This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Malibu powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 52 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 54,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Malibu | 117 |
| 2011 Malibu | 102 |
| 2012 Malibu | 44 |
| 2013 Malibu | 53 |
| 2014 Malibu (this page) | 52 |
| 2015 Malibu | 29 |
| 2016 Malibu | 168 |
| 2017 Malibu | 138 |
| 2018 Malibu | 159 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 52 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 52 powertrain 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a 2014 Malibu powertrain that's unreliable from the start. Transmission problems dominate: rough or hard shifts, sudden jerks during acceleration or braking, hesitation on takeoff, and erratic downshifts that cause unintended speed surges. Some vehicles enter limp mode on the highway, slowing to 10–35 mph with an unresponsive throttle—a genuine traffic hazard. One owner's transmission was black fluid at 60,000 miles; dealers had dismissed rough shifting as normal at 20,000 miles.
The auto stop/start feature fails to restart at traffic lights, intersections, and stop signs, leaving drivers stranded. One shop told a customer they'd seen the problem repeatedly but couldn't fix it. Another owner feared rear-end collisions during stop-and-go traffic.
High-pressure fuel pumps detach from the engine block and destroy the motor (cost: $3,128+), though GM covers this defect for 2016–2018 models but not 2014. A rocker arm oil control valve fault triggers Check Engine lights and auto stop malfunctions; the part has been unavailable for months, and coverage expires at 120,000 miles.
Limp mode also triggers from throttle sensor issues, often after a car wash (moisture intrusion). Gear shifter assemblies fail to engage properly or flash without illuminating. Dealerships frequently cannot replicate or diagnose these intermittent issues, even after multiple visits.
Same Chevrolet Malibu powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shifting problems and jerking
Transmission exhibits rough, erratic, hard, or delayed shifts. Jerks violently during acceleration or when decelerating. Sudden downshifts cause unexpected surges in speed, especially when braking or cruising. Some shifts are delayed or hesitant, particularly from a stop. In severe cases, transmission enters limp mode, reducing vehicle speed to 10–35 mph regardless of throttle input. Owners report this issue from very low mileage (as low as 2,700 miles).
When: From as low as 2,700 miles; most commonly reported between 15,500–93,000 miles. One case at 144,000 miles. Often occurs when cold-starting uphill, turning curves, or in stop-and-go traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Rough or hard shifts; Erratic or delayed shifting; Violent jerking during acceleration; Sudden downshifts causing unintended speed surges; Transmission enters limp mode; vehicle slows to 10–35 mph; Vehicle hesitates to accelerate or fails to accelerate; Rough jerk near 2,000 rpm; Transmission does not engage after a complete stop (feels like neutral); Gear shifter lights flashing
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $4,000 for transmission rebuild at 60,000 miles; fluid was black instead of red. Dealerships often unable to replicate issue during diagnosis. One dealer recommended transmission upgrade; another (at 17,000 miles) stated "operating as designed." Powertrain software updates performed at some dealerships with minimal improvement. Transmission module replacement quoted in one case at 54,000 miles. Some owners report metal shavings in transmission fluid.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V092000 issued for some transmissions; many owners' VINs not included despite identical symptoms. GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment N192289160 for rocker arm oil control valve (related to auto stop failure) for 10 years/120,000 miles, but coverage ends at 120,000 miles despite failures reported at 122,000 miles.
Auto stop/start failure to restart
Vehicle equipped with non-disableable auto stop feature fails to restart after engine shuts off at a stop. Engine cranks but does not turn over, or restarts very slowly after delays up to 1–2 minutes or longer. Occurs in stop-and-go traffic, at intersections, traffic lights, or after hard braking. In some cases, the vehicle becomes completely stranded or requires multiple restart attempts.
When: Occurs intermittently during normal driving in traffic. Multiple incidents reported over ownership period. Some cases after 3+ years of ownership; mileage at failure not always stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after auto stop engages; Slow or delayed restart (1–2 minutes or more); Engine cranks but does not turn over; Vehicle stranded at intersections or in traffic; Radio, lights, and electronics remain on when car should be off (battery drain); Issue gets progressively worse over time; No warning lights or diagnostic codes present in many cases
Codes mentioned: P0011 (reported twice in one case, after two separate repairs), No codes in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Valve timing solenoid replacement did not resolve issue in one case. Three independent repair shops could not diagnose problem despite seeing it in multiple vehicles. One shop reported 'check battery charge system' warning but battery tested fine. Software updates and battery replacement (including new batteries) failed to resolve issue. Multiple visits to dealerships with no diagnosis or solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for model years 2016–2019 but not for 2014. GM and dealerships provided no assistance or diagnosis. One owner was directed to dealership with no results.
Reduced engine power / limp mode in motion
Vehicle suddenly loses power and enters limp mode while driving at highway speeds (55–70 mph), slowing to 10–35 mph. Check Engine light illuminates. Message displays: 'Reduced Engine Power' or 'Engine Power is Reduced.' Vehicle de-rates automatically. Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive or ineffective. Speed cannot exceed 10–35 mph even with heavy throttle input. Incident creates hazard as following traffic cannot anticipate sudden deceleration.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (55–70 mph), often unpredictably. One case immediately after automatic car wash (moisture intrusion suspected). Some cases during first few weeks of ownership (17,000 miles); others at higher mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Vehicle de-rates automatically and slows to 10–35 mph; Accelerator pedal unresponsive; Check Engine light illuminates; 'Reduced Engine Power' message on display; Engine sound changes or seems to downshift; Hazard to traffic; following vehicles cannot anticipate sudden slowdown
Codes mentioned: P2138 (throttle position sensor voltage difference between APP Sensor 1 and APP Sensor 2)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle position sensor replacement performed but issue recurred within weeks with same code. GM service bulletin issued for moisture intrusion in throttle position sensor connectors to ECM. One case linked to automatic car wash triggering failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM service bulletin issued for moisture intrusion issue (referenced in complaint #4). Dealerships reportedly acknowledged known issue but no recall issued.
High-pressure fuel pump detachment and engine damage
High-pressure fuel pump mounted on engine becomes loose, drops into engine, and destroys engine internals. Occurs while vehicle is in motion on highway. Engine becomes inoperable and requires full replacement or major rebuild. Related recall exists for 2016–2018 models for bad weld on pump, but 2014 model not covered despite identical failure.
When: Occurred at 90,000 miles on one 2014 model (purchased CPO in 2018). Recall for 2016–2018 exists, suggesting known defect.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle in motion on highway; Sudden loss of power; Engine destroyed or severely damaged; No prior warning
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $3,128. Secondary oil leak in oil pan developed after repair, which dealership claimed was owner responsibility. Owner had maintained vehicle at dealership with timely service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 2016–2018 Malibu models (bad weld on high-pressure fuel pump). 2014 model not covered. Chevrolet issued recall on same vehicle (same VIN) for oil pressure valve on 7/16/20, two days after pump failure. Dealership, Chevy, and GM all denied responsibility.
Park shift indicator malfunction and false park detection
Vehicle fails to recognize that it is in Park gear. Gear shifter can be moved but gear indicator letters do not illuminate. After placing vehicle in Park and turning off ignition, vehicle continues to display 'Shift to Park' message and does not shut off completely. Electrical systems (radio, lights, engine computer) remain powered, draining battery. Issue worsens over time. Vehicle may roll away despite appearing to be parked.
When: Gradual onset and worsening over months to years of ownership. Some cases after 3+ years. Mileage at failure varies.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Shift to Park' message persists after vehicle is in Park; Vehicle does not fully shut off or power down; Electrical systems remain on indefinitely (radio, lights, etc.); Battery drains rapidly; Gear shifter moves but gear indicator does not illuminate; Gear does not engage; Vehicle rolls away despite being in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to replicate issue during diagnostic testing (as of June and August 2022 in one case). No repair attempted or completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2016–2019 model years but not for 2014, despite identical symptom reports. Manufacturer provides no explanation for omission.
Rocker arm oil control valve (OCV) failure
Oil control valve on rocker arm becomes inoperative, illuminating Check Engine light. Causes auto stop feature to malfunction and vehicle to shut down when stopped at intersections or traffic lights, preventing restart. Vehicle is immobilized until engine cools or repair is made. Directly affects safety during stop-and-go driving in traffic.
When: Reported at 93,000 miles and 122,000 miles. Part failure occurs even within GM's Special Coverage window (120,000 miles) and beyond.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates (prevents auto-start function); Auto stop malfunctions; Vehicle shuts down at intersections or traffic lights; Vehicle will not restart when stopped; Power loss at highway speeds reported in one case; Vehicle immobilized until engine restarts
Codes mentioned: P2646
Repairs/costs cited: Part number 12633613 (rocker arm oil control valve) unavailable for months as of complaint date. Owners unable to repair vehicle; one owner paid for new vehicle discount ($2,500 off) instead of repair. No ETA for part availability from GM.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment N192289160 (June 2020) for rocker arm oil control valve repair, covering 10 years or 120,000 miles from purchase date. Coverage does not extend beyond 120,000 miles; failures at 122,000 miles not covered. No full recall issued. GM stated 'no ETA' for parts availability.
Engine stalling during acceleration or braking
Engine stalls or RPM becomes stuck without warning while driving, forcing driver to coast to roadside. Vehicle may hesitate significantly when attempting to resume motion. Stalls occur at various speeds and driving conditions. In some cases, RPM gets stuck at 3,000 rpm during braking or deceleration, requiring driver to apply throttle to unstick RPM and prevent collision.
When: Occurs intermittently throughout ownership (reported at 10,785 miles, 17,000 miles, 144,000 miles). Multiple incidents reported over months to years.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; RPM becomes stuck at 2,000–3,000 rpm; RPM does not drop when brakes applied; Engine hesitates after restart; Requires application of throttle to unstick RPM; Stalling hazard in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: One case required transmission and control valve replacement at independent mechanic. Dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; no recalls or TSBs issued.
Gear selector / shifter assembly problems
Gear shifter malfunctions or flashes with irregular behavior. Vehicle fails to properly shift into requested gear (Drive, Reverse, Park) or shifts with delay. Gear indicator may not light up or illuminate inconsistently. Transmission may default to neutral, preventing acceleration or movement.
When: Reported from low mileage (49,780 miles, 54,000 miles) to higher mileage (130,000 miles). Often intermittent.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter flashes or lights do not illuminate; Delayed gear engagement; Vehicle fails to shift into gear or shift is very slow; Transmission defaults to neutral; Vehicle does not accelerate after shift into Drive; Violent jerking when gear finally engages; Gear does not lock in selected position
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure diagnosed in one case; vehicle had to be towed. After TCM repair, vehicle still jerked violently under acceleration. Independent mechanics unable to diagnose in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer at one location stated vehicle was 'operating as designed' despite shifter noise.
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The vehicle will still be running after I turn the engine off and take the key out of ignition.
Was driving at about 55 MPH on a state road, engine light came on the car slowed down to about 30 MPH in giving gas the engine ramped up but would not accelerate. Pulled over and stopped. Turned off the ignition waited a few minutes then turned the ignition on again. The car would not accelerate. Was able to get it to a dealer where it was diagnosed as needing transmission work. It is at the…
powertrain there is a problem with auto stop restarting then dying. The transmission not engaging after a complete stop like it is neutral this only happens after the car has been driven a bit everything at temp. today stopped for trash service auto stop engaged got ready to go nothing gunning and gunning never died like no power though finally moved no more stops till home a problem sitting in…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 52 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,500 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 54,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,500; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.