This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 66 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 84,652 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Malibu | 46 |
| 2011 Malibu | 62 |
| 2012 Malibu | 30 |
| 2013 Malibu | 78 |
| 2014 Malibu (this page) | 66 |
| 2015 Malibu | 24 |
| 2016 Malibu | 94 |
| 2017 Malibu | 81 |
| 2018 Malibu | 92 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 66 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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
Owners have filed 66 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Engine accounts for 18% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe the 2014 Chevy Malibu 2.5L engine failing in predictable ways. The rocker arm oil control solenoid (part 12633613) goes bad and triggers stalling, hesitation, rough running, and a check engine light—typically between 20,000 and 100,000 miles. The problem is widespread enough that dealerships report 6 to 20+ vehicles waiting for the same part; one owner was told GM has no plans to manufacture it anymore. Without the part available, cars sit parked for months while owners pay insurance and loans on vehicles they cannot drive.
Engine stalling occurs at traffic lights, stop signs, and highway speeds. Some owners report losing power mid-intersection. The auto start/stop feature compounds the risk by failing to restart the engine after shutting down, leaving occupants stranded in traffic. Owners have taken vehicles to dealers multiple times only to be told the shops cannot pinpoint the issue or offer a fix.
Separate failures include connecting rod bearing collapse at 59,000 miles (catastrophic loss of power at highway speed), engine overheating from coolant loss, intake manifold bolt loosening, and two documented engine fires—one after radiator replacement, one while parked. Several owners report spending over $1,000 on diagnostics and repairs across multiple shops without resolution. GM has issued case numbers and acknowledged the issue but refuses to recall.
Same Chevrolet Malibu engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve / Solenoid Failure
Variable timing oil control valve or rocker arm solenoid (parts 12633613, 12634467) becomes defective, causing engine hesitation, jerking, stalling, reduced engine power, rough running, and check engine light. GM discontinued the part, making it unavailable even under warranty. Multiple owners report the same part number affected across the country; dealerships confirm widespread backorders and manufacturers confirming no plans for future production.
When: Typically 20,000–100,000 miles; one case at 139,605 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation at low speeds (20–40 MPH); Rough running and jerking; Vehicle stalling while driving, sometimes mid-intersection or highway; Reduced engine power warning light; Check engine light illuminated; Decreased fuel economy; Engine shaking and vibration; Decreased acceleration response
Codes mentioned: P16D0, P16CF, P16D0 (stuck open air/oil intake valve)
Repairs/costs cited: Part discontinued by GM; unavailable through OEM or aftermarket manufacturers. Dealerships report 6–20+ vehicles waiting for the same part at single locations. One owner was told GM has no plans to manufacture the part. Some owners used aftermarket alternatives at their own expense with no warranty coverage for secondary damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM confirmed parts unavailable and no plans for production. GM case numbers issued (e.g., 9-5847264087, 9-5813783154, 9-5813783154). Some owners referred to GM Special Coverage Adjustment N192289160. GM declined recall despite knowledge of widespread issue. Owners advised that third-party parts carry no warranty.
Connecting Rod / Internal Engine Bearing Failure
Piston or connecting rod bearing failure causing complete engine damage, typically catastrophic loss of power while driving at highway speed. One documented case at 59,000 miles with reference to a known technical service bulletin.
When: 59,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly at highway speed (70 MPH); Complete loss of power; Piston thrown rod / bearing failure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Engine required complete replacement. Owner denied warranty coverage (vehicle 30 days out of warranty). No repair costs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied due to expiration. Owner referenced Car and Driver article on faulty connecting rod bearings in GM four-cylinder engines.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Sensor Failure
VVT sensor malfunction causes stalling, service StabiliTrac and reduced engine power warnings. One case involved replacement of both VVT sensors but failure persisted; dealer unable to duplicate issue or confirm final diagnosis.
When: 107,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at various speeds; Service StabiliTrac warning displayed; Reduced engine power warning; Check engine light
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Both VVT sensors replaced; failure recurred. Independent mechanic performed replacement; second mechanic diagnosed engine misfire but vehicle not repaired.
Auto Start/Stop Feature Malfunction
Auto stop/start feature fails to restart engine when brake is released at stops, or shuts off completely and requires multiple attempts to restart. Feature engages unexpectedly and leaves vehicle stranded in traffic.
When: Various mileages; some from new, others after several years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after auto-stop engages at traffic light or stop sign; Multiple restart attempts required; Prolonged cranking delay (15–20 minutes on downhill stops); Steering wheel locks up when engine shuts off unexpectedly; Check engine light appears intermittently; Engine shuts off unexpectedly and restarts on its own
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Intake and exhaust solenoid replaced in one case but issue persisted. Battery replacement attempted without lasting resolution. One owner replaced mass airflow sensor, mass air pressure sensor, and VVT solenoid without identifying root cause. No permanent repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case noted manufacturer advised the vehicle functions as designed (slow reverse on slope after sleep mode).
Engine Overheating – Heater Coil Failure
Engine overheating warning message displayed while driving; heater coil failed and water drained from system. Vehicle not repaired; no recall confirmed.
When: 105,670 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning message; Temperature gauge reaching hot; Coolant loss (water drained out)
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Heater coil failure diagnosed by independent mechanic. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed VIN not under recall. Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA hotline.
Engine Fire
Two separate incidents of vehicle fire. One after radiator replacement; one while parked with abnormal noise preceding flames. Both resulted in total loss.
When: 180,000 miles (one case); 2,000 miles (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from engine; Fire engulfing vehicle
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished fires; vehicles destroyed. One police report filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case.
Rough Idle / Engine Misfire / Stuttering
Engine stutters, surges, shakes, or misfires during acceleration or normal driving. Check engine light illuminates. Loose intake manifold bolts identified in one case. Dealers repeatedly unable to duplicate intermittent failures.
When: 1,000 miles to 80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stuttering and throttle surge; Engine shaking and vibration while driving; Poor acceleration response; Engine stalling intermittently; Jerking while driving
Codes mentioned: P0131, P2097, P0171, P16CF
Repairs/costs cited: One case required replacement of PCV valve, MAF sensor, and O2 sensor; root cause (loose intake bolts) found only after extensive diagnosis and over $1,000 spent. Spark plugs covered in oil in one case (cylinder 3). Multiple shop visits with inconsistent findings.
Reduced Engine Power / Hesitation During Acceleration
Vehicle loses power during acceleration or highway merging; hesitates at various speeds. Check engine light illuminates. Directly related to variable timing oil control valve failure in some documented cases.
When: 20,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration; Hesitation at 20–40 MPH; Inability to accelerate quickly; Reduced engine power warning light; Check engine light; Slow acceleration or complete power loss for seconds
Codes mentioned: P16D0, P16CF
Repairs/costs cited: Rocker arm solenoid replacement attempted but parts unavailable. One owner spent over $1,000 on diagnostics and repairs without resolution.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after he replaced his radiator, his vehicle caught fire. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and no injuries were reported. The contact was not certain if a police/fire report was filed. The vehicle had yet to be towed and remained in the possession of the contact. The…
On 11/19/19, I was driving on a side street (25 MPH) when the reduced engine power light came on in my 2014 Chevy malibu. The car is driveable, but at speeds higher than 35 MPH, the reduced power is noticeable. I immediately brought it to the dealership (matthews hargreaves Chevrolet in royal oak, mi) for repair. They identified the problem as being the rocker arm solenoid valve, but they were…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 66 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 55,000 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 84,652. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 108,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
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.