This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 81 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 52,000 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
81
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Malibu | 78 |
| 2014 Malibu | 66 |
| 2015 Malibu | 24 |
| 2016 Malibu | 94 |
| 2017 Malibu (this page) | 81 |
| 2018 Malibu | 92 |
| 2019 Malibu | 20 |
| 2020 Malibu | 17 |
2crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 81 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.
Among the 18 model years of Chevrolet Malibu in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct conditions of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely cold weather conditions, CAC Icing, MIL Illuminated with DTCs set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Malibu's engine exhibits a dominant and recurring failure pattern: sudden loss of power while driving, with the "Engine Power Reduced" warning message and check engine light appearing on the dash. Owners report this happens on highways and city streets at any speed, abruptly limiting the vehicle to 20–30 mph regardless of pedal input. Restarting the engine temporarily clears the symptom, but it returns days or hours later. Dealerships are unable to replicate or diagnose the fault during service visits, and owners have cycled through multiple failed repairs—throttle sensor replacement, oxygen sensor swaps, accelerator pedal replacements (some owners had three pedal units swapped in two months), and software updates—with no permanent resolution.
Owners also report engine stalls, sometimes during intersections or traffic, and internal engine damage. Several describe cracked or damaged pistons and one details a burst camshaft spreading metal throughout the engine. A car rental employee notes that after piston replacement, the pistons cracked again within 12,000 miles, suggesting the root cause was never addressed. One owner experienced unintended acceleration in reverse, striking two parked vehicles.
A pre-ignition recall exists, but one owner claims the dealership's fix did not match GM's official service bulletin and did not cover the cost as promised. The accelerator pedal position sensor has been on national back order. Owners are frustrated that no recall addresses the engine power reduction issue despite repeated online complaints and significant safety concerns on highways.
Same Chevrolet Malibu engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Power Reduced / Limp Mode
Vehicle enters reduced power mode, limiting speed to 20-30 mph. Check engine light and 'Engine Power Reduced' warning message appear on instrument panel. Issue typically occurs while driving at various speeds or highways. Turning engine off and restarting temporarily resolves the symptom, though it recurs. Dealers frequently cannot replicate or diagnose the fault during service visits. Causes cited include throttle position sensor issues, accelerator pedal sensor problems, oxygen sensor faults, and computer code malfunctions, but no single root cause has been consistently identified or fixed across complaints.
When: 20,000–96,400 miles; occurs within first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine Power Reduced warning message displayed; Vehicle speed limited to 20–30 mph; Reduced acceleration regardless of pedal input; Traction control warning light may illuminate; Condition temporary; restart clears symptom; Recurs intermittently or frequently (multiple times per week to multiple times per day)
Codes mentioned: P0036, P0037, P0138, P0141, P2097, P2122, P2127, P2138, P0300, P0301, P0011
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle position sensor replacement ($200 cited); oxygen sensor replacement; accelerator pedal replacement (some owners replaced 3 times within 2 months); throttle body cleaning; software/ECM reprogramming; computer code reset. None of these repairs have permanently resolved the issue for multiple owners. Parts like accelerator pedal position sensors have been on national back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalled for 'Pre Ignition Issues' (one owner mentions recall but indicates fix was improper); Technical Service Bulletin 10228956 exists (Engine and Engine Cooling) but manufacturer denied coverage under it; no official recall for Engine Power Reduced mode; Owner Service Program N182195660 referenced by one owner; GM initially denied vehicle met notification criteria despite apparent similarities.
Unintended Acceleration / Loss of Accelerator Control
Vehicle accelerates independently without driver input or fails to respond to accelerator pedal input. In multiple cases, vehicle accelerated in reverse gear causing collisions. One case involved engine revving and independent acceleration on two separate occasions. Another involved vehicle jerking, deceleration from 65 mph to 20 mph, then independent acceleration to 40 mph. Gear shift also reported not functioning as intended in one case.
When: Early in ownership; one case at unknown mileage; one case before accident occurred
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without driver input; Accelerates in reverse gear; Vehicle unresponsive to accelerator pedal depression; Engine revs independently; Vehicle jerks and decelerates uncontrollably then re-accelerates; Gear shift light stays on in Park after engine shut off
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Vehicles were inspected but 'no cause for failure was found' in at least one dealer inspection.
Engine Stall / Failure to Start
Engine stalls while driving at low speeds, during idle, at stop lights, or in traffic. Vehicle either fails to restart immediately or requires waiting 20–40 minutes before restart is possible. Check engine light illuminates. Multiple owners report stalling in dangerous situations (intersection, highway, traffic). One case involved engine seizure.
When: Throughout ownership; 20,000–124,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Vehicle fails to restart immediately; Prolonged restart delay (20–40 minutes reported); Stalling occurs at stop lights, intersections, during low-speed driving, or on highway; Check engine light illuminates; Engine seized (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft replacement attempted; spark plug replacement; mass airflow sensor replacement; throttle body replacement; battery and alternator replacement. One case diagnosed with cracked piston requiring engine replacement (~$8,000). Another with defective camshaft that burst and spread metal fragments; entire engine replacement recommended. One case involved blown spark plug requiring engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One pre-ignition recall mentioned but owner alleges fix was improper and resulted in piston cracking later; manufacturer offered financial assistance toward engine replacement in at least one case ($8,000 repair estimate).
Cracked / Damaged Pistons and Internal Engine Damage
Multiple owners report cracked pistons as root cause or consequence of engine issues. One owner, who works in car rental, states that after piston replacement at 12k miles, pistons cracked again within 12k more miles. Another owner diagnosed with low compression and damaged piston. A third was told entire engine needed replacement due to cracked piston. One case involved defective camshaft that burst and spread metal throughout engine. Pre-ignition issues cited as underlying cause in at least one narrative.
When: 10,000–12,000 miles after repair in one case; diagnosis at 62,000–76,484 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire (cylinder 1 reported); Rough running engine; Check engine light illuminates; Loss of engine power; Violent shaking during acceleration or stop-and-go traffic; Low compression detected
Repairs/costs cited: Piston and gasket replacement; in one case, pistons cracked again within 12k miles of repair. Complete engine replacement quoted at $8,000 to $7,000+ depending on case. Technical Service Bulletin referenced by owner linking pre-ignition to piston cracking. One case: defective camshaft burst; entire engine replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One pre-ignition recall issued; owner claims dealer fix did not match NHTSA notification 17019 SPI and was not done at no charge as specified. Another owner offered financial assistance toward engine replacement. One claim denied after warranty expiration.
Throttle Body / Intake System Contamination and Icing
Accumulation of ice and sludge on throttle body during cold weather, contaminating oil. Vehicle loses power in reduced power mode. Air intake system diagnosed as faulty in another case. Abnormal burning odor reported.
When: Cold weather; 80,000 miles (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating (temperature gauge shows Hot); Abnormal burning odor; Loss of motive power; Reduced engine power warning; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaning; air intake system cleaning. One case remained unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 10228956 (Engine and Engine Cooling) referenced; manufacturer informed owner vehicle was not covered under the service bulletin.
Misfire and Rough Engine Running
Engine misfires in one or more cylinders, causing rough running and violent shaking. Check engine light and Service Stabilitrack light illuminate. Vehicle becomes stuck in traffic or unsafe to drive.
When: Early in ownership; diagnosed at 12,000 miles and 76,484 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and Service Stabilitrack light illuminate; Violent shaking, especially in stop-and-go traffic; Gas will not go; vehicle stuck for ~60 seconds before moving; Warning lights turn on and off intermittently; Rough engine running
Codes mentioned: P0301
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers suggest piston replacement or complete engine replacement. Repair shops attribute to plastic piece breaking from wear; one shop noted this is a known issue without open recalls.
Oxygen Sensor and Emissions System Faults
Check engine light illuminates with oxygen sensor fault codes. Multiple replacement attempts (including non-OEM parts) fail to resolve issue. PCV valve and valve cover also replaced. Post-catalyst fuel trim system fault reported.
When: 75,000 miles (one case); 24,000 miles (another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle stalls below 40 mph; Dashboard message to shift to Park displayed
Codes mentioned: P0036, P0037, P0138, P0141, P2097
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensor replacement attempted multiple times (non-OEM, then OEM); PCV valve replacement; valve cover replacement; engine control module reprogramming. Issue recurred after each repair. Hydraulic valve lash adjusters also replaced due to exhaust valves not sealing.
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Malfunction
Accelerator pedal fails to respond to driver input or sensor reports incorrect position. Dashboard goes blank. Multiple replacements required. One owner replaced accelerator pedal 3 times within 2 months; throttle harness replaced on third attempt. Floormat interference initially suspected but confirmed not the cause.
When: Early in ownership; within 2 months of purchase in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard goes blank while driving; Accelerator pedal does not respond to input; Vehicle stalls at stop light despite pedal depression; Reduced engine power to 20 mph; Scanning noise from engine (on/off position)
Codes mentioned: P0036, P0037, P0138, P0141, P2097, P2122, P2127, P2138
Repairs/costs cited: Accelerator pedal replacement (3 replacements in 2 months reported); throttle harness replacement; software update. One case also involved battery replacement ($400) but issue recurred. BBB awarded decision requiring GM to repair throttle, accelerator pedal, and emissions issues with four repair attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates attempted; BBB claim awarded; warranty coverage provided during warranty period but issues not addressed while under warranty.
Turbo / Turbo Bypass Valve Failure
Engine power reduced warning and check engine light accompanied by turbo malfunction. Turbo bypass valve or turbo itself requires replacement. Confusion between which component is faulty; dealer uncertain whether bypass valve or entire turbo replacement needed.
When: June 2018 to October 2018 (one case with repeated failures)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine power reduced warning message; Turbo shuts off
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo bypass valve replacement attempted; full turbo replacement may be necessary. One case had part uncertainty and required trial-and-error repair approach.
Engine Control Module and Software Issues
ECM malfunction or software fault causing intermittent engine power reduction. Computer code resets temporarily resolve the symptom but it recurs. Engine control module reprogramming attempted but does not permanently fix issue.
When: Throughout ownership; 75,000 miles (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning; Check engine light illuminates; Symptom temporary; resolved by ECM reset or restart; Recurs within one week of reset
Codes mentioned: P2127
Repairs/costs cited: ECM/computer code reset; engine control module reprogramming attempted multiple times. Temporary fix; issue returns.
Camshaft and Valve Train Defects
Defective camshaft that either seized or burst internally. One case involved camshaft burst spreading metal fragments throughout engine. Vacuum pump also replaced in one case but did not resolve RPM fluctuation issues.
When: 62,000 miles (camshaft burst); 95,000 miles (vacuum pump replaced)
Symptoms owners cite: Noise coming from engine; Vehicle stalling; Check engine indicator illuminates; RPM fluctuations while driving; Vehicle unable to exceed 60 mph; Vehicle shuts off if accelerator not depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Entire engine replacement recommended due to metal fragments from burst camshaft. Vacuum pump replacement did not resolve RPM fluctuation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered financial assistance toward engine replacement cost in one case.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter requires replacement. Check engine and traction control warning lights illuminate.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Traction control warning light illuminates; Vehicle stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement needed.
Stop/Start Feature Malfunction
Stop/Start automatic shutdown feature fails to operate as intended. Vehicle fails to start upon accelerator pedal depression when the feature is engaged.
When: 46,550 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to start upon accelerator depression; Steering assist reduced warning message; Failure intermittent
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Brake Pedal Stiffness and Power Assist Loss
Brake pedal becomes stiff when depressed; power assist to brakes lost while vehicle decelerating due to engine power reduction.
When: 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal stiff while depressed; Loss of brake power assist; Occurs with engine power reduction and RPM fluctuation
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replaced but did not resolve stiffness.
Synthesized from 81 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a meaningful issue. 81 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 53 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 31,570 and 75,698 miles, with the median around 52,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,570; a quarter make it past 75,698. 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/2017/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.