps to have this issue re-inspected and corrected? Thank you for your time and assistance. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11677993 |
The mechanic discovered that the Battery Control Module harness had been damaged by water intrusion inside the vehicle. This damage prevented the vehicle from powering on, rendering it completely non-responsive.
#11676993 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure of the battery and fuel pump. The contact was informed that the ground wire and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact about a recall on the malfunctioning ECM. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 50,206.
#11666973 |
I have searched the prior recalls and I’m having the same problem that were said to be fixed. I would like the car check again for the recalls that said to be fixed and checked for all reacalls . The car turns of unexpected without warning . At random times the low power mode is always on and when I push down in the pedal it doesn’t respond well at all . I have invested countless money into fixing issues with this car .
#11643630 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The “Engine Power Reduced” message was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 45 MPH unintendedly. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE). The local dealer was contacted and provided the contact with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
#11637836 |
When I turn off my vehicle the shift to park indicator pops up.
#11635526 |
ENGINE POWER REDUCED light keeps coming on while driving and the car stalls and won't go over 20mph. Several repairs later and it is still happening almost daily. It has nearly caused an accident several times. This needs to be fixed and a recall for the issue needs to be issued by Chevy. With this many people experiencing this problem, why isn't Chevy obligated to address the issue?
#11630289 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop, the engine auto Start/Stop system engaged, causing the engine to shut off; however, the electrical system then became inoperable. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle failed to stop immediately and rolled to a stop. The stabili-trak and electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. A message advising to open and to close the windows was displayed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that there were debris in the throttle. The contact was advised to drive at high speeds on the highway to correct the failure. The contact followed the instructions; however, the failure persisted....
#11629424 |
On 11/2/24, Dashboard was displaying "shift to park" message when car was turned off and in park, ignition button displayed orange. Was advised by service advisor that this is a known Chevrolet issue but no recall issued to date. The fix required a park switch replacement; jumper park switched was installed on 11/7/24.
#11626323 |
Car keeps giving a “Shift To Park” message when vehicle is already in park. Leaving the vehicle running and draining the battery, let me stranded a few times because it was dead. Tried almost everything to get it to go away but it keeps giving the same message everytime I go to park it and vehicle won’t shut off. Very inconvenient and unsafe, Doesn’t seem to be a recall or fix for this issue.
#11624967 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that upon turning the vehicle off, the message to “Shift to Park" was displayed and the electrical components remained on. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was faulty wiring in the electrical system. Additionally, the contact was informed of an undisclosed recall possibly related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
#11622367 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low power mode warning illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure occurred three times within a day. In addition, the contact stated that the night before, the vehicle was started; however, the vehicle then failed to start as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle went into auto theft mode. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred in July 2024. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an unknown recall repair was performed. The recall repair consisted of ECM was reprogrammed and OAT sensor was realigned. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,265.
#11617987 |
While driving high speed such as are on the highway vehicle jerks and has gotten worse now so aggressively it almost jerks from my grip to the left. It’s without notice and over correcting at those speed could cause my vehicle to roll, or jerking into on coming traffic or into another vehicle to the left of me and the direction each time it’s occurred it’s jerked to the left. I’ve previously blamed it on the road or the wind when it’s happened since I’ve had it now almost 5 years. Now it’s getting so bad I’m afraid of my safety and others in my vehicle or other drivers I might be thrown into when it jerks violently and without warning. This is my only form of transportation and I owe money left in the vehicle and feel I’m being put in harms ways as well as other that could...
#11617221 |
While driving the speed suddenly reduced and brakes locked up on me. I was lucky enough to be able to veer to the left and get off the busy street without crashing into anyone or anything. When I stopped the car cut off and would not start back up even with a jump. This happened to me twice before and they did a recall on the same part. I need ot fixed again. I also had to replace the battery every time including this time.
#11617132 |
When parking it says shift to park even when I’m already in park. The dealer says it’s the shifter however after seeing numerous other vehicles with this issue I believe it’s electrical
#11611036 |
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM NOTE CAME ON, JUST REPLACED THE ALTERNATER AND GOT A NEW BATTERY PUT ON. EVERYTHING ELSE IS GOOD AND THIS KEEPS COMING ON.
#11609458 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, several electrical features remained activated including the radio and the infotainment touchscreen. Additionally, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that due to the failure, the battery was drained, and the vehicle could not be immediately restarted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 38,000.
#11608073 |
When I turn my vehicle off, it displays “shift to park” I am trapped in my car because it does not turn off all the way and the door will not lock. I have to wiggle and re-crank several times to attempt to get my vehicle to shut off. My battery has gone dead several times because I simply couldn’t turn the car off with the shift to park displaying.
#11607867 |
The pedal assembly is malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to throw an error and suddenly reduce the speed of the vehicle dramatically, often to dangerous levels, i.e. reducing the vehicle speed to below 30MPH suddenly on a highway. The vehicle will randomly experience the malfunction in the pedal assembly with no apparent pattern or reasoning. The issue is remedied by turning the vehicle on and off again. Additionally, the code clears most often within 24 hours.
#11606412 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was left on the side of the roadway. The contact called the dealer where the vehicle was purchased and was advised that he had to pay to have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was aware of an open recall on the vehicle, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V642000 (Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The failure mileage was unknown.
#11602768 |
REDUCED POWER TO ENGINE . Previously had recall for this issue, which was replaced by Chevy service center. About a year later I had the same problem but had to pay out of pocket because there were no active recalls on the issue. As of today, I am receiving the same “REDUCED POWER TO ENGINE” error and check engine light keeps coming on. This happens randomly but frequently almost every single day. Error will shut off after restarting car and then happens again not long after. I’ve had this issue with multiple Chevy Malibus that I have owed and there is currently a class action lawsuit against GM for this exact issue.
#11601502 |
This car has the shift to park issue that was under a recall for 2016 to 2019 chevy malibu. However gm refuses to put my vin in the system so this issue can be repaired. This is a 2018 malibu which should have been on that recall list.
#11590943 |
Since I got the car, if I let it go in auto stop, it has a hard time accelerating when I push the gas. It has gotten worse and now it has a hard time accelerating in general. When I push the gas it sounds really loud like it’s struggling to go. I realized this is a safety issue for me and others when my car wasn’t going at the light of a busy intersection, or when I’m getting onto a highway and my car isn’t picking up speed. This makes it scary for people already on the highway as Iam causing them to brake unexpectedly. Every time my check engine light comes on I take it to the dealership. It’s been taken in for repairs multiple times but this issue still keeps coming back.
#11588717 |
this is a known issue with the 2018 Chevy malibu and other GM vehicles, where the vehicle is in park, but the car does not register that it is in park, and will not shut off. this has been happening in my malibu, and Is a large safety concern for me
#11587093 |
My car keeps saying please put in park, even after the car is parked. If I don’t turn on and off the car multiple times shifting from park to reverse to get it to not say put in park, my lights in my car stay on and the battery will eventually die. Seems electrical, and afraid of it says please put in park, is it really in park if it says that?
#11587187 |
Regular electrical issues that cause the steering assistance to become disable while driving. Faulty sensors that the Chevrolet certified service center cannot resolve, engine light has been on for over 6 months. faulty mass airflow sensor Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control See attachment for additional codes over 2 years. I have contacted as many people as possible in order to understand the issue and find a resolution. Began having electrical issues since May 2022. Dyer Chevrolet in Lake Wales Florida has all the records.
#11586483 |
Engine power reduced indicated on dash and engine light came on while i was driving
#11574627 |
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power with an unknown engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine power was reduced. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to approximately 15 MPH and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact attempted several times to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The contact stated there was an abnormally strong odor of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood, and the odor of gasoline was very strong. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and saw gasoline in a puddle underneath the vehicle. The contact stated...
#11572664 |
Saturday morning this is now the 3rd time it's been fixed and safe to drive. Once by the dealership in Baltimore Towson area. Check engine light came on I ran diagnostic I bought at the store to get the codes come to find out class actions for wrongful death because company knew about it. As I also see hundreds of he same complaints here. My wife on [XXX] Baltimore MD at the merge. She went from 60mph to 35mph. Then the car shut off with zero control of steering. Once in neutral she slightly touch the brakes which let it start up. Thank God no one was killed we have 2 beautiful 6 n 7 yr old girls what would I tell them. This needs addressed it happens after the batt needs changed I know 4 other owners 1 had just got one that's what triggered his same codes problems....
#11562988 |
I was driving my car and my entire car’s dashboard went out and the cars speed dropped I tried braking but they kept slipping. It was a very scary event for me as I was driving on highway 59 when this happened to me. The TCM is s a problem for this vehicle please recall this issue.
#11554537 |
My car will stall in the middle of driving will say it is not in drive, the power steering is reduced, and I cannot use the brakes properly. This is a safety issue. As I drive on interstates and highways on my commutes.
#11553338 |
Mass air flow sensor has been replaced 3 times. Keeps going bad causing hiccups and hesitation. Very dangerous at times
#11551208 |
My turbo failed while I was on a very busy highway, causing me from going 70mph to 35mph in a matter of seconds and almost being hit. This put my life and my friends life at risk since we were in the left lane. Now that I’ve been fighting with the dealership ti help make this right they found a GM warranty that fixed and updated electrical sensors. We fixed that first because at the time we thought that was what it was. My turbo gave out again up in the mountains almost killing me and my friend a second time on a busy road. We made it to a parking lot and called a tow truck. Now the stabiltrak is showing up and the car refuses to start, it makes a whooshing sound and doesn’t start completely. (There is fuel, oil, etc). I was sold an unsafe vehicle and...
#11550822 |
Just now car drove rought made it home to shutting down shift to park message came on I was not on the first recall list
#11550719 |
Just now coming home my car made noises when I parked it said shift to park Friday GM said I'm to repair the problem with my studies it's gm hidden defects I was not on the first recall I seen on goggle NHTSA please help me with this car problems and please help 513 complaints as well on the 2018 Chevy Malibu breakdowns
#11550169 |
Wanted to shut off just now at the stop intersection and when I got home shift to park message came on
#11549628 |
While waiting at the stop just now my car made noises to wanting to stop on me luckily I made it home when I parked again it gave me shift to park message
#11548947 |
Just now my car made odd noises to wanting to stop I got home and shift to park message came on well NHTSA help me GM don't want to help
#11547913 |
Just not my car drove very odd to noises to shift to park message
#11547558 |
Coming to Walmart at the stop waiting for the light to turn green my car made noises parking at Walmart shift to park message came on. I was not on the first recall list I need help GM should fix the problem repurchase my car or replace it
#11547461 |
Just now I got back from leaving my son to work at the stop loud loud loud noises in my hood to sound like transmission noise to wanting to shut down again luckily I made it home again shift to park message came on I have a month half calling GM to asking to speak to a supervisor no response to emailing gm CEO to no reply who do I run to nhtsa for help yet no help who do I run to that can help me before I get injured or killed in this car this is my only car I'm asking it be fixed replace or repurchase I was not on the last recall list help help help help
#11547424 |
Today is 41 days with noises coming out of my car to 41 days to shift to park message again today my car wanted to turn off at the stop luckily I made it home to parking and again shift to park message came on GM supervisor never called me to NHTSA never helps so who do I run to for help I don't want to be injured or killed in this car on August 18,2023 while driving lost power to no gas no brakes to driving like this for five minutes to shutting down I'm I to be injured or killed in that when nhtsa gonna help me GM should be shut down and NHTSA should not say there helping you both are jokes....Help me and help all of us that have making complaints on these dam cars.....
#11547227 |
At the traffic light my car made noises headed back home as I parked again I got shift to park message I read on goggle that there been a recall my car was not on that recall list and I keep getting shift to park message GM shut them down NHTSA what are you here for no one has called me on these complaints I've been doing NHTSA to should shut down well you ever help me or help us all hello help us.....
#11546763 |
Yesterday my car was acting out at the stop I did to wanting to turn off and again shift to park message came on my car has never been on the recall I need help to gm fix problems or replace or repurchase my car

Other 2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU Problem Areas

Engine 267 complaints Power Train 153 complaints Unknown Or Other 147 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 106 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 82 complaints Service Brakes 58 complaints Steering 37 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 21 complaints Air Bags 13 complaints Suspension 12 complaints Exterior Lighting 9 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 9 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift 6 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 6 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 5 complaints Structurebody 4 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 3 complaints Seat Belts 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum 3 complaints Visibilitywiper 3 complaints Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 2 complaints Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System 2 complaints Lane Departure Assist 2 complaints Otheri Am Not Sure 2 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl 2 complaints Seats 2 complaints Wheels 2 complaints Chest Clip Buckle Harness 1 complaint Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gauge 1 complaint Engine And Engine Cooling 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineengine Control Module Ecuecm 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemmass Air Flow Maf Sensor 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Structure 1 complaint Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields 1 complaint Suspensionrearshock Absorber 1 complaint Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 1 complaint Visibility 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield 1 complaint
Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report