When turning off engine, multiple times had "Shift to Park" warnings and car does not shut down. Sometimes goes away after 10 - 20 seconds. Other times must restart car, place transmission back into park, open drivers' door and then turn off. Told by dealer that it is a known problem for multiple model years and vehicle models with multiple technical bulletins issued but no recall. Please…
2015 Chevrolet Malibu powertrain problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2015 Malibu has widespread powertrain issues—particularly a discontinued VVT solenoid (part 12633613) that fails around 80,000 miles with no replacement available from GM, plus chronic transmission and control module problems that cause stalling, loss of power steering, and loss of drive. Many of these defects are on technical bulletins but not recalled, and repairs are often unsuccessful or impossible.
The 2015 Chevrolet Malibu shows a pattern of serious powertrain failures that owners describe as safety hazards. The most common complaint is failure of the VVT solenoid (part 12633613, also called the rocker arm oil control valve) starting around 80,000 miles. This part triggers a check engine light (code P2646 or P305F) and causes rough idle, power surges, stalling, and inability to accelerate. The critical problem: GM discontinued this part and has no stock or plans to manufacture more. Dealerships have hundreds on backorder. One owner documented that GM itself confirmed the part is unobtainable and offered only a $2,500 voucher toward a new vehicle instead of a fix.
A second major issue involves transmission control and engine control modules failing intermittently, causing vehicles to stall without warning—even at highway speeds—with total loss of power steering. Dashboard lights and radio reset simultaneously with the stall. One owner replaced both batteries, an alternator, and the dual battery control module with no resolution. Independent shops and dealerships cannot consistently diagnose or repair this problem.
Transmission failures cause abrupt loss of drive, jerking, and complete stalling while moving. One vehicle stopped dead at 45 MPH; another refused to move or reverse at all. The auto-stop system malfunction is another recurring complaint, with vehicles stalling when the system disengages at traffic lights and losing all electrical power momentarily. Owners also report the vehicle rolling backward after being placed in park, and the transmission refusing to engage park position, despite multiple technical bulletins existing for the issue.
Several owners document being stuck in the middle of busy highways unable to accelerate, entering reduced power mode limiting speeds to 10–12 MPH, or experiencing unintended reverse motion while in drive. One incident resulted in serious injury when the engine failed to shut off and the vehicle rolled backward, dragging the driver.
Same Chevrolet Malibu powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
VVT Solenoid / Rocker Arm Oil Control Valve (Part 12633613) Failure
The intake oil control valve (rocker arm control valve, also called VVT solenoid) fails prematurely, causing check engine lights and severe drivability issues. GM has discontinued the part and does not stock replacements, leaving owners unable to repair vehicles. The part is exclusive to GM and unavailable through aftermarket suppliers.
When: 80,000 miles and above; some failures reported around 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (codes P2646, P305F); Engine stalls without warning while driving; Rough idle; Power surges; Inability to accelerate or severe hesitation during acceleration; Engine revs very high when accelerating (steps out of gear)
Codes mentioned: P2646, P305F
Repairs/costs cited: Part 12633613 replacement. Owner reports indicate the part costs approximately $60 but is unavailable. Dealers have hundreds on backorder. Multiple owners report $700+ in diagnostic fees at dealerships before part unavailability was confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges the part is discontinued and no replacement is planned. GM offered one owner a $2,500 voucher toward a new vehicle instead of a repair. 2014 models have received Special Coverage Adjustment (N192289160), but 2015 models are excluded despite identical issue. Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and PIP5527K issued but no recall for 2015 model year.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Engine Control Module (ECM) Failure
The transmission control module and/or engine control module fails intermittently or completely, causing stalling, jerking, loss of power steering, and inability to shift or accelerate. Owners report repeated failure even after replacement of batteries, alternators, and the DBCM module. The issue appears to be electrical or software-related rather than battery-related.
When: Varied; some appear early (31 days after purchase in one case), others at 86,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving or accelerating at any speed; Jerking and hesitation during acceleration; Vehicle dies when auto-stop re-engages at traffic lights; All dashboard lights, radio, and gauges restart/reset simultaneously with stalling; Loss of power steering with no warning; Transmission control issues (gears lock up, transmission problems); Service power steering warning light flashing
Codes mentioned: P305F
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing batteries (both main and auxiliary), alternators, and DBCM module with no resolution. Diagnostic costs mounting ($700+ at dealerships); independent shops unable to pinpoint root cause. One warranty company (SilverRock) denied coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet service indicates it is a known issue but offers no permanent fix or recall. Dealers repeat that vehicle is operating as designed or blame battery/electrical components. GM corporate has not responded to dealer inquiries about the software or module defect.
Transmission Failure / Loss of Drive
The transmission fails to engage or abruptly loses drive capability while the vehicle is in motion. Some cases involve torque converter failure; others show complete loss of motive power. Transmission jerks, slips, or refuses to shift properly, especially at low speeds and during acceleration.
When: 86,000 to 179,000 miles; one case at 151,000 miles with torque converter fault
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls or jerks suddenly while driving; Popping sound from transmission before loss of power; Vehicle stops abruptly in the middle of the road; Vehicle fails to move or respond when shifted into gear; Transmission jerks at low and high speeds; Transmission holds gear when slowing down (downshift lag); Transmission fails to disengage from park; Vehicle slips or hesitates when trying to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement needed in at least one case (151,000 miles). Transmission repair performed at dealership but failure recurred; owner concerned repair should have been replacement. One owner spent $700+ without resolution at multiple shops.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases but offered no assistance. Dealers perform repairs rather than replacements, but issues recur. No recall or TSB mentioned for transmission failure.
Auto Stop / Idle Stop System Malfunction
The automatic engine stop feature (auto stop) engages erratically and causes the vehicle to stall or lose power when restarting. The vehicle loses all electrical power momentarily (dashboard lights, radio, gauges go dark) when the system cycles, then the engine either restarts or fails to restart. Safety risk when vehicle loses power steering on roadways.
When: Occurs randomly at traffic lights and stops; one case noted at 1,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or loses power when auto stop disengages; Loss of power steering when auto stop fails; All dashboard lights, radio, and gauges shut off and restart; Vehicle hesitates or fails to move after auto stop cycle; Delayed or failed engine restart after auto stop engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer informed one owner the vehicle was operating as designed. No repair parts or procedures documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple Technical Bulletins issued indicating this is a known problem across multiple model years, but no recall. Dealer stated issue is operating as designed.
Transmission Shift-to-Park Warning / Engine Shutdown Failure
The vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' warnings when the driver attempts to shut off the engine, and the engine does not turn off. The transmission may not fully engage park, causing vehicles to roll (one report of backward roll down a 3% driveway after parking). Multiple technical bulletins exist for this issue.
When: Not specified in most narratives
Symptoms owners cite: 'Shift to Park' warning on dashboard when turning off engine; Engine fails to shut down after key is turned off; Automatic door unlock when transmission is in park; Vehicle rolls backward after being placed in park; Transmission does not fully engage park position
Repairs/costs cited: No repair procedure documented. One owner reports needing to restart car, shift to park again, open driver's door, then turn off to achieve shutdown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed it is a known problem affecting multiple model years and vehicles, with multiple technical bulletins issued, but no recall issued.
Reduced Power Mode / Power Loss During Acceleration
The engine enters a reduced power or limp mode, severely limiting acceleration to 12 MPH or less. Owners report the car will not accelerate normally and becomes a traffic hazard. Reduced power warning appears on dashboard. Issue recurs even after previous repair.
When: Can occur at any time; one owner had issue recur after previous repair
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced power warning light on dashboard; Engine will not accelerate past 10-12 MPH; Vehicle becomes a rolling hazard on city streets and highways; Issue recurs after dealer repair
Repairs/costs cited: Previous repair was attempted but issue returned. Owner at $700+ in diagnostic and repair costs at dealer without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown; issue reported but no permanent fix provided.
Engine Inadvertently Starts While Parked
The engine starts on its own while the vehicle is parked and turned off, with the key still in the ignition. All warning indicators illuminate and the radio activates. The failure occurs repeatedly.
When: At approximately 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts without ignition being turned; All warning lights illuminate; Radio activates without input
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; dealer requested vehicle be brought in for check-up but did not diagnose or repair the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated it might be a powertrain failure and directed owner to contact dealer. Dealer did not diagnose or repair.
Unexpected Reverse Motion While in Drive
The vehicle moves backward when the transmission is in the drive position, contradicting the driver's input. In one case, the vehicle moved in reverse while in drive with only 12 miles on the odometer. In another, the vehicle backed off a driveway after being placed in park.
When: One case at 12 miles (new vehicle); another case at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves in reverse when gear selector is in drive; Vehicle rolls backward when placed in park; Vehicle does not respond to forward gear input
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; technician unable to diagnose failure. No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and confirmed VIN was not under recall. No further action taken.
Unintended Engine Shutdown with Loss of Braking and Steering
The engine shuts off while driving at speed, leaving the driver without power steering or brake assist. In one case, the owner was dragged by the vehicle after the engine failed to shut off when parked, causing injury.
When: Various speeds; one serious incident at unknown speed on exit from vehicle; delayed acceleration issue at 36,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving; Loss of power steering and brake assist; Delayed or no response when accelerating after shutdown; Engine remains on after key is removed and vehicle rolls
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle repaired at Bill Estes Chevrolet (diagnosis unknown); another incident resulted in injury and police involvement, though no police report was filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in one case; diagnosis and repair details were unknown.
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet malibu. While the gear shifter was in the drive position, the vehicle moved in reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12. Updated 12/30/14*cn updated 9/6/2017*cn
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 61,000 and 141,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,000; a quarter make it past 141,000. 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/2015/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.