2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU Power Train Problems

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier with approximately 50,000 miles displayed a persistent “Shift to Park” message. The vehicle would not consistently recognize that it was in park, preventing the vehicle from shutting off properly and creating a safety concern. Dealer diagnosed a faulty transmission shifter assembly that was not sending a strong signal to the body control module (BCM). The shifter assembly was replaced at a cost of $611.31. This appears to be a known recurring defect affecting similar model year Malibus. Filing complaint to document safety-related failure.

I've taken my car in now 4 times to Chevy dealers just to be told there was nothing wrong. Turnes out that my torque converter (transmission) is going bad. And I can't get a Chevy dealer to honor my almost expired warranty.

I was driving along and my car went into a reduced engine power mode. Code came up as the gas pedal sensor.

car not recognizing it is in park. Displays "shift to park" on information screen.

Multiple components and/or system failures/malfunctions, exact cause is unknown. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risks include engine power reduction issues that result in unexpected deceleration, and/or sudden/dangerous loss of power/acceleration. Problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Vehicle component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, representatives, or any others other than diagnostic trouble code testing at O’Reilly auto parts due to illuminated check engine light. Vehicle displays error messages “engine power reduced,” while driving and/or idle, and “shift to park” when vehicle has already been shifted into park. No obvious symptoms of the problem prior to failure, unknown when first appeared. Vehicle-2018 Chevrolet Malibu LT L4-1.5L 1490cc 91ci GAS DI Turbocharged vin T LFV-4 valve DOHC (Mileage-145000). Primary Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code “P0014 - Exhaust Camshaft Position System Performance (Code P0014 indicates that the Bank 1 Exhaust...

1. This case refers to a 2018 Chevy Malibu. In October 2021, the (gear shift) transmission control system was found faulty and was replaced with an N-CONTROL in the gear shift. Again, in September 2025, the same issue happened, this time replacing the N-CONTROL again as well as the N-HARNESS. Yes, can be available upon an inspection request. 2. This component directly affects how the car recognizes when it is in Park. When it malfunctions, it can confuse the vehicle’s electronic systems and potentially prevent the car from shutting down properly, engaging the shift lock, or starting safely. This creates a safety risk for both me the driver and others around my vehicle. Since this is a recurring issue as well as other 18 Chevy Malibu's I don’t believe this is normal wear and tear. Having to replace the same system twice in such a short period suggests a recurring...

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked abnormally. On one occasion the vehicle stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission accumulator sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Micro switch for Park is faulty. “Shit to Park” error message. Vehicle is completely disabled and is not drivable.

I was going about 75 mph on the express way with one lane open due to construction. My car started losing power.I heard the chime and upon the dashboard were the words power reduced. My car slowed down in a matter of seconds to around 45 mph. A 18 wheeler was trailing behind me. I quickly jumped in the emergency lane to my right and took the next exit while riding the emergency lane. I shut the car off at the gas station, sat there for about 10 minutes, restarting my car helped temporarily. I was 3 hours away from home and had to drive back unknowingly if I will make it or not. I reached out to Chevrolet and was told to bring it in and leave it but they had no loaner cars for anyone at that time. I have replaced 2 sensors and now my start /stop...

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted into park; however, the message to shift to park was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed gear shifter harness. The contact was informed that the gear shifter harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

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?

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and shifting to park park(P), the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. During the failure, the vehicle could not immediately be turned off, and the doors failed to lock. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced for a similar failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

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.

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.

When putting my vehicle in park to turn off the car, a warning light comes on to put vehicle into park. The vehicle is already in park and am unable to turn off the vehicle. In order to turn off the engine I must repeatedly turn it on and off and hit the gear shifter multiple times. This problem is becoming more and more frequent. I see numerous other 2018 Malibus in the complaint section reporting the same issue. Come on Chevrolet fix this problem!

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after shifting into park, the message “Action Required Shifting to Park” displayed. The message remained displayed even when the vehicle was turned off. The contact restarted the vehicle several times while slightly moving the gear shifter until the message was no longer displayed. The failure had become constant. The dealer had been contacted and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 67,000.

Car hesitant to crank, once the Start/ stop button is pushed, the car will start, run smooth for a second or two then start to shake and putter like it’s not getting fuel and loses it power and cuts off. I have to go through this process 5/6 times before the car will stay crunk. While driving Car will out the blue say reduced engine power and acts as if it does not want to pull or it is losing power! The car also has the eco saving feature where it cuts off at every stop and there is not an option be turned off and car is hesitant to start back up after it cuts off. Car is now starting to smoke from the tailpipe. The VVT intake and exhaust solienoids have oil getting into them and the PCV valve is about to crack open. The car throws codes...

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the "Reduced Engine Power," message was displayed before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and exiting a ramp to get on to a major highway, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated she depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the engine power reduced warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated and was almost rear-ended by an oncoming vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been consistent for several weeks. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure could be caused due to a failed unknown sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

I have an ongoing issue with the shifter not communicating to the ECU that it is in park. I put the car into park, dash board shows in P (park) and transmission is in park (ie won't move forward with brake released) and when I go to turn the car off I get message that car is not in Park. To remedy this I have to smack the back of the shifter forward sometimes 5-15 times and from light to moderately hard pressure to get the ECU/sensor to realize it's in Park. The shifter was replaced by a Chevy dealer 2-3 years ago but the problem started again. I believe there needs to be a recall due to the same issue ongoing [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Transmission Surge Accumulator System Performance. The car fails to accelerate once it comes to a complete stop, traffic lights, etc. The car will rev up to 5000 RPMs but will not reach 10 mph. This causes problems when driving and I was almost hit on several occasions (more than 8 times) on my drive home to be safe again. The car was taken to the dealership and was reported to have been fixed, after paying a $100 deductible, but only ran properly for one day. Again, I was almost hit 5 times while driving back home, after the repair was made. The check engine light came on after the car presented issues, as I was out running errands, the car was losing power and was not performing well. About 20 minutes after the initial issue, the check engine light came on. I took the car to Auto Zone where they...

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.

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

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

Wanted to shut off just now at the stop intersection and when I got home shift to park message came on

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

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

Just not my car drove very odd to noises to shift to park message

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

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

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.....

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.....

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

Today my car made noise at the stop then getting home at drive way more noise to turning off the car shift to park message came on if GM is keep this defect hidden why NHTSA not making them implement recall or replace or repurchase this car help me and help owners that own 2018 Chevy Malibus I don't want others to get injured or killed in there car help me and help owners that own 2018 Chevy Malibu why have NHTSA if I or no one else gets the help we need make GM do what they need to do or close gm down like my car shuts me down

Just now I got out from church and again shift to park message came on please help me it's my only car

Someone needs to take this seriously if I injured myself or kill others with this car GM says no to my request of repurchase since my break down on August 18 to now I continue to get shift to park message this is my only car please help me that you implement a recall ASAP this is the only car I have I ask they fix this problem repurchase or replace my car this is the only car I have someone help me please help me just got into my driveway coming from store and again I get shift to park message please help me

Just got here to savemart my car made noises to again shift to park message to scary see if I make it home something needs to be done gm needs to fix this car or close gm down id love to see gm shut down like this car shuts down this is my only car please help me by then fixing my car or replace it or repurchase it is hate to be injured or killed in this car 😭

Just now my car made noises shift to park message came on I called general Motor just now they refuse to fix my car and refuse to replace or repurchase my car who can help me with this please NHTSA help me or referred me to who can help me this is my only car please help me

Made noises out while I was driving at right now I drove home to again shift to park message omg this is to much please help me today again gm said no to replacement no repurchase this is my only car please help me

Just now getting to Walmart my shift to park message came on my 2018 Chevy Mailbu

Made noise just now and shift to park message just now and dealers says there's nothing wrong with my car and gm don't want to repurchase my car please help me this is my only car

Again today my shift to park message came on to some odd noise help me please

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that that vehicle failed to shift into park. The shift to park warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a glitch in the vehicle and there were no open recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 91,832.

Today again shift to park message came on

Warning lights never come up for the five years I've had it On August 18, 2023 while driving I lost power to no gas no brakes to driving like this for five minutes at the end shift to park message came on I was scared thank God I didn't die. On September 15,2023 Ed Denas dealership stated my car fine I disagree with them as again shift to park message comes up. On September 17, 2023 when I parked at my driveway I got the message shift to park. Please help me and please help 2018 Chevy Mailbu customers. That gm implement the recall or gm replacement or gm repurchase these 2018 Chevy Malibu this is the only car I have please help me. Thank you

I keep getting shift to park message every time I go to park. My vehicle is in park and won’t turn off the radio and lights inside. It is starting to drain my battery and every day I wake up my battery is now dead. No recalls for this however lots of complaints.

No warnings was given.it was scary.my car lost power to 20 mph it drove to where I was able to safely get off the road gave me error messages to shutting down. I sure don't want this happening to others

Vehicle shut down in traffic lost all power as I'm pushing my Vehicle to a safe location in neutral it starts back up without me starting it there was a recall for this year make and model the recall numbers are N192221960 NHTSA # 19V642 Date Issued: Sep 06, 2019 those problems are infact the same issues I am having

I drive my car everyday as usual but here lately my car shuts off while I’m driving and my dash goes completely black and I have no power and it doesn’t start back up