Should I buy a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu with documented brakes problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented brakes issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu brakes problems

severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →

Failure mileage

Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$450

1crash

1injury

When does it fail?

Of the 14 brakes complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.

0-25k

0 (0%)

25-50k

0 (0%)

50-75k

1 (100%)

75-100k

0 (0%)

100-125k

0 (0%)

125-150k

0 (0%)

150k+

0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

All 2 active brakes recalls on this vehicle land at critical or severe — none classified moderate.

No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 14V240000 May 8, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Lacrosse vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 31, 2014 and 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured February 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014, and equipped with 17 inch front brake rotors

If a brake pad detaches from caliper, there may be a sudden reduction in braking, lengthening the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake rotors, and install the correct rotors with new brake pads, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 20, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick) or 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). GM's number for this recall is 14128.

severe NHTSA 14V247000 May 14, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through May 2, 2014, and equipped with a 2

If the hydraulic boost assist is disabled, slowing or stopping the vehicle will require additional brake pedal effort and a lengthened stopping distance. Both of these effects increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic brake control module software, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020. General Motors number for this recall is 14201.

The failure pattern owners describe

Buyer takeaway: Owners report a wide range of brake system failures on 2014 Malibus—from brake light switch problems and complete brake loss to hub bearing failures, brake fluid leaks, and uncontrolled steering during emergency stops. Several vehicles were subject to recalls that were never completed, and multiple owners found dealers unable or unwilling to repair the problems.

Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Malibus describe brake system problems at every level. Brake light switch failures cause rear lights to stay on with no dashboard warning. Several owners report hard braking that triggers sudden, uncontrolled steering—jerking left then violently right—creating dangerous emergency situations. Brake pedal sticking with groaning sounds happens repeatedly, especially on downhill grades and curves, and dealers cannot isolate the cause even after multiple visits.

One owner experienced complete brake failure at 25 mph, resulting in a crash and neck/back injuries. Another's brake fluid leaked completely from a rear caliper, requiring flatbed towing. A third reported extended braking distance and hesitation despite multiple warning lights. One vehicle stalled at red lights when the auto-stop feature engaged with braking applied, leaving the owner unable to accelerate safely.

Rear wheel hub bearing failures occurred on two separate occasions in the same vehicle, disabling ABS and stability control. Two recalled vehicles were sold without the recall work completed. One owner's electrical brake traction system failed but parts became unavailable, and the manufacturer declined further support. A brake pedal sensor replacement, rotor failures, and brake clunking during auto-stop activation round out the reported failures. Mileage ranges from under 100 miles to 200,000 miles.

Same Chevrolet Malibu brakes reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2016 · 2017

Failure modes owners describe

Brake pedal sensor malfunction

Brake light switch or sensor under the brake pedal fails, causing rear brake lights to remain illuminated even when brakes are not applied.

When: 75,614 miles

Symptoms owners cite: rear brake lights stay on; no warning light on dashboard

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer (Pat O'Brien Chevrolet, Vermilion OH) replaced sensor under brake pedal

Brake system repair—auto stop malfunction

After dealer performs brake work and recall service (7/8), the vehicle's auto stop/start feature stops engaging. Multiple dealer visits and computer resets do not resolve the issue.

When: During/after recall brake service (July)

Symptoms owners cite: auto stop feature will not engage; persists after multiple dealer visits; problem remains after computer reset

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted fix on 7/8, 7/14, 7/15; computer reset performed; loaner vehicle provided during extended repair attempts

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service performed (GM-initiated brake repair)

Brake pedal sticking with groaning noise

Brake pedal sticks in the downward position and makes a groaning sound when braking. Pedal requires manual return to original position. Vehicle jerks during braking. Issue occurs repeatedly, especially on downhill grades and curves.

When: Estimated multiple occurrences; first instance unclear

Symptoms owners cite: brake pedal sticks downward; groaning sound from brakes; vehicle jerks when braking; occurs at 24–40 mph on downhill and curved sections

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose problem despite multiple visits

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner aware of recall (husband's Silverado was recalled for similar issue)

Brake hesitation and extended stopping distance

Vehicle hesitates when brake pedal is depressed, causing extended braking distance. Warning lights illuminate but remain undiagnosed.

When: 139,098 miles

Symptoms owners cite: brakes hesitate when depressed; extended braking distance; unknown warning lights illuminated

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired due to repair costs

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified

Rotor failure

Brake rotors fail and require replacement. Associated with abnormal engine noise during braking.

When: Approximately 200,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: abnormal sound from engine during braking; rotors failed

Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed at Firestone; vehicle not repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 14V240000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)

Rear wheel hub bearing failure

Rear wheel hub unit bearings break, triggering ABS and stability control warning lights. Two separate occurrences: left rear wheel hub bearing broke first (Oct. 2017), then right rear wheel hub bearing broke about one month later. Hub bearings control multiple systems including stopping, cruise control, skidding, and braking.

When: 2016–Oct. 2017 (first instance); Nov. 2017 (second instance)

Symptoms owners cite: ABS light comes on; stability trac light comes on; cruise control intermittent (2016–2017); left rear wheel hub bearing broke; right rear wheel hub bearing broke

Codes mentioned: ABS light, Stability Trac light

Repairs/costs cited: Both failures confirmed at authorized GM dealer; described as extremely expensive per tire

Uncontrolled steering during hard braking

During emergency braking at highway speed, vehicle jerks steering wheel hard left, then harder to right. Control of vehicle nearly lost due to unexpected steering input.

When: Highway driving at 65 mph during emergency stop

Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel jerks left, then hard right during hard braking; unexpected steering input; loss of control nearly occurred

Electrical brake traction failure

Electrical brake traction system fails, causing vehicle to feel as if it is shutting off when approaching a stop. Released from problem when driver lifts foot from brake pedal.

When: 100,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: vehicle feels like it is shutting off at stop sign; issue resolves when foot is released from brake pedal

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed electrical brake traction needed replacement; repair not completed because parts are discontinued

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed parts are discontinued; no further assistance available

Brake fluid leak from rear caliper

All brake fluid leaks out of the rear caliper. Vehicle exhibits low brake feel, warning lights (low brake fluid, stability track), and audible alarms that sound every time brakes are applied. Vehicle required flatbed towing.

When: During driving (multiple miles)

Symptoms owners cite: brakes feel low; low brake fluid warning light; stability track alarm light; brake light lights up; alarms sound with each brake application; complete brake fluid loss

Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid completely leaked from rear caliper; vehicle flatbedded to dealer; not yet resolved

Brake system recall—dealer service disconnect

Vehicle included in NHTSA Campaign 14V247000 but recall repair was not completed before vehicle was sold. Dealer informed owner but provided no explanation for the incomplete repair. Owner uncertain when repair will be performed.

When: Prior to sale; timing unknown

Symptoms owners cite: recall not completed before sale; no failure experienced

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V247000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)

Complete brake failure

Brakes fail completely while driving at 25 mph, resulting in collision with rear of another vehicle. Driver sustained neck and back injuries requiring medical attention. Police report filed. Vehicle not included in recall despite being a 2014 Malibu.

When: Approximately 100 miles on vehicle

Symptoms owners cite: complete brake failure; collision resulted

Repairs/costs cited: Police report filed; medical treatment required for neck and back injuries

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle not included in NHTSA Campaign 14V252000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)

Auto stop stalling with brake engagement

Vehicle stalls or shuts off at red lights when auto stop feature engages and driver applies brakes. Gas pedal becomes unresponsive, requiring manual restart. Prior battery replacement ($700) did not resolve the issue.

When: Recent (after battery replacement)

Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalls at red lights when auto stop engages; gas pedal unresponsive; must restart car manually; nearly caused accident in traffic

Repairs/costs cited: Both batteries replaced by Chevrolet dealership at cost of $700; problem persists

Difficult to stop—poor braking response

Vehicle is difficult to stop when braking at 35 mph. Failure recurs multiple times. Owner aware of NHTSA Campaign 14V240000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic).

When: Approximately 10,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: vehicle difficult to stop at 35 mph; failure recurs multiple times

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V240000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)

Brake clunking during auto stop

When auto stop feature activates, driver-side brakes produce clunking noise during brake application.

When: 89,345 miles on 2014 Malibu LS

Symptoms owners cite: clunking from driver-side brakes when auto stop kicks in; noise occurs when brakes applied

Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 1 most recent

brakes · 50,000 mi · filed 12/10/2017

In 2016 I started experiencing issues with my cruise control working sometimes & sometimes not. After a year or so while driving my car ABS light indicator light came on (oct.2017) after taken it to an authorized gm dealer it was found that my left rear wheel hub unit bearing broke, a little over a month later, the ABS & the stability trac light came on. This time it was the right rear wheel hub…

Had brakes trouble with your 2014 Chevrolet Malibu? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the brakes problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?

It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.

At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?

Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 10,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 75,614. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to brakes?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover brakes issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Chevrolet/Malibu. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.